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Back to: Echoes of Indiana Avenue
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MLK, civil rights, and gospel music
January 19, 2025
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with an hour of gospel music from artists who performed on the Avenue, as we explore the connection between gospel music and the struggle for civil rights. Also, hear an interview with the Indianapolis-based historic preservationist Claudia Polley, who attended King’s 1959 speech in the Avenue neighborhood.
Origins of the name Naptown
January 12, 2025
For nearly 100 years, the term Naptown has been used as a nickname for the city of Indianapolis. Listen to music celebrating Naptown from local jazz, blues, and soul musicians.
Celebrating saxophonist Eddie Chamblee
January 5, 2025
Explore the life and music of saxophonist Eddie Chamblee, best known for his work in jazz and R&B music. Chamblee worked with many legendary performers, including Lionel Hampton, T-Bone Walker, Memphis Slim, and Dinah Washington.
Indianapolis musicians remember jazz drummer Al Coleman
December 29, 2024
Learn about the legendary Avenue jazz drummer and entrepreneur Al Coleman, who passed away in February 2024. Hear interviews with his brother, organist Phil Coleman, and his friend and bandmate, guitarist Steve Weakley.
Remembering midnight Christmas shows at The Walker
December 22, 2024
Learn about the history of Indianapolis Recorder’s midnight Christmas benefit concerts at the Walker Theatre through interviews with Indianapolis musicians and media personalities who performed at the shows.
Indiana Avenue’s Black Christmas parade
December 15, 2024
Listen to a tribute to the “Black Christmas Parade”, featuring music from Indianapolis bands that performed at the event on Indiana Avenue on December 19, 1970.
Roy Haynes’ Avenue connections
December 8, 2024
Listen to a tribute to the legendary jazz drummer Roy Haynes. He passed away last November at the age of 99. Hear classic jazz music from Haynes, featuring his work with the jazz masters of Indiana Avenue.
J.J. Johnson centennial celebration - Part 3
December 1, 2024
Listen to the final episode in our three-part series celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of trombonist J.J. Johnson, one of the greatest jazz icons to emerge from Indianapolis. We’ll focus on Johnson’s work in third stream music—a blend of classical and jazz music.
J.J. Johnson centennial celebration - Part 2
November 24, 2024
Listen to the second episode in our three-part series celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of trombonist J.J. Johnson, one of the greatest jazz icons to emerge from Indianapolis. On this edition, we’ll focus on Johnson’s work in bebop and hard bop music with legends like Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Max Roach, and many others.
J.J. Johnson panel discussion recorded live at The Jazz Kitchen
November 17, 2024
This is the first episode in our three-part series celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of trombonist J.J. Johnson, one of the greatest jazz icons to emerge from Indianapolis. On this edition, listen to a discussion recorded live at the Jazz Kitchen, featuring an all-star panel of jazz musicians discussing Johnson’s work.
Quincy Jones with the Masters of Indiana Avenue Jazz
November 10, 2024
Listen to the music of Quincy Jones and the masters of Indiana Avenue jazz. Quincy Jones was a legendary producer, musician, composer, and arranger. He died earlier this month at the age of 91.
Naptown trumpet player Joe Mitchell
November 3, 2024
Explore the music of the Indianapolis trumpet player Joe Mitchell. He performed with many legendary bandleaders including Ray Charles, Count Basie, Jimmy Coe, and Earl Bostic.
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