Broad Ripple Gazette vol 13 no 15

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Can you believe that it is almost Indiana State Fair time? My intention is to attend all 17 days of the Fair again. I’m giving you the rundown on insider tips and the headlining concerts early so you’ll have plenty of time to plan. I’ll see you there!  

Indiana State Fair
August 5 – 21, 2016
Indiana State Fairgrounds
1202 E. 38^th Street
all-ages, $12 at the gate (several presale promotions available) + $5 parking

I am an Indiana State Fair geek – I’ve attended every single day of the Fair for years. Here are a few of the things I’ve learned along the way.  

Admission: There are tons of deals to be had. There will be a coupon in Monday, August 8^th Indianapolis Star for free admission on Wednesday, August 10. For Meijer Family Day on Monday, August 15 gate admission is only $20 for up to 10 people. There are also discounts for bringing Pepsi product cans, AAA member’s day, college students, military personnel and families, and much more. Check out indianastatefair.com for more information.

Parking: It is $5.00 to park in Fairgrounds and around the Fairgrounds. If I’m driving, I find it easiest to park at the Indiana School for the Deaf at 52nd Street and the Monon Trail. The charge is the same, and it is an easy walk across the street. There is also handicapped parking there and you don’t have to down and up the steps under the track. I find it easier to exit also, be prepared, everyone has to exit onto 46th Street, but there is you get to see all of the trailers and fun stuff of the folks that are working at the Fair.

Free State Fair Park & Ride: When you park at Glendale Mall’s Rural Street lot, you can ride the Indiana State Fair on the free shuttle. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. each day of the fair.

Walking: The Monon Trail leads right to the Fairgrounds. You can hop off at 42nd or 38th Street and there is a gate between the two that leads into the Midway.

Pedal & Park: The secured bicycle parking is right on the trail, north of 38th Street. And you receive a coupon for $1 off of your admission. Be mindful that you need to retrieve your bike by 8:00 PM.

IndyGo: Routes 4 and 39 stop just steps away from the main entrance on 38th St. Fare is $1.75 per ride or $4 for an all-day pass. Youth 18 and under and people 65 and older are eligible for reduced fare with proper ID. Plan you public transit trip to the Fair at IndyGo.net

Once you’re there:  The Tractor Shuttle is my favorite way to get around. It is a great way to see the Fairgrounds and meet people. I couldn’t confirm this year’s price; it was a dollar per ride last year. You can take a full turn around the Fairgrounds while sitting in the shade (or out the rain). Seniors can purchase a daily unlimited ride wrist band for $3 – and it is free for seniors on both Tuesdays of the Fair.

Food: On both Tuesdays of the Fair there are $2 Taste of the Fair specials. All concessionaires will offer a $2 special. It’s a great way to sample it all!

Balloon Launch and Light Up the Night: Friday, August 5 (Opening Day). The balloons will launch at sunrise (about 6:15 AM) and that evening (9:00 PM) there will be an Illuminated Tractor Parade and Hot Air Balloon Glow, presented by Reynolds Farm Equipment. The Illuminated Tractor Parade was great fun last year – nothing like tractors outlined by lights to get you in the State Fair Spirit.

In honor of Indiana’s bicentennial all of the concerts are included in the price of admission.  You read that right – FREE!

On the aptly-named Free Stage (northwest corner of the Fairgrounds, in front of the 4-H buildings)

Night Ranger – Friday, August 5, 7:30 pm

Neal McCoy – Saturday, August 6. 7:30 pm

Hispanic/Latino Music Festival featuring El Dasa – Sunday, August 7, 3 – 8 pm

Aaron Tippin, with the Hunter Smith Band  - Monday, August 8, 6 pm

Granger Smith featuring Earl Dibbles Jr.– Tuesday, August 9, 7:30 pm 

Susan Cowsill and Flo

Happy Together Tour starring The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Chuck Negron, Mark Lindsay, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Cowsills, and The Spencer Davis Group Wednesday, August 10, 7:30 pm

The Fray– Thursday, August 11. 7:30 pm 

38 Special– Friday, August 12, 7:30 pm 

The Bacon Brothers– Saturday, August 13, 7:30 pm 

Contemporary Christian Music Festival starring Jason Gray, Zealand Worship, SHINEBRIGHT, The Lasting Hope, and The Dave Chisham Band –Sunday, August 14, 2-8 pm 

