Wes at 100

Celebrating Wes Montgomery All Year Long!

  • Self-taught jazz guitarist from Indianapolis, born March 6, 1923

  • Known for his unusual thumb plucking technique

  • Hard bop, soul jazz, and post-bop styles

  • Had mainstream success with pop instrumentals

  • Influenced jazz fusion and smooth jazz

  • Inducted into the Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame in 2002

Wes Montgomery

One of the greatest guitarists in the history of jazz!

 

Get Your Wes At 100 Merch!

Join us at our upcoming events and get your Wes at 100 merch! Honor the legacy of Wes Montgomery and show your support for the Indianapolis jazz music scene.

The following Wes at 100 items are available for purchase at our upcoming events while supplies last.

T-Shirts (sizes S through XXL) - $20

Posters - $5

CDs - $15 to $20

Featured
Wes Montgomery Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony
Wes Montgomery Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony

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.

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Jazz at the Center Featuring Bobby Broom
Jazz at the Center Featuring Bobby Broom

The Indianapolis Jazz Collective featuring guitarist Bobby Broom celebrated the 100th year of Wes Montgomery at the Indianapolis Jazz Foundations’ second concert in their Jazz At The Center series at the Indianapolis Art Center on July 20, 2023.

The internationally recognized Broom is a jazz guitarist, composer, and educator who, at 16, began playing with Sonny Rollins and was one of the few guitarists who played with Art Blakey and the Messengers…

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In Our Own Sweet Way: Honoring the Artistic Legacy of Wes Montgomery
In Our Own Sweet Way: Honoring the Artistic Legacy of Wes Montgomery

In this year of what would have been Wes Montgomery’s 100th birthday, the collaborative program In Our Own Sweet Way: Honoring the Artistic Legacy of Wes Montgomery was presented at The Cabaret by Links Creative Alliance, Inc. in partnership with The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation on May 13, 2023.   

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Mimi Fox and the Indianapolis Jazz Collective Celebrate Wes Montgomery
Mimi Fox and the Indianapolis Jazz Collective Celebrate Wes Montgomery

Celebrating the Legacy of Wes Montgomery

In this year that would mark Wes Montgomery’s 100th birthday, the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation is dedicated to celebrating the legacy and talents of Wes Montgomery.

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Wes Montgomery Centennial Celebration!
Wes Montgomery Centennial Celebration!
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Wes Montgomery Day: Celebrating The Legacy
Wes Montgomery Day: Celebrating The Legacy
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A Program Partner for The 27th Annual Art & Soul
A Program Partner for The 27th Annual Art & Soul
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Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame Featured on WQRT
Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame Featured on WQRT
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 Wes Montgomery Documentary Premier

WITU Public Television will honor the life and music of Wes Montgomery

On Sunday, February 26, WTIU premiered Wes Bound: The Genius of Wes Montgomery. Two-time Grammy winner John Leslie “Wes” Montgomery was born in Indianapolis on March 6, 1923, and rose from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time. His story is told through the eyes of his youngest child, Robert Montgomery, in Wes Bound: The Genius of Wes Montgomery.

Wes Bound is available to stream on PBS Video starting February 27th.

Past Wes at 100 Events