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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.

This is our third and final installment of our centennial celebration of Miles Davis. May 26 marks the 100th anniversary of his birth. Join Rodney Stepp as we spotlight the music of Carl Perkins, one of the most important jazz pianists to emerge from Indiana Avenue, and one of Miles Davis' favorite pianists.

This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, we’ll continue our centennial celebration of Miles Davis — May 26 marks the 100th anniversary of his birth. He influenced musicians around the world, including two of Naptown’s most iconic jazz stars: guitarist Wes Montgomery and trumpeter Freddie Hubbard. Join us for songs featuring Montgomery and Hubbard performing the music of Miles Davis.

For over 30 years, Rusty Redenbacher has been a fixture of the Indianapolis music scene, performing as a vocalist with rock and hip-hop groups including The Mudkids, Birdmen of Alcatraz, and The Last IV. He joins Kyle Long to discuss his history in music, including battling Eminem at Scribble Jam in 1997, and his latest project, Rusty Redenbacher is Nasty Slim, which expands his skill set to producing beats.

Asian American musicians are shaping Indiana's sound — and this week, Cultural Manifesto celebrates AANHPI Heritage Month with music that proves it. Hear from Indiana artists with roots in Afghanistan, Vietnam, China, India, Myanmar, and beyond.

Join guest host Rodney Stepp as we explore the history of Words of Wisdom, a popular Naptown soul group of the early 1970s. They released two singles, including a 1973 record on Lamp Records and a 1976 recording for IX Chains. We’ll share interviews with members of the group and their manager, Rickie Clark, and examine the contributions of songwriter Charles “Moose” Amos.

In 1968, a group of young Indianapolis broadcasters made history — they built their own radio station from scratch, without a license, and dared the FCC to stop them. For four years, Radio Free Naptown brought underground music to the city, from Captain Beefheart to Gil Scott-Heron, broadcasting from makeshift locations that at one point even included a horse pasture. They didn’t call it pirate radio; they called it bootleg. Co-founders Steve Everitt and Don Worsham tell the inside story of Radio Free Naptown.

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.

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.

Join host Rodney Stepp as we explore “The Lost Sessions,” a new release from one of Naptown's most historic funk bands: Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign. These newly recovered recordings capture the band at a pivotal moment and document a sound in transition, as they added a jazzier edge to its trademark funk style. We’ll be joined by the group’s co-founder and bassist, Lester Johnson.