Weekday arts speaker series kicks off Sept. 29

9/3/2026 12AM

Garrett Fasig (left) and Sam Butler of the Visions Jazz Ensemble will present "Americana and Jazz Collide" on Sept. 29, the first event in this season’s Luminaries speaker series at Allied Solutions Center. (photo by Mark Sheldon)

Luminaries lineup highlights music, history and more

 

CARMEL, Ind. – Local artists and experts will share their work and insights in the 2026-2027 season of Luminaries, the weekday speaker series presented by Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.

 

Luminaries presentations take place 2-3 p.m. Tuesdays on alternative months in the Robert Adam Room of the Payne & Mencias Palladium, 1 Carter Green, Carmel. More information and tickets at only $10 are available at (317) 843-3800 or TheCenterPresents.org/Luminaries.

 

The 2026-2027 schedule features:

Americana and Jazz Collide – Sept. 29

Sam Butler and Garrett Fasig, leaders of the Indianapolis-based Visions Jazz Ensemble, discuss the origins and techniques behind their new project, Of the People. Blending two unique American art forms in recognition of the nation’s 250th birthday, the album features classic songs like “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” and “Ghost Riders in the Sky” in inventive new jazz arrangements. Commissioned by the Timeless Music Project, the genre-bending collection is set for release this year.

 

Carmel’s Lost Composer – Nov. 17

Classical composer Frederick Hunt was born and raised in Carmel and drew inspiration from the area for his music. Although virtually unknown today, he corresponded with Jean Sibelius and worked with other mid-20th century classical musicians including Howard Hanson and Roy Harris. Hamilton County Historian Emeritus David Heighway will discuss Hunt’s life, and clarinetist Eric Salazar will perform two of Hunt’s compositions.

 

Soulful Journeys of Women: Making a Historical Connection – Jan. 26

Soulful Journeys of Women (SJOW) is dedicated to educating, inspiring and entertaining audiences through powerful portrayals of resilient women of color overcoming extraordinary obstacles on their journeys toward freedom and independence. In this dynamic presentation, SJOW founders Donnice Robinson and Tracey Wynn will discuss the organization’s creation and perform portrayals of legendary figures such as Madam C.J. Walker, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells and Sojourner Truth, sharing timeless lessons of courage, perseverance and determination.

 

After the Applause: Legendary Mothers of Jazz – March 23

Marking Women’s History Month, jazz vocalist and educator Laura Gabriele will present an intimate musical and historical exploration of iconic women of jazz who were also caregivers, community builders and working artists. Drawing from her own experience, she will highlight the sacrifices they made, the livelihoods they built, and the challenges of balancing artistry with the drive to nurture, while maintaining identity. The inspiring presentation will include performances of selections made famous by artists such as Peggy Lee, Lena Horne, Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday.

 

Seven Wonders of Indiana Music History – May 25

Rick Wilkerson of the Indiana Music History Project will explore Indiana’s rich musical legacy of groundbreaking musical movements and artists, from Richmond’s pioneering Starr-Gennett record company and Indianapolis’ influential Indiana Avenue jazz scene to Gary’s world-changing Jackson 5. Indiana also became a national hub for record production, fostered gospel innovation through Bill Gaither’s empire, helped launch major R&B talent through WTLC-FM, and influenced punk and new wave music through independent artists and labels that inspired future generations.

 

About Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts

The mission of Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2026, is to engage and inspire the Indiana community through enriching arts experiences. The nonprofit organization’s campus in Carmel, Indiana, includes the 1,500-seat Payne & Mencias Palladium concert hall, the 500-seat Tarkington proscenium theater and the black-box Studio Theater. Allied Solutions Center presents and hosts hundreds of events each year, including the annual Center Presents performance season, featuring the best in classical music, jazz, pop, rock, country, comedy and other genres. Educational and experiential programming for all ages includes children’s concerts and camps, book clubs, lectures, and classes in music and stand-up comedy. Allied Solutions Center is home to the affiliated Great American Songbook Foundation and provides space and support services for six resident arts companies. More information is available at TheCenterPresents.org.