Podcasts about Indiana Avenue

In April of 2025, a new Indiana state historical marker was placed in the Indiana Avenue neighborhood. The marker honors the history of the Phillis Wheatley YWCA. During the era of segregation, the Phillis Wheatley YWCA was a crucial institution for Black women in Indianapolis, providing a safe space for community, education, and advocacy. The Phyllis Wheatley YWCA also offered a space for cultural expression. The Harriet Jordan Music Hall, located within the YWCA building, hosted concerts weekly. Many of these events focused on the artistry of Black classical musicians. During the mid 20th Century, the Avenue was home to a vibrant classical music culture, and the Phillis Wheatley YWCA was one of the neighborhood's premier classical music venues.  Celebrate the musical legacy of the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA by listening to music from artists who performed there. Hear rare recordings from local and internationally known performers, including Felicia Weathers, Sarah McLawler, Eva Jessye, Shirley Graham Du Bois, Larry Ridley, David Hardiman and more.

Celebrate Pride month by looking back at the history of female impersonators and drag queens on the Avenue.  Indiana Avenue is known for its legendary nightclubs and historic legacy of jazz, blues and R&B music. The Avenue was also home to a lesser known, but equally vibrant tradition, the art of female impersonation. From the 1930s through the 1950s, Avenue clubs welcomed performers who defied gender norms and social expectations. These artists, known then as “female impersonators,” were more than novelty acts; they were skilled entertainers and cultural trailblazers.  Names including Doris Duchess White and Candy Laverne appeared on marquees alongside jazz greats like Slide Hampton and Jimmy Coe. Their performances dazzled audiences, yet despite their popularity, female impersonators rarely had the opportunity to record, and audio recordings of their work are difficult to find.  Listen to rare recordings featuring the work of female impersonators connected to the Avenue scene, along with interviews featuring Avenue artists who worked alongside these artists.

This is the second episode in our three-part series exploring the music of Phil Ranelin. Listen to classic music from Ranelin, along with a recent interview he recorded with WFYI's Kyle Long.  On this edition, Ranelin will reflect on his work with Wes Montgomery and performing on Indiana Avenue. Ranelin will also discuss how his work has been embraced by a new generation of musicians, including Madlib, Kamasi Washington, and Carlos Niño.

During the 1960s and ‘70s, funk music flourished in Indianapolis. Local bands like The Highlighters, Amnesty, The Moonlighters, Billy Ball and The Upsetters, and The Presidents packed nightclubs clubs across the city, from Indiana Avenue to East 38th Street.  On March 16th, WFYI hosted a screening of the new PBS documentary WE WANT THE FUNK! at the Kan-Kan Cinema. The film explores the history of funk music, from its early jazz roots to its rise into popular culture. Before the screening, WFYI's Kyle Long moderated a panel discussion exploring the history of Indianapolis funk music. The panel featured four important pioneers of Naptown funk: Steve Weakley (Funk Incorporated), Lester Jonhson (Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign), Reggie Griffin (Manchild), and Rodney Stepp (Rapture/The Spinners). Listen to excerpts from that conversation, along with music from legendary Indianapolis funk bands.

During the mid-20th Century, social clubs played a large role in the Black music scene of Indianapolis. Local social clubs, including the Defiants and Cosmo Knights, hosted major concerts and dances across the city. One of the earliest Indianapolis social clubs to make an impact on the city's music scene was The Bohemian Club. The Bohemian club was started in the early 1920s and included many prominent Indiana Avenue men, from civil servants, like the Indianapolis police officer Roy Kennedy, to William “Kid” Edwards, a boxing promoter, and owner of a radio and record shop, on the Avenue. During the 1920s and ‘30s, the Bohemian Club sponsored major concerts and dances, featuring national and local performers, including Earl Hines, Roy Eldridge, Cleo Brown, Speed Webb, Slim Green, and many others.  A 1947 article in the Indianapolis Recorder declared that “The Bohemian Club hosted the ritziest and most elegant affairs ever held along the Avenue.” The club also gave back to the community, as many of their events, were fundraisers for the Indianapolis Colored Orphans Home. This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, we'll celebrate the history of the Bohemian Club, by listening to music from artists who performed at their events.

Celebrate Women's History Month with music featuring the early blues women of Naptown. During the 1920s and ‘30s, Indiana Avenue was a Mecca for blues music, thanks in part, to the legendary Indianapolis blues duo of Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell. Women also played a large role in the early Naptown blues scene, including Alura Mack, Bessie Brown, Laura Smith, and Nina Reeves, her 1923 single “Indiana Avenue Blues” was among the first wave of blues records released.

Celebrate Women's History Month with music from the soul women of Indiana Avenue. From the 1950s to the 1970s, R&B, soul, and funk music flourished in the nightclubs of Indiana Avenue. Women played a large role in the Naptown soul scene, from girl groups including The Indy's and The Pearls, to solo singers like Johnnie Mae and Lois Blaine. Hear music from Debbie Nelson, Pam Tanner, Elaine Livingston, Josephine Cheatham, Care Package, Charlotte Bailey and more.

