Indy Jazz Fest Announces 2017 Festival Lineup

A mainstay in the Indianapolis arts and culture scene for nearly two decades, the annual Indy Jazz Fest returns in 2017 with a 10-day lineup celebrating the legacy of jazz, modern masters and the discovery of new jazz stars. The sounds and lore of the Hammond B3 organ will be prevalent as part of the IJF Organ Summit. Since its inception in the 1950s, the Hammond B3 continues to be one of the most popular keyboard instruments. The 2017 Indy Jazz Fest will also feature the number "100" with events paying homage to the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie, jazz innovators that at "100" are still guiding forces in the jazz scene.

Indy Jazz Fest will once again be in venues "All Around Town" September 14-23, featuring performances at the historic Madame Walker Theatre, Indiana Landmarks Center, Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, Indianapolis Central Library, Main Street in Speedway, The Jazz Kitchen and the Schrott Center for the Arts at Butler University.

"If there was ever a year in Indy Jazz Fest history to celebrate the past, present and future of jazz, this is the year," said Festival Director David Allee. "'Hip Then, Hip Now' highlights the connection between the forefathers of jazz, today's jazz innovators and the up-and-comers."

Featured Lineup

The 2017 Indy Jazz Fest featured lineup will include the following:

• Thursday, September 14 - 7 p.m.
  Indy Jazz Fest Band | 100 - A musical tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Mongo Santamaria & Thelonious Mark
  Sponsored by WICR-FM 88.7
  Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center at UIndy - 1400 E. Hanna Ave.
  Tickets: FREE
  Get ready for a 10-day celebration of jazz in Indianapolis, with an opening night performance featuring an all-star tribute to those who paved the way. The music of these great performers has left an indelible mark on the jazz landscape.
• Friday, September 15 - 7:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.
  Tony Monaco | Hammond B3 Organ | IJF Organ Summit
  Sponsored by Van Riper Woodard Family Foundation
  The Jazz Kitchen - 5377 N. College Ave.
  Tickets: $20, $25, $30, $35
  Tony Monaco may be the best organ player you have yet to hear flying stealth while playing arguably some of the hottest B3 around. Mentored by the legendary Jimmy Smith in what is considered the more classic style, Monaco does not swing, smolder or smoke - he burns!
• Friday, September 15 - 8 p.m.
  Jane Monheit | Ella Fitzgerald Songbook Sessions
  Sponsored by REI Real Estate
  Schrott Center for the Arts at Butler University - 610 W. 46th St.
  Tickets: $45 adults | $25 students
  Indy Jazz Fest presents two-time Grammy-nominated vocalist Jane Monheit and her latest project in tribute to the late, great Ella Fitzgerald on what would have been Fitzgerald's 100th birthday year.
• Saturday, September 16 - 1-3 p.m.
  IJF Organ Summit Masterclass | The History & Life of Don Leslie -
  as told by his son Jim Leslie | The Start & History of the Hammond Organ - presented by Lonnie Smith from George Smith's Music
  The Jazz Kitchen - 5377 N. College Ave.
  Tickets: FREE
  There's nothing like the sound of a Hammond organ through a legendary Leslie speaker. You'll want to hear the inside story behind this iconic music technology!
• Saturday, September 16 - 7:30 & 10 p.m.
  Dr. Lonnie Smith | IJF Organ Summit
  Sponsored by Van Riper Woodard Family Foundation
  The Jazz Kitchen - 5377 N. College Ave.
  Tickets: $40, $50
  IJF congratulates Dr. Lonnie Smith on his 2017 NEA Jazz Masters Award. Smith is an unparalleled musician, composer, performer and recording artist. An authentic master and guru of the Hammond B3 organ for over five decades, he has been featured on over 70 albums, and has recorded and performed with a virtual "who's who" of the greatest jazz, blues and R&B giants in the industry.
• Saturday, September 16 - 8 p.m.
  Kirk Whalum
  Sponsored by Eskenazi Health
  Madame Walker Theatre - 617 Indiana Ave.
  Tickets: $45, $55, $85 | $25 students
  Grammy-award winner Kirk Whalum's music is described as "soulful," "passionate," and "stirring." Whalum is a certified smooth jazz star as well as an in-demand session player for top artists like Barbara Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Larry Carlton, Quincy Jones, and Whitney Houston. His saxophone skills are showcased on the mega-hit, "I Will Always Love You."
• Sunday, September 17 - 3-4:30 p.m.
  Pavel & Direct Contact | Colombia
  Sponsored by IndyGo, Indianapolis Marion County Library, Alivio, SADCO
  Indianapolis Central Library - 40 E. St. Clair St.
  Tickets: FREE
  The music of pianist Pavel & Direct Contact weaves through a blend of Caribbean and South American flavors. Take a trip with narrator Dr. Alfredo Lopez and experience the magical realism that, in the words of the late Colombian novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez, "will shine through Cumbias, Vallenatos, Gailta and Salsa."
