Kyle Long

Hear a conversation with members of Software, a feminist synth-rock band that broke barriers for women and LGBTQ+ musicians in 1980s Indianapolis. Software performed at iconic venues including The Vogue and The Hummingbird. The band also played at Labyris, a feminist bar in downtown Indianapolis that served as a safe space for the city’s lesbian community. A new anthology of Software’s music, Haven’t You Had Enough, will be released on Record Store Day.

Join guest host Rodney Stepp for the final episode in our two-part series celebrating the music of the late drummer Jozell Carter. On this week’s show, we focus on Carter’s work in the Naptown jazz scene, featuring performances with Billy Wooten, Steve Weakley, Jonathan Wood, and the Small Talk Quintet.

Earlier this year, the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation announced its 2026 inductees for the Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame, including the late drummer Jozell Carter — a pioneering force in soul jazz music known for his bold, powerful sound. For the next two weeks, join guest host Rodney Stepp as we explore Carter’s music and legacy. This week’s program spotlights his recordings with vibraphonist Johnny Lytle.

Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with music from the Indianapolis bassist Herman “Trigger” Alpert. Born in Indianapolis in 1916 to Russian Jewish immigrants, Alpert rose to national prominence in the golden age of big band jazz. Despite his remarkable contributions to American music, Alpert remains largely overlooked in his hometown — an unsung figure whose legacy deserves greater recognition in Indianapolis jazz history.

Cultural Manifesto producer Kyle Long recently uncovered a collection of lost tapes featuring Indianapolis jazz legend Steve Allee performing live in local clubs in the 1970s — recordings Allee didn’t even know existed. Many of the tapes document his work with the Von Ohlen/Carter Big Band, a long-running Indianapolis ensemble co-led by drummer John Von Ohlen and saxophonist Chuck Carter. Hear excerpts from these rare recordings, along with Allee’s reaction.

Guest host Rodney Stepp pays tribute to John Terrell, founder of KnapTown Records. His label created opportunities for young local musicians, including Stepp. In 1970, his group, Jazzie Cazzie and the Eight Sounds, released a single with them. Hear rare recordings from the KnapTown catalog and conversations with the artists behind it, including The Sentimentals.

Bob Dylan turns 85 this May — and he’s still on the road. Hear how Dylan’s musical career has been influenced by the legendary Indianapolis blues duo, Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell.

Celebrate Women’s History Month with guest host Debbie Nelson, featuring music from the legendary blues women of Naptown. Blues was one of the most popular forms of entertainment on Indiana Avenue, and some of the earliest recordings in the genre were made by women.

The Avenue was home to many legendary girl groups. Join guest host Debbie Nelson as we celebrate Women’s History Month with a tribute to these groups, featuring the Pearls, the Indys, the Stovall Singers, the Chordelles, Joy Upton, Josephine Cheatham, Ethel McCane, and Pam Tanner.

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of John Coltrane, one of the most influential musicians in jazz history. Join guest host Rodney Stepp as we celebrate Coltrane’s centennial by exploring his connections to Indiana Avenue.