Explore the music of Arthur “Montana” Taylor, an important blues and boogie-woogie pianist who performed on Indiana Avenue during the 1920s. Montana is best known for a series of recordings he made in 1929 with the Vocalion Record Company. Among those recordings was an instrumental composition titled “Indiana Avenue Stomp”. Very little is known about Montana Taylor's early life. Some sources say he was born in Indianapolis in 1903, others list his place of birth as Butte, Montana. In a 1947 interview with Jazz Record magazine, Montana recalled growing up in Indianapolis. He began playing piano at 16 and by the age of 20 he was performing on the Avenue. Montana worked in Avenue venues including the Golden West Cafe and the Hole in the Wall. Montana was discovered by Vocalion Records while performing on the Avenue, when the label's Indianapolis talent scout, John Guernsey, spotted Montana playing in a neighborhood bar.  During his career as a recording artist, Montana cut over a dozen tracks, including instrumental compositions and collaborations with blues singers Chippie Hill and Lil Johnson.

Kirkwood Avenue will close to vehicle traffic from Indiana Avenue to Walnut Street starting April 4. The decision was made to increase community engagement and commerce for local businesses.Read more: City board finalizes 2025 Kirkwood Outdoor Dining ProgramThe Kirkwood Outdoor Dining Program began in 2020 during the pandemic to provide outside seating to local restaurants that had to adjust to indoor social distancing.Council members want to close Kirkwood for community matters but not for economic reasons, as was done in the past. Certain council members view Kirkwood as an experience rather than a walkable street.The closure of Kirkwood has raised concerns for businesses downtown; only half said in a recent survey that they support the closure.Read more: City considers long-term extension of Kirkwood outdoor dining programAccessibility worries were brought up during the city council vote, with community members expressing concerns about accessibility for people with disabilities and the elderly. Some say that will lead to isolation of certain community groups.This year, Kirkwood is scheduled to close on April 4 and reopen Nov. 10, weather permitting.This week on Noon Edition we'll discuss the closure of Kirkwood and what local residents can expect.Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.  You can also record your questions and send them in through email.  Guests: Jane Kupersmith, Bloomington's Director of Economic and Sustainable DevelopmentIsak Asare, Bloomington City Council memberRev. Matt Seddon, Rector of the Trinity Episcopal Church 

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we're talking to Renee Thomas, Purdue University's associate vice provost for student access and community engagement.  For more than 35 years, Renee has increased educational opportunities for thousands of Boilermakers.  In this episode, you will:  Learn how Renee has impacted students' lives by helping them find their community at Purdue.   Explore her profound impact on Purdue's Black Cultural Center as the former director and learn more about the importance of all five university cultural centers.  Get to know how her role as associate vice provost is expanding into Indianapolis and the three pillars her team uses to ensure students feel a sense of belonging at Purdue.  Discover how she creates connections between students and alumni and the rich historical significance of the Black community in Indianapolis, including places like Indiana Avenue, the Madam Walker Legacy Center and more.  Gain valuable advice and insights on how students can find community and belonging on campus.  Find out what it meant to her to receive both the Special Boilermaker Award and the Indiana Civil Rights Commission's Achievement in Education Award in 2024 for the recognition of her life-changing work.  You don't want to miss this episode with a Boilermaker who has spent her career making sure Purdue feels like home to every one of its students.  

Enjoy the first in our three-part series on the complete recordings of the late Alonzo “Pookie” Johnson, a legendary Indiana Avenue jazz saxophonist. This episode explores his early recordings.  Many local jazz fans consider Johnson to be one of the greatest saxophonists in Indianapolis history. During his six-decade career, Johnson performed with the greatest jazz players in Naptown, including Wes Montgomery, Slide Hampton, Jimmy Coe, Carl Perkins, Virgil Jones, David Baker, Errol Grandy, Freddie Hubbard, and many more.  Johnson was born in Indianapolis in October 1927. He studied music at Crispus Attucks High School, and the Jordan Conservatory. Johnson was a veteran of the Avenue club scene, performing at legendary venues such as the Sky Club, George's Bar, The P&P Club, Henri's, the Golden West, Sunset Terrace, and the British Lounge.

Today we head back to Indianapolis with the podcast Urban Roots. In the 1950s and 1960s, Ms. Jean Spears was a young mother and burgeoning preservationist. She saved antiques from houses about to be demolished; she bought a home in a white slum and renovated it; later on, she did the same with a historic home in the black neighborhood near Indiana Avenue. In the eighties, she and some neighbors started digging into this black neighborhood's history, uncovering the names of Black doctors, civic leaders, and other professionals who had lived there — many of whom had worked for Madam C.J. Walker. She helped rename the neighborhood to Ransom Place, in honor of Freeman Ransom: Madam Walker's prodigious lawyer. And in 1991, they succeeded in getting the Ransom Place Historic District included in the National Register of Historic Places. Thanks in no small part to the connection to Madam C.J. Walker, Jean Spears was able to save this pocket of Black history, in an area that — as we explained last episode — the city of Indianapolis had almost erased from memory. But black Indy history is about more than Madam Walker; other stories and places in the city need protection, too. In this episode, we'll introduce you to three Black women who are carrying on what Ms. Jean Spears started — safeguarding these little-known stories of the past and guiding Indianapolis toward a brighter future. GUESTS: Claudia Polley, Urban Legacy Lands Initiative Kaila Austin, artist and historian Judith Thomas, Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement for the City of Indianapolis Paula Brooks, Environmental Justice Program Manager at the Hoosier Environment Council The post Reclaiming Indianapolis's Black History from Urban Roots appeared first on KPFA.

