Jazz at the Center 2026: Celebrating a Summer of Jazz in Indianapolis
The 2026 season of Jazz at the Center has come to a close, marking another memorable summer of live music, community, and celebration of jazz.
[Photo: Jazz at the Center 2026 featured 3 musical acts across the summer. By Angelo Martinez.]
Presented by the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation at the Indy Art Center, this year’s three-concert series showcased the richness and diversity of the jazz idiom while honoring the music’s history and embracing its future.
The season opened on June 18 with Pavel & Direct Contact: Jazz Without Borders, an energetic performance that explored the connections between jazz and global musical traditions, including Caribbean, Flamenco, African, Mariachi, and Folklórico influences.
On July 16, Miles & Ella: A Centennial Celebration paid tribute to two of jazz’s most influential figures, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Miles Davis’ birth alongside the timeless songbook of Ella Fitzgerald. Led by Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame trumpeter Clifford Ratliff and vocalist Sandy Lomax, the performance honored the enduring artistry of two legends whose music continues to inspire generations.
[Photo: J Thomas II & The Situation performs SoulBook on August 26th. By Angelo Martinez.]
The concert series concluded on August 26th with J Thomas II: Re-imagining the Great American Songbook, bringing a contemporary perspective to beloved American standards while highlighting the continuing evolution of jazz and Black music.
Throughout the summer, Jazz at the Center offered more than great music. The outdoor setting, food, drinks, and welcoming atmosphere created a space for friends, families, musicians, and jazz enthusiasts to gather and enjoy the music together.
And while the final notes of Jazz at the Center have now faded, the music is far from over. Indy Jazz Fest is right around the corner. The festival will continue the celebration with even more opportunities to experience the incredible artists, sounds, and creativity that make Indianapolis such a special jazz city.
[Photo: Jazz at the Center offered more than just great music. By Angelo Martinez.]
