Kyle Long

Explore the life and music of Winston Walls, one of the most remarkable Hammond B-3 organists to emerge from the golden age of soul jazz. He appeared often in the Avenue neighborhood — playing gigs at The Queen of Clubs, The West End, and Walker Theatre. We'll share never-before-heard performances by Walls, recorded live in Indianapolis.

Kyle Long previews Indy Jazz Fest with two dynamic drummers and percussionists. Sheila E. discusses her roots in jazz and Latin music, and the musical family that shaped her career. And Nikki Glaspie talks about the gospel, funk, punk, and metal influences behind her drumming, her years touring with Beyoncé, and the lessons she’s learned from the legendary musicians like Maceo Parker and Chaka Khan.

Join host Rodney Stepp for music from Les "Bear" Taylor, featuring his work with Ella Fitzgerald, Bill Doggett, Floyd Smith, Mel Rhyne, Larry Clark, Bill Myers, and more. Taylor was a towering presence on the Indiana Avenue music scene — a big man with a big sound, and one of the most respected baritone sax players to come out of Naptown.

Indianapolis comedian, poet, author and victim advocate Claressa Patton, better known as Clara D, has made laughter an important part of her life and work. Patton talks with Kyle Long about her journey into comedy, her work as a victim advocate, and the role laughter has played in her own healing. She also discusses her book Healing in Pieces and her efforts to help others navigate grief and loss.

Kyle Long speaks with Colin Blunstone, vocalist for the legendary British rock band The Zombies. Blunstone discusses his acclaimed 1971 solo debut, One Year, and his new live recording, One Year and More (Live from Union Chapel). He also talks about the recently released Zombies documentary, Hung Up on a Dream.

Before he became a celebrated figure in Philadelphia’s jazz scene, drummer Edgar Bateman spent part of the 1950s playing alongside legendary musicians in Naptown, including Jimmy Coe, Mel Rhyne and Pookie Johnson. Join host Rodney Stepp for music featuring Edgar Bateman — from his Indianapolis years to his collaborations with some of modern jazz’s most influential musicians.

Celebrate the music and remarkable career of Dawn Hampton. A member of Indianapolis’ legendary Hampton Family Band, Dawn was a gifted singer, saxophonist, dancer and jazz whistler who grew up in the Indiana Avenue neighborhood. Join host Rodney Stepp as we share rare recordings spanning her career.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Secretly Canadian, the Bloomington, Indiana record label that grew from a small DIY operation into one of the largest and most respected independent music companies in the world. Secretly is celebrating with three nights of concerts in Bloomington featuring artists from across the label’s history and current roster. Kyle Long speaks with two of Secretly Canadian’s four founders, Eric Weddle and Ben Swanson.

On August 29, Chreece returns to Indianapolis, bringing more than 70 artists, DJs and producers to eight venues in the Fountain Square neighborhood. Founded in 2015 by Indianapolis rapper, producer and community organizer Oreo Jones, Chreece has become a major showcase for the city’s hip-hop culture. Listen to Kyle Long’s interview with Jones about this year’s event.

Celebrate the 90th anniversary of the birth of the late Fort Wayne, Indiana jazz pianist Jack Wilson. During the 1960s, Wilson released acclaimed albums for labels including Atlantic Records and Blue Note and recorded with iconic names in American music. Join host Rodney Stepp for music spotlighting Wilson’s work with the jazz masters of Indiana Avenue.