Today we head back to Indianapolis with the podcast Urban Roots. In the 1950s and 1960s, Ms. Jean Spears was a young mother and burgeoning preservationist. She saved antiques from houses about to be demolished; she bought a home in a white slum and renovated it; later on, she did the same with a historic home in the black neighborhood near Indiana Avenue. In the eighties, she and some neighbors started digging into this black neighborhood's history, uncovering the names of Black doctors, civic leaders, and other professionals who had lived there, many of whom had worked for Madam C.J. Walker. She helped rename the neighborhood to Ransom Place, in honor of Freeman Ransom, Madam Walker's prodigious lawyer. And in 1991, they succeeded in getting the Ransom Place Historic District included in the National Register of Historic Places. Thanks in no small part to the connection to Madam C.J. Walker, Jean Spears was able to save this pocket of Black history, in an area that — as we explained last episode — the city of Indianapolis had almost erased from memory. But black Indy history is about more than Madam Walker, and other stories and places in the city need protection, too. In this episode, we'll introduce you to three Black women who are carrying on what Ms. Jean Spears started — safeguarding these little-known stories of the past and guiding Indianapolis toward a brighter future. Featuring: Claudia Polley, Urban Legacy Lands Initiative; Kaila Austin, artist and historian; Judith Thomas, Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement for the City of Indianapolis; Paula Brooks, the Environmental Justice Program Manager at the Hoosier Environment Council. Credits: Urban Roots: Urban Roots unearths little-known stories from urban history, especially histories of women and people of color that are in danger of being forgotten. Our mission is to elevate underrepresented voices and help preserve the places significant to them. Hosts and Executive Producers: Deqah Hussein-Wetzel and Vanessa Maria Quirk Editor and Executive Producer: Connor Lynch  Mixer: Andrew Callaway.  Music/Composer: Adaam James Levin-Areddy.   Making Contact Credits Episode Host: Salima Hamirani Producers: Anita Johnson, Salima Hamirani, Amy Gastelum, and Lucy Kang Executive Director: Jina Chung Editor: Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong Engineer:[ Jeff Emtman](https://www.jeffemtman.com/) Digital Media Marketing: Lissa Deonarain Music: Roman- Galaxy (inspired up melody) Will Bangs – I'm so glad you exist   Learn More:  Urbanist Media   

Join us for a remembrance of Rev. Dennis H. Freeman, an important figure in Indianapolis gospel music. Freeman passed away on January 15, 2025, at 84. Listen to a 2021 interview WFYI's Kyle long recorded with Freeman, along with rare recordings of his music.  Rev. Dennis H. Freeman was a keyboardist, composer, arranger, bandleader, and choir director. In a monumental career, that stretched over eight decades, Freeman performed alongside the greatest names in gospel music, including James Cleveland, Dorothy Love Coates and the Gospel Harmonettes, The Caravans, Raymond Raspberry, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Dorothy Norwod, The Soul Stirrers, The O'Neill Twins, and many others.  Freeman began working professionally in music as a teenager in the 1950s, playing organ at churches around the Indiana Avenue neighborhood. In 1959, he formed the Freeman Singers, a talented ensemble of singers that included the Indianapolis jazz vocalist Everett Green.  By the 1960s, Freeman had become a fixture of gospel music in Indiana. Freeman took part in many historic events in Hoosier gospel music, including Mahalia Jackson's 1966 concert at Clowes Hall, and the first Indiana Black Expo in 1971.  Freeman's music was heard across the country, on the many albums, singles and tapes he released.

Madam C.J. Walker was a brilliant entrepreneur who built a haircare empire and became the first African-American woman millionaire. You might have heard about her, but not many people know that her headquarters used to be located in Indianapolis, along a once vibrant Black corridor called Indiana Avenue, a place that today is known for parking lots, high-speed traffic, and uninspiring university buildings. Why do so few people know this story? Because, over decades, government planners and private developers slowly and systematically erased Indiana Avenue's history. Luckily, however, some Black Hoosiers are working to uncover, and reclaim, what almost disappeared without a trace. In this episode, we tell their, and the Avenue's, story. GUESTS: A'Lelia Bundles, Journalist and Madam C.J. Walker biographer Susan Hall Dotson, Indiana Historical Society Claudia Polley, Urban Legacy Lands Initiative Wildstyle Paschall, artist and community advocate Devon Ginn, Walker Legacy Center Mr. Thomas Hart Ridley, centenarian and Indiana Avenue author The post Urban Roots: Madam Walker and the Rise & Fall of Indiana Avenue appeared first on KPFA.

