Broad Ripple Gazette vol 11 no 23

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for all of the creativity and generosity flowing through our community. I am constantly reminded of how cool our neighborhood is and you all are the ones that make it happen. Keep up the good work! 

Soft River Reading Series - poetry reading
Monday, November 17
Print_Text
652 E 52nd Street
7:00 PM, free (donations for traveling writers encouraged), all-ages 

I used feel overwhelmed while reading poetry, I was afraid that I wasn’t doing it right. A few years ago I realized that my fear was silly. There is no right or wrong way to experience poetry, just let it wash over you. I do really enjoy it when I can hear the words in the poet’s voice; it brings a whole new appreciation for the work. You can do just that at Print_Text on Monday, November 17. Bring a pillow to sit on and join five poets for a cozy evening of poetry. 

Here is a little bit about the poets:

Joel Felix is travelling in support of his book Limbs of the Apple Tree Never Die and is from Seattle. Patrick Morrissey is the poetry editor of Chicago Review and is about to have his first book of poems published.  Kaveh Akbar is from Indianapolis and is a poet, editor, and educator. He founded and edits Divedapper, serves as Poetry Editor for BOOTH. His writing has appeared in The Best American Nonrequired Reading, , The New York Quarterly, The Dublin Quarterly, and more. Chris Forhan now lives Indianapolis and grew up in Seattle. He is the author of Forgive Us Our Happiness and has won several poetry prizes. He teaches in the MFA program at Butler University. Wendy Lee Spacek also lives in Indianapolis. She is a poet, curator of the Soft River, and unofficial distributor of small-press books. Her work has been published in LVNG Magazine and on-line through Monster House Press.

Mandatory Mustache Bash
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Melody Inn
3826 N. Illinois Street
21+, 8:00 PM, $10

This is the sixth year for the Mustache Bash and instructions are to, “make one, grow one or get one at the door!” If you don’t have one already, show off your creativity in making a mustache to wear. The sky is the limit. Sort of – it does have to fit under your nose. And don’t worry; if you don’t come with a mustache you will be given an adhesive one at the door

Prize categories include the traditional, Best Real, Best Fake and the coveted Mustache Spirit awards. This year Creepiest and Most Uncomfortable are new categories. Judges will be mingling amongst the guests picking their favorite mustaches, so arrive early enough to be considered (judging ends at 11:00).

Lineup:  
9:00pm – Nate and Dev
9:45pm – Brandon Tinkler
10:45pm – Pork & Beans Brass Band
11:30 – Awards
Midnight – The Kickback

www.melodyindy.com

Larry Carlton
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
The Jazz Kitchen
5377 N. College Ave
21+, 7:00 & 9:30 PM, $40 ($60 for front row seating) 

Four-time Grammy winner, Larry Carlton is known all over the world as one of the best guitar players around. You can often see him supporting Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, or The Crusaders. His own records are a distinctive blend of bluesy soulfulness and plenty of jazz. He has a new Christmas album coming out, so I bet he’ll be playing some of those. The Jazz Kitchen is music smaller than the concert halls Carlton typically plays in. This is a great chance to see him in an intimate setting. 

www.larrycarlton.com
www.thejazzkitchen.com

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 11 no 21

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette 

Pints for Half Pints
Saturday, October 18, 2014
The Speak Easy
5255 N. Winthrop Avenue
21+, 4:00 – 8:00 PM, $10 (+ beer tickets)

The Broad Ripple Kiwanis Club is hosting their third annual Pints of Half Pints fundraiser to help equip IPS schools in the Broad Ripple and Midtown communities with teaching tools to linked to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education. 

Proceeds from last year’s event raised $9,300 and helped sponsor robotics and LEGO clubs at IPS Schools 91, 55 and Sidener Academy; supplies and volunteer support for School 55’s annual science fair; special school wide Mad Science event at School 55; science club at School 91; and 13 laptops designated for STEM afterschool programming.

