Cocktails, Corsets & Cupcakes with Bixby's & Missouri History Museum Through Aug. 28

St. Louis' award-winning Bixby's and the Missouri History Museum get Underneath it All with Above it All through Aug. 28, 2012. In conjunction with the museum's latest, unique exhibit, Underneath it All, which presents a timeline of historical lingerie and fashionable silhouettes, the upscale eatery pours cocktails and presents its own exhibit of demi plates, hors d' oevres and desserts.

Although the museum's exhibit is open daily, Tuesdays are the hot night with the "Above it All" reception for fashionistas, girlfriends and trendy folks.

From 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., the second floor will get racy with Bixby's Sous Chef Callaghan Carter's epicurean nibblers, including tomato-mozzarella antipasto plates, orzo primavera with grilled shrimp, watercress vichyssoise shooters, smoked paprika and citrus hummus with veggies, and summer squash flatbread with local goat cheese.

And for dessert?

Nothing but cocktail cupcakes will do in tempting flavours of vanilla Champagne, strawberry daiquiri, citrus colada, and chocolate cosmo.

Smart cocktails of infused summer spritzers and a premium cash bar, including Skinnygirl cocktails, will be available during the event.

About the exhibit

As a reflection of identity throughout the ages, clothing can be used to reflect one's status in society -- or to rebel against it in the case of the bra-burning era. Various efforts have been using undergarments to highlight or create an illusion of perfection with the female body.

Underneath It All showcases the fashionable silhouettes of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries through dressed mannequins and their coordinating “undressed” mannequins. The undressed mannequins display the undergarments needed to create that silhouette.

From bustles to bullet bras, petticoats to panty hose, corsets to camisoles, Underneath It All tells the story of women’s progress in a changing society through fashion.

For Tuesday evening's Above it All event, purchase tickets ($20) and reserve a spot by visiting AboveitAll/qrickets.com. To reserve early and receive a unique gift bag, call Bixby's at 314-361-7313 or email aboveitall@bixbys-mohistory.com.

For viewing of the Underneath it All exhibit sans cocktails, visit MOhistory.org for details, directions and hours.

Underneath It All continues through Jan 27, 2013.

Images: Bixby's; Missouri History Museum

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and these newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Heartland Actors’ Shakespeare on the Canal returns to White River State Park

Othello

July 20-22, 2012

Free performances open to the public

WHATHeartland Actors’ Repertory Theatre (HART) returns to White River State Park with a full-scale production of Shakespeare’s Othello. HART’s Shakespeare on the Canal at White River State Park stands as the only full-scale, professional “Shakespeare-in-the-Park” event in Indianapolis. Each summer, the series has collectively attracted more than 6,000 Hoosier audience members since its debut in 2008.

WHERE
Celebration Plaza Amphitheater-White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis

WHEN
July 20 and 21 at 8 p.m., and July 22 at 2 p.m.

HART’s 2012 Shakespeare on the Canal in White River State Park is FREE open to the public, made possible through the generous support of The Lily Endowment, Central Indiana Community Foundation and the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, as well as other donations from private individuals.

Audience members are encouraged to arrive early to the free event in order to enjoy picnics and live pre-show music and events on the lawn of the Celebration Plaza Amphitheatre.

For information, directions and events, visit WhiteRiverStatePark.org.

For more HART information, visit HeartlandActors.org.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and several newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Concert Review: Tom Wopat: Love Swings: The Cabaret at The Columbia Club

Quite often when listening to a singer you think, "Oh, that's what he can do." Once in a rare while you listen and think, "I can't wait to hear what else he can do." So it was with Mr. Tom Wopat when he jauntily ambled onto the poshest stage in town, The Cabaret at The Columbia Club, Indianapolis. The three-time Tony Award-nominee ('99, '08, '11) of stage and screen shared samples from his musical works, including his most recent CD, Tom Wopat: Consider it Swung.

Stepping out from the shadows of another performer is difficult at best. Stepping out from one's own shadow is more difficult. Made even more so if that shadow is known world-wide and the steps take you into an unfamiliar-to-fans arena. Starting over, Re-identifying oneself is tough -- just ask Cher. However, if, and I do mean if, it works then you can never be stereotyped again. By anyone. That's a feeling that comes from inside and can't be taken away.

