Indy Jazz Fest starts today INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indy Jazz Fest starts Tuesday in Indianapolis, bringing multi-day musical performances to venues across the city through Saturday. The annual festival features both indoor and outdoor events, concluding with a multi-stage showcase on the final day. Rob Dixon, artistic director of Indy Jazz Fest and a local jazz musician, joined Daybreak on Tuesday to discuss the festival’s role in celebrating the city’s musical heritage. “It’s a great celebration of music and jazz,” Dixon said. “Indianapolis has such a great jazz legacy and history. And the Indy Jazz Fest is kind of a celebration indoors and outdoors. We usually do indoor and outdoor events.” The festival schedule begins with special tributes honoring jazz legends at The Jazz Kitchen. Opening night on Tuesday features a performance dedicated to Miles Davis in honor of what would have been his 100th birthday, followed by a tribute to John Coltrane on Wednesday. On Friday, Tito Puente Jr. will perform at The Jazz Kitchen, alongside scheduled shows featuring Nicole Zuraitis at the Cabaret and the Big Beat at The Vogue. The event culminates Saturday with the Grand Finale, featuring two stages and ten bands. Musician Sheila E. serves as the headliner for the closing event. “Our headliner this year for the Grand Finale is Sheila E the E-Train. And I mean, many people probably associate her with Prince,” Dixon said. “We have a big day called the Grand Finale, and it’s two stages, ten bands. So it’s just an exciting time. It’s a great festival.” Additional performers during the festival include bass player ManoNeon and saxophonist Karl Denson, who travels with the Rolling Stones and leads the band Tiny Universe. Dixon highlighted the mix of regional and national talent, including Indianapolis-based artist Brandon Meeks, the Sean Imboden Large Ensemble and the Charlie Hunter Trio. Ticket prices for the Indy Jazz Fest range from $30 to $100. Children 14 and under get in for free. Dixon is scheduled to perform during multiple events throughout the week, including opening night, Wednesday’s tribute show and Saturday’s finale. “It’s going to be great,” Dixon said. Listen to him perform in the interview above. Rob Dixon on the set of WISH-TV. (Circle City Broadcasting Photo) This story was formatted for WISHTV.com using AI-assisted tools. Our editorial team reviews and edits all content published to ensure it meets our journalistic standards for accuracy and fairness. ...read more read less