Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
In Memoriam: Al Foster, 1943–2025
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
Kroger’s Indy Jazz Fest returns this year from June 18–20, reverting back to a three-day, multistage set-up.
Three music stages will be in action, along with a food court featuring both chains and local restaurants. There will also be plenty of children’s activities, including educational opportunities, arts and crafts, and a “petting zoo” where kids can try out a number of different instruments.
Tickets run for $15 per day in advance and $25 per day at the gate, except for Sunday, which is $15 either way. A three-day pass is available only in advance and runs for $35. Children under 14 get in for free.
Lineup for the Jazz Heritage Stage (located in Indy’s Military Park)
Friday: Buselli Wallarab Jazz Orchestra, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, and the Poncho Sanchez Band.
Saturday: Notemen Jazz Combo, Cynthia Layne, Adam Birnbaum (American Pianists Association’s Cole Porter Fellow in Jazz), Brad Mehldau Trio, The John Scofield “Real Jazz” Trio with Bill Stewart and Steve Swallow, 7 Pleasures, and Nancy Wilson and Ramsey Lewis’ “Simple Pleasures.”
Sunday: Minister Stanley Daniels and Company, Y-Zone Gospel Choir, Jimmy Coe Tribute, Lamar Campbell & Spirits of Praise, Kenny Garrett Quartet, and The Blind Boys of Alabama.
Lineup for Jazz Central (located in Military Park)
Friday: Benito DiBartoli & The Black Voodoo Band, Rodney Step & BSB, Monika Herzig & Friends: A Tribute to Women in Jazz, and Larry Calland’s Conga Jazz.
Saturday: Cathy Morris, On Cue, Jeff DeHerdt Group, Jay Majors & Hook Up, Mina Keohane, Ipanema, Clave Caribe, Vallento, and Diego del Rio with DJ Elkin Zuluaga.
Sunday: No Regrets, Hot Club of Naptown, Betheny Dunlap and Neapolitan, Gregg Bacon, and EN2.
Lineup for the Blues and Roots Stage (located on the IUPUI Library Lawn)
Friday: Sindacato, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, Buddy Guy, and Isaac Hayes.
Saturday: Middletown, Otis Gibbs, Gordon Bonham Blues Band, Shaggy, The Black Keys, Solomon Burke, and Patti LaBelle.
For more information or to order tickets, call (800) 344-4639 or visit www.indyjazzfest.net
Foster was truly a drummer to the stars, including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson.
Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
Roscoe Mitchell will receive a Lifetime Achievement award at this year’s Vision Festival.
May 27, 2025 6:21 PM
Arts for Art has announced the full lineup for the 2025 Vision Festival, which will run June 2–7 at Roulette…
Benny Benack III and his quartet took the Midwest Jazz Collective’s route for a test run this spring.
Jun 3, 2025 10:31 AM
The time and labor required to tour is, for many musicians, daunting at best and prohibitive at worst. It’s hardly…
To record Dream Manifest (Dom Recs), Croker convened artists from his current and recent past ensembles, plus special guests.
Jun 10, 2025 4:13 PM
Partway through his early set at Smoke Jazz Club, Theo Croker blinks the room back into focus. He leans over the piano.…
“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”
Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
