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The Indianapolis Recorder’s Dream Band Contest

The Indianapolis Recorder’s Dream Band Contest

June 03, 2022

This week we’ll look back at the Indianapolis Recorder’s “Dream Band” contest. During the 1940s and ‘50’s, the newspaper invited readers to vote for their favorite Naptown musicians, and the winning musicians were included in the Indianapolis Recorder’s “Dream Band." This provided many local musicians with their first taste of recognition including Wes Montgomery and Slide Hampton.

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J.J. Johnson panel discussion recorded live at The Jazz Kitchen
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J.J. Johnson panel discussion recorded live at The Jazz Kitchen
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This is the first episode in our three-part series celebrating the 100th anniversary of the...

Quincy Jones with the Masters of Indiana Avenue Jazz
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Quincy Jones with the Masters of Indiana Avenue Jazz
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Naptown trumpet player Joe Mitchell
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Naptown trumpet player Joe Mitchell
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Explore the music of the Indianapolis trumpet player Joe Mitchell. He performed with many legendary...

Avenue Halloween Playlist
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Avenue Halloween Playlist
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Doc Wheeler
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Doc Wheeler
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Jerry Daniels and the Ink Spots
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Jerry Daniels and the Ink Spots
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We're looking back at the life and music of vocalist Jerry Daniels, a founding member of the...

Naptown trumpeter Michael Ridley
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Naptown trumpeter Michael Ridley
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This week we explore the music of the Naptown trumpet player Michael Ridley. Michael played...

Benny Golson's Avenue connections
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Benny Golson's Avenue connections
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Listen to a tribute to the Philadelphia saxophonist and composer Benny Golson who passed away...

The music of jazz drummer Paul Parker
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The music of jazz drummer Paul Parker
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Listen to music from Paul Parker, an important Indianapolis jazz drummer. Parker was among...

Earl
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Earl "Fox" Walker - Part 2
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Listen to the final episode in our two-part series exploring the music of Earl “Fox”...

Earl
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Earl "Fox" Walker - Part 1
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For the next two weeks, explore the music of Earl “Fox” Walker, a legendary Indianapolis...

Mr. Trumpet Roger Jones
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Mr. Trumpet Roger Jones
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Explore the music of “Mr. Trumpet” Roger Jones, a legendary Indianapolis jazz musician...

Remembering the life and music of Jimmy Guilford
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Remembering the life and music of Jimmy Guilford
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Hear a tribute to the famed Indianapolis soul singer Jimmy Guilford, who passed away earlier...

Little Bill Gaither – Part 3
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Little Bill Gaither – Part 3
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Listen to the final episode in a three-part series exploring the music of Little Bill Gaither,...

Little Bill Gaither - Part 2
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Little Bill Gaither - Part 2
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The second episode in a three-part series exploring the music of Little Bill Gaither, a legendary...

Little Bill Gaither - Part 1
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Little Bill Gaither - Part 1
August 4, 2024

Part one of our three-part series exploring the music of Little Bill Gaither, a legendary Indianapolis...

James Spaulding birthday celebration – Part 3
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James Spaulding birthday celebration – Part 3
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In our second episode in a three-part series celebrating the July birthday of the flutist and...

James Spaulding birthday celebration – Part 2
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James Spaulding birthday celebration – Part 2
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In our second episode in a three-part series celebrating the July birthday of the flutist and...

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