In-person program
Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
450 W. Ohio Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Thursday, August 21, 2025
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Check in begins at 6:00 p.m.; doors open at 6:15 p.m.
FREE Program; registration encouraged
Join us for an evening exploring the story of how Black Indianapolis business-people and musicians in the 1930s and 1940s began a cultural movement that changed the world: rock ‘n’ roll.
Author Preston Lauterbach, whose works have won book of the year recognitions form Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Rolling Stone, follows the journeys of Indiana Avenue businessman Denver D. Ferguson and musical renaissance man Sax Kari, tracing the many crucial evolutions that began on the Avenue and eventually became the world's most popular music.
Following the discussion, guests can have their own copies of Preston’s works, including his latest Before Elvis: The African American Musicians Who Made the King, signed.
Copies of Preston’s books will be available to purchase through the Basile History Market on the evening of the program. Advanced copies can be purchased by calling the Basile History Market at 317.234.0020.
Preston Lauterbach is the author of seven books, including the American music classic The Chitlin’ Circuit and the history of the main street of Black America, Beale Street Dynasty.
This program is presented by the Indiana Historical Society and the Indiana Music History Project, thanks to the IU Committee on Historic Preservation and the Cornelius O’Brien Lecture Series.
TRAFFIC NOTICE:
Please be aware that traffic on Ohio Street will be restricted during the next 3-4 months.
You can enter the Indiana Historical Society parking lot as usual by turning eastbound on New York Street from West Street.
CLICK HERE to review the expected construction notes.
ATTENTION:
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PURCHASING TICKETS:
IHS MEMBERS: Once you are signed in and select the IHS Member ticket option, your member discount will be automatically applied on the next page.