Pints for Half-Pints will include craft beer from six local breweries, available in a tasting size or by the pint. One brewery team will take home the trophy from the event’s Broad Ripple Brewers Throw Down, a hilarious Family Feud contest, brewery style. Food trucks will be onsite and Big Bill Taylor (blues/acoustic rock) will be entertaining everyone. The first 300 attendees will receive a souvenir pint glass. 

www.pfhp.org

 

Shiny and the Spoon
Monday, October 20, 2014
Indy Folk Series
615 W. 43rd Street (Unitarian Universalist Church)
all-ages, 7:00 PM (doors 6:15), Adults: $15; Students/Age 65 and up: $10; Age 12 and under: free

I first saw Shiny and the Spoon at the Indy Hostel Folk Fest a few years ago and was immediately smitten. The band has a great front porch folkie/bluegrassy thing going on. 

ShinyAndTheSpoon.com 

The Indy Folk Series is always excellent – here is the schedule for the rest of the concerts in the series.  

November 29, 2014: Open Mic Night to benefit WITT Community Radio
December 14, 2014:  The Good Bad Luckys: Tim Grimm, Krista Detor, and Joe Crookston
January 17, 2015: Emerging Artists: Ladies Night - Adrienne Frailey and Briagha McTavish
February 21, 2015: The Accidentals
March 14, 2015: Carrie Newcomer
April 18, 2015: Harpeth Rising
May 9, 2015: Billy Strings & Don Julin

Check the website for further details and advance ticket sales. 

www.indyfolkseries.org

 

Melody Inn Annual Halloween Show
Friday, October 31, 2014
Melody Inn
3826 N Illinois Street
21+, Show 8:00, doors 7:00, $10.

The Melody Inn’s Halloween show is always not-so-scary fun. Expect great costumes and awesome music. Local bands will morph into versions of Velvet Underground, Steely Dan, The Cars, Duran Duran, Jeff Buckley, and Hank III.  

http://melodyindy.com

Broad Ripple Gazette vol. 11 no 20

[first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette]

Strugglers
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Aristocrat Pub and Restaurant
5212 N. College Avenue
all-ages, 6:00 – 8:30

Stanley Smith will be in town from Austin so it’s time for a Strugglers reunion show – and that is good news for all of the rest of us! The Strugglers are part of Indianapolis music history. They played from 1970 until Stanley moved away in 1985. They played the Vogue the first weekend it was a music venue, they were on the bill for weeks at a time at Crazy Al’s and the Hummingbird and they were the house band at the Patio. Band member, Scott Ballantine swears they invented ‘newgrass’ – progressive bluegrass and that Sam Bush stole it from them. 

Look for them to play a mixture of Chicago blues, Western swing, old country tunes and some jazz – dancing encouraged. 

All of the original-ish band members will be there – Stanley (clarinet/vocals), Scott (guitar), Jack Clarke (harmonica), Kevin Hughey (drums), Dave Langfitt (pedal steel) and Joe Langfitt (bass). Last year Andra Faye joined them and I’m hoping she will this year too. 

www.aristocratpub.com

VOCAB – October 6^th Edition
Monday, October 6, 2014
The Cellar at the Corner Wine Bar
6331 Guilford Avenue
21+, free, 7:00 – 10:00 PM 

VOCAB showcases spoken word and musical artists.  This version features music from Cicada Shells, the brainchild of emcee Lorax and producer Defame. Spoken word from Too Black, known as a poet’s poet. And of course the evening will have time for an open-mic session – be ready to jump in and show off your stuff.

www.cornerwinebar.com

CraigFest Open Stage
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Aristocrat Pub and Restaurant
5212 N. College Avenue
all-ages, 8:00 – 11:00, free

Craig Laflin was a mainstay in the Open Stage music scene in Indianapolis and Bloomington and gave many people the forum and courage to play their music in public for the first time. He was an award winning musician and songwriter in his own right.

