Musical roots: Festival to celebrate Indy’s jazz history

For a week this fall, Indianapolis will recapture some of the fire that made it a hotbed of jazz.

Though it doesn’t have the pedigree of New Orleans or the history of Chicago, Indianapolis has historically birthed some of the most diverse music entering the scene.

That eclectic nature is reflected in the lineup for this year’s Indy Jazz Fest. From the traditional smooth sound of Brian Culbertson to the funk of Bashiri Asad to the jam-band ethos of Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, each performer will put a twist on the seminal American art form.

Organizers will honor Indianapolis’ musical heritage with a tribute to Slide Hampton, an award-winning slide trombone player. Hampton himself will perform a show with an all-star group of local musicians.

The festival will celebrate its roots with dozens of smaller acts playing in clubs throughout the city, capped off by a two-day extravaganza featuring of jazz, blues, funk and contemporary music.

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