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.

Concert Review: Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and John Denver Tribute Singer Jim Curry

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra teams up with Jim Curry, a tribute singer for one of the country's most beloved singers and songwriters: John Denver.
Performances are on stage at The Hilbert Circle Theatre, Indianapolis, and The Palladium, Carmel, March 9-11. Curry and wife Anne perform the top hits of the folk singer with passion and genuine deep-rooted appreciation. Accompanying guest conductor Richard Kaufman worked with Denver for more than 24 years giving an added layer to the production.

Surely one of the greatest aspects of the music of John Denver (nee Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr.) is the symphonic sound injected into his songs throughout his career. Whether heard live in concerts, taped on albums or televised with The Muppets, Denver was able to reach down into the deepest part of your heart and verbalize those hidden feelings of love, wonder and happiness, as well as sadness, friendship and respect for nature.

Denver's songs made it okay to love, jump for joy and ... care.

The song list was extensive, bringing tears, laughter and a sense of wonderment and appreciation from the multi-generational audience. The performance opened with "Rocky Mountain High," "Leaving on a Jet Plane," "Wild Montana Skies," and, naturally, Denver's signature tune, "Annie's Song."

Bottom Line: The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Jim Curry fill up your senses with cherished memories of John Denver.

For tickets, click here.
For more information on John Denver (Dec. 31, 1943 - Oct. 12, 1997) visit JohnDenver.com.
Photo furnished by ISO
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Headliner for 2012 Indy 500 Carb Day Concert

LYNYRD SKYNYRD HEADLINES MILLER LITE CARB DAY CONCERT 2012

It hasn't been announced whether Jim Nabors will be singing Back Home Again in Indiana at the Indianapolis 500 2012, but Carb Day's musical headline is definite.

**Press Release**

INDIANAPOLIS, Monday, Jan. 9, 2012 - Legendary American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, will headline the Miller Lite Carb Day concert Friday, May 25 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The concert, free with Miller Lite Carb Day admission of $20, will take place on the Miller Lite Stage in the IMS infield. Miller Lite Carb Day tickets are available now at www.IMStix.com.

"It's very exciting to welcome Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Lynyrd Skynyrd for the Miller Lite Carb Day concert," said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer. "The band's incredibly powerful live show will help to keep the good times rolling at IMS all the way through Race Weekend."

Lynyrd Skynyrd is the definitive Southern rock band, with a catalog of more than 60 albums and sales beyond 30 million. The band is a cultural icon that appeals to all generations with its backbone of rock and country, passionate vocals and trademark layered guitars. Among the band's popular hits are "Free Bird," "Sweet Home Alabama," "Saturday Night Special" and "What's Your Name?"

The band has persevered with indomitable will and spirit through triumph and tragedy, including a plane crash in 1977 that claimed three band members. Lynyrd Skynyrd's latest album,"God & Guns," continues to feature a muscular, three-guitar attack led by original band member Gary Rossington.

Lynyrd Skynyrd consists of Rossington (guitar), Johnny Van Zant (vocals), Rickey Medlocke (guitar), Mark "Sparky" Matejka (guitar), Michael Cartellone (drums), Robert Kearns (bass) and Peter Keys (keyboards), with Dale Krantz Rossington and Carol Chase providing backing vocals as the Honkettes.

The Miller Lite Carb Day Concert featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd will be the finale of an action-packed day at IMS. Also scheduled are the final practice for the 33 starters in the Indianapolis 500, the Freedom 100 race for Firestone Indy Lights and the popular IZOD Pit Stop Challenge.

The 2012 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for noon Sunday, May 27.
2012 Indianapolis 500 tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 96th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at www.imstix.com, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or by visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.

Children 12 and under will be receive free general admission to any IMS event in 2012 when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.

Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.

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

Review: ThrillCall

Often, nowadays, I am asked to review more than live performances, food, wine, hotels, spas, and my other standard items. (The list grows more and more.) It has extended to items I have not reviewed, or tried, before. I am always partial to broadening my horizons, so I said yes when asked to check out and give an opinion on a concert website, ThrillCall.com. 

The gist of this site is to make your life easier in regard to locating, remembering and buying tickets for, musical artists. It seems to be a similar idea to Travelocity, in that they find the lowest price for tickets and allow you to decide, only it's for music. Only there is much more on this site than just ticket purchasing. An interesting concept; it makes me wonder if theater is next to receive the comparison site treatment. Having not delved into this new style of site more than the everyday concert attendee, I was rather pleased.

