Weekday arts speaker series kicks off Sept. 29

Luminaries lineup highlights music, history & more

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 to 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.