Chaka Khan to headline Indy Jazz Fest finale at White River State Park

Chaka Khan, known for hit songs “I Feel for You” and “I’m Every Woman,” is scheduled to perform Sept. 28 at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park. (Photo provided by Indy Jazz Fest)

Ten-time Grammy Award winner Chaka Khan, iconic bass player Marcus Miller and actor-musician Malcolm-Jamal Warner are scheduled to perform as part of this year’s Indy Jazz Fest.

Organizers announced Monday the lineup for the festival scheduled Sept. 17-28 at three Indianapolis venues.

“I Feel for You” singer Khan and Miller, who played bass on more than a dozen albums by Miles Davis and David Sanborn, will perform during a Sept. 28 “grand finale” concert at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park. Smooth jazz pioneer Michael Franks and the Indianapolis-based Steve Allee Magic Hour Band also will perform.

Warner, known for his work on 1980s sitcom “The Cosby Show” and Fox medical drama “The Resident,” will play bass guitar and showcase his spoken-word poetry Sept. 21 at the Cabaret, 924 Pennsylvania St.

The Cabaret and The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave., will host Indy Jazz Fest performances Sept. 17-25.

Indy Jazz Fest debuted in 1999, founded in part to celebrate the legacies of Wes Montgomery, Freddie Hubbard and J.J. Johnson—three musicians who emerged from Indianapolis to influence generations of jazz artists.

A concert billed as “J.J. at 100,” a centennial tribute to trombone player Johnson (1924-2001), is scheduled Sept. 25 at The Jazz Kitchen.

Tickets for Indy Jazz Fest shows go on sale at 10 a.m. July 26. For more information about the event presented by Citizens Energy Group, visit indyjazzfest.net.

The 2024 Indy Jazz Fest schedule:

• Sept. 17: Kandace Springs, The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave.
• Sept. 18: Bria Skonberg, The Jazz Kitchen
• Sept. 19: Aymée Nuviola, The Cabaret, 924 Pennsylvania St.
• Sept. 20: Lakecia Benjamin, The Jazz Kitchen
• Sept. 21: Malcolm-Jamal Warner, The Cabaret
• Sept. 21: “Naptown Sound” showcase of Indianapolis musicians, The Jazz Kitchen
• Sept. 22: Marquis Hill, The Jazz Kitchen
• Sept. 25: “J.J. at 100” tribute to trombone icon J.J. Johnson by the Indianapolis Jazz Collective, The Jazz Kitchen
• Sept. 28: Chaka Khan, Marcus Miller, Michael Franks and the Steve Allee Magic Hour Band, Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.