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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJuly 6, 2026<\/span><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n INDIANAPOLIS (July 3, 2026) \u2013 <\/b>As the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Indiana Historical Society (IHS) invites Hoosiers to experience America\u2019s story through music with <\/span>Of the People<\/span><\/i>, a statewide concert series featuring the acclaimed Visions Jazz Ensemble. Presented by The Lacy Foundation, the series will travel to six communities across Indiana during July and August, exploring 250 years of American music through original jazz arrangements that reflect the nation\u2019s shared history, traditions, and cultural identity.<\/span><\/p>\n Performed by a group of accomplished musicians and Indiana University alumni, <\/span>Of the People <\/span><\/i>reimagines familiar works spanning patriotic songs, spirituals, folk traditions, country classics, and orchestral compositions. The program celebrates jazz as a uniquely American art form while honoring the diverse voices, experiences, and musical traditions that have shaped the American story.<\/span><\/p>\n The concert series reflects the Indiana Historical Society\u2019s commitment to connecting people with history through engaging cultural experiences and meaningful community partnerships across the state. By presenting these performances in collaboration with local organizations, IHS is helping communities commemorate the nation\u2019s Semiquincentennial while celebrating Indiana\u2019s rich connection to America\u2019s musical heritage.<\/span><\/p>\n In addition to the concert itself, a traveling version of IHS\u2019s new exhibit <\/span>Freedom\u2019s Framework<\/span><\/i> will be on display at each site. <\/span>Freedom\u2019s Framework<\/span><\/i> commemorates 250 years of the United States by exploring the history of the Old Northwest from before the Revolutionary War to the end of the Civil War. Officially adopted on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence became the nation\u2019s first foundational document, with its ideals central to American life 250 years later. This exhibit examines the Declaration, the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, and other foundational documents for visitors to learn about the people and ideas that built the United States.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHistory is more than dates and documents. It lives in the stories we tell, the traditions we share and the music that has connected generations of Americans,\u201d said Jody Blankenship, president and CEO of the Indiana Historical Society. \u201c<\/span>Of the People<\/span><\/i> offers audiences an opportunity to experience familiar songs in a new way while reflecting on the people and moments that continue to shape our nation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The Indianapolis performance will take place Sunday, July 19, at 3 p.m. at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. The concert will feature acclaimed Chicago jazz vocalist Alyssa Allgood, a two-time <\/span>DownBeat<\/span><\/i> Magazine Critics Poll Rising Star and winner of the Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, joining the Visions Jazz Ensemble for this special performance. Following the concert, guests are encouraged to explore the History Center\u2019s exhibitions and experience an afternoon celebrating America\u2019s history through music. Admission is free.<\/span><\/p>\n Since its founding in 2023, the Visions Jazz Ensemble has earned national recognition for its inventive interpretations of American music. Led by Indiana University alumni Sam Butler and Garrett Fasig, the ensemble\u2019s performances blend exceptional musicianship with fresh arrangements that honor the country\u2019s musical traditions while introducing audiences to new perspectives on familiar works.<\/span><\/p>\n Of the People<\/i><\/b> Performance Schedule<\/b><\/p>\n Friday, July 17 Saturday, July 18 Sunday, July 19 Wednesday, July 29 Sunday, Aug. 2 Tuesday, Aug. 4 Most performances are free and open to the public. For details, ticket information and a complete calendar of events, visit <\/span>IndianaHistory.org\/events<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n ####<\/b><\/p>\n About the Indiana Historical Society<\/b><\/p>\n The Indiana Historical Society collects and preserves Indiana\u2019s unique stories; brings Hoosiers together in remembering and sharing the past; and inspires a future grounded in our state\u2019s uniting values and principles. IHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/b>7 p.m.
<\/b>Bartholomew County Public Library
<\/span>Columbus, Ind.
<\/span>Bring your own chairs and blankets for this outside performance
<\/span>Free
<\/span>In Partnership with Bartholomew County Public Library<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b>Noon
<\/b>Thrall\u2019s Opera House
New Harmony, Ind.
<\/span>Free
<\/span>In Partnership with Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites and Thrall\u2019s Opera House<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b>3 p.m.
<\/b>Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
<\/span>Indianapolis, Ind.
<\/span>Free<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b>7:30 p.m.
<\/b>Merriman\u2019s Playhouse
<\/span>South Bend, Ind.
<\/span>Ticket required
<\/span>In Partnership with Merriman\u2019s Playhouse<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b>3 p.m.
<\/b>Historic Eleutherian College
<\/span>Madison, Ind.
<\/span>Free
<\/span>In Partnership with Historic Eleutherian College\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b>6 p.m.
<\/b>Historic Artcraft Theatre
<\/span>Franklin, Ind.
<\/span>Free
<\/span>Presented by Johnson County Community Foundation
<\/span>In Partnership with Historic Artcraft Theatre<\/span><\/p>\n