Blues Traveler – Monday, August 15, 7:30 pm

Maddie & Tae – Tuesday, August 16, 7:30 pm

Lauren Alaina – Wednesday, August 17, 7:30 pm

Anthony Hamilton – Thursday, August 18, 7:30 pm 

ABBA The Concert (A Tribute to ABBA) – Friday, August 19, 7:30 pm 

Laura Marano– Saturday, August 20, 1 and 3:30pm

The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band– Saturday, August 20, 7:30pm

Gospel Music Festival starring Karen Clark, Sheard, and Chicago Mass Choir – Sunday, August 21. 3 – 9 pm

I was hoping to be able to tell you the schedule for the Main Street Stage and the Pioneer Village Stage, but I only had bits and pieces of those schedules by press time. I’ll highlight some of the acts in the next issue.

I can’t wait!

www.indianastatefair.com

  

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 13 no 14

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

I hope you’re all enjoying these long days of summer. There is plenty of great music to be enjoyed – I hope to see you out and about!

John Paul White with The Secret Sisters
Saturday, July 9, 2016
The Jazz Kitchen
5377 N. College Ave
21+, doors 7 PM, show 8 PM, $15 advance, $17 door

What a great show this will be! John Paul White and The Secret Sisters are both from the same neck of the Alabama woods.

John Paul White is tour in support of his newest album, Beulah. The record is named for a long-time family nickname, but all I can think of when I hear the name is my favorite childhood cat. The album doesn’t come out until August, but the song that was released on NPR is delightful. "The Martyr” is introspective and leans towards the rock genre. Album reviews are all great, saying the record covers a spectrum of rock, twang, and soul, highlighting John Paul’s amazing voice. You might recognize him as the male half of the now-defunct duo, Civil Wars.

The Secret Sisters - Laura and Lydia Rogers grew up immersed in the Muscle Shoals musical culture and are influenced by a wide range of music. They listened to everything from George Jones, Loretta Lynn, The Ramones, and Fleetwood Mac.  Their father is a musician and introduced them to bluegrass at an early age, taking them to weekend bluegrass festivals. The result is an eclectic mix of musical styles and strong storytelling all surrounded by beautiful harmonies.

Don’t forget about the great food at The Jazz Kitchen, order dinner and enjoy the music.

www.mokbpresents.com
www.thejazzkitchen.com

Setfire, Shed, Whiskey Supercharger, Aesthetic Distance, and Fleshsuit
Saturday, July 16, 2016
Birdy’s Live
2131 E. 71^st Street
21+, 8 PM, $?

If you’ve been longing for a night of international hard rock and metal, your wait is over! Sao Paulo, Brazil’s Setfire is touring the States this summer and will land at Bir will be there along with Indiana’s own, Shed and Whiskey Supercharger. They will be joined on the bill by Aesthetic Distance and Fleshsuit.

I couldn’t find the ticket price by press time, but I’m sure it will be worth every head-banging penny!

www.setfireofficial.com
www.birdyslive.com  

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 13 no 8

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

It’s Record Store Day time – the official kickoff of springtime in the neighborhood. I can’t wait to see you all out and about!

Saturday, April 16, 2016
Indy CD & Vinyl (806 Broad Ripple Ave)
LUNA music (5202 N. College Ave)
all-ages, free,

We’re fortunate to have two wonderful and active independent record stores in our neighborhood. Beth Indy CD & Vinyl and LUNA music will feature live music, special releases, sales, and giveaways all day.

Indy CD & Vinyl will be open from 8 – 8. They’ll have giveaways and sales and music and food and drink available. Rocket 88 will be there with doughnuts, Kuma’s Corner will serve their rockin’ burgers, and Dogfish Head beer will be available for the age-appropriate folks.

Live music outside in the tent starts at 10 AM:

10:00 – noon: Mr. Daniel and Shoobee Loo will play family friendly music.
Noon – Sweet Poison Victim
1:15 – Moor.dub
2:30 – Veseria
3:45 –  Desert Planet
5:00 – Devil To Pay
6:16 – US Bastards.

LUNA is opening at 8 AM - there will be Taylor’s Bakery doughnuts and other giveaways for those waiting in line). The annual sidewalk sale starts at 10 AM, Rusty Redenbacher will be spinning music starting at noon.

There is a live music stage behind the store and the music starts at noon, with hosts Mike Adams and D.J. Sedcairn.

