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2024
LINEUP
5:00PM -10:30PM
The Carmel Jazz Fest features the top international, regional and local acts in Jazz, Blues and R&B, as well as emerging artists! Learn more about the vibrant sounds of Carmel Jazz Fest below!
AVERAGE WHITE BAND
A Funk Finale
Part of the Drewry Simmons Vornehm Jazz Series and the 2024-2025 Center Presents season presented in partnership with Allied Solutions.
One of the great soul and funk bands of all time brings its farewell tour to the Center, performing its biggest hits and fan favorites such as the U.S. No. 1 single “Pick Up the Pieces,” “Cut The Cake,” “Queen of My Soul,” “Walk On By” and “Schoolboy Crush.” Formed in London in 1972, the Average White Band took the influences of R&B heroes such as Marvin Gaye, James Brown and Stevie Wonder, along with jazz greats like Cannonball Adderley and the Crusaders, and developed a sound that connected with audiences worldwide. The performance coincides with the second annual Carmel Jazz Fest.
Part of the Drewry Simmons Vornehm Jazz Series and the 2024-2025 Center Presents season presented in partnership with Allied Solutions.
One of the great soul and funk bands of all time brings its farewell tour to the Center, performing its biggest hits and fan favorites such as the U.S. No. 1 single “Pick Up the Pieces,” “Cut The Cake,” “Queen of My Soul,” “Walk On By” and “Schoolboy Crush.” Formed in London in 1972, the Average White Band took the influences of R&B heroes such as Marvin Gaye, James Brown and Stevie Wonder, along with jazz greats like Cannonball Adderley and the Crusaders, and developed a sound that connected with audiences worldwide. The performance coincides with the second annual Carmel Jazz Fest.
TIM CUNNINGHAM
When Tim Cunningham was faced with the choice between the football field or the musical stage, lucky for us, he chose the latter. Having played the saxophone for over half his life, Tim spent his college years at Michigan State splitting his time between playing defense and playing music. And although a football scholarship saw him through school, his passion for the sax has carried him well beyond, as he passed up an NFL contract and eventually pursued a career in music.
For decades the words "smooth , sultry, cool & funky" have been used to describe Tim's high energy and emotional stage show as his sexy blend of smooth jazz and soulful R&B connects with people of all ages, races and genres of music. This unique and versatile style has earned Tim the pleasure of opening for such jazz greats as Dave Koz, Norman Brown, Brian Culbertson and George Benson. On the flip side, his bumpin' R&B flavor has on occasion paired him with Earth Wind & Fire, Cameo, Boyz II Men, Patti Labelle, Frankie Beverly, Jeffrey Osborne, and the late Luther Vandross.
Signed to Atlantic Records in 1996 his first major label release, "Right Turn Only" featured the efforts of Will Downing, Brian Culbertson, Kevin Whalum, and Bobby Lyle. It's featured single, "This is the Life," hit #19 on the Smooth Jazz Chart and received much international airplay. Tim's additional CD credits include "Sax Change Operation", "A Change in Altotude", "Waiting For Love", "Inner Peace", and "Manchester Road" which was picked up by Nite Breeze Music/Universal in 2008. His 2011 release entitled "Reflection", features a cool collection of original tracks packed with smooth grooves and emotional ballads. The "Tim Cunningham Live" album, where he covers some of his favorite songs, was released in 2012.
Tim's new CD entitled "Freedom" was released in October 2022.
Tim hosted and was the opening act for the 1st Annual Smooth Jazz Cruise on Land in St. Louis on September 7, 2019 with Brian Culbertson, Eric Darius, Grace Kelly and Erin Bode produced by Entertainment Cruises Productions and producers of the Smooth Jazz Cruise.
Tim's experiences bridge beyond the live stage to TV as he co-wrote and performed the theme song to 20th Century Fox's "Bertice Berry Show". He also appeared in the movie, "The Ghost Who Walks" as Officer Taylor, three episodes of "The Untouchables" TV series as the saxophonist, BET's "Jazz Central and a Budweiser commercial. Tim also co-wrote a song with Al Caldwell entitled "Smile" from his "Waiting for Love" CD that will be a part of the movie "The Job" by actor, writer, director and producer Randy J. Goodwin that was released in 2021.
