The 2026 Indy Jazz Fest starts on 22 September at The Jazz Kitchen with Miles at 100. The Indianapolis Jazz Collective will celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of Miles Davis. Davis changed jazz through his trumpet sound, bold ideas and constant wish to try something new. The programme will feature Derrick Gardner, John Raymond, Rob Dixon, Steve Allee, Richard Sleepy Floyd, Kenny Phelps and Brandon Meeks (2026 State of the Art Prize Recipient, Indiana).

Visitors can choose between two shows, at 6pm and 8:30pm. On 23 September, the same venue will host Coltrane at 100. This concert honours John Coltrane, another major name in jazz history. Rob Dixon, Sean Imboden, Steve Allee, Kenny Phelps, Richard Sleepy Floyd and Nick Tucker will perform. Poet Lasana D. Kazembe will also add spoken-word work to the tribute. These two concerts give travelers a simple way to learn about jazz history through live music.