He lost is battle with pancreatic cancer ten years ago and Murphy and Steve are dedicating the weekly open stage in his honor. Musicians are invited to share their favorite Craig stories or play their favorite Craig tune. And if you don’t know Craig come and play and hear all about him. Signup for performing slots starts at 8:00; music starts at 8:30. 

www.aristocratpub.com

Mina and the Wondrous Flying Machine CD Release
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
The Vogue Theatre
6259 N College Avenue
21+, door 8:00 PM, $5.00

The Vogue has been hosting #locallove for a few months now. Every Wednesday they feature a lineup of local musicians and bands. How cool is that? 

The talented Mina Keohane and her Wondrous Flying Machine are releasing their second album, Tigers, and this is the official release concert. The very talented Mina’s sound is a wondrous fusion of jazz, hip-hop and pop music. 

Also on the #locallove bill for the evening are the Landon Keller Band, Brandon Whyde, the Devil's Keep. It promised to be an epic evening of fabulous music. 

www.minaandthewondrousflyingmachine.com

Trusted Mentors Open House
Thursday, October 16, 2014
826 Westfield Boulevard
free, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

We’ve all be lucky enough to have informal mentors in our lives. My list of mentors is too long to mention, but several are Broad Ripple based. 

I have seen the amazing work of Trusted Mentors up close through their work with the Second Helpings Culinary Job Training graduates.  The volunteer mentors work with adults that are overcoming the barriers of homelessness, re-entry, aging out of foster care, re-entering the workplace after a long gap, or entering the workplace for the first time. One of the coolest things I get to do in my job as director of programs at Second Helpings is to be there for the mentor match meeting. I love seeing the connections form and all of our graduates have benefited from having a mentor. 

This is a chance to hear from a mentee and to learn more about Trusted Mentors. The open house is in the building right next to Flatwater. Not only is the restaurant is kind enough to provide appetizers for the event, but they employ Second Helpings graduates – who have mentors. Full circle, folks! 

trustedmentors.org
flatwaterbroadripple.com

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 11 no 18

[first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette]

Indy Jazz Fest
Thursday, September 11 – Saturday, September 20, 2014
All Around Town
some events all-ages, free shows, single event and ticket packages available 

How lucky are we to have a wonderful jazz festival right on our own backyard? Over 50 bands will be playing over the 10 days of Indy Jazz Fest, including our favorite American Idol winner, Josh Kaufman. The queue to meet Josh wound around the 4-H Buildings after he played at the Indiana State Fair – I was glad to see the line was gone when I went to the Fair the next morning! You can get a VIP ticket ($150) to Josh’s show at the Old National Centre which includes a reception and photo shoot before his concert Saturday, September 13. General seating tickets for his show start at $37.00. 

The Jazz Fest kicks off on Thursday, September 11 (7:00 PM) with a free show. The Indy Jazz Fest Band kick-off the festival at the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center on the campus of UIndy. The concert will celebrate the legends of Acid Jazz and Fusion - Bill Lancton (guitar), Allen Turk Burke (Hammond B3 organ and piano), Scott Pazera (acoustic and electric bass), Vince Jackson (drums), Mark Buselli (trumpet and flugelhorn), Tom Clark (saxes), and Rich Dole (trombone). They will be performing the music of Herbie Hancock, Ramsey Lewis, Melvin Sparks, The Meters, Groove Holmes, Grant Green, Chick Corea, and many more jazz greats. 

The festival ends with a block party at the Jazz Kitchen (5377 N. College Avenue) on Sunday, September 20. There will be terrific music on both the indoor and outdoor stages. 

Check out the Indy Jazz Fest website for all of musicians, venues (including brewery shows), and ticket prices. 

www.indyjazzfest.net

 

Yoga-thon
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Broad Ripple Park
1550 Broad Ripple Ave
8:30-11:30, all-ages, $25 presale, $30 the morning of.  

Five yoga studios are participating in the yoga-thon to benefit the I.W.I.N. Foundation (based in Broad Ripple). The foundation provides personal grants to woman undergoing breast cancer treatment. The grants are used for things to make their life easier – transportation assistance, meals, child care, house cleaning, lawn care, massage, yoga, etc. Often times the group is referred to as the “neighbor next door” for those who are not comfortable asking for help from friends and family or those without a support system. 

