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Thursday, March 28, 2024

CBLC presents A Living Jazz Story of Indiana Avenue

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During the 1930s and ‘40s, Indiana Avenuewas the place to be if you were Black in Indianapolis. The community was home to successful businesses and a music scene that launched some of the biggest names in jazz — Wes Montgomery, Freddie Hubbard and J.J. Johnson to name a few. 

At 1 p.m. April 7 at Central Library, Hoosiers can relive the golden days of the Avenue, as it’s also known by locals, once more. The musical production “A Living Jazz Story of Indiana Avenue” offers a chance to experience the story of the historic neighborhood through music.

“Unfortunately, because of gentrification in the area, we have lost a lot of the glitter of the Avenue,” said Nichelle M. Hayes, curator of the Center for Black Literature and Culture at Central Library. “We still have the Madame Walker Theatre, and now we have the Urban League, but that’s all that remains of that rich heritage. For a lot of people this will be their first glance of this thriving area of (Black) businesses and homes.”  

Vickie Daniel, musical curator and writer of the production, grew up on the Avenue. She feels the tight-knit community helped Black people realize their greatness. 

“They were doctors, a laundromat was there, and they had their own cabs,” said Daniel. “My mother, Juanita Jones, had a beauty and hairweaving salon, and she even advertised in the Recorder. She told me that we live in the ‘hood but the ‘hood doesn’t live in us. We have always been people who have created a way out of no way.”

The event will honor musicians from the Avenue’s heyday. Visuals of Indiana Avenue will be on display throughout the performance. A community discussion with local jazz legends will commence after attendees get their fill of lively music. 

Daniel hopes the event inspires the next generation to reach for greatness in every area of life. 

“To be strengthened by this history is to not be limited by anyone’s definition of you, or your own definition of yourself,” said Daniel. “Step outside and remember the stories of these people who had businesses and raised families. These are spaces we created our beauty in, and this story is historic.”

 

Contact reporter Keshia McEntire at 317-762-7853. Follow her on Twitter @Keshiamc12.

 

A Living Jazz Story of Indiana Avenue

April 7 at Central Library Auditorium

-1-2:45 p.m. — Live jazz 

-3–4 p.m.  — Interviews with Jazz Legends, performing musicians, writers and photographers

Child friendly, free and open to the public

 

Live Jazz performance: Vickie Daniel and Friends

-Featured Photographers: John Hurst, Mwangi Murrell, Carl Hines and Clifford Ratliff

 

-Featured Writers: Musical His/HerStorians, David Williams, Aleta Hodge and Thomas Ridley

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