Noon: Video Grave
1:00 SM Wolf
2:00 Barley Pops
3:00 Hoops
4:00 Peter & The Kings
5:00 Ghost Gun Summer
6:00 Mike Adams At His Honest Weight

There will be Upland beer, La Margarita tacos (vegan and meaty), and Tinker Coffee available for purchase.

www.recordstoreday.com
www.indycdandvinyl.com
www.lunamusic.net 

Sindacato
Sunday, April 24, 2016
The Jazz Kitchen
5377 N. College Ave
21+, 6:00 – 9:00, $10

Before Americana was a well-known music genre, Indianapolis was enjoying Sindacato. The popular and award-winning band was formed in the mid-1990s. They only play together about once a year now – this show isn’t to be missed.

Sindacato features songwriter, Frank Dean (guitar, vocals), Gary Wasson (bass, vocals), and Jon Martin (dobro, guitar, mandolin, vocals). Michael Beck will be joining them for the evening and other special guests are promised. Doors open at 5 PM for dinner (always delicious) and drinks.

www.frank-dean.com
www.thejazzkitchen.com

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 12 no 16

First published in the Broad Ripple Gazette. 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – the 2015 Indianapolis State Fair is open! It is also time for the fifth annual Indy Folk Fest at Indy Hostel and mark your calendar for Sausagefest on August 21^st and 22^nd.  I’ll see you at the Fair! 

Indy Folk Fest
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Indy Hostel
4903 Winthrop Ave
all-ages, 1:00 – 11:00 PM, $10 or 4 ticket Family Pack $35

I can’t believe it is only the fifth Indy Folk Fest, it has quickly become a beloved part of the summer festival circuit.   This year’s festival is featuring all local bands and artists and several community organizations. This year the festival will benefit KidsPeace, a nonprofit agency that provides professional support to children and families in the foster care system.

The bands are: Bigfoot Yancey, The Midwest Rhythm Exchange, Sphie, Knollwood Boys, Noble Roots Music, Prowlers & The Prey, Kevin Krauter, and Lisa Walks. 

There will be a vendor village with gobs of great art and other goodies. Karma Kitchen Food Truck will be on site and Upland Brewing Company beer will be offered. 

Visit the Indy Hostel website for more details. 

www.indyhostel.us

 

Indiana State Fair
Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 23, 2015
Indiana State Fairgrounds
1202 E. 38^th Street
all-ages, $12 at gate ($8 advance, various other specials and free admission specials)

There are several places to hear music during the Indiana State Fair and I hear they’re adding music to the Indiana Beer and Wine area, including Bubbles Brown on all three Fridays, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. 

The Free Stage is located in front of the 4-H buildings on the northwest corner of the Fairgrounds.

This year’s Free Stage lineup is eclectic, ranging from the Dukes of Hazard to The Village People! Festival bench seating, free with Fair admission. 

Friday, August 7, 7:30 PM: Indigo Girls 

Saturday, August 8, 7:30 PM: Morris Day & The Time 

Sunday, August 9, noon – 8:00 PM: Hispanic/Latino Music Festival featuring Los Caminantes de Humberto Navarro

Monday, August 10, 7:30 PM: Rodney Atkins 

Wednesday, August 12, 7:30: Happy Together Tour with The Turtles; The Association; Mark Lindsay; The Grass Roots; The Buckinghams and The Cowsills 

Thursday, August 13, 7:30 PM: Creedence Clearwater Revisited 

Friday, August 14, 7:30 PM: Return of the Dukes: John Schneider & Tom Wopat , and photo ops with the General Lee from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Sunday, August 16, 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Contemporary Christian Music Fest with Colton Dixon 

Monday, August 17: Village People at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, August 18, 7:30 PM: Big & Rich 

Wednesday, August 19, 7:30 PM: Craig Morgan 

Thursday, August 20, 7:30 PM: KC & the Sunshine Band 

Friday, August 21, 6:30 PM: “Nashville” stars Lennon and Maisy; 8:00 PM, The Henningsens
Saturday, August 22, 7:30 PM: Rusted Root 

Sunday, August 23, 4:00 – 9:00 PM: Wild Cherry Pepsi Gospel Music Day with special guest Ms. LaShun Pace of the legendary Pace Sisters 

The Main Street Stage is just to the north of the Grandstand. There is picnic table seating and it is close enough to the Dairy Bar that you can get there without your milkshake melting too much. 