Madam C.J. Walker was a brilliant entrepreneur who built a haircare empire and became the first African American woman millionaire. You might have heard about her, but not many people know that her headquarters used to be located in Indianapolis, along a once vibrant Black corridor called Indiana Avenue, a place that today is known for parking lots, high-speed traffic, and uninspiring university buildings. Why do so few people know this story? Because, over decades, government planners and private developers slowly and systematically erased Indiana Avenue's history. Luckily, however, some Black Hoosiers are working to uncover, and reclaim, what almost disappeared without a trace. In this episode, we tell their, and the Avenue's, story. Featuring: A'Lelia Bundles: Journalist and Madam C.J. Walker biographer; Susan Hall Dotson of the Indiana Historical Society; Claudia Polley of the Urban Legacy Lands Initiative; Wildstyle Paschall, artist and community advocate; Devon Ginn of the Walker Legacy Center; and centenarian/Indiana Avenue author, Mr. Thomas Hart Ridley. Credits: Urban Roots Credits: Urban Roots dives deep into little known stories from urban history, unearthing histories of women and people of color that are in danger of being forgotten.  Hosts and Executive Producers: Deqah Hussein-Wetzel and Vanessa Maria Quirk. Editor and Executive Producer: Connor Lynch  Mixer: Andrew Callaway. Music Composer: [Adaam James Levin-Areddy.](https://www.ajla.me/) Making Contact Credits Episode Host: Salima Hamirani Producers: Anita Johnson, Salima Hamirani, Amy Gastelum, and Lucy Kang Executive Director: Jina Chung Editor: Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong Engineer:Jeff Emtman Digital Media Marketing: Lissa Deonarain Music Credits Tephra- anemoia Ben von Wildenhaus - Week Twenty-five Learn More:  Urbanist Media  Making Contact is an award-winning, nationally syndicated radio show and podcast featuring narrative storytelling and thought-provoking interviews. We cover the most urgent issues of our time and the people on the ground building a more just world.

For nearly 100 years, the term Naptown has been used as a nickname for the city of Indianapolis. The origin of the term Naptown has been a subject of debate for many decades. While the exact origins may never be known, the usage of Naptown was popularized on Indiana Avenue, and the name was spread nationally by local blues and boogie-woogie musicians.  This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, listen to music celebrating Naptown from local jazz, blues, and soul musicians.

Explore the life and music of saxophonist Eddie Chamblee, best known for his work in jazz and R&B music. Chamblee worked with many legendary performers, including Lionel Hampton, T-Bone Walker, Memphis Slim, and Dinah Washington. In fact, Chamblee was married to Dinah Washington in 1957. Eddie Chamblee was born, in Atlanta, Georgia in 1920. By 1928, he was living in Indianapolis. His father, Robert Chamblee, was president of the Citizens Life Insurance Company. Their offices were located at 229 Indiana Avenue. After spending several years in Indianapolis, Chamblee's family moved to Chicago. But Chamblee would eventually return to Indianapolis.  From 1953, to 1955, Chamblee held down a series of steady gigs at the Indiana Avenue club George's Bar, where he became famous for playing his sax while swinging from the club's rafters. During the 1950s, Chamblee performed at many Indiana Avenue venues, including Sunset Terrace, the Walker Theatre, and Ferguson Hotel.

In February of 2024, the legendary Avenue jazz drummer and entrepreneur Al Coleman passed away. This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, learn about Coleman's life. Hear interviews with his brother, organist Phil Coleman, and his friend and bandmate, guitarist Steve Weakley.  Al Coleman was born in Indianapolis in 1927. He graduated from Crispus Attucks High School and studied music at the Jordan Conservatory. During his career, Coleman played with legendary Naptown musicians, including Wes Montgomery, Leroy Vineggar, and Jimmy Coe. But he's best known for his work with the Three Souls, a jazz trio he co-founded during the late 1950s.  Coleman was also a celebrated entrepreneur. He owned a vending machine company, car wash, and the Cole-Smith Manor motel. But his best-known business venture was Al's British Lounge, an Indiana Avenue jazz club. The British Lounge has been called the last great jazz club on the Avenue.  Coleman also gave back to his community. In 1978, he opened the Jacer Inn Family Retreat in Rochdale, Indiana. The Jacer Inn offered a variety of health and social services to inner-city residents.

