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Listen to an interview with the vocalist and actor Akili Ni Mali, one of four featured artists at Art & Soul, the Indy Arts Council’s annual celebration of Black artists in Central Indiana. Plus, hear a 2023 interview with neo soul vocalist Brandon Lott. Brandon is also a featured artist at Art & Soul 2025.

Celebrate Women’s History Month as we look back at Hazel Johnson’s Women in Jazz festival. It ran from 1986 to 1991 at the Madam Walker Theatre and featured many important women from the Indianapolis jazz scene. Listen to music from artists who performed there, including never-before-heard live recordings of Hazel Johnson.

Learn about the legendary Avenue jazz drummer and entrepreneur Al Coleman, who passed away in February 2024. Hear interviews with his brother, organist Phil Coleman, and his friend and bandmate, guitarist Steve Weakley.

Listen to 2024 conversations with Carlos Santana, Omar Apollo, Babyface, Lakecia Benjamin, Zakir Hussain, Indianapolis jazz legend Phil Ranelin, Indiana reggae pioneers Reggaenomix, and David McDonald, author of the book “My Voice is my Weapon: Music, Nationalism, and the Poetics of Palestinian Resistance”.

Explore the life and music of saxophonist Eddie Chamblee, best known for his work in jazz and R&B music. Chamblee worked with many legendary performers, including Lionel Hampton, T-Bone Walker, Memphis Slim, and Dinah Washington.

Listen to a conversation with Wynton Marsalis, a world-renowned trumpet player, composer, and educator whose artistry and influence span the worlds of jazz and classical music. Also, hear an interview with the acclaimed Indianapolis jazz saxophonist Rob Dixon. He’ll discuss his upcoming tribute to jazz legend John Coltrane “A Love Supreme: 60th Anniversary Tribute”.

For nearly 100 years, the term Naptown has been used as a nickname for the city of Indianapolis. Listen to music celebrating Naptown from local jazz, blues, and soul musicians.

Listen to a conversation with pianist Elham Fanoos of the Fanoos Ensemble, a unique family group that blends the folk and popular music of Afghanistan with Western classical instrumentation. Also hear from Lindsay Littrell, the creative force behind LITTRELL, an Indianapolis-based music duo formed with Garrett Langebartels.

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with an hour of gospel music from artists who performed on the Avenue, as we explore the connection between gospel music and the struggle for civil rights. Also, hear an interview with the Indianapolis-based historic preservationist Claudia Polley, who attended King’s 1959 speech in the Avenue neighborhood.

Let’s celebrate “Hi, How Are You Day,” an annual event honoring the late singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston. Joyful Noise Recordings will be hosting a special “Hi, How Are You Day” event in Indianapolis on January 24, featuring an exhibition of Daniel Johnston’s visual artwork. The exhibit was curated by Johnston’s friend and former road manager Don Goede.