The site is user-friendly with  quick page loading, easy to locate sections, such as calendar, reviews, etc., and the sign up form is short and simple. Always a plus, in my book.

Also, the customizing to my musical preferences is a huge plus. If you do not want to be notified of every concert within the confines of the United States, no problem. Just click a few places and narrow it down greatly to just locals, for instance, or certain genres, artists, or venues. Also handy is the ability to follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

I look forward to delving into this site more and read the reviews, bios on artists, and the calendar. But, please check it out and give me some feedback. I am always open to your knowledge and experiences and would like to hear if this site is as good as it seems.

Website: ThrillCall.com

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 in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Indiana Historical Society Concerts on Canal 2011 Season Schedule

Indiana Historical Society’s

2011 Concerts on the Canal Schedule

Monday, July 4

Indianapolis Municipal Band

Patriotic tunes and marches

Craig Brenner and the Crawdads

New Orleans rhythm and blues and boogie woogie

Gregg Bacon

Thursday, July 7

Carmel Brass

“Red, White and Blue in Brass” - renditions of popular tunes and patriotic melodies

Thursday, July 14

Forever the Tribute

Favorite hits from The Beatles

Thursday, July 21

Sizzlin’ Gregg Bacon

Jazz favorites and R&B and pop classics

Thursday, July 28

Actors Theatre of Indiana

“Songs We Knew During World War II” – the music of the 1940s

Thursday, Aug.  4

Peace Train and the Flower Power Brass

Rock ‘n’ roll hits from the late 1960s and 1970s

Thursday, Aug. 11

Brenda Williams with Cold Fusion

Classic R&B hits from the 1960s and 1970s

 For tickets, event schedule, and hours, please visit Indianahistory.org.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.
Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Concert Review: Glee Live

Love it, hate or never seen it, Glee, as in the television show, has become a household name. Glee Live! made a stop June 2 in Indianapolis, Conseco Fieldhouse, to the satisfaction of several thousand screaming teens and adults. What's in store for anyone in future cities for Gleeks (Glee fans)? Cheerleaders (aka Cheerios) handing out "barf" bags, video time with Coach Sue Sylvester, and a nonstop, positive energy show with the message that whoever you are is exactly who you should be. Total acceptance.

Photo credit: Great Exposures

The show features the popular TV characters, Kurt, Santana, Brittney and the rest of the club dancing, singing and joking their way in to the hearts of loyal fans, (portrayed by Chris Colfer, Naya Rivera and Heather Morris, respectively). Interspersed with audience interaction, the singers demonstrated their talents most in Mercedes' (Amber Riley) rendition of Aretha Franklin's "Ain't No Way," The Warbler's version of Paul McCartney's "Silly Love Songs," and the Kurt-led, lip-synched Beyonce hit, "Single Ladies," which proved a crowd favorite.

Photo credit: Great Exposures

The phenomenon known as Glee can be compared to a mini-Beatlemania (or whichever fan-crazy star you wish to insert). It seems that the mania craze IS the craze. No one is stopping the 'tweens, teens and twenty-somethings from going ga-ga over their favorite group. The joy in delving into their artist of choice is pure and marvelous to witness.

The non "Beautiful People" crowd is enjoying a high like never before. Celebrities, artists and television shows are embracing their un-Barbieness and raking in the fans (and money). Lady Gaga, Adam Lambert, Pink, Glee and Ugly Betty are just a few examples of "out" being the new "in." And Glee is right there at the top.
Every gender-, social-, and ethnic-, issue is addressed by the Glee Club, a group so diverse Josephine Baker would be satisfied. For those of you who are too young, or are just unaware of the ugly duckling/swan story of Ms. Baker, it's good reading...and viewing. You can find more information on Youtube.com.

