During the 1930s and early 1940s, Indiana Avenue was the social hub of Black Indianapolis. Thriving businesses, theaters and jazz clubs drew in people from all over the city, enticed by the chance to dress up in their finest attire and let loose on the dance floor. Thanks to Jazz on the Avenue, a monthly event that takes place at the Madame Walker Theatre Center, a bit of Indiana Avenue’s rich history lives on.
“Jazz on the Avenue has been a staple in the community for quite some time,” said Devon Ginn with the Walker Theatre. “Some people come in cocktail attire looking really fancy. We have had Latin bands and jazz fusions. It really is a throwback to how people treated the Walker back in its heyday when Indiana Avenue had jazz clubs. The Walker was a place where you could put on your best, look as fly as you can and boogie the night away.”
Jazz on the Avenue takes place on the final Friday of each month and features a variety of local jazz musicians performing on stage. When attendees need a break from the dance floor, there is shopping available from local vendors and a soul food-inspired dinner provided by Creative Cakes and Catering. The event starts at 6 p.m. and costs $10 to enter, plus an additional $10 to eat.
“It’s a really eclectic event. Sometimes the bands will play covers, and sometimes they will play original content. I think that when people get off work on Friday they don’t really want to go home; they are looking for something to do,” said Ginn. “The bands take a couple breaks, and people get up and dance to popular songs and they do line dancing, or learn how to salsa. It’s just a really fun time.”
To Ginn, the importance of this event goes beyond simply having a good time — it’s about preserving and sharing a bit of Indiana Avenue’s rich history with new generations and keeping the arts alive in Indy.
“The arts develop the city. Anytime people are coming into town, they either want to see something historic or they most likely want to hear music and want to be entertained,” he said. “People are always asking where to get the best food and hear the best music. Jazz on the Avenue is truly a one-stop shop for all of those things, but it also has history. It’s such a fun time, and there is so much potential to see it grow.”
The next Jazz on the Avenue event will take place Jan. 27, 2017. For more information, visit thewalkertheatre.org or call (317) 236 2099.
Jazz on the Avenue
Where: Madame Walker Theatre Center 617 Indiana Ave.
When: The final Friday of each month (next event is Feb. 24 at 6 p.m.)
Tickets: $10 entry,
additional $10 for dinner
