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In mid-20th-century Indianapolis, approaching Indiana Avenue over Fall Creek brought you straight into the Avenue’s center. Just past General Hospital, you’d see Lockefield Gardens—a thriving Depression-era public housing development. From there, you’d encounter historic entertainment landmarks such as the Sunset Terrace, where iconic musicians including Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Little Richard and Nat King Cole performed. These sites once defined this dynamic cultural corridor. Parks’ “A Gateway to the Avenue” is a musical exploration of the Avenue’s history. Framed as a film score, the piece utilizes pre-recorded interviews and oral histories conducted by Kyle Long. These interviews feature the voices of culturally significant musicians connected to the Avenue scene, including Charlotte Bailey, Debbie Nelson, and members of Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign. Parks crafted the score using a special technique that combines real-time sampling and composition, beginning with a Wurlitzer piano recording that is then re-processed within a granular synthesizer and complemented by a small drum kit. “A Gateway to the Avenue” serves as a catalyst for protecting and honoring Indianapolis’ historic musical community, functioning as a gateway that bridges the past, present and future of Indiana Avenue’s rich musical heritage.

Duration: 26:51

Deantoni Parks

A Gateway to the Avenue