An oral history of The Jazz Kitchen with David Allee

January 29, 2025

The legendary Indianapolis jazz club The Jazz Kitchen recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. Through the years, The Jazz Kitchen has hosted performances from some of the biggest names including J.J. Johnson, Billy Cobham, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bob James, Ray Brown, Lakecia Benjamin, Kamasi Washington, and many others. In 2009, The Jazz Kitchen was recognized by DownBeat magazine, as one of the 100 best jazz clubs in the world.

Listen to an interview with the club’s founder David Allee, as he shares an oral history of The Jazz Kitchen. Allee is also a trumpet player and has performed with groups including the Jimmy Coe Big Band and Pavel & Direct Contact.