Indianapolis and Indiana Avenue is well known for producing some of the finest jazz musicians in history, including Pookie Johnson, Jimmy Coe, the Montgomery brothers, J.J. Johnson, Freddie Hubbard, Slide Hampton, Russell Webster, David Baker, and David Young, not to mention countless others. These musicians have left a wonderful legacy of music to the fans of jazz around the world.

On Sunday, June 1st, 2008 at 10:30 a.m., in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the landmark Harlem 1958 photograph, we paid homage to all Indiana jazz musicians, with a group photograph taken by photographer Mark Sheldon. The event took place indoors on the wide staircase of the Indiana Historical Society. More than 100 musicians attended.

From that photograph, a limited-edition poster was produced, with proceeds going to Jazz Education through the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation and other organizations. The foundation’s goal is to promote the understanding and appreciation of jazz and its heritage, provide leadership for educational outreach programs and assist teachers and practitioners with information and resources while taking an active part in organizing clinics and symposia at local and regional levels.

Special thanks to all those who gave their time and talents on this project, as it would not have been possible without them. For further information, you can contact us.