Indiana Avenue Sound Experience 

Located along Indiana Avenue, closer to the Madam Walker Legacy Center

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Indiana Avenue Sound Experience 

Artist: Lamp Records

Year: 2024

Medium: Music

Immerse yourself in the rich musical heritage of Indiana Avenue, a historical epicenter of jazz, R&B, and the sounds that shaped American music. The Indiana Ave Sound Experience is a new public art installation on the Cultural Trail, designed based on community input to celebrate the vibrant musical legacy of Indiana Ave. During our community engagement for the Cultural Trail’s Indiana Ave/10th Street expansion, the desire to include music was loud and clear. The Indiana Ave Sound Experience is our response to this passion, providing trail users with an auditory journey through the music that has a deep connection to Indiana Ave.

In its inaugural phase, we are excited to partner with Herb Miller and his record label, Lamp Records. This collaboration brings the soulful sounds of Indiana Ave to life, offering an  experience that honors the avenue’s musical roots. This project is brought to life through a partnership between the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and WFYI’s Kyle Long. Kyle, alongside Herman “Butch” Slaughter, co-produces the “Echoes of Indiana Ave” series for WFYI, ensuring the authenticity and richness of the musical narratives featured in the installation.

Established in 2024, the Indiana Ave Sound Experience pays tribute to the golden era of Indiana Avenue. Known as “The Avenue” during the 20th century, this area was home to numerous jazz and R&B clubs showcasing legendary musicians like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and many more. It also spotlighted Indianapolis legends such as Wes Montgomery, Freddie Hubbard, and the Hampton family. The Indiana Ave Sound Experience honors the musicians, teachers, promoters, label executives, and crews with roots in this iconic neighborhood. By featuring their work in this permanent sound exhibit, we celebrate their influence on Indianapolis’s culture and their contributions to music worldwide. Playlists are inspired by WFYI’s Echoes of Indiana Ave, co-produced by Kyle Long and Herman “Butch” Slaughter, blending historical insights with artistic expression.

Looking ahead, future installations will include a playlist curated by Robert Montgomery, son of the legendary Wes Montgomery, promising to further enrich the trail with the timeless sounds of Indiana Ave.

This project was inspired by the community’s input, reflecting their desire to preserve and celebrate the musical history of Indiana Avenue. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the community for their support and enthusiasm, which made this special addition to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick possible.

Produced by WFYI’s own Cultural Manifesto host Kyle Long and narrated by musician Herman “Butch” Slaughter, Echoes of Indiana Avenue is an audio documentary focused on the cultural achievements of Black artists and musicians from Central Indiana.

You can listen to Echoes of Indiana Avenue Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET and Sundays at 7 p.m. ET on WFYI Public Radio, 90.1 FM or subscribe to the podcast to make sure you never miss an episode!

Learn more about artists playing on the Indiana Avenue Sound Experience!