Tim credits his mother and his strong Christian beliefs for keeping him grounded as he strikes that delicate balance between the world of music and that of family man with his 3 children and wife of 30 years, all whom he has written and named songs for on past CDs. Tim continues to wow audiences near and far with his explosive live stage performance, which typically will take him out into the depths of his audience and yet he makes a point to stay after each show to sign every last CD sold. This approachable and down to earth quality is what endears Tim to his fan base...and his gift to touch their hearts with his music is what keeps 'em comin' back for more!
For decades the words "smooth , sultry, cool & funky" have been used to describe Tim's high energy and emotional stage show as his sexy blend of smooth jazz and soulful R&B connects with people of all ages, races and genres of music. This unique and versatile style has earned Tim the pleasure of opening for such jazz greats as Dave Koz, Norman Brown, Brian Culbertson and George Benson. On the flip side, his bumpin' R&B flavor has on occasion paired him with Earth Wind & Fire, Cameo, Boyz II Men, Patti Labelle, Frankie Beverly, Jeffrey Osborne, and the late Luther Vandross.
Signed to Atlantic Records in 1996 his first major label release, "Right Turn Only" featured the efforts of Will Downing, Brian Culbertson, Kevin Whalum, and Bobby Lyle. It's featured single, "This is the Life," hit #19 on the Smooth Jazz Chart and received much international airplay. Tim's additional CD credits include "Sax Change Operation", "A Change in Altotude", "Waiting For Love", "Inner Peace", and "Manchester Road" which was picked up by Nite Breeze Music/Universal in 2008. His 2011 release entitled "Reflection", features a cool collection of original tracks packed with smooth grooves and emotional ballads. The "Tim Cunningham Live" album, where he covers some of his favorite songs, was released in 2012.
Tim's new CD entitled "Freedom" was released in October 2022.
Tim hosted and was the opening act for the 1st Annual Smooth Jazz Cruise on Land in St. Louis on September 7, 2019 with Brian Culbertson, Eric Darius, Grace Kelly and Erin Bode produced by Entertainment Cruises Productions and producers of the Smooth Jazz Cruise.
Tim's experiences bridge beyond the live stage to TV as he co-wrote and performed the theme song to 20th Century Fox's "Bertice Berry Show". He also appeared in the movie, "The Ghost Who Walks" as Officer Taylor, three episodes of "The Untouchables" TV series as the saxophonist, BET's "Jazz Central and a Budweiser commercial. Tim also co-wrote a song with Al Caldwell entitled "Smile" from his "Waiting for Love" CD that will be a part of the movie "The Job" by actor, writer, director and producer Randy J. Goodwin that was released in 2021.
Tim credits his mother and his strong Christian beliefs for keeping him grounded as he strikes that delicate balance between the world of music and that of family man with his 3 children and wife of 30 years, all whom he has written and named songs for on past CDs. Tim continues to wow audiences near and far with his explosive live stage performance, which typically will take him out into the depths of his audience and yet he makes a point to stay after each show to sign every last CD sold. This approachable and down to earth quality is what endears Tim to his fan base...and his gift to touch their hearts with his music is what keeps 'em comin' back for more!
ANTONIA BENNETT
The future of American Jazz is safe in the hands of Antonia Bennett, daughter of legendary singer Tony Bennett. She is honored to continue the tradition of sharing classics, while simultaneously presenting originals that sound like they have taken a page straight from The Great American Songbook.
Antonia’s love and dedication to the arts started very early. She began performing alongside her father as soon as she could walk and talk and has shared the stage with icons such as Rosemary Clooney, Count Basie, Regis Philbin, and Don Rickles. She grew up with 'mentors' like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Gene Kelly. As if her family life wasn’t enough of an education, Antonia is also an Alumni from the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Antonia Bennett has been honing her craft her entire life, developing her own style, and, according to the man himself, “Antonia's got the gift." She has had the distinct honor of opening for her father for over 25 years at famous venues all over the world, including Radio City Music Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the Umbria Jazz Festival, the Newport Jazz Festival, The Greek Theatre, Royal Albert Hall in London and Caesars Palace. She can be heard singing with her father on the duet, "I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm," featured on his album A Swingin’ Christmas.
