American Piano Awards

08/20/2026

Check out 2015 American Piano Awards winner Sullivan Fortner's profile in the The New York Times. His latest album Leave That in There is out on August 28!

This standards-leaning pianist has made fans of jazz’s heavyweights. On “Leave That in There,” out Aug. 28, his playful originals reveal another level of virtuosity.

08/13/2026

➡️ Get Tickets: pianoawards.org/tickets

See the future of music take center stage at the 2027 American Piano Awards Premiere Series. Each of the five finalists will perform two sets at The Jazz Kitchen alongside acclaimed Indianapolis musicians Jeremy Allen on bass and Kenny Phelps on drums.

Whether you snag a seat in the main room or join us in the Listening Lounge to mingle with fellow jazz enthusiasts, you’ll experience electrifying performances featuring jazz standards, original compositions and the inspired improvisation that makes jazz unlike any other art form.

Seating is limited, so get your tickets today!

The 2027 American Piano Awards is presented by Goelzer Investment Management.

08/03/2026

📢 FREE JAZZ CONCERT!

Join us to kick off the 2027 American Piano Awards with a FREE concert featuring all five finalists, hosted by Ryan Ahlwardt and Dr. Katasha S. Butler. Whether you're a lifelong jazz fan or simply love discovering exceptional live music, you'll experience electrifying performances of jazz standards, original compositions, and inspired improvisation that makes jazz unlike any other art form.

🗓️ Saturday, September 19 at 3:30PM
📍 Madam Walker Theatre
🎟️ Admission is free, but seating is limited—reserve your spot: bit.ly/4xgvapO

07/30/2026

A truly stunning performance that remains an all-time APA fan favorite!

2019 laureate Kenny Banks Jr. brought down the house with this electrifying arrangement of Paul Desmond's "Take Five" during his Premiere Series event at The Jazz Kitchen.

07/16/2026

2023 laureate Paul Cornish performs Chick Corea’s “Windows” at the 2023 Finals, held at Hilbert Circle Theatre. Joined by the Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra in an arrangement by Brent Wallarab, it’s an unforgettable moment from the Finals stage.

Head over to YouTube to view the full performance: youtube.com/

07/13/2026

🎟️ Subscriptions for the 2027 Awards season are on sale now!

Don’t miss a moment of the magic! There are two great ways to follow every note of the 2027 Jazz Awards:

➡️ Season Subscription: Experience the full competition journey with exclusive access to every performance from kickoff concert through Finals night.

➡️ Premiere Series Bundle: Experience the virtuosic performances of each jazz finalist from October through February as they take the stage at The Jazz Kitchen.

Subscriptions are available for a limited time. Purchase by August 31: pianoawards.org/tickets

06/29/2026

Check out today’s IndyStar for a feature on our finalists and a look ahead at the 2027 Awards Season!

Indianapolis is home to the American Piano Awards, which will begin its 2027 cycle this fall with five top U.S. jazz pianists competing to win.

06/29/2026

When you give to American Piano Awards before June 30, you’ll support the five extraordinary jazz pianists competing in the 2027 Awards—Joe Block, Caelan Cardello, Brandon Goldberg, Connor Rohrer, and Brahm Sasner. With your gift, these emerging artists will receive life-changing career support and bring exceptional music to Central Indiana and across the globe.

Invest in tomorrow's legends today: pianoawards.org/support

06/24/2026

Introducing communities to world-class music is a central part of our work. Supporters like you make that possible.

Last month, more than 300 students from across Indianapolis spent the morning with the Sullivan Fortner Trio at The Children’s Museum. Sullivan, our 2015 winner and now a three-time Grammy winner, joined American Piano Awards for an education program designed to introduce a new generation to live jazz.

To help us continue these programs, we’re working to raise $30,000 by June 30. Pledge your support: pianoawards.org/support

06/21/2026

☀️ Today's forecast calls for some jazz and sunshine.

Enjoy 2015 American Piano Awards winner Sullivan Fortner performing "On the Sunny Side of the Street" as we welcome the first day of summer. Catch the full performance on YouTube: youtube.com/