Wopat has accomplished just such a feat. Rather than staying in the shadow as a wise-crackin' country bumpkin, the actor-singer-songwriter created a new shadow -- and a little bit of a swagger that can only come from having hung by his fingertips and successfully climbed back on top -- one performance at a time.

Covering songs is the norm. Twisting, tweaking and tossing them about until they are your own shows a true talent and desire to raise your own bar, expanding in to new areas. Wopat offers his customized versions of (Somewhere) Over the Rainbow, Let's do it, Let's Fall in Love and I Get Along Without You Very Well. Credit for the renditions was given by the singer to his collaborators: producer and bass player, David Finck and pianist Jason Sherbundy (Smash, Catch Me if You Can).

I last saw Wopat in Indianapolis in 2009 performing the role of Billy Flynn in Chicago. Switching gears throughout his show this past weekend reminded me of that performance in his ability to slow down, speed up and, seemingly, flip moods. In one moment you are drawn into his own haunting Thailand Seas,  then bobbing to the brassy Jet Song and finally, laughing during the utterly delightful Making Whoopee. During the tune, the crooner admits his past scoundrel ways complete with several ex wives, allowing his impish side to show ever so slightly.

Best demonstrating the star's strong baritone vocals was The Moon's a Harsh Mistress sans a microphone. Just a man, a song and emotions. Raw emotions.

A new musical work, as yet untitled, will be released in early 2013. Receiving two CDs from Wopat, I listened to the Broadway cast recording of Annie Get Your Gun in which he starred with the ever-adorable Bernadette Peters.

Nice.

Then I listened to Consider it Swung.

And listened. And listened again. In fact, I am still listening to it.

The only criticism I have is that Wopat didn't share with Indianapolis a live version of his That's Life, Ode to Billie Joe and Deacon Blues. Exactly why they create CDs. Each is worth the price by itself. (This one is available at TomWopat.net.)

Bottom Line: Stepping out of his own shadow, Tom Wopat may well become known as a different type of duke...the Duke of Swing.

For upcoming performances, tickets and directions, visit TheCabaret.org or call 317-275-1169.
Images: Mark Lee

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and these newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Infused: Restaurant Review: Cafe Benelux

Cuvee des Trolls                                   Image/Musgrave

Milwaukee, with its brewing roots strongly in German soil, has been invaded by the Belgians and Dutch. And the local residents don’t seem to mind.

Where are the Belgian biers holed up? Those daring, bold invaders can be found hiding right out in the open. The open rooftop, that is.

Café Benelux, 346 N. Broadway, offers a rooftop advantage of views overlooking the ultra cool, revitalized neighborhood of the Historic Third Ward. Warehouses, built in the 1800s, are now filled with an eclectic array of pubs, fashion shops, spas, theaters and more, including Milwaukee Public Market and Riverwalk.Within steps of Lake Michigan, Benelux landed in a scenic spot to woo German-origin residents and visitors alike away from their traditional stein-filled liquids.

Named for the Lowland European region of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, Café Benelux features a 41-page Bier Book and it is taking no prisoners.

Bier, which has been hand-picked from the nooks and crannies of the favored European Lowland region in its breweries and monastaries, include a diverse, but well-focused menu of draughts, Saisons and Farm ales, Lambics and more. Gluten-free options are not just an afterthought with an entire page of 5.3% a.c. to 7 % a.c. options.

Pannenkoeken                      Image/EJMusgrave

On the extensive list, dark ales include Gulden Draak at 10.5% a.c. to the Tilburgs Dutch Brown Ale at a, comparably low, 5% a.c.  Sours, Amber Reds and IPAs are all on the frontline to take over the Lake Michigan-city’s taste buds.

Bitterballen         Image/EJMusgrave 

Cuvee des Trolls might just be worthy of the status of starred general with its blond malts and dried orange peel scents. Bitter, sour and occasionally sweet, this officer for the Brasserrie Debuisoon in Leuze-Pipaix, Belgium commands respect from all.

Glassware, which is considered an important piece of equipment and not just a decorative chalice, is paired properly with regard to each bier. Palettes come in four 120 ml. pours selected from 30 biers while the Lowland Meter gives you 10 selections to share with pals. The Kwak Carousel offers four beaker-like glasses of the amber liquid and the Kwak Liter has a two-handed beaker for your pleasure.

