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Aretha Franklin will headline 10th Indy Jazz Fest
Posted: Feb 07, 2008 in Music
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Aretha Franklin will be the main attraction at the 10th edition of the Indy Jazz Fest, organizers announced Thursday.
The American Pianists Association called on Mayor Greg Ballard to reveal Franklin's name during an afternoon news conference at the Indianapolis Artsgarden.
"Can I get a little respect," the mayor said as he opened an envelope, referring to a signature tune by the "Queen of Soul."
Franklin, who was part of the Indy Jazz Fest lineup in 2002, will sing June 14 at White River State Park's Military Park.
Music is scheduled June 13-15, with the full lineup of performers to be unveiled in March. The pianists association has overseen the Indy Jazz Fest since 2003.
During the news conference, Ballard quoted President Kennedy's belief that arts are "a test of a nation's civilization."
Afterward, he said events such as Indy Jazz Fest attract tourists, companies and their employees to the city.
"Anybody who doesn't think the arts are an asset isn't on the same page with me," Ballard said.
The pianists association also announced Coca-Cola as the event's new presenting sponsor. Kroger becomes the festival's "title" sponsor, following nine years of being the presenting sponsor.
The locally based American Pianists Association, known for its promotion of emerging jazz and classical musicians, has raised $425,000 toward operating costs of this summer's festival. The organization hopes to add another $175,000 toward operating costs for the festival by April 1.
Indy Jazz Fest tickets purchased at Kroger stores between March 28 and April 30 will be priced at $55 for a three-day pass, or $22 per day. Tickets at higher prices will be available at www.indyjazzfest.net and at the event.
Franklin is a 17-time Grammy Award winner who scaled the charts with songs such as "Freeway of Love," "Chain of Fools" and "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)."
In 2007, the Detroit resident issued an album titled "Jewels in the Crown: All-Star Duets with the Queen."
Past performers at Indy Jazz Fest include B.B. King, Herbie Hancock, Patti LaBelle, Al Green, David Sanborn, Norah Jones, Tony Bennett, Bonnie Raitt and Ray Charles.
Wow, she's a HUGE addition.
aretha is awesome, amazing voice. but surely you could use a more flattering photograph? hehe.
Holy crap! It's actually on a weekend where I have the option of going!!!
Saw Aretha perform in Richmond, IN of all places about 10 years ago. Great show. Looking fwd. to seeing who else they announce (along with the annual complaints about the lack of jazz at Jazz Fest).
Wow. She looks like the queen of "Jesus do I need bariatric surgery".
s.h.
I saw Aretha at the 2002 Jazz Fest, I enjoyed her then and look forward to doing so this year. However, I do rely on the festival to open my eyes to musicians I haven't experienced. So it was somewhat of a letdown to see a repeat.
Also, having seen James Brown, Al Green and other aging stars at Jazz Fest, I've noticed a pattern of padding their time on stage with long introductory buildups, terrific-sounding bands, a lot of glitz and showmanship and a lot of patter. I know these legendary geezers have to catch their breath, but really, what it comes down to is only a handful of vocal performances in 90 minutes. On well, I'll enjoy it while I can.
She is an amazing artist, with an amazing voice. I still remember the National Anthem from Years ago. It was touching
I heard her when I was in New Orleans for their music festival and she played right before Rage Against the Machine and she sang "Angel" and just brought the house down it was amazing!!
WOW.....SO,WE GET A TALENT AS ARETHA, AND SOME OF YOU CAN ONLY COMMENT ON HER WEIGHT? MAYBE YOU NEED TO STAY HOME THAT WEEKEND AND GO TO A ROLLER RINK WITH THE GRANDKIDS........YOU WILL FIT RIGHT IN.
hopefully they dress her better than she was dressed at the Grammy's!