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Celebrate Women’s History Month with music featuring the early blues women of Naptown during the 1920s and ‘30s.

Explore a new album from the Steve Allee Big Band, titled Naptown Sound. The project pays tribute to the musicians, teachers, mentors, history, and places that contributed to the development of the Naptown sound.

The legendary jazz musician Roy Ayers passed away earlier this year. Born in Los Angeles, California in 1940, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in jazz, funk, and soul music. On this episode, listen to music featuring Ayers’ work with Naptown musicians.

Listen to a conversation with the vocalist and actor Micky Dolenz, best known for his work with The Monkees. Also hear an interview with jazz guitarist Charlie Ballantine, who has built an impressive discography of releases, featuring a unique mix of indie music, Americana and straight jazz.

Celebrate the birthday of iconic jazz trumpet player, Freddie Hubbard, born in Indianapolis in 1938. Hubbard’s technical mastery of the trumpet earned widespread critical acclaim, and his influence extends beyond jazz, shaping hip-hop as well. His recordings have been sampled by some of rap’s most respected artists, including A Tribe Called Quest, Raekwon, Common, J Dilla, and MF DOOM.

Listen to an interview with Indianapolis-based saxophonist, bandleader, composer, and educator Sean Imboden. He’s the director of the Sean Imboden Large Ensemble, a 17-piece modern jazz big band, issuing their debut recording this month.

During the mid-20th Century, social clubs played a large role in the Black music scene of Indianapolis, hosting major concerts and dances across the city. One of the earliest to make an impact was The Bohemian Club. Celebrate its history by listening to music from artists who performed at their events.

Listen to an interview with Todd Rundgren, a pioneering musician, songwriter, and producer known for his eclectic style and innovative approach to technology in music. Also, hear an interview with Nnenna Freelon, a prolific jazz vocalist, whose career spans over three decades. Both artists have performances in Indianapolis on April 18, 2025.

WFYI recently hosted a screening of the new PBS documentary WE WANT THE FUNK! at the Kan-Kan Cinema. The film explores the history of funk music, from its early jazz roots to its rise into popular culture. Before the screening, WFYI’s Kyle Long moderated a panel discussion. Listen to excerpts from that conversation and music from legendary Indianapolis funk bands.

Listen to an interview about Kate Lamont’s latest project, a remastered reissue of her self-titled 2013 album, which is produced by prolific Indianapolis drummer Devon Ashley. Also, listen to a new episode of Finding Etheridge with Mat Davis. His guest is Indianapolis poet, artist and dancer Mijiza Holiday.