Friday, August 7

10:00 – 11:30 AM: Indiana INETERNnet
Noon, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM: SHEEZA
1:00 PM, 3:00 PM: Thomas Wayne Pruitt
5:30 – 7:00 PM: London Rose
8:00 – 10:00 PM PictureYes

Saturday, August 8

10:00 AM, 11:30 AM: Ovation Singers!
1:30 PM, 3:00 PM: Vocal Throwdown preliminaries – Jr. Division
4:00 – 5:30 PM: Vocal Throwdown preliminaries – Sr. Division
6:30 – 8:00 PM: Osiella

Sunday, August 9

10:30 - 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM: Indy Spotlight
4:00 PM, 5:00 PM,  6:00 PM: Sheltered Reality

Monday, August 10

10:00 AM, Noon, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM: U.S. Navy Navigators
11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM: Dominique Von
5:30 – 7:00 PM: The Cosmic Situation
8:00 – 9:30 PM: Blue Monkey Sideshow

Tuesday, August 11

10:00 AM, Noon, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM: Sawyer
11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM: Cap Quirk
5:30 – 7:00 PM: Terry Lee & the Rockaboogie Band
8:00 – 9:30 PM: Cook & Belle

Wednesday, August 12

10:00 AM, Noon, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM: The Kandis Chambers Band
11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM:: McKayla Willever
5:30 – 7:00 PM: Terry Lee & the Rockaboogie Band
8:00 – 9:30 PM: Mike Milligan and Steam Shovel

Thursday, August 13

10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM: Chris Burch
3:00 – 4:30 PM: The JenaRitas
5:30 – 7:00 PM: The Beautiful Discord
8:00 – 9:30 PM: Cyrus Youngman & The King Fishers

Friday, August 14

10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM: Eric Martin Smith
3:00 – 4:30 PM: The Indiana Boys
5:30 – 7:00 PM: Blue Mafia
8:00– 10:00 PM: Ashley Wilcox and The Cosmos

Saturday, August 15

10:00 AM, 11:30 PM: Ovation Singers!
1:30 – 3:30 PM: U.S. Navy Four Star Edition
5:00 PM: Vocal Throwdown finals – Jr. Division
6:00 PM: Vocal Throwdown finals – Sr. Division
8:00 – 10:00 : Chinese JailBreak

Sunday, August 16

10:00 AM, Noon, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM: Seth Cook
11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM: Heaven Cansler
5:30– 7:00 PM: The Lemon Brothers Band
8:00 – 9:30 PM: Fistful of Bacon

Monday, August 17

10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, Noon, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM: Stevens Puppets – "Beauty & the Beast"
5:00 - 6:30 PM: Directors’ Jazz Orchestra
8:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Blue Monkey Sideshow

Tuesday, August 18

10:00 AM, Noon, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM: Ball State’s Note to Self
11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM: Ryan M. Brewer
5:30- 7:00 PM: Craig B. Moore & The Invaders
8:00 - 9:30 PM: Cosmic Preachers

Wednesday, August 19

10:00 AM, Noon, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM: Twilite Nites
11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM: The Minister’s Quartet
5:30– 7:00 PM: Shelby County Sinners
8:00 PM – 9:30 PM: P*ssed Off Catfish

 

Thursday, August 20

10:30 AM, Noon: Birch Creek
2:00 PM, 3:30 PM: Indiana Gospel Music Association
5:30 – 7:00 PM: Jester
8:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Jon Strahl Band

Friday, August 21

10:30 AM, 1:00 AM, 3:00 PM: Dior
Noon, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM: Against the Clocks
5:30 – 7:00 PM: Timothy Scott and Toolbox Union
8:00 – 10:00 PM: Audiodacity

Saturday, August 22

10:30 AM, Noon: The Meek Sisters
3:00 – 4:30 PM: J-STAR Band
5:30 – 7:00 PM: Building Nations

Sunday, August 23

10:00 AM, Noon, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM: Veseria
11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM: Circle City Sound

The Pioneer Village Stage is cleverly located in the Pioneer Village on the northeast part of the Fairgrounds. The music stage is in the back of the Pioneer Village Barn, church pew seating, free with Fair admission. This year there will also be musicians playing on the front porch of the barn.

I suggest visiting Pioneer Village early in your day at the Fair. The music and demonstrations are mostly daytime events.

