About
For more than 20 years, Brandon Meeks has been a vibrant force in the Midwest’s soulful and eclectic music scene. As a bassist, he has crafted countless compelling live music experiences with dozens of regional artists, as well as several nationally recognized acts.
Meeks has had the good fortune of working alongside highly acclaimed artists such as Robert Glasper, Jazzmeia Horn, and Charlie Hunter.
Brandon is also the creator of Unsung Giants, an ongoing artistic mission to honor the often-overlooked innovators of Black American Music. Inspired by this vision, he recently formed a new collective of standout musicians from Indianapolis, Chicago, and Cincinnati to explore bold musical ideas shaped by modern jazz visionaries like Christian McBride and Roy Hargrove.
Blending the spirit of classic straight-ahead jazz with a fresh, streetwise 21st-century aesthetic, the group delivers music that uplifts, inspires, and electrifies every room they play.
Performance Videos
Trio Live at The Jazz Kitchen
A straight-ahead jazz trio performance demonstrating interplay, groove, and classic ensemble communication.
Live at the Center for the Performing Arts
A high-energy performance showcasing Meeks’ tone, improvisational voice, and ensemble leadership.
Music Samples
My latest release, Live at The Center is a dynamic, richly expressive live recording that captures the energy and spirit of my artistry. Recorded at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana, this EP features me on upright and electric bass, alongside Josh Strange (vibraphone), Brandon Douthitt (saxophone), and Greg Artry (drums). The album showcases rich improvisation and the soulful essence of modern jazz.
Media + Community Work
Harmony in Motion: Jazz Improv Workshop
This clip is from my appearance on Fox59’s IndyNow, where I discussed Harmony in Motion: Jazz Improv Workshop—a community-focused program that explores the art of improvisation and the deeper cultural roots of jazz.
Legalize Being Black - Indy Jazz Fest Commission Project
Legalize Being Black is an interdisciplinary work I created with my band Native Sun for Indy Jazz Fest in 2020. Blending jazz, hip hop, classical, and spoken word, it responds to the murder of George Floyd. I composed the music and led a full creative team to bring the vision to life.
3rd Sunday Jazz Concerts
3rd Sunday Jazz Concerts series–I curate and perform in this monthly series to highlight regional jazz talent and create meaningful cultural experiences in community spaces.
Selected Highlights
Grants & Fellowships
Indy Arts Council Project Grant
Indianapolis Jazz Foundation Support
Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship
2024 On-Ramp Creative Entrepreneur Fellowship
Performances & Festivals
Equinox Jazz Fest (inaugural year)
Indy Jazz Fest (commissioned composer)
Live at the Center (Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts)
BUTTER Art Fair (inaugural year)
Indiana Economic Development Corporation Brand Summit
Notable Collaborations
Jazzmeia Horn
Charlie Hunter
Bobby Broom
Mike Clark
Peter Erskine
Ralph Peterson, Jr.
Sonny Fortune
Nicole Henry
DJ Logic
Leadership & Residencies
Founder/Curator — 3rd Sunday Jazz Concerts (Indianapolis)
Creator — Harmony in Motion: Jazz Improv Workshop (Fishers, IN)
University of Indianapolis (Faculty, 2018–2023)
Youth jazz mentorship with Inspire Music Collective
Performances
The Jazz Kitchen
Indianapolis
November 28
Wholly Grounds
Dayton
October 26
Indy Jazz Fest
Indianapolis
September 20
The Cabaret Theater
Indianapolis
April 4
City Winery
St Louis
April 10
Erikson Institute
Chicago
April 30
Equinox Jazz Festival
Lexington
September 17
3rd Sunday Jazz Concerts
Indianapolis
May 18
Hard Rock Casino
Cincinnati
May 17