Goelzer Investment Management Donates 70,000 meals to Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana

Food presentation to be held at Hurst Bean Field
Tues., Nov. 21 to kick off the 2017 Holiday Season 

Goelzer Investment Management will donate 70,000 meals to the Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana again this year to feed Hoosiers in need. This year will bring the total number of meals donated close to the halfway mark of Goelzer’s pledge to contribute one million meals by 2026.

In continuing the firm’s long legacy of giving back to the community, Goelzer has committed to donating six skids of NK Hurst beans each year to reach its ultimate goal of providing one million meals to families in central Indiana. Since the program began in 2006, Goelzer has donated 430,000 NK Hurst meals to Gleaners.

The donation event will take place with representatives from Gleaners, Goelzer Investment Management, and NK Hurst Beans Tues., Nov. 21 at 11 am at the NK Hurst Bean Field located at 230 W. McCarty Street (directly across from Lucas Oil Stadium).

“Hundreds of thousands of families are still struggling to put food on their tables,” said John Elliott, president and CEO of Gleaners. “We’re committed to feeding them, but also looking at not just the amount of food we provide, but the quality and nutritional value of that food. The complex carbohydrates, protein and other nutrients in beans are of high value to those we serve.”

Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, a member of the national Feeding America Network of food banks, was founded in a three-and-a-half car garage in 1980 with the purpose of fighting hunger in our community. On an annual basis, Gleaners provides food and critical grocery products for more than 260,000 people, providing more than 20 million meals.

Gleaners also provides specialized programs for the most vulnerable populations—children and senior citizens including, BackSacks: Weekend Food for Kids, After-School and Summer Meals for Kids, School-Based Pantry programs, and senior-only Mobile Pantry and Food Pantry distributions. Specialty programs include CARR Mobile Pantries and Bags with IMPD and public safety offices, and ProduceHope, a component of the Feeding America Regional Produce Processing Center operated by Gleaners. Lean more at Gleaners.org

Goelzer Investment Management provides high-quality investment advisory services to institutional and high-net-worth private clients. The firm manages discretionary and non-discretionary portfolios that can be customized to meet client-specific investment goals.

Theater Review: Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre: Ring of Fire

At first glance, Ring of Fire, opening this past weekend at Beef and Boards, Indianapolis, looks to be a glorious night filled with a guy who sounds and looks a lot like music legend Johnny Cash. Be forewarned. It's not.

It is not a Cash tribute band. It isn't an imitation of the Man in Black, with all of his hits performed fully while you reminisce about the times you saw him live.

Featuring three female and five male performers, the group of eight walk you through his life, via both well known and some lesser known songs written by, sung by, and/or related somehow to Cash. Each musician plays no fewer than two, some as many as five different instruments in the show. Mandolins, fiddles, various guitars, drums and a ukulele are just a few of the instruments used throughout the production. Collectively, these eight are John R. Cash.

The bio-musical skims the more well known personal bits of Cash's life, drug use, and the relationship and eventual marriage to June Carter Cash, delving more into the whys and wherefores.

Melody Allegra Berger, Tim Drake, Brian Gunter, Jill Kelly Howe, Allison Kelly, Jeremy Sevelovitz, Travis Smith and Zack Steele bring their talents together, blending harmoniously with songs such as "Oh Come Angel Band," Standout duets and solos include "Ragged Old Flag" (Drake) and "Jackson" (Steele, Kelly).

Bottom Line: Beef and Boards' Ring of Fire brings forth the more obscure songs of Johnny Cash with a healthy dose of instrumentals sharing the limelight.

 Images: JulieCurry.com


Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Phoenix Theatre 2015 - 2016 Season Includes a Merman, a Butler and a Hunter

The Phoenix Theatre, 749 Park Ave., Indianapolis, opens its doors for the 32rd season with a British farce set in the 1960s. Also included in this year's offerings are Ethel Merman, dolphins and the traditional holiday presentation of short skits and loud laughter from the audience.                                                                              Check back here for theater reviews.

Phoenix Theatre 2015 - 2016 Season

One Man, Two Guvnors

September 24 – October 18

Welcome to 1960’s England. Francis Henshall finds himself trapped into working for two bosses who are connected to each other in wildly improbable ways. He just has to keep them from discovering each other. Easy, right? One Man, Two Guvnors will have you falling out of your seats in hysteria, as Francis leads you through this topsy-turvy farce of love triangles and mistaken identities. His quest for love, a sandwich and keeping his two guvnors happy swept both London’s West End and Broadway with its hilarity and campy wit.