Friday, August 7

10:00 AM: Family Reunion String Band
2:00 PM: Cumberland Gap Bluegrass Band
6:30 PM: Liar’s Contest by Storytelling Arts of Indiana (contestants welcome)

Saturday, August 8

10:00 AM: Johnson County Folk Music Society
1:30 PM: Johnny Appleseed performed by Steve McPhail
3:00 PM: Naptown Jug Busters 

 

Sunday, August 9

10:00AM: Family Reunion String Band Gospel Sing
2:00 PM: Common Ground

Monday, August 10

10:00 AM: Patchwork
2:00 PM: Myra Dworski 

Tuesday, August 11

 
10:00 AM: Mac Bellner and Friends
2:00 PM: John Kay of Traditional Arts Indiana
6:30 PM: Bill Bailey with Hands on Rhythm

Wednesday, August 12

10:00 AM: Indiana Songbook presented by the Indiana State Museum– featuring President Lincoln
2:00 PM: Hank Hazard and Nashville Swingers

Thursday, August 13

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Steve Jeffris

Friday, August 14

10:00 AM: Indiana Songbook presented by the Indiana State Museum– featuring President Lincoln
2:00 – 5:00 PM: Steve Robbins & El Diego

Saturday, August 15

10:00 AM: Slates Family Band
2:30 PM, 5:00 PM: Scioto Ridge Boys 

Sunday, August 16

10:00 AM: Scioto Ridge Boys Gospel Hour
2:00 PM: Andra Faye and Scott Ballantine
5:30: Last Drop Jug Band – in the Main Street Tractor Parade
6:30 PM: Sacred Harp 

Monday, August 17

10:00 AM: Mac Bellner and Friends
2:00 PM: White River Jazz Band

Tuesday, August 18

10:00 AM: Robin Harrison
2:00 – 5:00 PM: Last Drop Jug Band  
6:30: New August Acoustic Duo

Wednesday, August 19

10:00 AM: Delta Duo
2:00 -- 5:00 PM: The Dulcimer Gathering

Thursday, August 20

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Steve Jeffris

Friday, August 21

10:00 AM: Mike and Joe Flowers
2:00 – 5:00 PM: Witch Hazel Valley People
6:30 PM: Marion County Line 

Saturday, August 22

10:00 AM: Last Drop Jug Band
1:30 PM: Johnny Appleseed performed by Steve McPhail
5:30 – 7:00 PM: Building Nations

Sunday, August 23

10:00 AM: Reunion String Band gospel sing
2:00 PM: Straight Line Bluegrass Band

Shane Co. Concert Series at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum

A separate ticket is needed for these shows (the cost of the ticket DOES NOT include Fair admission or parking).

Tuesday, August 11, 7:30 PM, $58 & $48: Meghan Trainor with special guests Charlie Puth and Life of Dillion,

Wednesday, August 12, 7:30 PM, $60, $55, $35, & $30: Garrison Keillor

Thursday, August 13, 7:30 PM, $55, $45, & 39 at 7:30 PM: Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias

Friday, August 14, 8:00 PM, $55 & $45: Jake Owen with special guest Parmalee

 http://in.gov/statefair/fair

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 12 no 15

First published in the Broad Ripple Gazette.

It’s Indiana State Fair time, it’s Indiana State Fair time! I can’t believe how excited I get each year – I’m always afraid that my enthusiasm will wane, but not this year at least. The “Year of the Farmer” promises great music and exhibits. I will preview a slice of the goodness in this issue and the next of the Gazette. In the meantime, there are oodles of fun to be had. 

Rodeo Ruby Love – Final Show with Mike Adams at His Honest Weight
Friday, July 31, 2015
The Hi-Fi
1043 Virginia Ave
21+, $10, doors 8:00 PM/show 9:00 PM

All good things must come to an end, or so I hear. 

Rodeo Ruby Love has being doing great musical things for the past 10 years. And band years are like dog years, each year should be multiplied by seven, at least. They have toured (with the requisite van breakdowns) several times, recorded six albums, contributed to compilation recordings, and played hundreds of shows in the last decade. They are celebrating the end of their era with a farewell show at The Hi-Fi in Fountain Square. 

The description on their website says it best “Rodeo Ruby Love has tried to become synonymous with Indiana: honest, hardworking, non-assuming and a little bit behind the times. Their songs seek to tell real stories, vulnerably exploring truth in the emotions we experience when life and love collide—the heartaches of friendship, the exhilaration of relationship, and the innocent angst of trying to get to second base.” 

