Drummer Dick Dickinson turns 80 Wednesday, Jan. 2. For over 20 years, Dickinson has sat behind his drum kit on the Chatterbox bandstand, generously backing young musicians with a steady hand and masterful sense of swing. Dickinson has also worked as a jazz DJ on local public radio and is a member of Indianapolis Jazz Foundation’s Hall of Fame.

Chatterbox owner David Andrichik has supported Dickinson’s Wednesday night jam session since the beginning, and he has plans to celebrate the special occasion. “It’s just a tremendous event for us to celebrate his longevity and his ability to play and to nurture young talent in the city,” Andrichik says. “He has been a great jazz asset all through the years and we just want to give him a celebration party.

“He’s a very tenacious guy, a twice-over cancer survivor, which is just tremendous and a testimony to his longevity and the miracles of modern medicine,” Andrichik continues. “We are happy to have him continue to play here at what he is best at doing, bringing in new guys and gals and getting their feet wet in the performance of jazz.”

The evening’s free celebration runs from 8 p.m. to midnight and is open to the public. Any interested musicians are also welcome on the stage.

“We are going to have a little something at 9 p.m.: a toast and birthday cake,” Andrichik adds.