Antonia’s expansive experience allows her to expertly and effortlessly bridge the gap between the past and present. Her newest collection of songs, Embrace Me, does just that, honors the past and shines a bright light on today, on Antonia Bennett.
Antonia’s love and dedication to the arts started very early. She began performing alongside her father as soon as she could walk and talk and has shared the stage with icons such as Rosemary Clooney, Count Basie, Regis Philbin, and Don Rickles. She grew up with 'mentors' like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Gene Kelly. As if her family life wasn’t enough of an education, Antonia is also an Alumni from the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Antonia Bennett has been honing her craft her entire life, developing her own style, and, according to the man himself, “Antonia's got the gift." She has had the distinct honor of opening for her father for over 25 years at famous venues all over the world, including Radio City Music Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the Umbria Jazz Festival, the Newport Jazz Festival, The Greek Theatre, Royal Albert Hall in London and Caesars Palace. She can be heard singing with her father on the duet, "I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm," featured on his album A Swingin’ Christmas.
Antonia’s expansive experience allows her to expertly and effortlessly bridge the gap between the past and present. Her newest collection of songs, Embrace Me, does just that, honors the past and shines a bright light on today, on Antonia Bennett.
DAVE BENNETT
Dave Bennett doesn’t fit the mold. For starters, you don’t find many jazz clarinet players who name Alice Cooper, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Chris Isaak among their influences. You won’t find many musicians who are equally conversant with the music of Benny Goodman (the “King of Swing”) and Roy Orbison (“The Soul of Rock and Roll”). In fact, you may not find even one other clarinet virtuoso who breaks from his Swing Era repertoire to sing rockabilly hits while accompanying himself at the piano or electric guitar. Dave began his national touring career at the age of 14. He has been a featured soloist at Carnegie Hall with The New York Pops (2013) and has been featured with 35 other US and Canadian orchestras including Nashville, Houston, Detroit, Rochester, Omaha, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Orlando, San Antonio, Jacksonville, Portland, OR and Portland, ME. Some of his annual appearances include The Elkhart Jazz Festival, The Suncoast Classic Jazz Festival, The Arizona Classic Jazz Festival, The Sacramento Hot Jazz Jubilee, The Clambake Music Festival, and The Redwood Coast Music Festival. Dave has been featured on NPR Radio’s “Jazz at Riverwalk.” He made his European debut in 2008 at The Bern Jazz Festival (Switzerland) in a combo with jazz legends and Benny Goodman band alumni guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli and vibraphonist, the late Peter Appleyard. In March 2022, Dave and his band performed to a sold-out audience at New York City’s Birdland Theater. Dave is a recording artist on jazz label Mack Avenue Records. His second release, Blood Moon reached No. 24 on the Billboard Jazz charts in 2018. During the isolation of the pandemic, fate steered Dave’s time off the road into a bold new direction. He put his guitar pedal to the metal and stepped away from his beloved clarinet. A songwriter stepped forward. Road songs, reverb-laded guitar solos that could power a surf documentary, and memories of loves and lives lost are the mile markers that makeup his latest release “Nowhere Fast”. His first full-length rock album is a deep, soul-searching joyride through the back streets of his mind. Leave it to Dave Bennett to prove that sometimes the best way to move forward is to go back to the beginnings of what drives you.