Mike Adams at His Honest Weight (isn’t that a fun band name?) will open the show. 

www.hifiindy.com

In-Store Performance with Summer and Michael Kelsey
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Indy CD & Vinyl
806 Broad Ripple Ave.
all-ages, free, 5:00 PM

Yowza, Summer is talented! I’ve been listening to her debut album, Save the World, and it is wonderful good old-fashioned rock and roll. The fact that she is only 14 years old adds to the fun. She caught the ear of the guitar virtuoso and multi-talented Michael Kelsey, who produced the record and will perform with her at Indy CD & Vinyl. 

Trust me, you don’t want to miss this show.   

summersmusic.net
michaelkelsey.com
www.indycdandvinyl.com

Indiana State Fair – Year of the Farmer
August 7 – 23, 2015
Indiana State Fairgrounds
1202 E. 38^th Street
all-ages, gate ticket price $12, advance $8,  children under 5 years old free, various packages and discounts available 

I am an Indiana State Fair geek – I’ve attended every single day of the Fair for years. Here are a few insider tips. 

Parking: They started charging $5.00 for parking on the Fairgrounds a few years ago. If I’m driving, I find it easiest to park at the Indiana School for the Deaf at 52^nd Street and the Monon Trail. The charge is the same, and it is an easy walk across the street. There is also handicapped parking there and you don’t have to down and up the steps under the track. I find it easier to exit also, be prepared, everyone has to exits onto 46^th Street, but there is you get to see all of the trailers and fun stuff of the folks that are working at the Fair. 

Walking: The Monon Trail leads right to the Fairgrounds. You can hop off at 42^nd or 38^th Street, or there is a gate right on the Trail that leads into the Midway. 

Pedal & Park: The secured bicycle parking is right on the trail, north of 38^th Street. And you receive a coupon for $1 off of your admission. Be mindful that you need to retrieve your bike by 8:00 PM. 

Train: I had never taken the Indiana Transportation Museum FairTrain because it seemed a little crazy for me to drive to Fishers to travel back to my neighborhood. Last year my clever brother pointed out that I could make the round trip from the Fairgrounds to Fishers and back. Why didn’t think of that? I’ll be taking my inaugural FairTrain ride this year. The trains arrive and depart the Fairgrounds several times each day across from Gate 6, you can now purchase tickets at the Coliseum Box Office. Prices vary by day and age of the rider, check www.itm.org for more info. 

Tractor Shuttle: I have an unnatural affection for the Tractor Shuttle. It is a great way to see the Fairgrounds and meet people. I couldn’t confirm this year’s price; it was a dollar per ride last year. You can take a full turn around the Fairgrounds while sitting in the shade (or out the rain). Seniors can purchase a daily unlimited ride wrist band for $3 – and it is free for seniors on both Tuesdays of the Fair. 

Admission: There are tons of deals to be had. There will be a coupon in Monday, August 10^th Indianapolis Star for free admission on Wednesday, August 12. There are also discounts for brining Pepsi cans, AAA member’s day, college students, military personnel and families, and much more. Check out indianastatefair.com for more information. 

Food: On both Tuesdays of the Fair there are $2 Taste of the Fair specials. All concessionaires will offer a $2 special. It’s a great way to sample it all! 

Balloon Launch and Light Up the Night: Friday, August 7^th (Opening Day). The balloons will launch at sunrise (about 6:15 AM) and that evening (9:00 PM) there will be an Illuminated Tractor Parade and Hot Air Balloon Glow, presented by Reynolds Farm Equipment.

I’ll have the rundown of concerts and other State Fair events in the next issue.

 

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 12 no 5

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Lenten Concert with Paulo Castro

Sunday, March 8, 2015
Immaculate Heart of Mary

5692 Central Avenue
2:00 – 3:00 PM, refreshments following, all-ages, free (donation to the artists welcome)

Immaculate Heart of Mary parish is hosting a Lenten Sunday afternoon concert that is open to the public. Paulo Castro, pianist with the Indianapolis Children’s Choir among other great accomplishments, is leading a musical journey through Lent, using piano music from classical, folk, contemporary and sacred repertoire. He will be joined by the wonderful, Julie Houston, vocalist and flutist. After the recital, everyone is invited to stay for refreshments. ihmindy.org

juliehoustonmusic.com 
  Amy X Neuburg

Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Basile Opera Center
4011 N. Pennsylvania St
7:30 – 9:00 PM. all-ages, free