Bottom Line: Gleeks everywhere will be gleefully satisfied with the Glee Live touring concert...and barf bags won't be necessary.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, on aroundindy.com, and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.
Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

White River State Park Concert Series 2011

The Lawn at White River State Park
Announces 2011 Summer Lineup

  Arcade Fire & The National  *  The Black Keys  *  Ray Lamontagne & The Pariah Dogs  *

*  Florence + The Machine  *  Umphrey's McGee  *  Ke$ha  *

*  Alison Krauss & Union Station feat. Jerry Douglas  *  The Decemberists  * The Avett Brothers  *

 (INDIANAPOLIS, IN) The 1-800-Quit-Now Concert Series at The Lawn at White River State Park today unveiled its summer 2011 season with its strongest and most eclectic lineup to date. The popular music venue is located in White River State Park in Indianapolis and has quickly become one of the Midwest's hottest concert destinations; annually hosting some of the biggest names in entertainment.

The Lineup: The 1-800-Quit-Now Concert Series at The Lawn at White River State Park welcomes a host of recent GRAMMY® award winners with Arcade Fire and The National on April 27, The Black Keys on June 10 and Ray Lamontagne & The Pariah Dogs on June 14. A special Independence Day concert will feature Florence + The Machine onJuly 4.  The just added Alison Krauss and Union Station feat. Jerry Douglas live on June 9 and summertime favorites Umphrey's McGee on June 25. The late summer lineup is also taking shape with performances by The Decemberists on August 5, pop superstar Ke$ha on August 23 and The Avett Brothers on October 1. More amazing shows will continue to be added in the next several weeks.

Ticket Information: Tickets for concerts at The Lawn at White River State Park are available through LiveNation.com, the Old National Centre Box Office (except day of show), Ticketmaster outlets or 1-800-745-3000.

Premium Seats (Tweet @VIPSeatsIndy): For VIP Box and Season Ticket information at The Lawn at White River State Park or other Live Nation Indianapolis venues, call 317-249-2752 or by email at vipseatsindy@livenation.com 

About The Lawn at White River State Park (Tweet @LiveNationIN): The Lawn at White River State Park is located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. It has been recognized by Pollstarmagazine as one of the top 100 outdoor concert venues for the past five years and has attracted the likes of Bob Dylan, the Allman Brothers Band, The Roots, Moody Blues and Indigo Girls. The Lawn has also hosted major concert multi-day events for the NCAA Men's Final Four among others.  

About White River State Park (Tweet @WhiteRiverStPrk): White River State Park is the center of Indianapolis culture, offering unique experiences with a variety of educational and recreational world-class attractions. The Park is home to several venues, providing entertainment for a wide range of audiences, including the Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana State Museum, IMAX® Theater, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, NCAA Hall of Champions, Indianapolis Indians Baseball at Victory Field, The Lawn at White River State Park Concert Series, and the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial to name a few. To learn more about the Park and its many happenings, visit inwhiteriver.org.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Concert Review: Bob Seger

Rock god to the working man, Bob Seger, tore up the stage at Conseco Fieldhouse creating a 2 hour and 20 minute Rock and Roll memory for 13,000 fans. Noticeable was the vast age difference among attendees from teenagers to retiree age, including Seger himself.

Just celebrating his 66th birthday, and appreciative of the birthday banners waving in the crowd, the legend of rock music ripped into his classic hits beginning with Roll Me Away, Come to Poppa, Old Time Rock & Roll, The Fire Down Below and, playing acoustic guitar, Main Street. After a brief intermission, Seger and The Silver Bullet Band slid into songs which receive less radio time such as Beautiful Loser, Nutbush City Limits and Her Strut. With vocals as strong as ever, he finished with two separate encores wrapping up the night with Against the Wind, Hollywood Nights, Rock and Roll Never Forgets and Nights Moves.

The Detroit native drew from his vast collection of albums, including Face the Promise ('06), Against the Wind ('80), Nine Tonight ('81), Live Bullet ('76) Night Moves ('76) and Stranger in Town ('78). Don Brewer (Grand Funk Railroad) hammered away at the drums while Alto Reed brought in the sweetness of his saxophone.

Seger's genius lies in his innate ability to reach down into his soul and share through lyrics raw emotions, life's ironies and inner struggles in a gritty, tough guy style. Touching the core of the everyday man and woman is signature Seger. Continuing the successful relationship with his fans since the '60s cements his status as an American rock legend.

Bottom Line: Bob Seger's high energy and strong vocals demonstrate he, and his songs, have stood the test of time with a packed house of fans celebrating life proving the man has been right all these years: Rock and Roll Never Forgets.


Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook or email her at elizabeth@gottago.us.
Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.