The 10th Street Jazz Journey is back to celebrate the history of the Near Eastside for a second year in a row.
Hosted by The St. Clair Place Neighborhood Association, the 10th Street Jazz Journey is a free, day-long festival honoring the jazz history of Indianapolis’ Near Eastside. The event, scheduled from 1-8 p.m. on May 16, also serves as a fundraiser to support the association’s ongoing efforts to assist its residents and advance community initiatives, according to a press release.
“10th Street Jazz Journey is about bringing neighbors together to honor that history,” Hilary Powers, president of the St. Clair Place Neighborhood Association, said in a statement. “Jazz has deep roots in this neighborhood, and that legacy is still present throughout 10th Street today. This event celebrates those roots and aims to ensure folks in our community know and connect with those stories.”
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Jazz Journey aims to draw on the city’s deep jazz roots, shaped by the historic Indiana Avenue corridor from the 1930s to the 1960s. As redevelopment transformed the area, the legacy of jazz continued east along nearby streets, including 10th Street, according to a press release.
The event invites Hoosiers to enjoy live jazz performances from local talent throughout the day, including Arsenal Tech Jazz Ensemble, Devon Ashley Trio, Caleb Robinson Trio and more. Performances continue throughout the evening, moving to the Mayfair Taproom, 2032 E. 10th St., with Premium Blend healing at 8 p.m.
Attendees can also explore the “Montgomery Market,” a curated marketplace with more than 25 local businesses, artisans and food vendors, located on the greenspace at 10th and Hamilton Streets. Historian Sampson Levingston of Walk ‘N Talk Indy will be on-site offering guided walking tours and a deeper insight into the neighborhood’s history and cultural significance from 2:30-3:20 p.m. beginning at 2301 E. 10th St.
The 10th Street Jazz Journey takes place from 1-8 p.m. on May 16. The event is free to attend, and registration is encouraged but not required. For more information, to view a list of vendors or to RSVP, visit stclairplace.org/jazzjourney
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
