“The Phelps Connection” is a collaboration of Indy musicians, managed by legendary drummer and entrepreneur Kenny Phelps and lead vocalist Valerie Phelps.
Kenny Phelps is one of the most in-demand jazz drummers internationally and in the Indianapolis area. He has backed the likes of Dee Dee Bridgewater, Melvin Rhyne, Roy Meriwether, and many more. His touch has been compared to legendary drummer Tony Williams. He also produces community festivals and has reached 1000s with entertainment throughout the city.
Valerie’s vocal style is versatile and dynamic. She performs a combination of jazz and soul rolled into an inspirational mix. She is a professional entertainer, producer for The Jazz Kitchen, Artistic Associate for The Cabaret of Indianapolis, and an admin agent representing other artists. She has shared the stage with Kandace Springs, countless Indy jazz ensembles, a featured guest National Anthem soloist for Gov. Holcom Inauguration, Indiana Black Expo, American Pianist Association Events, Animals and All That Jazz at The Indianapolis, Indiana Jazz Fest, Indiana Fever Anthem soloist, and Super Bowl Half Time Show support vocalist and more.
Also included in this collaboration are Indianapolis jazz all-stars Sean Imboden, Jesse Wittman, and Steven Jones.
Sean Imboden, an American saxophonist and composer, is known for his pioneering, forward-thinking music and cutting-edge live performances. With a rich history of collaborations with GRAMMY-winning artists and jazz luminaries, including Slide Hampton and Sean Jones, Imboden's talent extends to critically acclaimed albums with the Tucker Brothers quartet and appearances on shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He's also toured internationally with Broadway productions and Blast II, while teaching at institutions like the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. Imboden's flagship ensemble, the Sean Imboden Large Ensemble, showcases his innovative modern jazz compositions and unique arrangements of standards, featuring top-tier soloists and a fresh big band sound.
Steven Jones glues the group together with accompaniment on keys. Jones is a staple on the Indy jazz scene and is often featured in groups around the area, including Triology, Premium Blend, and countless combos at jazz clubs in Indianapolis. His work with Premium Blend was heavily featured in the award-winning Heartland Film Festival documentary, "Go Get Your Horn."
Jesse Wittman is a bassist, educator, and recording artist based in Indianapolis where he teaches jazz bass at Butler University. He studied bass with Bruce Bransby and jazz improvisation with David Baker at Indiana University. He currently performs regularly with Rob Dixon, Sean Imboden, Joel Tucker, Amanda Gardier and Charlie Ballantine. Jesse is a versatile musician and has backed up several great vocalists including Erika Henningsen, The Four Freshmen, and Michael Feinstein.
