Steve Allee Big Band | The Jazz Kitchen 32nd Anniversary

6:30p Show | Doors @ 5p

9:30p Show | Doors @ 8:45p

The Steve Allee Big Band represents the pinnacle of big band jazz in Indianapolis, and there is no better way to celebrate The Jazz Kitchen’s 32nd Anniversary than with the ensemble that started it all. Since the 1970s, this time-tested band has delivered the swinging originals and inventive compositions that define the genre. As the very first band to take the stage on day one, they return to honor over three decades of world-class music in the room they helped build.

Pianist, composer and arranger Steve Allee is a veteran of more than 35 years on the music scene, working principally in jazz, writing and performing for syndicated radio programs, network television and motion pictures, and as a music educator.

All of his career facets have blended into a distinct musical style that has a very strong visual, almost cinematic flavor because of his skill in capturing or reinforcing important moods or visual elements that inspire his projects.

A native son and longtime resident of Indianapolis, Indiana, Steve was fortunate to grow up in the hometown of many jazz greats, including brothers Wes, Buddy and Monk Montgomery, Slide Hampton, J.J. Johnson, David Baker, Freddie Hubbard and Melvin Rhyne, among others.

His playing style has a touch, sparkling clarity and improvisational variations reminiscent of the late Bill Evans, as well as a very strong blues influence that Steve credits to his exposure to Buddy Montgomery and Horace Silver.