Indy Jazz Fest will open with free concert at the University of Indianapolis

Celebrating the local jazz and arts scene, the 17th annual Indy Jazz Fest will get underway Sept. 10 with a free performance by the Indy Jazz Fest Band at 7 p.m. at the University of Indianapolis.

The festival continues Sept. 11 with Dr. Lonnie Smith taking the stage at 7:30 and 10 p.m. at The Jazz Kitchen.

Several groups will perform at the Indianapolis Museum of Art from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sept. 12. The evening will feature Four80East performing two shows at The Jazz Kitchen and Grammy Award winner Take 6 at the Madame Walker Theatre.
Some of the other shows will feature:

• Musica de Las Americas and Pavel & Direct Contact, 2 p.m. Sept. 13 at Marian University.
• Cathy Morris (free) 3 p.m. Sept. 13 at The Indianapolis Central Library.
• Pharez Whitted, 7 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Indiana Landmarks Center.
• Paul Beaubrun with the Haitian Second Line Roots Band, 7 p.m. Sept. 13, Jazz Kitchen.
• Grammy winner Diane Reeves, 8 p.m. Sept. 15, Madame Walker Theatre. 
• Jared Thompson & Premium Blend (free), Sept. 15, Sun King Brewing.
• Joel Tucker Band, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 16, Flat 12 Bierworks.
• Bobby Watson, 7 p.m. Sept. 16, Jazz Kitchen.
• Matt Pivec (free), 7 p.m. Sept. 17, Butler University.
• Davina & the Vagabonds, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17, the Apparatus.
• Sullivan Fortner Quartet, 7 p.m. Sept. 18, Jazz Kitchen.
• Jonathan Butler, 8 p.m. Sept. 18, Madame Walker Theatre.
• Block party, 3:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Sept. 19, at Jazz Kitchen and Yats; bands include Sizzlin’ Gregg Bacon, Tucker Brothers, Jared Thompson, Sophie Faught, Brenda Williams, Steve Allee and Sweater Vest.
A full line-up with ticket information is available at indyjazzfest.net.