Indy Standard

Arsenal Technical High School, in collaboration with the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation, will host the fourth annual Freddie Hubbard Memorial Jazz Fest on February 14. The festival is a tribute to jazz legend and Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) graduate Freddie Hubbard.

The event will take place at the Anderson Auditorium at Arsenal Tech and feature performances by bands from nine high schools across Indiana. Renowned jazz musicians will also perform. Hubbard, who attended Arsenal Tech, began his career playing trumpet in the school band.

Performances by students from local high schools, including Arsenal Tech, Crispus Attucks, and George Washington, are scheduled from 2 to 8 p.m. The Butler University Jazz Combo is set to perform at 5:30 p.m.

The evening will culminate with a performance by several jazz artists, including Pharez Whitted. Whitted is an American jazz trumpeter, composer, bandleader, and educator who graduated from Shortridge High School. He has performed on "The Arsenio Hall Show" and at Presidential inaugurations and currently teaches at Northern Illinois University.

“Pharez’s deep ties to the Indianapolis jazz community, along with his extensive experience and passion for the art form, make him a perfect addition to Jazzfest 2025,” said Josh Goodman, band director at Arsenal Tech. “His performance promises to be an unforgettable highlight of the festival, bringing a mix of musical excellence and cultural heritage to the stage.”

Each band will perform at least one piece by notable musicians such as Freddie Hubbard, JJ Johnson, Wes Montgomery, David Baker, Hoagy Carmichael, Cole Porter, Michael Jackson or other prominent Hoosier musicians.

Students participating in the festival may qualify for scholarships to attend regional jazz camps and receive other awards.

Tickets are priced at $8 in advance and $10 on the day of the event. Concessions will be available with proceeds supporting future trips for the Tech Jazz Band as well as sheet music and scholarships.