Registration starts at 7:45 and the yoga-thon begins at 8:30. The first 75 participants will also receive a cute tank top. Teachers from each of the five yoga studios will present a 25 minute class, ranging from traditional yoga to yoga-with-a-twist. Actually all yoga seems to fold me into a twist! 

Anne Marie Tiernon will emcee the morning and there will be information about the I.W.I.N Foundation available. Visit www.iwinfoundation.org  for more information and to register. 

Marigold Silver 25^th Anniversary Party
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Northside Social
6525 N. College Avenue
21+, 5:00 - 8:00, $25 suggest donation to BRVA Beautification Projects 

Marigold Clothing Store has been a beautiful part of Broad Ripple for 25 years. And did you know that I’ve been a proud “Marigal” for most of that time? I’ve worked there in some fashion for all but five (when I lived in the Philadelphia area) of the 25 years.  I can honestly say that I’m always wearing a piece of Marigold clothing – often pairing a lovely skirt with a band tee shirt for my waitressing shift. 

Marigold is celebrating with a fundraiser for the BRVA Beautification Initiatives, including the Bill Brink Memorial Garden. There will be a champagne toast, appetizers, and cake – of course every Marigold celebration involves cake! There will be raffle prizes and much more fun. 

Show off your vintage Marigold clothing– I still wish I had the first thing I purchased there, a pair of mustard colored balloon pants – for a special fashion contest. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that men are encouraged to join the party and there will be a cash bar. 

Visit www.marigoldclothing.com or call Marigold Clothing at 317-254-9939 for more tickets and more details.

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 11 number 10

First published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Indiana State Fair Coliseum

Weeks ago I was thrilled to see the old Indiana State Fair sign hoisted to the top of the building replacing the Pepsi Coliseum neon (nothing against Pepsi – this column is fueled by diet Pepsi and popcorn) and I couldn't wait for the chance to peek inside the building.

I had the opportunity to go behind the scenes at the newly remodeled Coliseum a few days before the public opening and it is grand!  I tend to be suspicious of change and couldn’t imagine how the 75 year-old could be made better. I was wrong.

I was counting the hours until the open house for the folks that had worked on the building. While I didn't swing a hammer or run any wire, I do know the guys who installed the beer lines (yes, beer!) so I tagged along as their guest. I was so excited that I arrived before event started. You can ask the editor of this fine paper or any of my three employers – I’m never early for anything.  Ever.

 Wooden seats salvaged from the old Coliseum. 

The renovated Coliseum looks great, with several nods to the old building including a section of the original wooden seats, photographs from old concerts (Beatles!) and the brass deco ticket windows. I did my best to open all of the doors, sit as many places as I could – including the ice hockey penalty box and drink out of every water fountain. 

All I'm missing is the sash and crown! 

Speaking of drinking, I had a delicious locally brewed beer from Outliers. It would have been rude to not test the beer lines after all of Spencer and Schaun’s hard work, although I think they were pretending like they didn't know me when I walked down the runway like I’d just been crowned Miss Indiana State Fair. For the record, that was pre-beer sampling.

The Coliseum Concert Series at the Indiana State Fair has been announced:

-Lynyrd Skynyrd with special guests Jamey Johnson and Drake White and the Big Fire - July 31 at 7:30; $26, $36 and $60.50

-Robin Thicke with special guest Estelle - Aug. 1 at 8 p.m.; $35, $45 and $75

-Phillip Phillips - Aug. 5 at 8 p.m.; $25 and $35

-American Idol Live! 2014 Tour – Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m.; $25, $39.50 and $59.50

-Pitbull - Aug. 8 at 8 p.m.; $35, $45 and $75

-Hunter Hayes - Aug. 9 at 8 p.m.; $35 and $45

-Jim Gaffigan - Aug. 17 at 8 p.m.; $25, $35 and $45

For more information, contact the Fairgrounds Coliseum Box Office at (317) 927-7601 or visit www.indianastatefair.com.

