Two-time Oscar-nominated composer and 6-time GRAMMY winner, Terence Blanchard is a visionary jazz trumpeter known for his cinematic scores (including many for Spike Lee) and his groundbreaking fusion of jazz with opera, hip-hop, and contemporary themes. A true modern icon of jazz.

Hailed as one of the most soulful voices in jazz today, Nicole Henry brings a captivating blend of elegance, power, and emotional depth to the stage. Her interpretations of jazz standards and R&B classics have won her international acclaim—and a Soul Train Award.

A chart-topping jazz-funk keyboardist, composer, and producer, Brian Culbertson brings high-energy performances rooted in R&B, smooth jazz, and soul. With over 20 albums and countless #1 Billboard hits, his shows blend dazzling musicianship with show-stopping stage presence.

Judith Hill brings her signature blend of funk, soul, and fearless storytelling to the Grand Finale stage. A GRAMMY winner who’s worked with Prince and Michael Jackson, Hill now shines with Letters from a Black Widow—a bold, emotional album praised for its powerful vocals and raw honesty. Expect a performance packed with fire, depth, and soul.

The multi-Grammy© Winner, pianist and composer Gonzalo Rubalcaba was already a young phenom with a budding career in his native Cuba when he was discovered by Dizzy Gillespie in 1985. Piano & Keyboard Magazine selected him in 1999 as one of the great pianists of the 20th century, he has won two Grammys and two Latin Grammys, and established himself as a creative force in the jazz world. This trio features Rubalcaba with drummer Eric Harland and bassist Ricky Rodriguez.

A virtuoso trumpeter and social voice of his generation, Keyon Harrold blends jazz, R&B, and hip-hop into a signature sound praised by NPR and Rolling Stone. Known for his work on Miles Ahead and collaborations with Common, Beyoncé, and Gregory Porter, he delivers raw emotion with every note.

A GRAMMY-winning vocalist whose extraordinary voice has graced stages with the Rolling Stones, Luther Vandross, and Tina Turner. After decades as a sought-after backup singer, Fischer stepped into the spotlight with her soulful solo artistry—blending jazz, gospel, rock, and classical influences. Her performances are unforgettable, intimate, and transcendent.

LIVE MUSIC DOWNTOWN
The JazzIN Columbus free concert series returns for summer 2025!

September 18: Pavel and Direct Contact
Move to the high energy sound of the group Pavel & Direct Contact. This Latin Jazz and Salsa ensemble is led by pianist Pavel Polanco-Safadit and backed by an outstanding band of musicians.

Concerts are free and open to the public. Shows will be take place Thursday evenings, 6:00–7:30 pm on 4th Street between Washington and Franklin.

The JazzIN Columbus series is sponsored in partnership with the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation, Office of Downtown Development, Columbus Area Visitors Center, Columbus Museum of Art & Design, and Columbus Indiana Philharmonic.

Swedish jazz powerhouse Gunhild Carling is a true one-woman show—singer, dancer, multi-instrumentalist, and vintage jazz revivalist. With fiery trombone solos and Charleston flair, her shows are a whirlwind of talent and old-school swing with modern sass.

Trailblazing harpist Brandee Younger redefines what the harp can do. Blending classical mastery with jazz, soul, and hip-hop, she’s collaborated with artists from Ravi Coltrane to Lauryn Hill. Her Grammy-nominated work weaves elegance and edge into a genre-defying experience.

The Indianapolis Jazz Collective is an all-star group of the city’s finest jazz musicians. Led by Indy Jazz Fest Artistic Director Rob Dixon, the collective often features special guest soloists and notable figures in the jazz world. They curate unique collaborations, and in the past, have included artists such as Bobby Watson, Stefon Harris, and Randy Brecker.

IU Africana Studies presents an exciting evening exploring intersections of sound, celebrating the Afro-Brazilian roots of samba with electrifying musicians Juliana Ribeiro and Magary Lord, accompanied by the Rob Dixon Quintet. The evening also features a dynamic performance of artistry and healing through spoken word and jazz, with Emmy Award-winning poet Lasana D. Kazembe and his ensemble, Watu Wazuri. Expect an evening filled with energy, passion, cultural insight, and artistic improvisation.

A celebration of Indy’s rich jazz legacy, Naptown Sound brings together an all-star lineup of Indiana’s top musicians. This electrifying collective delivers a hometown mix of groove, grit, and soul—bridging tradition with fresh energy. It’s the sound of Indianapolis, bold and proud.

Sam brings an electrifying energy to the Hammond B3, blending old soul and youthful spirit. Known for his heartfelt groove and inventive flow, Fribush leads this dynamic organ jam joined by Rob Dixon and Richard “Sleepy” Floyd—uniting Indy’s finest for a night of soulful improvisation, rich textures, and unstoppable rhythm.

This electrifying collaboration brings together the Latin heat of Charlie & The Tropicales with the GRAMMY-winning vocalist and violinist Mireya Ramos (Flor de Toloache). Expect a high-energy celebration of Afro-Caribbean rhythms, salsa, and Latin soul that will turn the night into a tropical block party.

One of the most important alto saxophonists of his era, Kenny Garrett’s explosive live performances are grounded in post-bop mastery, spiritual depth, and global influence. A former member of Miles Davis’s band, his decades-spanning solo work is both innovative and deeply rooted in jazz tradition.

One of the most important alto saxophonists of his era, Kenny Garrett’s explosive live performances are grounded in post-bop mastery, spiritual depth, and global influence. A former member of Miles Davis’s band, his decades-spanning solo work is both innovative and deeply rooted in jazz tradition.

A collection of Indy Latin All-Stars convene for a special night celebrating amazing tropical sounds and grooves. This will be a high-energy trip throughout the Caribbean, led by pianist Pavel Polanco-Safadit and backed up by his working band Direct Contact.

LIVE MUSIC DOWNTOWN
The JazzIN Columbus free concert series returns for summer 2025!

August 14: Steve Allee and the Magic Hour Band
Combining his love for everything from traditional bebop to funk and R&B, Steve Allee fills The Magic Hour with a wistful yet savvy, lighthearted yet meaningful sense of groove and melody.

Other dates in the JazzIN Columbus Series:
• June 12: Rob Dixon and Triology
• July 10: The Kenny Phelps Quartet
• September 18: Pavel and Direct Contact

Concerts are free and open to the public. Shows will be take place Thursday evenings, 6:00–7:30 pm on 4th Street between Washington and Franklin.

The JazzIN Columbus series is sponsored in partnership with the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation, Office of Downtown Development, Columbus Area Visitors Center, Columbus Museum of Art & Design, and Columbus Indiana Philharmonic.

7P Show | Doors @ 5P
9:30P Show | Doors @ 9P

Join the incredible Steve Allee Big Band for the Full Circle album release party featuring special guests Frank Glover (clarinet) and Erin Benedict (vocals)!

This exciting event celebrates the vibrant jazz heritage of Indianapolis and honors the mentors who shaped generations of musicians. The evening will also featuring the world premiere of the Naptown Suite, a three-movement tribute to the city's musical legacy.