The Nether
October 22 - November 22

Welcome to The Nether, a virtual paradise of total sensory immersion. Just log in, choose an identity and indulge your every whim. When a young detective uncovers a disturbing realm within this virtual world filled with outcasts and criminals of society, she wonders on what level fantasy meets reality. Are some private dreams too dark and disturbing? Should people be free from consequences in their own imagination? Immerse yourself in this sci-fi thriller about a battle over technology and human desire.

A Very Phoenix Xmas X: Oh, Come Let Us Adore Us
November 27 - December 20

It’s year 10 of A Very Phoenix Xmas, and this year will be X-tra special! We’re back with another round of all new sketches, songs and dances, and in honor of this anniversary year, we may even bring back a few favorites. We’ve got everything on your list: traditional holiday music, madcap comedy skits, and some very talented people to help you celebrate this most joyful—and stressful—time of year.

Butler

January 7 – February 7, 2016

It’s the beginning of the Civil War, and lawyer Benjamin Franklin Butler has just been promoted to Union General at Fort Monroe, a Union hold-out in the state of Virginia. He soon finds himself face to face with Shepard Mallory, an escaped slave seeking asylum at the fort for himself and other slaves. Sworn to uphold the law, Butler prepares to return the slaves, until Mallory forces him to question whether what is legal is actually moral. Inspired by real events, Butler is part comedy, part historical drama.

Pulp

February 11 – March 6, 2016

In 1930’s Los Angeles, washed-up Private Investigator Frank Ellery takes on the strangest case of his life. A noted literary agent has been gruesomely murdered, and the four suspects are his remaining clients, all writers for different pulp magazines. Frank dives into the mystery, and his world turns upside down as life begins to imitate literature. In this new comedy, science fiction, romance, adventure and horror combine with one down-on-his-luck gumshoe who’s about to learn what really lurks between the lines.

On Clover Road
by Steve Dietz

March 10 – April 10, 2016

Kate Hunter has been searching for her daughter for more than four years. Now that she’s been located, Kate must carefully extract her from a cult by trusting a complete stranger to de-program her daughter at an abandoned motel on Clover Road. Will mother and daughter happily reunite? Or will the shadow of a memory she’s held on to for the past four years be all that Kate has left of the daughter she once knew?

Leyenda 

April 14 – May 1, 2016

Spanish for “legend,” Leyenda is a live adaptation of Latino folk tales, based on interviews with members of the Indianapolis Latino community, with performances in English and Spanish. Leyenda includes traditional music and dancing, and explores explanations of happenings in nature, life and mythology. The original play is part of the Phoenix Theatre’s Heritage Series, which explores the history, mythology and cultural inheritance of people of different races and cultural backgrounds, and is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts-Art Works.

Book of Merman
May 12 – June 12, 2016

The hit Broadway musical, The Book of Mormon, meets the First Lady of Broadway in this new comedy. When two Mormon missionaries ring Ethel Merman’s doorbell, they have no idea of the surprise awaiting them. With some dazzling parody music and Schwartz’s original songs, laughter ensues throughout The Book of Merman, catapulting you to places you didn’t know you wanted to go. Learn how to “Be a Merman” in this parody musical that will leave you smiling for weeks to come.

TBA

June 16 – July 17, 2016

Every season, we’ve got our eyes and ears on Broadway, with a mission of bringing the nation’s biggest hits to Indianapolis. Sometimes those plays win big awards - ahem, Tony’s - extending their run on Broadway, and delaying our negotiations. As soon as we have the rights, you’ll be the first to know.

Acid Dolphin Experiment

July 14 – August 14, 2016

Acid Dolphin Experiment tackles the life of Dr. John C. Lilly, a mid-century American neuro-scientist famous for exploring the nature of consciousness, and using isolation tanks, dolphin communication and psychedelic drugs … sometimes in combination … and frequently experimenting on himself. As a scientist, he risks his career, relationships and sanity, to decipher the subjective experiences often dismissed as “mere hallucinations.”

