On June 16, 2025, the AmerikaHaus NRW and the Freundeskreis Köln-Indianapolis jointly hosted the thirteenth Indiana Jazz Exchange. This year’s special guest was jazz violinist, arts leader, and recording artist Cathy Morris, a member of the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation Hall of Fame and one of the city’s most dynamic musical ambassadors. Known for her charismatic stage presence and stylistic versatility, Morris has performed for President Bill Clinton and other world leaders. In Cologne, she played alongside German-American pianist Monika Herzing and guitarist Peter Kienle, both based in Indiana, as well as Cologne-based bassist Andre Nendza and drummer Drori Mondlak.

The setlist of this truly transatlantic ensemble was inspired by the contemporary jazz scene in Indianapolis and drew from two photographic anthologies by Indianapolis musician and historian Larry Goshen, chronicling the lives and legacies of Indiana’s musical pioneers. With over 130 guests, the Altes Pfandhaus in Cologne was filled to capacity, and the audience was truly captivated by the performance, responding with enthusiastic applause and overwhelmingly positive feedback.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the musicians for their remarkable performance and willingness to join us in Cologne for this special evening. Many thanks also to the Freundeskreis Köln-Indianapolis for the cooperation and to the City of Cologne and the State Government of North Rhine-Westphalia for their support in making this event possible.

Fotos: Gerhard Richter