DANNY LERMAN
Danny Lerman's CD, "Night Rider," released on Blujazz, has received international play from Australia and Indonesia to Canada and across the U.S. of A. His just released single, "I Miss You (Sax Version,) is out now and being heard across the country. Danny Lerman is a riveting saxophonist and composer. Danny has studied with Junior Walker's legendary teacher, Charlie Atkins and at the University of North Texas music school and the Berklee School of Music as well as with Peter Ballin. Danny's Albums: Danny’s Island/Chartmaker Jazz, Meow Baby/Lightyear/EMI, Do You Feel/Steel Warehouse, and World Jam/Steel Warehouse, earned stunning reviews, opening the door to international airplay, festivals and concerts in Finland, Venezuela, South Africa, Indonesia, The Netherlands, Turkey, Hong Kong, Mexico, Israel, and the USA. Lerman has recorded/performed with Howard Hewett, CeCe Peniston, Danny Boy, Bobby Lyle, Norman Connors, Peabo Bryson, Kevin Mahogany, and Onder Focan, and recorded with Randy Brecker, Dave Valentin, and Hubert Laws. Lerman has opened for Herbie Hancock, Michael Brecker, Sergio Mendez, Richard Elliot, David Benoit, Eric Marienthal, the Ghetto Boys, Joe Lovano, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, and Dutch Ska artist Le Prince. Danny has performed as a featured soloist with the South Bend Symphony and in Breda, Holland with members of the Metropole Orchestra. Danny’s compositions have been featured in movie soundtracks, Wedding Bell Blues, and Kill Me Later as well as commercials for JD Powers. Check out Danny's original music and his new Album Night Rider on Blujazz on all online outlets.
BLAIR CLARK
Take a little soul, throw in some jazz, mix it with some R&B and add a touch of pop and the result is the electrifying sounds of singer, songwriter, and producer, Blair Clark. Clark has captivated audiences throughout Europe, Canada, Asia and all over the U.S. Appearing at numerous concerts, festivals, private events, and clubs.
WENDY REED
he Indianapolis-based powerhouse vocalist is backed by her pianist and arranger, Ken Fary, on bass is Thomas Brinkley and Cassius Goens on the drums. Wendy Reed enjoys singing as well as listening to every genre of the music there is. She has graced many stages in Indiana and one of her greatest pleasures is sharing the stage with talented musicians regularly at the top Indianapolis jazz venues.
PREMIUM BLEND
Led by saxophonist Jared Thompson, Premium Blend is a modern jazz quartet that combines traditional elements of bebop, hard bop, r&b and groove in their original compositions. Premium Blend’s spin on jazz resonates with die-hard jazz fans and novices alike. The band has released four studio albums “S.O.A.P”-Sum Of All Parts (2015), “The Road” (2017) “Vices”(2019), and “38th & Postmodernism”- a documentary made possible by a commission from the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation which has been accepted by multiple film festivals including Heartland Film Festival. Premium Blend is heavily featured in the winning Heartland Film Festival documentary “Go Get Your Horn” (2017), focused on the continuing mentorship and evolution of modern jazz in Indianapolis. Bandleader Thompson was the only Hoosier to receive the Map Fund grant for the 2022/23 cycle which he used to record, distribute and provide community programming for their latest studio album released in the spring of 2023 titled “Virtue."
CATHY MORRIS
electric violinist/vocalist Cathy Morris has a passion for sharing music with audiences of all ages and everyone can tell! With an infectious enthusiasm and captivating presentation, she conveys her genuine love of music and life!
BRENDA WILLIAMS
Brenda Williams is a dynamic and vivacious singer and actress based in the Indianapolis area. Equally impressive to her voice and talent is her resume, which includes performing for 3 United States Presidents. Ms. Williams gained recognition in the Indianapolis area with her award-winning performances in the American Cabaret Theatre, the Indiana Repertory Theatre, and Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre.
PAVEL POLANCO-SAFADIT
Pavel is known for its energetic, fiery performances, much in the vein of the modern pyrotechnicians of today’s Latin Jazz world. Led by Internationally-known Dominican pianist and Chicago Music Awards Nominee, Pavel Polanco-Safadit brings an unforgettable experience of Latin Jazz, Salsa, and Latin-infused American pop song. Their passion is to connect cultures around the globe to promote musical cross-cultural experiences.