• Sunday, September 17 - 6 & 8:30 p.m.
  Randy Brecker + Indianapolis Jazz Collective
  Sponsored by Foley & Abbott
  The Jazz Kitchen - 5377 N. College Ave.
  Tickets: $20, $30, $40
  Randy Brecker is a Grammy-award winning, internationally renowned jazz trumpeter master providing a modern connection between jazz's past and present. Brecker played and toured with The Brecker Brothers (with brother Michael Brecker), Horace Silver, James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and Parliament/Funkadelic to Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan, Jaco Pastorius, Frank Zappa, Clark Terry's Big Bad Band and the Thad Jones Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra. Rob Dixon - sax, Steve Allee - piano, Nick Tucker - bass, Kenny Phelps - drums
• Tuesday, September 19 - 6:30 p.m.
  Jazz from the Heartland | Charlie Ballantine + The Blue Side
  The Jazz Kitchen - 5377 N. College Ave.
  Tickets: $20
  Don't miss a double bill of soulful, rootsy, bluesy bands from the Heartland.
  Charlie Ballantine, fresh off his newly released CD brings a taste of jazz, blues, Americana, roots and more.
  The Blue Side features Tad Robinson, Kevin Anker and Rob Dixon. Together, they bring that backbeat soul-blues flavor.
• Wednesday, September 20 - 7 & 9 p.m.
  Ignacio Berroa Cubop Quintet | A Centennial Salute to Dizzy Gillespie
  The Jazz Kitchen - 5377 N. College Ave.
  Tickets: $25, $35, $45
  Famed drummer and band mate on Dizzy Gillespie's last three bands will perform a Dizzy Gillespie Celebration commemorating Gillespie's 100th birthday. The performance also features John Zappa (trumpet), JD Allen (sax), Mike Darrah (piano), and Aaron Jacobs (bass).
• Friday, September 22 - 6-10 p.m.
  Jazz in Speedway
  • Farrelly Markiewicz Jazz Quintet - 6-7:30 p.m.
  • Bill Lancton / Jimmy Davis Band - 8-10 p.m.
    Sponsored by Dallara Car Factory, Speedway Chamber of Commerce
    Main Street, Speedway, IN
    Tickets: FREE
    The Town of Speedway is living up to its moniker "Speedway, More Than a Day in May." This year's musical offering includes two of Indy's top groups on a beautiful outdoor stage in front of the Dallara Car Factory. Two of the performers, Gene Markiewicz and Bill Lancton, are both Indianapolis jazz hall-of-famers.
• Friday, September 22 - 7 p.m.
  Buselli Wallarab Jazz Orchestra | The Gennett Suite
  Sponsored by Foley & Abbott
  Indiana Landmarks Center, Cook Theater- 1201 Central Ave.
  Tickets: $30, $40 | $20 students
  The year 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of Gennett Records. The importance of this early record label has local and global significance. The studio was located in Richmond, Ind., and produced some of the most important early jazz recordings that were instrumental in spreading the music worldwide. Louis Armstrong's first recordings were in Richmond, Ind., with King Oliver's Creole Jazz band. Jelly Roll Morton, Bix Beiderbecke, Hoagy Carmichael, The New Orleans Rhythm Kings, and Duke Ellington were among the dozens of other artists who recorded significant portions of their repertoire in the Gennett Studios.
• Friday, September 22 - 7 p.m.
  Sullivan Fortner | American Pianists Association's Cole Porter Fellow in Jazz
  Sponsored by REI Real Estate & American Pianists Association
  The Jazz Kitchen - 5377 N. College Ave.
  Tickets: $30, $40
  Sullivan Fortner dazzled Indianapolis when he won the 2015 Cole Porter Fellow in Jazz of the American Pianists Association. A native of New Orleans, he has already made a significant foray into the jazz world that belies his young age while touring with Stefon Harris & Blackout, Christian Scott Quintet, and the Roy Hargrove Quintet.
• Friday, September 22 - 10 p.m.
  The Afterset | Ghost-Note & Chantae Cann
  The Jazz Kitchen - 5377 N. College Ave.
  Tickets - $30, $50
  Whoever said Indy Jazz Fest couldn't be funky - think again. These two powerhouse bands weave between jazz, soul, R&B, groove, acid jazz and beyond. Both of these bands have connections to Snarky Puppy through collaborations, guest appearances and several also perform as members of the Snarky Puppy band. Atlanta-based soul, jazz vocalist Chantae Cann performs at 10 p.m. while Grammy-award winning percussion powerhouse Ghost-Note goes on at midnight.
• Saturday, September 23 - 3 p.m. - 2 a.m.
  IJF Block Party 2017
  Sponsored by Eskenazi Health, Van Riper Woodard Family Foundation, Printing Partners
  The Jazz Kitchen - 5377 N. College Ave.
  Yats - 5363 N. College Ave.
  Tickets - $40 / $100 VIP
  Closing night celebration with music inside and out on the corner of 54th Street and College Avenue. Join us for food, drinks and great music. It's a party! Adults 21+.

