Three and a half stars
Indiana History Center, June 12

Jack Gilfoy organized the IUPUI Jazz Band as a campus-based “learning experience in terms of jazz history and performance,” but it quickly became a community brand unto itself with each concert at citywide venues centered on the music of one of the jazz greats as a tribute to that individual’s contribution. At Thursday’s program, G. David Peters, head of the IUPUI music school, and Mark Szobody, representing the Indiana History Center, gave tributes to renowned jazz drummer Gilfoy, who passed away a few weeks ago. The Jack Gilfoy Jazz Scholarship Fund was announced. Send contributions to: IU Foundation, 950 N. Meridian St., Suite 250, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Make checks payable to IU Foundation/Jack Gilfoy Scholarship fund. Bob Burns, a “Gilfoy graduate” and an assistant director of bands at Avon High School, directed the beautifully nuanced program, which had been chosen by Gilfoy. The Sean Baker Trio closed the two-act evening with their distinctive style of relaxing favorites featuring Jesse Whittman on bass, Vince Jackson on drums, Baker on keyboards and vocals, and Burns as guest saxophonist. For more information on the IUPUI Jazz Program or Gilfoy scholarship, call 317-274-4000.