Indianapolis and Indiana Avenue is well known for producing some of the finest jazz musicians in history, including Pookie Johnson, Jimmy Coe, the Montgomery brothers, J.J. Johnson, Freddie Hubbard, Slide Hampton, Russell Webster, David Baker, and David Young, not to mention countless others. These musicians have left a wonderful legacy of music to the fans of jazz around the world.

On Sunday, June 1st, 2008 at 10:30 a.m., in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the landmark Harlem 1958 photograph, we'll pay homage to all Indiana jazz musicians, with a group photograph to be taken by photographer Mark Sheldon. This event will take place outside, on the north steps of the Indiana Historical Society (map). If you're an Indiana jazz musician (past or present) and would like to participate in this event, sign up here.

In addition, a limited-editon poster of the photograph will be sold, with proceeds going to the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation. The foundation’s goal is to promote the understanding and appreciation of jazz and its heritage, provide leadership for educational outreach programs and assist teachers and practitioners with information and resources while taking an active part in organizing clinics and symposia at local and regional levels.

Later that evening, please join us at The Jazz Kitchen for Ralph Adam's "Lifetime Achievement Awards" to be presented to several of Indy's finest musicians. This year’s recipients are vocalists Everett Green, Mary Moss & Hazel Johnson Strong along with pianists Claude Sifferlen & Steve Allee. There will be two shows featuring many of the musicians who participated in the photo shoot. The evening performances begin at 6:00 p.m.

Special thanks to all those who gave their time and talents on this project, as it would not have been possible without them. For further information, you can contact us.