A Love Note From Indianapolis,

Back in college we traveled to the “big city” of Indianapolis for shows at the Murat Theater, and we would always pop into this place across the street called the Chatterbox for a cocktail. I didn’t know if it was the music, the people, or the atmosphere, but something about the place felt like home. I moved to Indianapolis after college and ended up renting an apartment in the Chatterbox’s backyard. Walking home and hearing jazz pour out of the open door and into my block of Massachusetts Avenue was one of my favorite memories of living there. After frequenting the Chatterbox on a more regular basis, I realized someone needed to document this watering hole. When I started this film, I didn’t know what the conflict would be. Would we talk about “saving jazz” or the “gentrifying” neighborhood surrounding it or how they manage to pass health inspections? As filming went on, my naivete showed and in the end, all of those things didn’t matter. The positive energy and creativity that fuel this place are unstoppable. The Chatterbox didn’t need a documentary on its struggles; it needed a thank you letter for existing, a love note from Indianapolis. The owner, David, created a home where everyone is welcomed and local jazz musicians can share their art every night of the week. Indianapolis needs more places like the Chatterbox. I hope you enjoy this place as much as I do. Cheers, Daniel Arthur Jacobson