Indianapolis Jazz Foundation

The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation is a 501 c(3) founded in 1996 to preserve the legacy and promote the future of jazz in Indianapolis. The Premier event, Indy Jazz Fest , is an annual jazz festival presented by the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation and our partners. This community-wide festival celebrates Indianapolis’ rich jazz legacy. Native jazz icons such as Cole Porter, Hoagy Carmichael, Wes Montgomery , J. J. Johnson , Slide Hampton , and Freddie Hubbard helped shape Indianapolis’ musical landscape. Their efforts were enriched by music venues and clubs on Indiana Avenue and throughout the city, cultivating a “scene” that significantly influenced this uniquely American music genre. At the festival and other events throughout the year, audiences experience Indianapolis’ inspiring jazz heritage through modern-day world-class music, workshops, panel discussions and social experiences.