Indy Jazz Fest’s 2024 lineup features headliner Chaka Khan

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Jazz Fest returns in September with legendary Grammy winner Chaka Khan among the headline acts.

The event, presented by Citizens Energy Group, runs from Sept. 17 through Sept. 28. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, July 26.

Organizers with the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation said the festival will continue its “all around town” model with the Sunset Series—night concerts at Indy jazz and cabaret venues.

Indy Jazz Fest will wrap up with a grand finale event at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park on Sept. 28.

Sunset Series lineup

Kandace Springs (Sept. 17/The Jazz Kitchen): The jazz/soul diva has been described as having “a voice that could melt snow” by Prince. The Blue Note recording artist’s newest release is “Run Your Race.”

Bria Skonberg (Sept. 18/The Jazz Kitchen): The Juno-award winning artist is a 10x Downbeat Rising Star, and a recipient of the Legend Award by the Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook. The trumpeter, vocalist, and composer unveils her newest project “What It Means,” returning to what inspired her in the first place: the sounds of New Orleans jazz.

Aymée Nuviola (Sept. 19/The Caberet): In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, enjoy an electric evening with the multi-Grammy and Latin Grammy Award winning singer, musician, songwriter and actress. Known as “La Sonera del Mundo,” native Cuban Nuviola embodies an electric blend of musical genres, with a sound highly influenced by the Jazz, Bossa Nova, Cuban Son, Bolero, Fílin, Classical and American genres.

Lakecia Benjamin (Sept. 20/The Jazz Kitchen): The 3x Grammy-nominated saxophonist, arranger, composer and educator is based in New York. Her music offers a unique meld of R&B, several strains of jazz, and funk. Her warm, resonant tone — which been compared to Johnny Griffin’s — lends itself to any form of music she chooses to play. She recently released her first live studio album, Phoenix Reimagined .

Malcolm-Jamal Warner (Sept. 21): An evening with Emmy-nominated actor and Grammy Award-winning poet and musician Malcolm-Jamal Warner. An accomplished bassist and poet, this show will unite his many talents and musical styles.

Naptown Sound (Sept. 20/The Jazz Kitchen): This signature event highlights Indy’s vast talent both established and emerging. One-off performances and established favorites weave throughout the night for this high-energy jazz party.

Marquis Hill (Sept. 22/The Jazz Kitchen): One of Chicago’s most thrilling young trumpeters, and internationally renowned musician, composer and bandleader, Hill works tirelessly blurring musical genres. Contemporary and classic jazz, hip-hop, R&B, Chicago house, neo-soul–to Hill, they’re all essential elements of the profound African-American creative heritage.

JJ at 100 (Sept. 25/The Jazz Kitchen): Celebrating the legacy of Indianapolis native, trombone and composing legend JJ Johnson, the Indianapolis Jazz Collective. Curated by saxophonist and Indy Jazz Fest Artistic Director Rob Dixon and a cast of Indianapolis based all-stars.

Grand Finale lineup/Sept. 28/Everwise Amphitheater

Chaka Khan: A cultural icon, her distinctive voice and style have influenced generations all over the world. The 10-time Grammy Award-winning superstar has defined pop, soul, jazz and funk music. For Chaka, her empowering anthem “I’m Every Woman” is more than just a song–it’s a way of life.

Marcus Miller: With his distinctive style – a unique combination of funk, groove, soul and pure technical skills – Miller has been referred to as one of the most significant bass players in jazz, R&B, fusion and soul. Bass Player Magazine includes him on its list of ten most influential jazz players of this generation.

Michael Franks: Considered a leader of the quiet storm movement, Franks is known for his string of hits including “Popsicle Toes, “Antonio’s Song,” “The Lady Wants to Know” and many others.

Steve Allee Magic Hour Band: Indy’s own legendary piano force reconvenes his chart-topping contemporary band for this special occasion featuring jazz superstars Rob Dixon on sax, John Raymond on trumpet, Richard “Sleepy” Floyd on drums and Jon Wood on bass.

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