Jazz at the Center: “Christmas in July” Delivered Holiday Cheer with a Summer Twist

PerformanceLegacy

Aug 5

On Thursday, July 17, 2025, the Jazz at the Center series invited audiences to experience the joy of the Christmas holidays—mid-summer style. “Christmas in July”, presented by the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation and Indy Jazz Fest, had everything people love about the season—except the snow. With a festive local artist market, family-friendly atmosphere, and a top-tier performance by the Indianapolis Jazz Collective featuring vocalist Rebecca Rafla, the evening offered a warm blend of nostalgia, community, and high-level musicianship.

The event featured a pop-up Christkindlmarkt-style Christmas Market, where guests browsed hand-poured candles and holiday décor from IDesign Home Decor, sampled small-batch hot sauces from Pup + the Pepper, picked up thoughtfully designed notecards and stationery from Letter Ro Paper Co, admired handmade prints by Aren Straiger, and shopped custom Christmas stockings and home goods from Lily…Rose Handmade. The scent of spices, the sound of the band warming up, and the hum of conversation created a cheerful and inviting pre-show atmosphere. Guests also enjoyed food provided by The Jazz Kitchen, along with cocktails and a full range of refreshments.

With daylight still lingering and a summer breeze in the air, the Indianapolis Jazz Collective took the stage. Led by saxophonist and Indy Jazz Fest Artistic Director Rob Dixon, the group featured Steve Allee on piano, Kenny Phelps on drums, and Jesse Wittman on bass—each a leading voice in the Indianapolis jazz scene.

Rebecca Rafla, a familiar face and voice on the local stage, brought elegance and charm to the performance. Known for her smooth, expressive delivery, Rafla brought a thoughtful energy to each tune. From the first notes, it was clear this wasn’t a typical holiday set—it was a jazz-forward reinterpretation of seasonal favorites with warmth and grace.

The set included jazz-infused takes on Christmas standards, swinging renditions of winter ballads, and moments that leaned into Brazilian rhythms and modern arrangements. Rafla’s phrasing was fluid and conversational, drawing the audience in, while Steve Allee’s piano work added dynamic texture to each song. She gave each piece space to breathe, allowing the musicians behind her to stretch and improvise.

Highlights included a bluesy take on “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” a groove-heavy version of “Let It Snow,” and a haunting interpretation of music from Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker". Dixon’s tenor sax added warmth and richness throughout, while Phelps and Wittman held down the rhythm with subtle drive and sophistication.

What made Christmas in July stand out was the atmosphere it created—both on stage and among the crowd. The evening also served as a pre-release showcase for the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation’s upcoming holiday album, featuring the Indianapolis Jazz Collective with Rebecca Rafla on vocals. Audience members enjoyed an exclusive first listen to selections from the recording, adding to the sense of occasion and anticipation.

Children danced in the grass, couples held hands, and listeners of all ages clapped, sang along, and smiled at the unexpected delight of hearing holiday music in the middle of summer. The event felt joyful, inclusive, and deeply rooted in the spirit of community.

The concert also reflected what the Jazz at the Center series does best: blending exceptional artistry with accessibility. With family-friendly ticket pricing (including free admission for children under 12), and a welcoming open-air environment, the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation once again succeeded in bringing people together through the power of live jazz.

As the evening drew to a close, the crowd responded with a standing, singing, and dancing ovation—showing their appreciation not just for the music, but for the experience. With one more concert still to come in the Jazz at the Center series on August 21, Christmas in July served as a joyful reminder that jazz, like the holidays, is about connection, celebration, and community.