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The Forgotten History of Country Music on the Avenue
January 7, 2022
This week, we explore the forgotten history of country music, listening to songs from some of Naptown’s Black pioneers in the genre.
In Memoriam 2021
December 31, 2021
This week we celebrate the life and music of the Avenue musicians who passed away this year - including Slide Hampton, Joe Trotter of Amnesty, Herb Gibbs of the Fabulous Moonlighters, and more.
Midnight Christmas Benefit Shows
December 23, 2021
This week we’ll look back at the Indianapolis Recorder’s midnight Christmas benefit shows at the Walker Theatre. Starting in the 1930s, the annual concerts ran from midnight until six in the morning.
Avenue Christmas Classics
December 17, 2021
This week we’ll be sharing an hour of classic Avenue Christmas music. Enjoy an hour of holiday music featuring Slide Hampton, Flo Garvin, Freddie Hubbard and more.
Indiana Avenue Plays the Beatles
December 10, 2021
The Beatles were a big influence on many Avenue musicians. Enjoy an hour of Beatles compositions performed by Avenue musicians like Slide Hampton, Wes Montgomery, Freddie Hubbard, and more.
Naptown Bassist Kent Brinkley
December 2, 2021
During his career, bassist Kent Brinkley performed with some of the greatest legends of Indiana Avenue jazz, recorded with South African vocalist Miriam Makeba and appeared on Soul Train.
Thanksgiving on the Avenue
November 25, 2021
Thanksgiving was a time of festive celebration on the Avenue, featuring performances by some of the biggest names in American music, like Dinah Washington, Lionel Hampton, and Wes Montgomery.
The Afrofuturist Pioneers of Indiana Avenue
November 19, 2021
This week we pay tribute to Afrofuturist pioneers of Indiana Avenue, including words and music from Bill Simmons of Midnight Starr, and James Spaulding, an original member of the Sun Ra Arkestra.
Naptown Slow Jams
November 12, 2021
R&B music has gone through many changes over the years - but the soul ballad has remained a timeless form of musical expression. Enjoy a selection of Naptown slow jams connected to the Avenue scene.
Soul Legend Lonnie Williams
November 4, 2021
This week our guest is soul vocalist Lonnie Williams, one of the unsung legends of Indianapolis music. Lonnie has been performing on the Naptown scene for over 50 years.
Phil Ranelin
October 29, 2021
This week, we're featuring an hour of words and music with the legendary Indianapolis jazz trombonist Phil Ranelin, best known for his work with the radical Detroit jazz collective known as Tribe.
A.J.’s Lounge
October 22, 2021
This week we're broadcasting from A.J.’s Lounge. A.J.'s is the oldest Black-owned bar in Indianapolis, and the only remaining nightclub connected to the historic Indiana Avenue neighborhood.
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