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The history of Rodney Stepp’s legendary Naptown funk band Rapture – Part 2 
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The history of Rodney Stepp’s legendary Naptown funk band Rapture – Part 2 
August 17, 2025

Listen to the final episode in our two-part series exploring the music of Rapture, a legendary Indianapolis funk band led by keyboardist Rodney Stepp in the late 1970s. Hear interviews with Rapture’s Rodney Stepp, Lonnie Williams and Greg Russell. Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds will also share his memories--his band Manchild was one of Rapture’s biggest rivals

The history of Rodney Stepp’s legendary Naptown funk band Rapture – Part 1
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The history of Rodney Stepp’s legendary Naptown funk band Rapture – Part 1
August 10, 2025

The keyboardist and bandleader Rodney Stepp is among the greatest living legends of the Avenue neighborhood. For the next two weeks, listen to an interview with Rodney as he shares the history of his band Rapture, which was a dominating force in the 1970s Indianapolis club scene.

The music of Naptown blues pianist Honey Hill – Part 3
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The music of Naptown blues pianist Honey Hill – Part 3
August 3, 2025

Listen to the final episode in our three-part series exploring the music of Gilbert “Honey” Hill, an important Indianapolis blues pianist. This edition focuses on Hill’s final classic blues recordings with Little Bill Gaither.

The music of Naptown blues pianist Honey Hill – Part 2
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The music of Naptown blues pianist Honey Hill – Part 2
July 27, 2025

The second episode in our three-part series exploring the music of Gilbert “Honey” Hill, an important Indianapolis blues pianist. We’ll focus on Hill’s work with the blues star Bumble Bee Slim. They cut over 25 songs together for Decca Records during the summer of 1936.

The music of Naptown blues pianist Honey Hill
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The music of Naptown blues pianist Honey Hill
July 20, 2025

For the next three weeks on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, learn about the music of Gilbert “Honey” Hill, an Indianapolis blues pianist. On this week’s episode, listen to Hill’s early recordings with Little Bill Gaither.

Remembering the vocalist and teacher Lexie Webster
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Remembering the vocalist and teacher Lexie Webster
July 13, 2025

Celebrate the life of the Indianapolis teacher and vocalist Lexie Webster, who passed away on June 24, 2025, at the age of 96. She was also the widow of the acclaimed Indianapolis jazz saxophonist Russell Webster. Hear excerpts from Kyle Long’s 2023 interview with Lexie and her daughter, Bonita Webster-Coleman, along with classic recordings from Russell Webster.

The music of Indiana jazz trumpeter Reunald Jones – Part 3
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The music of Indiana jazz trumpeter Reunald Jones – Part 3
July 6, 2025

Listen to the final episode in our three-part series exploring the music of Reunald Jones, a legendary Indiana trumpet player with deep connections to the Avenue scene. Hear music featuring Jones’ work with Duke Ellington, Sonny Rollins, Dinah Washington, Quincy Jones, Nat King Cole and more.

The music of Indiana jazz trumpeter Reunald Jones – Part 2
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The music of Indiana jazz trumpeter Reunald Jones – Part 2
June 29, 2025

Listen to the second episode in our three-part series exploring the music of Reunald Jones, a legendary Indiana trumpet player with deep connections to the Avenue scene. During his remarkable career, Jones was best known for his work with Count Basie from 1952 to 1957. During that time, he led the band’s trumpet section, and he became known for playing the trumpet with one hand.

The music of Indiana jazz trumpeter Reunald Jones – Part 1
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The music of Indiana jazz trumpeter Reunald Jones – Part 1
June 22, 2025

Listen to the first episode in our three-part series exploring the music of Reunald Jones, an important jazz trumpet player with deep connections to the Avenue neighborhood. In this show, we’ll hear Jones’ early recordings with Mezz Mezzrow, Lil Hardin, Don Redman, Jimmie Lunceford and more.

The musical legacy of the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA
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The musical legacy of the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA
June 15, 2025

In April of 2025, a new Indiana state historical marker was placed in the Indiana Avenue neighborhood honoring the history of the Phillis Wheatley YWCA. During the era of segregation, it was a crucial institution for Black women in Indianapolis, providing a safe space for community, education, and advocacy, and was one of the neighborhood’s premier classical music venues. Listen to rare recordings from artists who performed there in this episode.

Exploring the history of female impersonators on the Avenue
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Exploring the history of female impersonators on the Avenue
June 8, 2025

Celebrate Pride month by looking back at the history of female impersonators and drag queens on the Avenue. Listen to rare recordings featuring the work of female impersonators connected to the Avenue scene, along with interviews featuring Avenue artists who worked alongside them.

Remembering Naptown funk musician DeMorris “DeGe” Smith
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Remembering Naptown funk musician DeMorris “DeGe” Smith
June 1, 2025

In May of 2025, the Indianapolis keyboardist DeMorris “DeGe” Smith passed away. Smith was a beloved figure in the Naptown funk scene, known for his soulful keyboard work and his dedication to the local music community. Join us as we pay tribute to Smith with music featuring his work as a funk keyboardist.

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