Kwak Carousel                              Image/Benelux

Pairings are equally taken seriously when it comes to the food selection. Taking the server’s expert suggestion, the pannenkoeken (a Dutch crepe/pancake, pancetta, egg and combination) frites and bitterballen (a Dutch meatball-type snack common in pubs) all hooked up well with the Cuvee des Trolls.

Bottom Line: With a passion so devoted to the culture and bier of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, Café Benelux makes the Lowlands proud and Milwaukeans content.

Directions, full menu and bier information can be found at CafeBenelux.com.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and these newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Indiana Ballet Conservatory Announces New Studios

IBC student, Elise Shea                                                          Siggul/VAM Productions 2012

The Indiana Ballet Conservatory announces an open house Fri., July 27, 5 - 7 pm to introduce its new studios located at 849 W. Carmel Drive and allow students to enroll for the fall semester.

All students enrolled in the fall semester will participate in The Nutcracker performed at the Indianapolis Museum of Art's Tobias Theater in December.

Since opening in 2010, the world-class faculty, consisting of Alyona Yakovleva, Tatiana Pali, Sergey Sergiev and Hailey Agran, has garnered both international attention and hometown support. Each year the number of students has consistently increased. Over the summer semester, IBC tripled the enrollment of its student body.

Students were invited April 25 to participate in the Youth America Grand Prix International NYC Finals, the largest international student ballet scholarship competition in the world. With more than 115 ensembles from America, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, Korea, South Africa, Spain and Switzerland, IBC placed in the top 12 with an ensemble piece created by faculty member, Sergey Sergiev, and danced by senior-level students Sterling Manka, Mark Pecar, and Alex Ray.

Sergiev was named the Outstanding Choreographer at this year's YAGP Indianapolis regional competition, which he received also in 2009 as well as the Choreography Award at the World Ballet Competition in 2010. In 2011, IBC earned the Outstanding School Award, while Yakovleva and Pali both received Outstanding Teacher awards.

The general public is welcome to attend an informal End-of-Summer Gala Friday, July 27, 7 pm at the new studios. There is no admission fee, but donations are encouraged. 

For open house and 2012-13 enrollment information, visit IndianaBalletConservatory.org.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and these newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

PNC Pavilion Offers Wine and Beer Tastings at Concerts

PNC Pavilion Offers Wine Tastings, Beer Samplings and Cook Outs at Concerts

As the summer concert season kicks into full gear at Cincinnati's PNC Pavilion, the venue announces pre-show cook-outs, wine tastings and craft beer tastings are included with every ticket purchased.

Cook-Out Series
Concert-goers will be treated to a free cook-out while local bands provide entertainment. Being served will be a variety of brats, mets and hot dogs along with salads and all the fixin's.

July 23 Heart

July 25 Steve Miller Band

Aug 11 Jackson Browne

Aug 17 Il Volo

Wine Tastings SeriesConcert-goers will sample three selections of wine from a total of six different wines (three Red and three White) to choose from. All six selections will be available for purchase throughout the evening to enjoy at the show or to take home for another special occasion.

July 30 Crosby, Stills & Nash

Wines: Blufeld Riesling; Apothic White Blend; Clos Du Bois Unoaked Chardonnay; Franciscan Chardonnay; Clos Du Bois Rouge (Red Blend); Diseno Malbec;

Craft Beer Sampling Series
Included with the price of each ticket to the shows below, concert-goers will be treated to a craft beer sampling featuring an array of this year’s most popular craft beers.

July 11 Everclear, Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms, Lit & Marcy Playground

Beers: Victory Summer Love; Anderson Valley Summer Solstice; Shiner Ruby Redbird; Samuel Adams Porch Rocker; Moerlein Exposition; Magic Hat Elderbetty; Thirsty Dog Labrador Lager; Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold; Smuttynose Old brown Dog; Rogue American Amber; Brooklyn Pale Ale; Mt. Carmel IPA; Sierra Nevada Torpedo; 21st Amendment Back in Black; Newcastle Seasonal; Angry Orchard Dry

Aug 8

Train with Mat Kearney and Andy Grammer

Beers: Samuel Adams Oktoberfest; Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar; Anchor Liberty; Victory Prima Pils; Great Lakes Burning River; Sierra Nevada keller-weisse; 21A Watermelon Wheat; Lost Coast Tangerine Wheat; Thirsty Dog Twisted Kilt; Victory Prima pils; Moerlein Northern Liberties; Samuel Smith Strawberry beer; Blanche de Bruxelles; Anderson Valley IPA ; Angry Orchard Ginger Cider; Magic Hat #9

For show times, tickets and directions, visit Riverbend.org.


Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and these newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

6 Best Reasons to Return to Cincinnati

What does the general population really know about Cincinnati?

WKRP in Cincinnati?

Okay, granted that immensely popular show brought the spotlight to this Midwest city, but there is more to it than a sleepy town harboring aging disc jockeys.

So much more.

When visiting a city, it is next to impossible to see everything in one visit. Mentally you make a list, often forgetting the majority of it by the time you reach home. Attempting to remember all you wanted to go back and delve into six months, or years, later is nearly futile. What if, instead of a mental list, you had an actual list?

A recent visit to the city along the Ohio River proved that it is revitalized, re-energized and revamped. Sampling various hot spots, eateries and attractions, I made an actual list of reasons to go back.

Six reasons to be exact.

1) World Choir Games- The ONLY city in the United States ever slected to host the annual "Olympic of Choirs" which is currently taking place (July 4-14). More than 400 choirs from around the globe will descend upon the town, bringing choral music in a gigantic way.

2) Cincinnati Museum- A Day in Pompeii, the limited-time exhibit provides a goose-bump inducing atmosphere of the ancient town covered in a matter of hours by the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Available only through Aug. 12, it is a must-see. The museum center (worth the drive alone) houses many museums in one and an OMAX-similar to IMAX except it wraps around you in an oval.

3) Netherland Plaza Hotel- Tinkling ivories, opulent French Art-Deco decor and soft-spoken, attentive staff ready to cater to your every whim create the ambiance every fan of old Hollywood glamour desires. Whether waiting for the elevator to whisk you to a suite, dining in the National Historic Landmark hotel's Orchids at Palm Court or sipping a Fleuri 75 cocktail at The Bar at Palm Court, you'll catch yourself glancing around for a glimpse of Bogey and Bacall.

4) Over-the-Rhine- The quirky, fun section of Cincinnati known as OTR to locals and those in the know, is the original brewing district started by a wave of German immigrants. Once the prohibition wiped out beer happenings, the settlement became more like a ghost town. Revitalization efforts give a younger generation a high-energy place to live, work and play, with restaurants, eclectic shops and live theater venues opening in historic buildings made of Italianate architecture.

5) Food- OTR's hip eateries, gourmet gastropub fare at Moerlein Lager House, award-winning menus from Orchids at Palm Court's Executive Chef Todd Kelly and Pastry Chef Megan Ketover, the Cincinnati-style guacamole at Nada, must-have Flying Pig Wings and Armadillos on the menu at sports bar & grill Cincy's on Sixth, Pompilios lasagna, the list goes on and on...Cincinnati culinary experts are striving to be considered a foodie's destination once again and they are definitely well on their way.

6) Christian Moerlein Lager House- If you haven't heard about this castle of beer baron Gregory Hardman yet, you are way behind the times. Hardman has resureccted the brewing heritage that once made Cincinnati one of the four kings of beer prior to that horrible blight on history known as Prohibition. Read review here.

These are just six of my reasons to return to Cincinnati although there are many more. Please leave your comments and questions about your own favorite reasons to return to Cincinnati.

Photo credits: E.J.Musgrave; Cincinnati Museum; World Games

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published on www.BroadwayWorld.com and in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Andy Griffith Dies at 86

Andy Griffith

(June 1, 1926 – July 3, 2012)

Andy Griffith, beloved American actor of film and, most notably, television has passed away at the age of 86. An ambulance was called to his home in Dare County, NC Tuesday morning according to Dare County Sheriiff J.D.Doughtie. Former UNC president and close friend, Bill Friday, confirmed the actor's death.
Best known for two successful television programs, his title series, The Andy Griffith Show, aired from 1960-68. The situation comedy centered around Sheriff Andy Taylor of the small town Mayberry, and the antics of the straight-man's side kicks.

Matlock, airing from 1986-95, was a 60-minute legal drama with a healthy dose of quirky scenarios and comedy. Griffith portrayed lovable curmudgeon, sleuth and criminal defense attorney Ben Matlock who always outsmarted the murderers and found justice for his innocent clients.

