What a Time!
Photo by: Angelo Martinez
On September 28, jazz lovers from central Indiana and beyond streamed into a crowded Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park for the Grand Finale of the Citizens Energy Group Indy Jazz Fest. There was excitement in the air as the audience got ready to hear superstar Chaka Khan, funky master bassist Marcus Miller, smooth singer Michael Franks, and Indianapolis’ own jazz piano legend Steve Allee.
The rainy weather didn’t stop the upbeat energy in Everwise Amphitheater. Audience members put on their raincoats and grabbed their umbrellas, filling the seats of the pavilion as they settled in for the first performance – Steve Allee & the Magic Hour Band.
Photo by: Angelo Martinez
Steve and the band went on at 4 p.m., and featured Rob Dixon on saxophone, Marlin McKay on trumpet, Richard “Sleepy” Floyd on drums, Jon Wood on bass, and Shawn McGowan on keys. They delivered a masterful performance that showcased some of the best of Indianapolis’ jazz scene.
Photo by: Angelo Martinez
Following Steve was Michael Franks, known as the leader of the quiet storm movement. Frank's smooth voice serenaded the crowd, many reminiscing to his hits such as “Popsicle Toes, "Antonio's Song,” and “The Lady Wants to Know.”
Photo by: Angelo Martinez
The third act of the grand finale was Marcus Miller, deemed as one of the most significant jazz bassists of his generation. Mixing funk, R&B, fusion, and soul, Miller’s performance brought funky rhythms and pure jazz improvisation that rang out through the crowd. Miller’s performance was brilliant and a true reflection of his success as a bassist, arranger, and composer.
After Miller the anticipation in the crowd heightened as people prepared for Chaka Khan to step onto stage. Some sported merch that read “Chaka Khan” with her face featured across the front, and some had shirts with a lipstick kiss mark – her signature logo.
Photo by: Angelo Martinez
At 9:15 p.m., Chaka Khan stepped onto stage to meet the cheering crowd. Chaka played all her classics, showcasing her powerful voice and her onstage charisma.
The "Sunset Series: All Around Town" showcased versatility, skill, and creativity. Both venues, The Jazz Kitchen and The Cabaret, were filled each night, with the audience dancing along, laughing, and being swept away by the jazz that filled the room.
The series began with Kandace Springs, who brought her powerful voice and exquisite piano playing to the stage, and concluded with MonoNeon, a remarkable bass player with energy and innovation in his performances that was undeterred by a power outage caused by the inclement weather.
Indy Jazz Fest 2024 is leaving behind a trail of unforgettable performances and remarkable musical moments. This year’s festival brought together a thrilling blend of local standouts, national jazz icons, and boundary-pushing artists in 12 days of unbeatable jazz, funk, and R&B. Thank you to the many sponsors of Indy Jazz Fest for making this stellar event possible and thank you for attending and supporting Indy Jazz Fest all the way through - making it another special edition of the growing festival. From legendary headliners to rising stars, this festival once again solidified Indianapolis’ place on the jazz map.