On December 19 of 1970, the Indianapolis affiliate of the Southern Leadership Conference's Operation Breadbasket held a “Black Christmas Parade” on Indiana Avenue. The parade featured marching bands, floats, and local celebrities. The grand marshal of the parade was the Soul Saint, an Afrocentric version of Santa Claus.  The “Black Christmas Parade” was part of a full day of events, that also included a keynote speech from Reverend Jesse Jackson. The day ended with a ”Black Christmas Party” at Foster's Motor Lodge, featuring the greatest funk and soul bands in Indianapolis, including The Highlighters, The Moonlighters, The Turner Brothers, Indy 5, The Perfections, and others. The purpose of the “Black Christmas Parade” was bigger than spreading holiday cheer. A spokesperson for Operation Breadbasket said the parade was created to raise awareness of the services and products available through local Black business owners, and to develop a sense of Black pride in the Indianapolis community.  This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, listen to a tribute to the “Black Christmas Parade”, featuring music from Indianapolis bands that performed at the event.

Listen to a tribute to the legendary jazz drummer Roy Haynes. He passed away last November at the age of 99. Hear classic jazz music from Haynes, featuring his work with the jazz masters of Indiana Avenue.  Roy Haynes was among the greatest and most influential drummers in the history of jazz music. Though Haynes spent the majority of his life in New York, he performed with many legends of the Indiana Avenue jazz scene, including Freddie Hubbard, J.J. Johnson, Larry Ridley, Bill Jennings, James Spaulding and more. Haynes was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1925. He began playing drums professionally, as a teenager during the early 1940s. His crisp and distinctive sound on the drums earned him the nickname “Snap Crackle”. By the end of the 1940s, Roy was playing with the greatest stars in jazz, including Lester Young, and Charlie Parker. In the following decades, Roy continued to be a dominating force in jazz, performing with Sarah Vaughan, John Coltrane, Thelonius Monk, Chick Correa, and dozens of other iconic jazz artists.

In this episode of Plugged In La Porte, Host Nate Loucks sits down with City of La Porte Director of Community Development & Planning, Craig Phillips, and City Engineer, Nick Minich, to discuss housing, the reason for TIFs and updates on projects including 39 North, LincolnWALK, and Indiana Avenue.

Listen to the music of Quincy Jones and the masters of Indiana Avenue jazz. Quincy Jones was a legendary producer, musician, composer, and arranger. He died earlier this month at the age of 91.  Jones worked with many of the biggest stars in popular music, producing and arranging music for iconic performers, including Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra. As a composer, Jones broke racial barriers in Hollywood, becoming one of the first Black musicians to score soundtracks for major films and television programs. During his historic career, Jones received many accolades, including 28 Grammys, an Emmy, a Tony, and seven Academy Award nominations. During his early years in music, Jones worked extensively, with musician from Indiana Avenue, including the Montgomery Brothers, Freddie Hubbard, David Baker, Pookie Johnson, Virgil Jones, J.J. Johnson, Carl Perkins, Leroy Vinnegar, and more. It's possible Jones himself played on the Avenue. From 1951 to 1953, Jones toured with the Lionel Hampton band as a trumpet player and arranger. During that time, the band played at Indiana Avenue's Sunset Terrace, on Thanksgiving Day of 1952. In the liner notes for the Wes Montgomery anthology “In the Beginning,” Jones recalled sleeping on Montgomery's floor when the Hampton band toured through Indianapolis.

This week we explore the music of the Naptown trumpet player Michael Ridley. Michael played with some of the biggest stars in American music, including Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, and Otis Redding. But he's best known for his work in jazz. Michael performed with many jazz greats, from Archie Shepp to Jimmy McGriff.  Michael Ridley was born in Indianapolis in 1939. At that time, his family lived in Lockefield Gardens — a federal housing project located on the Avenue. Ridley attended Shortridge High School. He performed with the school band and studied music at the MacArthur Conservatory on Indiana Avenue. There was music in Ridley's home too. His older brother, Larry Ridley, is a legendary jazz bassist known for his work with Thelonius Monk, Freddie Hubbard, Chet Baker, and others.

Listen to a tribute to the Philadelphia saxophonist and composer Benny Golson. He passed away on September 21st at the age of 95.  Throughout his career, Golson performed with legends of the Indiana Avenue jazz scene, including Freddie Hubbard and J.J. Johnson.  Hear music featuring Golson's collaborations with Indianapolis jazz musicians, along with recordings of Golson's music from notable Avenue jazz stars, like Wes Montgomery and Slide Hampton.

Listen to the final episode in our two-part series exploring the music of Earl “Fox” Walker, a legendary Indianapolis jazz drummer.  On this week's show, we'll focus on Walker's recordings with the Indianapolis music legend Jimmy Coe. During the 1950s, Walker performed regularly with Coe on Indiana Avenue. They were also featured on many recordings together, including The Students' doo-wop ballad “I'm So Young,” a top 40 Billboard R&B hit in 1961.

Hear a tribute to the famed Indianapolis soul singer Jimmy Guilford, he passed away earlier this month. Jimmy Guilford started his career singing doo-wop on the streets of Indiana Avenue. His talents would eventually carry him to the Apollo Theater in New York, the nightclubs of Las Vegas, and the recording studios of Detroit, where Jimmy cut a series of classic soul singles. Guilford's career in Indianapolis spanned over six decades of music making. He worked with some of the greatest music legends in Indianapolis, from the jazz icon Wes Montgomery to the rock and roll star Thurston Harris.  We'll share a 2019 interview Guilford recorded with WFYI's Kyle Long, along with rare singles he recorded with the Lamplighters and Four Sounds.

