Overview
Jazz in Columbus is more than a concert series—it’s a visual and cultural celebration of Indiana’s architectural heritage and musical vibrancy. FG Studios was invited by the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation (IJF) and CMAD (Columbus Museum of Art & Design) to brand and promote this initiative, blending jazz with Columbus’ world-renowned design legacy.
The Challenge
Columbus, Indiana, is nationally recognized for its architecture, with over 60 public buildings designed by global icons like Eero Saarinen and I.M. Pei. The city’s unique design heritage is championed by Exhibit Columbus, but its music scene—particularly jazz—was underrepresented in this identity.
The client wanted to:
- Create a bold, architectural visual identity for the summer concert.
- Attract new audiences to downtown Columbus.
- Support local and regional jazz talent through free community events.
- Align the jazz programming with the city’s modernist art history.
Our Role
FG Studios was brought in to conceptualize and execute a complete visual identity system for the inaugural “Jazz In Columbus” free concert in July 2024, as well as support materials for the upcoming 2025 expansion.
Our contributions included:
- Event Branding & Poster Design (print & digital).
- Promotional Assets (A5 handouts, 11×17 posters, social graphics).
- Typography & Color System inspired by Exhibit Columbus and modernist design principles.
- Social Campaign Coordination and press asset preparation.
- Integration with broader Indy Jazz Fest and Columbus art ecosystem.
Design Process
We drew direct inspiration from Columbus’ public art and architecture, using geometric abstraction, mid-century modern palettes, custom typography echoing public signage, and dynamic grids to suggest musical and architectural rhythm.
The Concert
- Jazz in Columbus: July 17, 2024.
- 4th & Washington Streets – Downtown Columbus, IN.
- 5:30–7:00PM.
Headliner: The Blue Side
- Tad Robinson (Vocals & Harmonica).
- Gordon Bonham (Guitar & Vocals).
- Kevin Anker (Hammond B3 Organ).
- Kenny Phelps (Drums).
- Reggie Bishop (Keyboards).
- Rob Dixon (Saxophone).
Press & Coverage Highlights
- The Republic News: Featured launch and community response.
- WFIU Public Radio / Indiana Public Media: Broadcast promo and support.
- Columbus Indiana Philharmonic: Alignment with “Jazz at Helen’s” series.
- Bridge FM, Bedford Online, Greater Bloomington Chamber.
- 2025 expansion includes Pavel & Direct Contact, The Caswell Sisters.
Impact & Outcomes
- Hundreds attended the 2024 event.
- Significant press attention in Indiana regional media.
- Strengthened relationships between IJF, CMAD, and local institutions.
- Brand alignment with Exhibit Columbus.
- Ongoing partnership slated for 2025 and beyond.
Why It Worked
By anchoring our creative direction in place-based design, we helped define a jazz identity rooted in Columbus’ unique civic language. It wasn’t just about making posters — it was about making Columbus feel like a jazz town, in the same way it already feels like an architecture town.
Services Provided
- Event Branding & Visual Identity.
- Poster Design (print & social formats).
- Campaign Coordination.
- Strategic Messaging.
- Audience Engagement Support.
- Creative Direction.