Every Thursday since 1989, Bloomington residents and IU students have been able to hear original jazz and favorite standards from Bear's Place house band, Jazz Fables. Tonight the group will be celebrating its 25th anniversary (13th at Bear's) of playing together and presenting jazz to the community during a no-smoking concert.
The group consists of founder David Miller (trumpet), Tom Walsh (tenor saxophone), Luke Gillespie (piano), Steve Houghton (drums), Bruce Bransby (double bass), Lida Baker (flute) and special guest David Baker (cello), an IU School of Music professor.
"David Miller's Jazz Fables has meant a great deal to the jazz scene in Bloomington," pianist Luke Gillespie said. "Miller has been a constant supporter and promoter of jazz music over the years, and his Jazz Fables performances with many visiting jazz artists, especially at Bear's Place, have helped to expose jazz to a wider audience, including students, faculty and the extended Bloomington community."