Dom led off the Dom Giordano Program by welcoming in JD Vance back to the show for the first time since being nominated as the Republican choice for Vice President in the 2024 election. First, Dom and JD discuss Vance's trip here to Philadelphia today, where Vance will address the economy in a speech from DiSorb Systems on Indiana Avenue, a company that produces waste management materials. JD delves into Kamala Harris's economic proposals, noting the close reflections to socialism propagated by the campaign. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Today, Dom led off the Dom Giordano Program by welcoming in JD Vance back to the show for the first time since being nominated as the Republican choice for Vice President in the 2024 election. First, Dom and JD discuss Vance's trip here to Philadelphia today, where Vance will address the economy in a speech from DiSorb Systems on Indiana Avenue, a company that produces waste management materials. JD delves into Kamala Harris's economic proposals, noting the close reflections to socialism propagated by the campaign. Then, Dom welcomes Dr. Ben Carson back onto the Dom Giordano Program to hear his thoughts on the launch of the Democratic National Convention, which will last through the week as Kamala and Walz solidify their platform. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

For the next three weeks on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, we'll celebrate the July birthday of the saxophonist and flutist James Spaulding, one of the greatest living legends of the Avenue jazz scene. Spaulding has performed with the greatest legends in jazz music, from Herbie Hancock to Louis Armstrong.  On this week's edition, we'll focus on Spaulding's work for the famous Blue Note label. Spaulding was featured on over 20 classic Blue Note albums, working with star bandleaders like Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter, Stanley Turrentine, Lee Morgan, Horace Silver, Grant Green, and many others.

Listen to the second episode in a two-part series exploring the complete recordings of Sonny Johnson, a legendary Indianapolis jazz drummer best known for his work with Wes Montgomery. Johnson played with many legends of Indiana Avenue, including the Hampton family, Jimmy Coe, Mel Rhyne, David Baker, Freddie Hubbard, and many more. Johnson also toured across the country as a drummer for the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, and recorded in New York City with Quincy Jones. On this week's episode, hear live recordings of Johnson performing in Indianapolis with Wes Montgomery.

For the next two weeks on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, listen to the complete recordings of Sonny Johnson, a legendary Indianapolis jazz drummer best known for his work with Wes Montgomery.  Johnson played with many legends of Indiana Avenue, including the Hampton family, Jimmy Coe, Mel Rhyne, David Baker, Freddie Hubbard, and many more. Johnson also toured across the country as a drummer for the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, and recorded in New York City with Quincy Jones. On this week's episode, hear Johnson's early recordings with the Art Farmer Septet.

Listen to the second episode in our two-part series exploring the music of the Indianapolis jazz drummer Larry Clark.  Clark will share his thoughts on the destruction of Indiana Avenue and discuss his unique archive of cassette tapes. The collection features never-before-heard live recordings of Clark's work with jazz greats including Floyd Smith, and James Moody.  Clark is a veteran of the Indianapolis jazz scene and he's performed with dozens of Avenue jazz legends, including the Hampton Sisters, David Baker, Pookie Johnson, Steve Weakley, and many more. Clark has also played with jazz stars outside the Indianapolis scene, like Groove Holmes, Rusty Bryant, and David “Fathead” Newman.  In 2005, Clark's work was honored by the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation, when he was inducted into the Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame. Clark remains active in the jazz scene today and currently serves as the president of the Indianapolis Musicians Union.

This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, listen to the first episode in our two-part series exploring the music of the Indianapolis jazz drummer Larry Clark.  Clark is a veteran of the Indianapolis jazz scene and he's performed with dozens of Avenue jazz legends, including the Hampton Sisters, David Baker, Pookie Johnson, Steve Weakley, and many more. Clark has also played with jazz stars outside the Indianapolis scene, like Groove Holmes, Rusty Bryant, and David “Fathead” Newman.  In 2005, Clark's work was honored by the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation, when he was inducted into the Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame. Clark remains active in the jazz scene today and currently serves as the president of the Indianapolis Musicians Union.  Join us for the next two weeks, as Clark shares his memories of working on the Avenue. We'll also listen to never-before-heard live recordings from Clark's personal collection, featuring his work with jazz greats including Floyd Smith, and James Moody.

This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, listen to a preview of the “Juneteenth Black Heritage Concert: Gospel and Blues – The Roots of it All”. It's happening on June 16th at Indiana Landmarks. Hear interviews with two of the concert's performers, Lester Johnson and Debbie Nelson — both have deep connections to the blues and the Indiana Avenue music scene. Bassist Lester Johnson is best known for his work with Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign. Johnson played some of his earliest gigs with the Indiana Avenue blues great Harvey Cook, and Johnson's uncle was the Indianapolis blues legend Guitar Pete Franklin. Debbie Nelson is known for her work as a blues vocalist. She started her career singing on Indiana Avenue during the 1960s, and was offered a chance to perform in B.B. King's band.

