On a warm June night, the Jazz at the Center series lit up the stage with Blue Bergamot – A Juneteenth Celebration, presented by the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation, Indy Jazz Fest, and curated by the ever-visionary Richard “Sleepy” Floyd. The evening honored the legacy of West African musical giants like Fela Kuti and Manu Dibango, whose influence continues to shape generations of artists across the globe.

The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation and Indy Jazz Fest are thrilled to announce our fifth season of Jazz at the Center, an annual outdoor summer concert series at the Indianapolis Art Center (820 E 67th Street).

On April 30, 2025, The Cabaret in Indianapolis came alive with the sounds of swing, soul, and celebration as the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation hosted its annual International Jazz Day event. The evening brought together a passionate community of musicians, supporters, and jazz lovers to honor the genre’s rich history and invest in its future.

The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation (IJF) is mission-driven, dedicated to promoting, preserving, and propelling the past, present, and future of jazz in Indiana. IJF aligns its programming with the three pillars of the mission: education, performance, and legacy. Through these initiatives, IJF ensures that jazz remains a vital part of Indiana’s cultural fabric, inspiring new generations of musicians and audiences alike.

Women have been a vital and important part of the evolution of jazz music from the beginning. From Mary Lou Williams to Melba Liston to Billie Holiday, jazz as a genre would not be where it is today without the influence of women as instrumentalists, vocalists, and composers.

Growing up in the streets surrounding Indiana Avenue, Freddie Hubbard was immersed in the rich sounds of jazz from an early age. By high school, his musical talent had flourished, and he showcased his trumpet skills as a member of the Arsenal Technical High School band.

Indy Jazz Fest is finally here!

The gymnasium at Northwest Middle School (formerly a high school) was teaming with fourth graders from 15 IPS elementary schools on Tuesday, March 12 and Thursday, March 14, 2024. They came for a journey of “Jazz in the 21st Century,” a high-energy program about jazz and Indiana’s rich jazz history.

On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, a historical marker was dedicated to legendary, Indianapolis jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery on what would have been his 101st birthday. The ceremony featured speakers, a musical dedication performance, and the unveiling of the historical marker.