Grammy Award-winning southern gospel singer, Griffith sang and played various instruments on both long-running shows and in his break out film, A Face in the Crowd (1957). Griffith's most successful album, I Love to Tell the Story: 25 Timeless Hymns, earned platinum status.

Although exact cause of deathis not know, Griffith was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a nervous system disorder, in 1983. He underwent quadruple bypass surgery in May, 2000, after suffering from a heart attack.

Survivors include wife Cindi, and daughter Dixie. Preceding Griffith in death was his son Andrew Griffith, Jr.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her new column, Infused, at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com, and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Theater review: Cirque du Soleil Quidam

Target                                                                   Image/MattBeard

Aristic-athlete or athletic-artist, whichever term you care to use, it applies to the current offering in Indianapolis by Cirque du Soleil (French for "Circle of the sun"). The show's title, Quidam (key-DAM), is Latin for "someone" or "somebody" and reflects the nameless stranger you don't notice in everyday life, passing by on the street or elsewhere.
The story line takes bored Tween Zoe' on a surreal trip to a land that lies somewhere in the vicinity of Cat in the Hat meets Edward Scissorhands, complete with floating parents, headless characters and a general uneasiness as to where it will all lead. But lead Zoe it will, into a world that opens her mind to other possibilities than her rut-life existence at home.

Hand to hand                                                               Image/MattBeard

For those who have attended other Cirque performances, this one is slightly different. No trampolines, few acrobatics and fewer big power plays. Instead the movements are slow, calculated and complex. Detail to attention must be adhered by audience members or miss out on the magnificence of it all.

Not a flashy show, Quidam. This go round is an intensely, intricate show.

Witness the ability to master the laws of physics in Statue where two performers balance on each other with minimal contact. Rotating and maneuvering each other, the sheer amazement factor pulls you in.

Contortionist in Silk                                                        Image/AlSeib

The contortionist twists and manipulates her body high above safety's reach. Zipping toward the ground then pulling back just in time is equally as exciting as a man-eating tiger.

At first it is tempting to look around for a 13-man pyramid and brush off the quiet artists focusing on their intricate movements. Although the performed-live, Benoit Jutras written music is amped up, the show itself is quieter in comparison.

This touring show brings the audience to the forefront, and stage, much more so than other Cirque shows, with the difference being a more comedic touch, also. Creating an on stage scenario, with outrageous ad libs from the people "borrowed" from their seats, the hilarity proved one of the audience favorites.

Bottom Line: As one of its earlier shows, Quidam demonstrates an intense, yet subtle version of Cirque du Soleil's magnificent creativity.

For tickets, directions and details, visit BankersLifeFieldhouse.com.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her new column, Infused, at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com, and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Top 6 Midwest Places You've Gotta Go This Summer 2012

Lantern Festival                                                                                          Image/IzzyEvans

I have compiled a list of the Top 6 events and great places you've Gotta Go this summer. Within a day's drive, these should definitely be checked out whether as a full-blown vacation, a weekend getaway or day trip. There are long- and short-running exhibits, performances, etc., so take special note of the dates.

Lantern Festival: Art by Day, Magic by Night

Where: Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis)

When: Through Aug. 19, 2012

What: Created by Chinese artists on site, 26 silk and light sculptures that are larger-than-life (literally, they are huge-up to 3-stories tall).

My thoughts: By day, fun and pretty; by night, breathtaking and surreal. There are some things that must be seen to be believed and this one is right at the top for that sentiment. This is one of those "You won't see anywhere else" kind of things. My recommendation is to go about an hour before nightfall, see the sculptures by sunlight, then catch the wonder of them by moonlight. Never before seen in the United States, I was fortunate to be invited to St. Louis for the event's grand opening and I absolutely plan to drive the 4 hours to catch it one more time before it disappears.