Saxophonist Alonzo “Pookie” Johnson is a legend of the Avenue jazz scene. Many local jazz fans consider Johnson one of the greatest saxophonists in Indianapolis history. Johnson was born in Indianapolis in October 1927. He began performing locally as a teenager in the 1940s. Johnson studied music at Crispus Attucks High School and the Jordan Conservatory. Johnson was a veteran of the Avenue club scene playing at legendary venues such as the Sky Club, George's Bar, The P&P Club, Henri's, the Golden West, Sunset Terrace, and the British Lounge. During his 60-plus year career, Johnson performed with the greatest jazz players in Naptown – including Slide Hampton, Jimmy Coe, Carl Perkins, Virgil Jones, David Baker, Errol Grandy, Freddie Hubbard, and more. But Johnson is best known for his long association with the Montgomery Brothers: Buddy, Monk, and Wes. Along with drummer Sonny Johnson,  they performed across Naptown as the Montgomery-Johnson Quintet. This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, we'll share music featuring Pookie Johnson's recordings with Wes Montgomery.

John W. Bubbles and Todd Duncan had deep roots on the Indiana Avenue scene, and both were featured in the original cast of George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess. Explore their lives and music on the latest episode of Echoes of Indiana Avenue.  John W. Bubbles was a streetwise song and dance man who became a star of the vaudeville stage as a young man on the Avenue. Bubbles created the role of Sportin' Life in Porgy and Bess.  Todd Duncan was a classically trained vocalist who studied at Butler University and broke racial barriers in the world of opera. Duncan was George Gershwin's original Porgy.

During the 20th Century, many African American musicians found greater interest and opportunity for their work in Europe. Some African American artists also found greater freedom in Europe, as they sought an escape from the Jim Crow racism of the United States.  This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, listen to music and interviews from Indianapolis musicians who lived and worked in Europe. including Slide Hampton, Paul Weeden, Charles Tyler, Claudia Polley, George Chandler and The Presidents.

The I Made Rock and Roll festival is coming to Downtown Indianapolis this month. I Made Rock and Roll honors Black artistry and authorship in rock music by celebrating Black rock musicians of the past and present.  Indiana Avenue played a significant role in the development of rock and roll. Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Fats Domino played their first Indiana concerts on the Avenue. The Avenue music scene also produced homegrown rock and roll stars, including Thurston Harris and Bobby Lewis.   Join us this week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue for a tribute to the Black rock and roll legends of Indianapolis, from the doo-wop sounds of The Counts, to the psychedelic funk of Ebony Rhythm Band.

This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, join us for the final episode in our three-part series celebrating the music of guitarist Steve Weakley, one of the greatest living legends of Indianapolis music, and a founding member of Funk Inc.  On this week's episode, Weakley will discuss his work in Lafayette, Indiana with artists including Tony Zamora, and the Sisters of Thunder. And he'll share his thoughts on the legacy of Indiana Avenue.

This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, join us for the second episode in our three-part series celebrating the music of guitarist Steve Weakley, one of the greatest living legends of Indianapolis music. This week's episode will focus on his work with the soul jazz band Funk Inc. Weakley was still a teenager when he joined the band around 1970. The music of Funk Inc. attained great popularity during the early '70s. Funk Inc. scored hits on both the jazz and R&B charts. Their 1973 album “Hangin' Out” appeared on Billboard's top 10 jazz albums chart.  Funk Inc. are also one of the most sampled bands in the history of rap music. Their 1971 recording of "Kool is Back" has been sampled over 500 times by artists including Jay-Z, Ice T, Yes, Sting, Aphex Twin, Beastie Boys, TLC and more.

This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, join us for the first episode in our three-part series celebrating the music of guitarist Steve Weakley, one of the greatest living legends of Indianapolis music.  Weakley grew up in the Indiana Avenue neighborhood and began playing in local clubs as a teenager. He's best known for his work with the soul jazz band Funk Inc. The music of Funk Inc. attained great popularity during the early '70s. Funk Inc. scored hits on both the jazz and R&B charts.  Funk Inc. are also one of the most sampled bands in the history of rap music. Their 1971 recording of "Kool is Back" has been sampled over 500 times by some of the most famous artists in hip-hop music. Outside of his work with Funk Inc., Weakley has recorded with artists including Billy Wooten, Rob Dixon, and Tony Zamora.

Earlier this year, the legendary Indianapolis jazz drummer and entrepreneur Albert Coleman died. He was 96 years old. During his career in music, Coleman played with legendary Avenue musicians, including Wes Montgomery, Leroy Vineggar and Jimmy Coe. But Coleman is best known for his work with The 3 Souls, a jazz trio he co-founded in the late 1950s.      This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, we'll celebrate the life of Albert Coleman with an hour of music from The 3 Souls.   Albert Coleman was born in Indianapolis in 1927. He graduated from Crispus Attucks High School and studied music at the Jordan Conservatory. In addition to his work in music, Coleman was also a celebrated entrepreneur. He owned a vending machine company, a car wash and the Cole-Smith Manor motel. But Coleman's best known business venture was Al's British Lounge, an Indiana Avenue nightclub Coleman took ownership of in 1969. The British Lounge has been called the last great jazz club on the Avenue. Coleman also gave back to his community. In 1978, Coleman and his wife Anna opened the Jacer Inn Family Retreat in Rochdale, Indiana. The Jacer Inn retreat offered a variety of health and social services to inner-city residents.

