# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Indianapolis and the Road to Rock ‘n’ Roll
- **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 21 Aug, 2025 at 06:30 pm – Thu, 21 Aug, 2025 at 08:00 pm
- **Event Description**: 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 for all to attend | Registration recommended to reserve your spot

Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
450 W. Ohio Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202

Free Parking in IHS Lot off New York Street

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 (2011) and the history of the main street of Black America, Beale Street Dynasty (2015). His latest, Before Elvis: The African American Musicians Who Made the King released in January of 2025. Preston has co-authored three memoirs with significant figures in Black music, including Brother Robert (2020) with the stepsister of bluesman Robert Johnson, Timekeeper (2021) with Memphis soul drummer Howard Grimes, and the Blind Boys of Alabama biography Spirit of the Century (2024). His works have earned book of the year recognition from the Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Rolling Stone.

Presented by Indiana Historical Society and the Indiana Music History Project, thanks to the IU Committee on Historic Preservation and the Cornelius O’Brien Lecture Series.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/indianapolis/indianapolis-and-the-road-to-rock-‘n’-roll/200028270212228
- **Event Categories**: music, entertainment, art, literary-art, live-music
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 31

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Indianapolis
- **state**: IN
- **country**: United States
- **location**: The Indiana History Center
- **lat**: 39.77051
- **long**: -86.16601
- **full address**: The Indiana History Center, 450 W Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN 46202-3269, United States

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Indianapolis and the Road to Rock ‘n’ Roll
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events9/banners/085048039ebeed34eb1e3b8bd60991ee4e2e0380c220d903128f27719a883017-rimg-w800-h600-dc7d2f2d-gmir?v=1755678858

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Indianapolis and the Road to Rock ‘n’ Roll being held?
  - **A:** Indianapolis and the Road to Rock ‘n’ Roll takes place on Thu, 21 Aug, 2025 at 06:30 pm to Thu, 21 Aug, 2025 at 08:00 pm at The Indiana History Center, 450 W Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN 46202-3269, United States.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Indianapolis and the Road to Rock ‘n’ Roll?
  - **A:** Indianapolis and the Road to Rock ‘n’ Roll is organized by Indiana Music History Project.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** Indianapolis and the Road to Rock ‘n’ Roll is ideal for music lovers, fans of all genres, and anyone who wants to celebrate the power of music - from intimate gigs and live sessions to festivals and cultural performances. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Indianapolis, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If Indianapolis and the Road to Rock ‘n’ Roll sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast.

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