Submitted photo Guitarist Pat Matheny will be a part of the Indy Jazz Fest.
INDIANAPOLIS — The 25th Annual Indy Jazz Fest opening Monday and running through Sept. 30 includes an all-star lineup.
That includes guitarist Pat Matheny, sax player Bony James, drummer Sheila E., Stanley Clarke and Kurt Elling — all Grammy winners.
This year’s Jazz Fest theme, “Looking Back, Looking Forward,” celebrates modern masters and new jazz stars, according to organizers.
Performances will unfold at a variety of Indianapolis venues, and a grand finale in downtown Indianapolis at TCU Amphitheater at the White River State Park.
The Indy Jazz Fest Legacy Band will also perform.
Organizers summarize the event as “presenting modern masters and new jazz stars while celebrating Indy’s rich jazz legacy.”
Featured during the festival leading into the grand finale concert will be Superblue at the Cabaret, and Russell Malone at The Jazz Kitchen.
Plus, Naptown Sound will kick off the week of shows with a celebration on Sept. 23 at The Jazz Kitchen.
Festival marketers are calling this concert “the ultimate jazz hang and all-star affair.”
Attendees can mingle, listen, and support Indy Jazz Fest while enjoying this VIP experience including live music, cash bar, passed and stationed hors d’oeuvres. Slated performers include the Indianapolis Jazz Collective featuring Amanda King, Steve Allee and Rob Dixon, the Tucker Brothers, Goldie, Bashiri Asad & From the 317, Jared Thompson & Premium Blend, and Vocalese Jazz Set featuring Brenda Williams, Rebecca Rafla, Wendy Reed and Sandy Lomax, and more.
The fest was created by a consortium of downtown Indianapolis hospitality, civic and business interests as a way to spotlight Indianapolis’ rich jazz heritage through an annual event, and also to focus an arts spotlight on a heavy sports city.
Information and tickets: indyjazzfest.net
By Brian Blair | The Republic
bblair@therepublic.com
