APA Indy Jazz Fest & more

After much anticipation, the American Pianists Association took the wraps off last Wednesday and answered the fans of the Indy Jazz Fest presented by Kroger’s big question: What’s this year’s lineup? The sixth edition of Indy Jazz Fest returns to its original three-day formula downtown at Military Park. It’s the festival’s most diverse lineup on three stages with some new wrinkles, as follows.

Mina Keohane’s Group will perform at the Chatterbox Friday, April 23.

Jazz Heritage Stage (June 18)

Buselli Wallarab Jazz Orchestra, Latin Jazz Night, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra directed by Arturo O’Farrill, Pancho Sanchez Band

Blues and Roots Stage (June 18)

Sindacato, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, Buddy Guy, Isaac Hayes

Jazz Central Tent (June 18)

Benito DiBartoli & The Black Voodoo Band, Rodney Step & BSB, Monika Herzig & A Tribute to Women in Jazz, Larry Calland & Conga Jazz

Jazz Heritage Stage (June 19)

Noteman Jazz Combo, Cynthia Layne, APA Cole Porter Fellow Winner TBA May 8, Brad Mehldau Trio, The John Scofield “Real Jazz” Trio, Seven Pleasures, Nancy Wilson & Ramsey Lewis, Simple Pleasures

Blues & Roots Stage (June 19)

Middletown, Otis Gibbs, Solomon Burke, Patti LaBelle

Jazz Central Tent (June 19)

Cathy Morris, On Cue, Jeff DeHerdt Group, Jay Majors & Hookup, Mina Keohane
Latin Night: Ipanema, Puerto Rican Group, Vallenato, Diego del Rio, DJ Elkin Zuluaga

Jazz Heritage Stage (June 20)

Minister Stanley Daniels & Company, Y-Zone Gospel Choir, Lamar Campbell & Spirit of Praise, Jimmy Coe Tribute, The Blind Boys of Alabama

Jazz Central Tent (June 20)

No Regrets, Hot Club of Naptown, Neapolitan, Gregg Bacon, EN2

Tickets are now on sale at all Central Indiana Kroger stores, online at www.indyjazzfest.net, the Jazz Kitchen, the Indianapolis Artsgarden or by calling 1-800-344-3639. In advance, a three-day festival pass is $35 and will not be available at the festival. Single advance tickets per person are $15 per day. Starting June 18, per person single tickets are $25 per day. Sunday’s gate price is $15 per person. Children under 14 are admitted free.

No Indy jazz legend has worn more hats than David Baker. Musician, composer, director of Indiana University’s jazz studies, president of the prestigious International Association of Jazz Educators and author of numerous texts on music are just a few of his accomplishments. The Buselli Wallarab Jazz Orchestra will pay tribute to the vast jazz career of David Baker by performing his jazz orchestral compositions Sunday, April 25 at the Indiana Historical Society Theater with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. and an evening concert at 7 p.m. Mark Buselli, education director, will direct the BWJO High School All State Jazz Big Band to open each concert. The 2 p.m. matinee tickets are $15 for adults, students and seniors $10. The 7 p.m. concert tickets are $20 adults, $15 students and seniors.

Downtown

At the Chatterbox, 435 Mass. Ave., Friday, April 23, Mina Keohane’s Group brings in exciting original tunes. Saturday, April 24 the always fun party jazz of Cathy Morris returns. Shows both nights run 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Jazz on the Avenue, 617 Indiana Ave. in the fourth floor ballroom of the Madame Walker Theatre Center, showcases the dynamic R&B vocalist Lonnie Lester Friday, April 23 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, 45 S. Illinois St., “Sizzling Steaks & Jazz Sunday” welcomes vocalist Wendy Reed & The Ken Fary Trio April 25 performing 7 to 10 p.m.

Northside

At the Jazz Kitchen, 54th Street and College Avenue, jazz, rock and R&B legend B-3 organist Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express plays shows at 8:30 and 10 p.m. Friday, April 23. The nationally acclaimed Hilton Ruiz Trio brings his Latin jazz piano style in Saturday, April 24 for shows at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m.

At United States of Mind, 291 W. 40th St., master cellist Erik Friedlander, who has played with the likes of John Zorn and Masada, will play along with hip-hop and bass producer Smaze and vocalist Sarah Graub at 8 p.m. All ages.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse, 3316 E. 86th St., Keystone at the Crossing, will present Steve Corn, piano, and Joe Deal, bass, playing Friday, April 23 from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. Claude Sifferlen takes over piano with Joe Deal on bass Saturday, April 24 from 5 to 11 p.m.

Chuck Workman is the producer/host of the Sunday Morning Jazz Show at 107.9 WTPI.