Website: Mobot.org

World Choir Games 2012

Image/CincinnatiUSARgionalTourismNetwork

Where: Cincinnati
When: July 4-14, 2012
What: "The Olympics of Choral Music" competition
My thoughts: The honor of being selected from a list of 20 cities from around the globe striving to be chosen to host the phenomenal international event is not lost on me. Held every two years in committee-judged locations, Cincinnati is the FIRST ever selected from the United States to host 362 choirs in this international competition. More than 200,00 participants from 48 countries will arrive to compete in front of tens of thousands of attendees. Opening ceremonies, participant village, and special events throughout the host city bring together international and domestic performers all trying for the gold, silver and bronze medals and honor of distinction. More than 300,000 performances and public appearances, 10 venues and a rare chance to be a part of this high-energy event make it a Do-not-miss event.
Website: 2012WorldChoirGames.com

Symphony on the Prairie

                                                     Image/IndianapolisSymphonyOrchestra

Where: Conner Prairie (Indianapolis)
When: Through Sept. 2, 2012
What: Annual summer outdoor concerts, performed by Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
My thoughts: This annual tradition encourages picnics, family time and great music in a casual, scenic location. Jazz, classical, rock and even disco are all performed with, and without, the symphony depending on the show. This year's selection includes Don McClean (American Pie), The Contours (Motown) and firework displays. For a complete schedule, click here Complete schedule
Website: IndianapolisSymphony.org

German Fest

                                                                               Image/GermanFest

Where: Summerfest Grounds (Milwaukee)
When: July 26-29, 2012
What: United States' largest German festival
My thoughts: It only makes sense that the city with the largest German settlement in the United States would hold the largest German festival in the nation. Nearly 100,000 people will frolic for three days along the banks of Lake Michigan, enjoy biergartens and dance in liederhosen.
Website: GermanFest.com

Mackinac Island Fudge Festival

       Image/MackinacIslandTourismBureau

Where: Mackinac Island (Michigan)

When: Aug. 24-25, 2012

What: United State's largest German festival

My thoughts: Fudge. A festival devoted to fudge...kinda proves there is a heaven, doesn't it? Known for the Grand Hotel, horse-drawn carriages and fudge, the island has been a vacation destination since the 19th century. This annual event has activities and demonstrations galore for fudge fanatics known affectionately as "fudgies."

Website: MackincaIslandFudgeFestival.org

Taste of Chicago

                                                                           Image/TasteofChicago

Where:  Grant Park (Chicago)
When: July 11-15, 2012
What:  34th annual Five-day foodie festival
My thoughts: Free admission. This annual event welcomes one-day (called "Pop ups") and five-day restaurant participants from the Chicago area. The more laid back, dressed down predecessor to Gourmet Chicago feeds approximately 1 million attendees.
Website: TasteofChicago.us

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com, and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Klipsch Summer Concert Series 2012 Continues

Indianapolis, IN (June 26, 2012) Klipsch Music Center is nestled on 228 acres of land in Noblesville, located outside of Indianapolis in Hamilton County. The venue has hosted a wide variety of leading popular artists ranging from Frank Sinatra to Coldplay to Metallica to the recent appearance of Elton John and countless others since it opened in 1989.

Klipsch Summer Concert Series 2012

Phish – June 28 & 29

Toby Keith w/ Brantley Gilbert – June 30

Zac Brown Band – July 7

Vans Warped Tour – July 10

Rockstar Mayhem Festival – July 15

Iron Maiden w/ Alice Cooper – July 19

Nickelback w/ Bush, more – July 21

Wiz Khalifa & Mac Miller – July 28

Big Time Rush w/ Cody Simpson, more – July 29

Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band – July 31

Def Leppard & Poison w/ Lita Ford – August 24

Linkin Park & Incubus – August 25

*Rascal Flatts – August 31

KISS & Motley Crue – September 1

Kelly Clarkson & The Fray – September 2

Jason Mraz – September 14

*Jason Aldean – September 15

*Shows not yet on sale; but are part of the Modern Trailer Sales Country Megaticket. General public on sales tba.

For tickets, directions, and details, visit LiveNation.com.

Top 4 Summer Value For Fans In 2012 Includes:

1. $4.00 12 oz. Domestic Draft Beer.
2. 4-Packs of Concert Tickets. Value pack of 4 tickets for the price of 3 at select shows..
3. Concessions: Value Combination Meals. Fan favorite value meals which include a choice of a
cheeseburger, hot dog or chicken tenders, with fries and a soda for a discounted combination price.
Refillable Souvenir Fountain Drink. Live Nation is offering a 32 oz. souvenir fountain soda with a
free refill. Restaurant Quality Upgrades To Menu Items. Upgraded restaurant quality food items
include hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, chicken tenders, corn dogs and more.
4. New Food Stations and Food Trucks. Local food trucks will serve food fans know and like from
the greater Indianapolis area.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, freelance feature writer, and an Indianapolis performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodandDrinkDigital.com and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and these newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter. Connect on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Infused Restaurant Review: Seasons 52 Unveils Wine-paired Summer 2012 Menu

You could go to years of specialized, intensive schooling and become a wine expert to learn how to pair wine with your meals.