With a combined experience from around the globe, the band members have played throughout the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. The band is composed of Indy Jazz Hall-of-Famers, studio musicians, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra players, and International artists. These professional musicians have shared the stage with legends such as Ray Charles, Peter Erskine, Kenny G, Dave Valentin, Max Weinberg, Patti LaBelle, Roscoe Mitchell, Gunther Schuller, The Who, The Moody Blues, Rod Stewart, Ben E. King, Pavel Nuñez and Henry Mancini.
Pavel & Direct Contact features vibrant horns, Latin rhythms, and vocals in both Spanish and English. In 2010, Direct Contact released their first album The Other Side (2016). Since then, they have produced four recordings with AireBorn Records: Rush Hour (2017), D’la Calle (2018), Americanisao (2019), and Día Bonito (2021). These compositions by Steve Dokken and Pavel feature David Allee, Leah Crane, Rob Dixon, Matt McGraw, Freddie Mendoza, and Gerardo Beccera. Along with their single, “You” (2020), these can be found on all digital platforms.
The band has arranged their original songs for orchestra and has performed with symphonies internationally such as Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Carmel Symphony Orchestra, and Dominican Republic Symphony Orchestra. They will be featured again in April 2023 with Anderson Symphony Orchestra.
With dancing shoes or not, you will be immersed into a world of entertainment!
With a combined experience from around the globe, the band members have played throughout the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. The band is composed of Indy Jazz Hall-of-Famers, studio musicians, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra players, and International artists. These professional musicians have shared the stage with legends such as Ray Charles, Peter Erskine, Kenny G, Dave Valentin, Max Weinberg, Patti LaBelle, Roscoe Mitchell, Gunther Schuller, The Who, The Moody Blues, Rod Stewart, Ben E. King, Pavel Nuñez and Henry Mancini.
Pavel & Direct Contact features vibrant horns, Latin rhythms, and vocals in both Spanish and English. In 2010, Direct Contact released their first album The Other Side (2016). Since then, they have produced four recordings with AireBorn Records: Rush Hour (2017), D’la Calle (2018), Americanisao (2019), and Día Bonito (2021). These compositions by Steve Dokken and Pavel feature David Allee, Leah Crane, Rob Dixon, Matt McGraw, Freddie Mendoza, and Gerardo Beccera. Along with their single, “You” (2020), these can be found on all digital platforms.
The band has arranged their original songs for orchestra and has performed with symphonies internationally such as Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Carmel Symphony Orchestra, and Dominican Republic Symphony Orchestra. They will be featured again in April 2023 with Anderson Symphony Orchestra.
With dancing shoes or not, you will be immersed into a world of entertainment!
DysFUNKtion BRASS
DysFUNKtion Brass started in 2015 as a wild idea for a completely unique ensemble to compete in an Indianapolis battle of original bands. The crew progressed pretty well through that experience and penned an incredible collection of original music and brass-line covers. We decided that this ensemble had a message to deliver and we wanted to scratch out our own spot in the Midwest music scene. Since then the band has been performing regularly at bars, restaurants, street festivals, and corporate events around Indiana and Ohio.
Naptown Strangers
Get ready to swing with the Naptown Strangers Traditional Jazz Band! Hailing from Indianapolis, this talented ensemble has been lighting up central Indiana since their formation in 2023. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant early days of jazz in New Orleans, the Naptown Strangers deliver a captivating blend of energetic, swinging music that gets audiences on their feet. Traditional jazz, known for its lively improvisation and infectious swing rhythms, comes alive through the band's masterful interplay of trumpet, trombone, clarinet, saxophone, guitar, bass, and drums. Each performance showcases early tunes that are fundamental to the rich history of jazz and celebrates the spontaneous creativity that makes American jazz music so essentially classic.
NORTHSIDE EXCHANGE
Northside Exchange is a dynamic jazz trio founded in 1999 by Joseph Filipow and Darnell Perkins. With the addition of Daniel Hicks on the keyboard, the Exchange seamlessly blends elements of soul, funk and blues into their original compositions. When they are not creating their own music, they back up many of the finest artists in the city.
