This month, a commemoration of community and culture will take place in the name of jazz across the city of Indianapolis. Thanks to the Indy Jazz Fest, people from all over the world will unite to pay their respects to the legendary music scene.
Indy Jazz Fest, presented by Marsh, will take place during a week-long celebration. Its Sunset Series will be held over a five-day span, Sept. 10-14. The festival will lead into the annual finale at Opti Park in Broad Ripple, now set to take place over two days, Sept. 15-16.
The additional day, Sunday Sept. 16, is themed around smooth jazz. This is the result of fan requests and to honor the late Charles “Chuck” Workman. Workman was a veteran Indianapolis broadcaster who was best known as a courtly, smooth-voiced spokesman for jazz.
“There is a great appreciation for smooth jazz here in Indianapolis,” said Rob Dixon, saxophonist and director of education and artist liaison for Indy Jazz Fest. “We wanted to respond to the fans’ request by offering this additional day. Plus, Chuck Workman focused on smooth jazz. We thought this would be a perfect dedication to him, since he’s made such as great contribution to this city.”
The mission of Indy Jazz Fest is to showcase and perpetuate Indianapolis’ important jazz heritage through a world-class festival, year-round concerts and educational programs.
Festival director, David Allee, stresses that it’s important that Indy Jazz Fest continues to reach out to the community, because jazz has such a profound history in Indianapolis.
“Jazz has a long history here. It defines a lot of what this community is about. Indiana Avenue played a huge part in cultivating the music scene, not only here but around the world,” said Allee.
He added that Indianapolis has birthed many jazz legends including J.J. Johnson, a jazz trombonist, composer and arranger; Wes Montgomery a noted jazz guitarist; and Slide Hampton, another popular jazz trombonist, composer and arranger.
“We have to pay respect to our own,” said Allee.
The Jazz Fest will pay homage to Hampton on Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center at the University of Indianapolis. Then Friday, Sept. 14 at 8 and 10:30 p.m at the Jazz Kitchen, Hampton will celebrate his 80th birthday with the Steve Alle Band.
The Indy Jazz Fest welcomes all sorts of genres of music and musicians in hopes of bringing entertainment for everyone to take pleasure in.
“The jazz fest is for people that understand and love good music. It’s for every culture, race and age. It’s a very diverse festival. There is something for everyone to enjoy. We try to present the whole umbrella of jazz,” said Allee. “We see everyone come out and that’s one of the beautiful things about jazz.”
For more information and a complete concert lineup, visit the Indy Jazz Fest online at indyjazzfest.net.
About Indy Jazz Fest
The Indy Jazz Fest has become a cultural icon since its start in 1999. With an emphasis on jazz education, the Indy Jazz Fest has expanded from just one day to an entire experience, ultimately benefiting the Indianapolis arts community and reaching upwards of 40,000 people through a combination of performances, workshops, school concerts, master classes and community partnerships.
Ticket Information
Central Indiana Marsh Supermarkets will again serve as the ticket outlet for purchasing advance discount tickets for the Opti Park performances Sept. 15 and 16. Attendees can pay $25 on the regular general admission ticket price of $30 when buying in advance at Marsh Supermarkets. Returning this year will be the VIP Experience packages and the popular week-long JAZZpass, in addition to one and two-day passes. The VIP and week-long passes are available online at indyjazzfest.net.
Indy Jazz Fest Concert
Line-up
Sunset Series Schedule
Sept. 10, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. – Aaron Diehl Quartet.
Sept. 11, 7 p.m. – The Latin Tinge featuring Chuchito Valdes and Pavel & Direct Contact.
Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m. – “West Coast Cool” will feature Cheryl Bentyne of Manhattan Transfer and Mark Winkler.
Sept. 12, 8 p.m. –Bashiri Asad and Xenobia Green (Indianapolis), The Right Now (Chicago) and Derobert & The Half Truths (Nashville).
Sept. 13, 7 p.m.
-Slide Hampton
Sept. 14, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
–Slide Hampton will celebrate with the Steve Allee Big Band.
For the Opti Park complete lineup, ticket prices and more information visit indyjazzfest.com