Outside Yats Stage
3 Guitars - Joel Tucker, Charlie Ballantine & Ryan Taylor
Monika Herzig & The Time Flies
Introducing trombonist Ernest Stuart
Bashiri Asad & Xenobia Green
Kevin Anker Experience featuring Tad Robinson

Inside Jazz Kitchen Stage
Scott Routenberg + Mark Buselli
Ella Fitzgerald Tribute - Brenda Williams, Yvonne Allu, Wendy Reid,
& Sandy Lomax
Clint Breeze & the Groove
Steve Allee & Friends
Charlie Hunter
4 Korners
Taylor McFerrin

Tickets
Tickets for the 2017 Indy Jazz Fest are on sale now and available at IndyJazzFest.net.

Multiple Venues
Each day of the festival, visitors are welcomed into a new space where the interaction with music and fellow community members is exciting. Since 2009, the multiple venue approach brings together a diversity of jazz styles with the history and culture embedded in some of the city's most renowned performance locations. Throughout the 10 days, internationally renowned jazz artists will share the stage with the best in regional and local performers. As the lineup continues to unfold, this year's Fest will create a dynamic collage that offers something for everyone.

Year-Round Reach
The importance of exposing people to jazz through performance and education isthe top priority of Indy Jazz Fest and Indianapolis Jazz Foundation. The organization continues to develop a variety of educational programs and presentations founded on the belief that exposure, inspiration, and experiences are driving forces behind initiating involvement in jazz.

Sponsorship Information
Indy Jazz Fest continues to be an example of community success through the dedication and support of its generous sponsors Eskenazi Health, Tom Wood Luxury Group, REI Real Estate, IUPUI, The Law Firm of Foley & Abbott, Scofield Edit, The National Bank of Indianapolis, Faegre Baker Daniels, IBM, North Coast Brewing, Printing Partners, DCG, Bohlsen Group, Musician's Repair, Ice Miller, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Fiji Water, Snapple, Coca Cola, Mark Sheldon Photography.

Indy Jazz Fest is also made possible in part by the Lilly Endowment; Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation; The Indianapolis Foundation, a CICF affiliate; The Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts; Arts Council of Indianapolis and the City of Indianapolis; Van Riper Woodard Family Foundation; Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, in honor of the children and families of Christel House; The Nicholas H. Noyes Jr. Memorial Foundation; Arthur Jordan Foundation and The Penrod Society.

Arts and community partnerships include The Jazz Kitchen, Chatterbox Jazz Club, Madame Walker Theatre, Indiana Landmarks Center, IndyGo, Indianapolis Central Library, American Pianists Association, Harrison Center for the Arts, University of Indianapolis, WICR 88.7, Butler Arts Center, Jazz City Internet Radio, WFYI, NUVO, Speedway Chamber of Commerce and Redevelopment Commission, Dallara Indycar Factory, Indiana Jazz Educators Association, Butler University School of Music Jazz Studies Department, Rhythm! Discovery Center and the Percussive Arts Society.

A variety of support levels and special advantages have been designed to make sponsorship experiences both enjoyable and rewarding. Those interested in learning more about sponsoring the 2017 Indy Jazz Fest can contact us at (317) 966-7854 or david@indyjazzfest.net.

About Indy Jazz Fest
The mission of Indianapolis Jazz Foundation and Indy Jazz Fest is to preserve the legacy and promote the future of jazz in Indianapolis through education and performance. A celebration of community and culture that showcases jazz music in a variety of great venues across the city, Indy Jazz Fest has become a cultural icon since its start in 1999. With an increased emphasis on jazz education, Indy Jazz Fest has expanded from just one day to an entire experience, ultimately benefiting the Indianapolis arts community throughout the year by creating meaningful links between jazz education and the city's jazz performance scene. Indy Jazz Fest is the preeminent performance event of Indianapolis Jazz Foundation and will ultimately reach upwards of 34,000 people through a combination of performances, workshops, school concerts, master classes, and community partnerships, as an integral cog in the Indianapolis arts scene. The 2017 Indy Jazz Fest will take place September 14-23, 2017. For more information, visit www.indyjazzfest.net.

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