The bi-monthly Blues and Jazz in the Park series has always been a fan favorite that seemingly has no limitations, not even the weather.
The rain didn’t stop local music lovers from recently hearing Mr. 69 Ways & the Chocolate Shop Band at Watkins Park. The performance, part of the twice-a-month Blues and Jazz in the Park concert series, moved across the street to its rain location, the American Legion Post 249.
The turnout was great, just as it’s been since he started performing at the concert series two years ago, Christopher “Mr. 69 Ways to Learn” Martin said.
“Jazz in the Park brings everyone out from all directions,” Martin said. “My music is mainly for the older crowd with blues and slight R&B, but there is never any trouble and everyone comes together.”
Blues and Jazz in the Park began 21 years ago when members of the American Legion asked for their commanders to adopt a park and host events within the community. It was then that Steve Barnett, former commander at the American Legion, and John Conner, retired Watkins Park director, collaborated to create Blues and Jazz in the Park at Watkins Park. The event alternates with blues on one Sunday and jazz on the next.
The first year, the event drew a few hundred people, Barnett said. Now, Blues and Jazz in the Park draws about 1,500 to 2,000 weekly attendees from around the state and has never been canceled due to weather.
Blues and Jazz in the Park offers an entertaining and safe environment for music lovers and their families or those looking for something fun to do. On sunny days, families and friends bring lawn chairs, set up tents to enjoy good food, good conversation and plenty of laughs while listening to good music.
“This program for 21 years has never suffered an arrest.” Barnett said. “IMPD does an excellent job of community policing at the event. You don’t even notice them and don’t think about police being there. There have been no drugs or no fights. We still wonder how we pulled this off without any negativism.”
Barnett and Conner prefer to bring in local artists because of the cost and neglect of Indianapolis talent.
“We have so much great talent in Indianapolis,” Barnett said. “We do not do enough to promote musicians in Indianapolis. Indianapolis is the only city I’ve seen in my life that has a great talent pool but neglects it.”
Local artist Ken Skelton, one of five members in the blues band Harpman and Friends, has performed at Blues in the Park for two consecutive years.
“For the first few years, I would always come and check out the other bands,” Skelton said. “Then, I finally got the call to perform. The crowd is always geared up and very well-behaved.”
This event is so popular that attendees begin calling in March to find out the summer dates and request various local artists for Blues and Jazz in the Park, Barnett said.
Barnett is extremely proud of the success of the concert series and says it will always hold a special place in the organizers’ hearts.
“Blues and Jazz in the Park is our baby,” Barnett said.
Contact staff writer Loren Dent at 317-762-7853.
Interested in attending Blues and Jazz in the Park? Check out the remaining summer dates below and visit www.Indy.gov/concerts for more information.
5p.m. June 24
Jazz: The Sandy Lomax Ensemble
5p.m. July 15
Blues: Harvey & the Blue Tones
5p.m. Aug. 12
Jazz: Chubby & the All Stars
4p.m. Sept. 16
Blues: Todd Harrold Group
Local bands interested in performing at Blues and Jazz in the Park should contact Steve Barnett at 317-657-7848.
