The Indianapolis Jazz Collective is an all-star ensemble showcasing the top-tier talent of Indy’s vibrant jazz scene. Curated and led by Rob Dixon, Indy Jazz Fest Artistic Director, this powerhouse group features longtime collaborators Steve Allee (piano) and Jon Wood (bass), and for this special performance, welcomes world-renowned drummer and Indianapolis native, Rayford Griffin.

A force behind the kit, Griffin is celebrated as one of the most inventive and dynamic drummers in modern music. His remarkable career includes performances and recordings with Jean-Luc Ponty, Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Dave Koz, Anita Baker, and even Michael Jackson. A former member of Indy’s own fusion trailblazers Merging Traffic, Griffin returns to his hometown stage for an unforgettable night of rhythmic fire and masterful interplay.

Blending classic jazz tradition with bold improvisation and modern energy, the Indianapolis Jazz Collective continues to bridge Indy’s rich musical legacy with the global jazz conversation. Their Indy Jazz Fest appearance promises inspired arrangements, virtuosic solos, and the kind of chemistry that only happens when elite musicians share the stage.