The Professors
The Professors
Mark Buselli - Ball State University www.markbuselli.com
Mark O'Connor -University of Indianapolis https://uindy.edu/cas/music/faculty-fulltime
Matt Pivec-Butler University https://www.butler.edu/jordan-arts/undergraduate-programs/music/faculty-staff/ensemble-directors-and-conducting-faculty/www.butler.edu-faculty/
Tom Walsh-Ihttps://music.indiana.edu/faculty/current/walsh-thomas.html
Mark Buselli - Ball State University www.markbuselli.com
Mark O'Connor -University of Indianapolis https://uindy.edu/cas/music/faculty-fulltime
Matt Pivec-Butler University https://www.butler.edu/jordan-arts/undergraduate-programs/music/faculty-staff/ensemble-directors-and-conducting-faculty/www.butler.edu-faculty/
Tom Walsh-Ihttps://music.indiana.edu/faculty/current/walsh-thomas.html
TEILAH MCCLUNG
Teilah, a resident of Carmel and a senior at The Classical Academy, plays a key role in leading chapel sessions as a vocalist. In addition, she is a dancer at Richens Timm Irish Dance Academy and has showcased her skills at a national level competition. As a regular vocalist for the worship team at Genesis Church in Carmel, Teilah has also lent her voice to studio recordings for Plank Road Publishing. Notably, she has taken part in Midtown's Got Talent for the last two years and was fortunate to perform at Feinstein's last year.
EUROPA
The high school level performers attend Carmel High School and Zionsville.
Europa Jazz Quintet- High School Jazz Band
Sam Rubin
Michael Clark
Gus Brown
Ben Krowiak
Tarek Osman
Europa Jazz Quintet- High School Jazz Band
Sam Rubin
Michael Clark
Gus Brown
Ben Krowiak
Tarek Osman
DELILAH SEAL
Performing with Europa is High School student Delila Seal
BALL STATE UNIVERSITY
BUTLER UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
INDIANA UNIVERSITY
CARLTON HOLMES & PAUL ZAUNER
Paul Zauner from Germany and Carlton Holmes from New York create dynamic, intimate performances blending classicism and fun, captivating audiences with their energy and tunes.
Kelly Delaveris
Kelly Crum Delaveris has been singing professionally since 1978, inspired by her father's collection of big band singers and Sergio Mendes recordings.
She has performed with a variety of instrumentation, from a duo to a symphony, and is a frequent guest of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra.
Kelly is a fan-favorite among local Columbus jazz fans. John Petric of the Columbus Dispatch, compliments “…her rapid-fire phrasing, practically turning the lyrics into liquid sounds. Amazing."
Kelly has opened for Sarah Vaughn, Bob James, Bob Newhart, Joan Rivers, Tito Puente, Tony Bennett and many more.
Kelly also sings with the group Brasileira, performing Brazilian standards and favorites in Portuguese.
In 2012, Kelly left her home city of Columbus, Ohio and moved to York, Pennsylvania. There she performed with duos and trios in the Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia and Baltimore areas. She was the featured performer with the Brooklyn Jazz Orchestra and the River City Big Band.
Kelly has also performed with "Kalevala - The Musical" in recent years in New York City and Helsinki, Finland.
Since moving back to Columbus in 2021, Kelly has continued to perform locally.
She has performed with a variety of instrumentation, from a duo to a symphony, and is a frequent guest of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra.
Kelly is a fan-favorite among local Columbus jazz fans. John Petric of the Columbus Dispatch, compliments “…her rapid-fire phrasing, practically turning the lyrics into liquid sounds. Amazing."
Kelly has opened for Sarah Vaughn, Bob James, Bob Newhart, Joan Rivers, Tito Puente, Tony Bennett and many more.
Kelly also sings with the group Brasileira, performing Brazilian standards and favorites in Portuguese.
In 2012, Kelly left her home city of Columbus, Ohio and moved to York, Pennsylvania. There she performed with duos and trios in the Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia and Baltimore areas. She was the featured performer with the Brooklyn Jazz Orchestra and the River City Big Band.
Kelly has also performed with "Kalevala - The Musical" in recent years in New York City and Helsinki, Finland.
Since moving back to Columbus in 2021, Kelly has continued to perform locally.
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