Mark Buselli Quintet CD release show
Sunday, May 4, 2014
The Jazz Kitchen
5377 N. College Ave
21+, 5:00 – 9:00 PM, $12

Mark Buselli is celebrating the release of his newest album, Untold Stories. He as recorded several records with his orchestra over the last decade, but this is his first with the quintet in a few years. The record has six of his original songs and his take on Duke Ellington’s “Angelica.” I especially loved the song, “Claude” a tribute to the late Claude Sifferlen, Mark’s long-time collaborator and Indianapolis jazz piano legend. The record features Mark playing trumpet, saxophonist Danny Walsh, pianist Steve Allee, bassist Jeremy and drummer Steve Houghton.  

I have to share this review of the album by Chris Spector, Midwest Records: The unique thing this trumpeter brings to the bandstand is that he sounds like he could have been a student of Miles but he isn’t trying to ape Miles. What a cool fine line to be able to tread. One of those cats with a day job as an educator that doesn’t let the classroom interfere with his ability to swing, this is a sweet, straight ahead listening date that knows you want to groove even if you are sitting down. Well played throughout, this well decorated cat within the halls of academe is well deserving of some more love from the real world. Time to show this cat what Valentine’s Day feels like.

I need to start writing jazz reviews so I can throw around descriptions like “cats” and “ape” and “groove.”

thejazzkitchen.com 

Broad Ripple Village Gallery Tour
Friday, May 9, 2014
Various Venues
free, all-ages, 5:00 – 9:00 PM

This year’s Spring Gallery Tour features 20 venues filled with art and goodness. Start at the Broad Ripple Fire Station (6330 Guilford Avenue) to get your official map with the galleries and the artists they are featuring. Here is a sampling:  

Fine Estate Art – Gallery Two (5914 N. College Ave). Gallery Two is a brand new gallery space and is an extension of Fine Estate Art. The work in the new space features nine Indiana and regional artists.

Broad Ripple Magnet High School (1115 E. Broad Ripple Avenue). The works of middle school and high school students will be on display. And being in a school when you’re not required to be is extra fun!

Flanner and Buchannan Funeral Centers (1305 Broad Ripple Avenue). First of all pop in to thank them for being the sponsor of the Gallery Tour. Secondly, check out the work of painter John Reynolds work of farm animals. And thirdly, just like high school – it’s a great place to visit when you’re not required to be there!

VSA Indiana (924 E. Westfield Boulevard). The students of Very Special Arts have been making beautiful items for the Gallery Tours for years – I have a great collection of flower pots, candle holders, tiles, and bowls purchased though participating merchants. Their Urban Artisans interns work will be featured in this show.

The Bungalow (924 E. Westfield Boulevard). Artist Phil O’Malley’s bold work will be featured.

Marigold Clothing (6512 Cornell Avenue). The late-nature photographer Bill Brink’s work in the form of prints and notecards will be on sale to benefit his namesake memorial garden along the Monon Trail. Indianapolis jewelry artist Suzanne Bowles will be in the store with her one-of-a-kind textured pieces.

Broad Ripple Knits (6510 Cornell Avenue). The shop will be showing off their new space and yummy yarns.

Editions Limited Gallery of Fine Art (838 E. 65^th Street). Editions Limited is hosting their annual group show, titled Fresh From the Studio.

Ashland Gallery & Stu’s Studio (6537 N. Carrollton Avenue). The Gallery is featuring the self-portrait of photography of local artists and photographers including Michelle Merle Pace, Erin Huber, Benaiah Cusak.

Indianapolis Art Center (820 E 67^th Street). The Art Center is hosting their biennial Art from the Heartland exhibition, featuring work from some of the Midwest’s most exciting artists.

Before or after you visit all 20 galleries – you can do it, I just know it – please pop into the restaurant sponsors, Ambrosia (5909 N. College Avenue) and Corner Wine Bar (6331 Guilford Avenue) and thank them.