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The Ink Spots' influence on rock and roll
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The Ink Spots' influence on rock and roll
January 28, 2024

Explore the Ink Spots’ influence on rock and roll. The only Indianapolis act to be inducted into the Rock and Hall of Fame, the Ink Spots remain one of the most influential acts to emerge from the Avenue.

Les McCann and Leroy Vinnegar
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Les McCann and Leroy Vinnegar
January 21, 2024

We’re celebrating the life and music of Les McCann by listening to his work with the Indianapolis bass player Leroy Vinnegar.

Best of 2023 - Part 2
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Best of 2023 - Part 2
January 14, 2024

Part two of our look back at some of our favorite music and interviews of 2023. Indianapolis music legends Rodney Stepp and Allen “Turk” Burke will discuss their work with The Spinners, and R&B vocalist Debbie Nelson will share her memories of growing up on the Avenue.

Best of 2023 - Part 1
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Best of 2023 - Part 1
January 7, 2024

This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue we’ll look back at some of our favorite music and interviews of 2023. Tune in for words and music from Phil Ranelin, George Chandler, Claudia Polley, and more.

New Year's Eve Dance Party
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New Year's Eve Dance Party
December 31, 2023

It's a New Year’s Eve dance party on Echoes of Indiana Avenue with classic dance music from Naptown funk and soul artists. We’ll also revisit local dance crazes like the “Hum-Bug” and “Funky 16 Corners.”

Christmas at the Pink Poodle
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Christmas at the Pink Poodle
December 24, 2023

This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue we’ll celebrate Christmas at the Pink Poodle, a legendary Avenue nightclub. The club featured the biggest stars in jazz, comedy, and R&B music – including Aretha Franklin, Redd Foxx, Moms Mabley, Max Roach, Etta James, and many others.

Midnight Christmas Shows at the Walker
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Midnight Christmas Shows at the Walker
December 17, 2023

This week on Echoes of Avenue learn about the history of Indianapolis Recorder’s midnight Christmas benefit concerts at the Walker Theatre.

The Avenue promoter Matthew Dickerson
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The Avenue promoter Matthew Dickerson
December 10, 2023

A tribute to Matthew Dickerson, an influential music promoter who lived and worked in the Avenue neighborhood. During his long career, Dickerson brought the biggest stars in jazz and R&B music to Naptown — including Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Fats Waller, James Brown, and many more.

George Chandler - from Haughville to London
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George Chandler - from Haughville to London
December 3, 2023

Vocalist George Chandler shares his memories of performing in Haughville and his rise to fame in Europe.

The Spinners' Naptown Connection - Part 2
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The Spinners' Naptown Connection - Part 2
November 26, 2023

Allen “Turk” Burke and Rodney Stepp share music from an unreleased Spinners’ album Stepp and Turk produced in Indianapolis. And Stepp will recall performing with The Spinners at Muhammad Ali’s legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire, Africa.

The Spinners' Naptown Connection - Part 1
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The Spinners' Naptown Connection - Part 1
November 19, 2023

Rodney Stepp and Allen “Turk” Burke share their memories of performing with the Spinners and discuss the Indianapolis musicians who contributed to the group’s legacy.

The Music of Russell Webster - Part 2
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The Music of Russell Webster - Part 2
November 12, 2023

The final episode in our two-part series exploring the music of the late Russell Webster – a legendary Indianapolis saxophonist and composer. We’ll hear from musicians he influenced, including Steve Allee and Justin S. Kinchen.

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