Our Mission

Urban Renewal Jazz is a collective of musicians who are dedicated to preserving, performing, and extending the traditions of modern jazz with urban roots. We represent several distinct bands here. While all of the ensembles are highly skilled, performing a wide variety of styles suitable for just about any event, we all begin with respect for the modern urban jazz tradition that is represented by artists like Ellington, Basie, Miles, Coltrane, Corea, Mingus, Ella, Brubeck, Monk, Metheny, Bird, and many others equally great.

These artists created modern jazz, which lives on today as a vibrant art form. The musicians and bands in this collective also share a special appreciation of the role Indianapolis and Central Indiana had in the formation and explosion of this art form. We are dedicated to making sure the public hears the great works from these Indiana legends, such as JJ Johnson, David Baker, Freddie Hubbard, Wes Montgomery, Slide Hampton, Randy and Michael Brecker, and Jimmy Coe Sr.

The purpose of Urban Renewal Jazz is to connect the public with these traditions by publicizing the activities of the bands that are carrying on the tradition.