You could.

Or.... you could just let a Master Sommelier such as George Miliotes (No. 152 of only 190 in the world) do it for you. The fact he is from Indiana's own Depauw University is another plus.

Seasons 52 unveiled its Summer 2012 wine-paired menu at a private tasting event where, once again, Master Sommelier Miliotes and Senior Culinary Director Chef Cliff Pleau paired up to, well, pair up food and wine. Naturally, you will be able to choose whatever vino you prefer, these are simply their expert recommendations.

Having been invited to the prior-to-opening event (read review here) I was suitably impressed to return for S52's spring unveiling (read review here) and last night's event. The Darden restaurant has continued to impress me with its menu, wine list and service. The entire concept is serve top top quality, local foods, be environmentally conscious (as with the new "green" water bottle made from Earth-friendly corn), and serve excellent wine. How can anyone hate that idea?

Below is the Summer 2012 menu items we tasted, wine pairings and descriptions, along with my notes:

Cocktail Reception
BBQ Chicken Flatbread-glazed BBQ chicken, balsamic onions, sliced scallions, melted Parmesan
Atichoke and Goat Cheese Flatbread-leaf spincah, balsamic onion and roasted peppers
Wine-Aveleda Vinho Verde, Portugal '10/'11
Note: This wine is crisp and refreshing, perfect with the goat cheese flatbread. If you feel flatbreads have run their course, there are other apps on the menu such as organic edamame, crab, chrimp stuffed mushrooms and spicy chicken chili relleno.

Click here for Seasons 52 full Summer dinner menu

First Course

Chilled lobster and shrimp spring roll-served with sauce trio of cool salsa verde, aromatic lemongrass, sweet-hot red chili
Wine-Hirsch #1 Gruner Veltliner, Kamptal '09/'10

Note: Definitely the Gruner coupled with the seafood. This is one of those, I-could-make-a-meal-with-just-these type of menu items. Seriously. They were light, yet filling; crispy, yet soft. I can picture nibbling on these while dining this summer.

Second Course
Organic Arugula Salad-watermelon, grilled golden beets, goat cheese, jicama, toasted pistachios
Summer Vegetarian Tasting-grains of life, soft taco, chili relleno, vegetables, cedar-roasted tofu, mango chutney
Wine-Honig, Napa '11

Note: This was my favorite white wine served matching the watermelon as easily as the tofu with mango. I am not a vegetarian by any means. I love red meat. But, this menu selection could convince me to cut way, way back on meat and become a pseudo-vegetarian. Be sure to eat a bite of goat cheese with the beets or watermelon for full effect of flavor.

Third Course
Wild Alaskan Copper River Salmon-corn risotto, fresh asparagus, roasted perpper, dill sauce
Wine-Chehalem INOX, Willamette '10

Piedmontese All natural, Bone-in Strip Steak 11 oz-roasted asparagus, cremini mushrooms, Fingerling potatoes
Wine-Markham Cellar 1879, Napa '10

Note: 1879 must have been fantastic year, this red wine encompassed almost all of my needs in a wine-smoky, woodsy, the mushrooms and beef loved it as much as I did. Piedmontese will be the steak to request for anyone seeking a low-fat, yet still tender steak. The salmon (difficult to come by due to seasonal restrictions) with a dab of dill and red pepper was paired with the Chehalem and was soothed by the lemongrass notes of this Chardonnay.

Fourth Course
Mini-indulgence desserts-mocha macchiato, blueberry cheesecake, raspberry & chocolate chip cannoli, pecan pie with vanilla mousse, Belgian chocolate Rocky Road, Key lime pie, chocolate peanut butter mousse, Meyer lemon, fresh fruit.

Wine-Jam Jar Moscato, Western Cape '11

Note: Moscato is definitely a wine to go with for desserts if you are not certain which to choose ~ you can't go wrong with it for cheesecake or mousse. Desserts also change with the season.

Photo credits: Elizabeth J. Musgrave; Seasons 52

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, freelance feature writer, and an Indianapolis performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodandDrinkDigital.com and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and these newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter. Connect on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.