Although the heyday of the Indiana Avenue jazz music scene in Indianapolis has been explored frequently – including on Hoosier History Live shows – one aspect is seldom discussed. What happened to the lives of the musicians during the 1970s, '80s and '90s? Where did they perform after the Indiana Avenue nightclubs closed? Those are the questions we will explore when Nelson is joined by a well-known Indianapolis musician and producer who worked with, was influenced by and befriended many of the jazz notables who, earlier in their lives, had performed on "The Avenue". The heyday of the Indiana Avenue jazz scene generally is defined as stretching from the 1940s through the mid-1960s. Bill Myers, 58, who is best known as a bass player (although he has played several other musical instruments), began meeting former Indiana Avenue headliners as a 12-year-old. He eventually went on to play an array of gigs with everyone from the legendary Slide Hampton (1932-2021) to saxophonist Jimmy Coe (1921-2004). Bill Myers thinks he has the distinction of being the only male to ever play bass with the popular Hampton Sisters after one of them, Virtue Hampton, their bass player, suffered a stroke.

This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, learn about the life and music of Enoch “Sonny Boy” Williams, a rhythm & blues pianist and vocalist from Indianapolis.  Williams cut a series of popular R&B recordings for Decca Records during the early 1940s. He's best remembered for his 1943 single “Reverse the Charges”. That song was a minor hit for Williams and was covered by artists including Bud Powell and Etta Jones.  Williams was born in London, Kentucky in 1917, but he was raised in Indianapolis. Williams began performing in 1935. He appeared often at Avenue venues, including The Cotton Club, The Rhumboogie, and Sunset Terrace.

This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, learn about the history of Merging Traffic, an influential jazz fusion band that thrived in Indianapolis during the 1970s. Listen to interviews with Merging Traffic members Kenny Simms, George Benn, and Ricky Knox. Also, hear rare unreleased recordings from the group. Indianapolis music critics raved about Merging Traffic's sound, and audiences packed local venues to hear the band. By all appearances, Merging Traffic were destined for national success, but the band split apart during the early 1980s. Merging Traffic will be reuniting for one night only at the Jazz Kitchen on April 10th.

This week on Cultural Manifesto, listen to an interview with the Indianapolis jazz saxophonist Rob Dixon. He'll discuss Salon Noir, a public conversation focused on the jazz history of Indiana Avenue as it relates to the present and future state of Black creative production in Indiana.  Dixon will be joined on Cultural Manifesto by the award-winning poet and educator Lasana Kazembe, jazz musician and educator Oliver Nelson Jr., and Robert Montgomery, the youngest son of jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery.  Salon Noir is part of Dixon's artist residency with the Center for Africana Studies & Culture at IUPUI.

This week on Cultural Manifesto, listen to an interview with the Indianapolis jazz saxophonist Rob Dixon. He'll discuss Salon Noir, a public conversation focused on the jazz history of Indiana Avenue as it relates to the present and future state of Black creative production in Indiana.  Dixon will be joined on Cultural Manifesto by the award-winning poet and educator Lasana Kazembe, jazz musician and educator Oliver Nelson Jr., and Robert Montgomery, the youngest son of jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery.  Salon Noir is part of Dixon's artist residency with the Center for Africana Studies & Culture at IUPUI.

The Gary, Indiana music legend Donald Kinsey passed away earlier this month at the age of 70. Here in Indiana, Kinsey is best known for his work in blues music. This week on Cultural Manifesto we'll explore Kinsey's connection to reggae music icon Bob Marley. Kinsey toured with Marley during the late 1970s and performed on Marley's1976 album “Rastaman Vibration”. Also, listen to an interview with the Indianapolis jazz trombonist Andrew Danforth. His debut album “Homegrown” explores themes related to the historic Indiana Avenue music scene. Plus, catch up with Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, he was back in his hometown last week to support music education at Indianapolis Public Schools.

he Gary, Indiana music legend Donald Kinsey passed away earlier this month at the age of 70. Here in Indiana, Kinsey is best known for his work in blues music. This week on Cultural Manifesto we'll explore Kinsey's connection to reggae music icon Bob Marley. Kinsey toured with Marley during the late 1970s and performed on Marley's1976 album “Rastaman Vibration”. Also, listen to an interview with the Indianapolis jazz trombonist Andrew Danforth. His debut album “Homegrown” explores themes related to the historic Indiana Avenue music scene. Plus, catch up with Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, he was back in his hometown last week to support music education at Indianapolis Public Schools.