This promises to be a fun show! Oakland, California based, Amy X Neuburg, is known her own brand of irreverent genre-crossing music. She is an innovative user of live looping technology, blended with her four-octave vocal range and humorous lyrics. She was one of the earliest performers to work with live looping technology so it makes perfect sense that she’ll be joined by the students of the Music & Arts Technology classes at IUPUI. The class will be performing a new composition by Amy.

www.indyopera.org
music.iupui.edu
www.amyxneuburg.com

Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Saint Patrick’s Day Pipers
Various Locations and times

The bagpipers are coming, the bagpipers are coming! Bagpipers are part of the Broad Ripple St. Patrick’s Day tradition. Some folks stake out a spot and wait for the pipers to appear, others follow the band, grabbing a drink at each location.

The Gordon Pipers will be at Binkley’s (5902 N. College Ave) at 6:30 and Union Jack Pub (924 Broad Ripple Ave) at 7:10. Both of those shows are all-ages and family-friendly.

I couldn’t find the Murat Highlanders schedule by the deadline for printing in this paper, but I do know they will be at the Red Key Tavern (5170 N. College Ave) at 10:00.

500gordonpipers.com
  Summer programs for girls

It is hard to think about summer right now – as I’m typing as the snow is falling – but sunny weather will eventually come and with that brings some great musical programming for girls.

Now is the time to apply.

Girls Rock! Indianapolis

Applications will be available for on-line submission beginning March 9.    

This year Girls Rock! is offering two camp sessions (identical curriculum).

Session 1: Camp Week July 6-10, Showcase July 11
Session 2: Camp Week July 13-17, Showcase July 18

The camp week location and showcase venue are being finalized and will be announced soon.

Tuition is $250 per camper.  Full and partial scholarships, based on financial need, are available and can be requested during the application process.   

Girls Rock! Indianapolis is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to building positive self-esteem in girls and encouraging creative expression through music. Our music education programs provide girls with an opportunity to participate in an environment that fosters leadership, encourages social change, and cultivates a supportive community of female peers and mentors.

Girls Rock! is also in the middle of a fundraising effort. After five years of providing summer day camps for young women ages 8-16, they are expanding their programming and services to help reach more of the Indianapolis community, including at-risk and under-served girls who might greatly benefit from the after-school and summer camp programs. In order to properly navigate our expansion, they need a home base.

The fundraising effort is specifically focused to pay for rent, build-out, and equipment in a new space inside the GC Murphy Building in the Fountain Square neighborhood. The building is already home to a variety of arts community players, and is the perfect place to build a home for Girls Rock! Indianapolis.

To apply for a camp session and for more information about their fundraising campaign visit girlsrockindy.org.

D.I.V.A. Summer Songwriting Camp

Camp: June 22 – 26. Auditions will take place on Monday, March 16 at Shortridge Magnet High School and on Monday, March 23 at The Warehouse in Carmel.

 D.I.V.A. Summer Songwriting Camp (formerly Girls Create Music), has moved its summer camp to Hilbert Circle Theatre. The camp is celebrating its fifth year of inspiring young women (girls age 10 – 16) to be better musicians and confident artists.

D.I.V.A. has a wonderful group of Indiana based-musicians – including Andra Faye, Monkia Herzig, and Mina Keohane on facility – and they have invited Nashville-based songwriters, Amy Speace and Ron Browning, to be the camp’s resident songwriting coaches. If you’ve read this column for any amount of time you know that I am a huge Amy Speace fan!

Ron and Amy have songwriting credits that partnerships with Grammy winners, residences at a variety of prestigious music festivals, and albums reviewed by Billboard Magazine (and the Broad Ripple Gazette, I might add). Alongside D.I.V.A.’s roster of professional Indiana-based musicians, Browning and Speace will act as songwriting mentors to the campers. In addition, Browning, who has coached Patti LaBelle, Wynonna Judd, and Carrie Underwood, will teach the camp’s vocal master class, and Speace will write an original composition, which the campers will perform at their final performance on June 26 at Hilbert Circle Theatre.

 New campers may also submit a video audition. The audition involves a short creative demonstration and an interview. Interested campers do not need to have instrumental or vocal experience to audition. D.I.V.A. is able to offer scholarships to those campers who quality. Interested campers must audition before being considered for a scholarship. To apply to D.I.V.A. or for more information about the camp and its scholarships visit www.BeAGoodDiva.com or call (317) 426.8543.