Ticket prices for 2015-2016 season
$20 Cheap Seats weekend (opening weekend)

$27 Thursdays and Sundays for remainder of run

$33 Fridays and Saturdays for remainder of run

A Very Phoenix Xmas X:
Oh, Come Let Us Adore Us ticket prices:

$22 Cheap Seats weekend (opening weekend)

$30 Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays for remainder of run

$35 Fridays and Saturdays for remainder of run

Wednesday and Thursday performances begin at 7 p.m.
Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m.
Sunday performances begin at 2 p.m.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel, wine and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker and media trainer. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) 2015-2016 Season Includes a Gatsby, a Mockingbird and a Mousetrap

Downtown Indianapolis' Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) opensits 44th season with a flourish ~ as always. Known for opening annually with a dramatic production, this year will be no different.

The remainder of the season, which ends May 22, 2016, offers the glitz of the 1920s, the confusion of the '60s, the depression of the '30s and the opportunities of the '50s.

The Great Gatsby

September 30 – October 25

Mainstage

A theatrical adaptation of what some consider the Greatest American Novel, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Opulent parties, romantic affairs, jealousy and murder come to life in this powerful and vivid tale of American bravado, lost love and war recovery in the Roaring Twenties.

April 4, 1968

Upperstage

October 20 – November 15

IRT’s playwright-in-residence shares an intimate look at one Indianapolis family and their personal experience surrounding the events of April 4, 1968, which include Bobby Kennedy’s history-making speech on the night of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination.

A Christmas Carol

Mainstage

November 14 – December 26

Indy’s favorite holiday tradition comes to life again for its 25th year on the Mainstage. A Christmas Carol celebrates the universal story of redemption as literature’s most infamous “Scrooge” learns to love after a walk through Christmas past, present and future.

Peter Rabbit and Me

The Cabaret

November 21 – December 20

In this classic tale,13-year-old Beatrix Potter creates her own exciting world as she invents such beloved characters as Peter Rabbit, Flopsy, Mopsy & Cottontail and their playful adventures in Mr. McGregor’s garden.

The Mystery of Irma Vep

Upperstage

January 12-February 14

A hilarious mash-up of chilling Gothic horror story and passionate Victorian bodice-ripper. Two actors play a mysterious archeologist, a flighty new bride, a saucy housekeeper, a loveable werewolf and an Egyptian mummy, in a dizzying quick-change marathon.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Mainstage

January 29 – February 28

The story of how two siblings, Scout and Jem Finch, and their father, Atticus, changed the way many American’s perceived race and prejudice in the country. Coming of age in a small Depression-era community in the mid-30’s, the Finch siblings learn about social injustice as their lawyer father defends a man wrongly accused of a heinous crime.

Fences

Mainstage

March 9 – April 3

Winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for Best Play, Fences is the most widely acclaimed play from August Wilson’s towering 20th Century Cycle. A former Negro League baseball player, thwarted in his dreams of a Major League career, struggles to provide for his family and break free from the boundaries imposed upon him. Set in 1957, at the intersection of old prejudices and changing opportunities.

Bridge and Tunnel

Upperstage

March 29 - May 1

An open-mic poetry night becomes a celebration of American diversity in the Tony Award–winning Bridge and Tunnel. One woman plays more than a dozen characters of both sexes, many races and all ages, as life stories are shared and dreams are dared.

The Mousetrap

By Agatha Christie

Mainstage

April 26 – May 22

The Mousetrap is the world’s longest running stage play, celebrating its 64th birthday in 2016. It is the classic Agatha Christie mystery thriller, with a houseful of strangers trapped by a blizzard and stalked by an unknown murderer. Part drawing room comedy and part murder mystery, this timeless chiller is a double-barreled whodunit full of twists and surprises.

Tickets

Contact the ticket office at 317-635-5252 or visit irtlive.org.

All performances are at the Indiana Repertory Theatre building located at 140 W. Washington Street in Downtown Indianapolis.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

2015 Symphony on the Prairie Schedule Includes Blues Traveler, Ol' Blue Eyes and Boogie Nights

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s 34th annual Symphony on the Prairie season includes Blues Traveler, Ol' Blue Eyes and Boogie Nights.

Beginning June 19 and running through Sept. 6. This year the orchestra performs the first six weekends and brings in their musical guests for the remaining shows of the popular summer series.

Located at Conner Prairie, the outdoor music series is perfect for families, friends and company outings. Grassy areas are available for those wishing to bring a blanket or lawn chair. Tables for 10 are available at an additional cost. Food, alcohol and candles are allowed also.

2015 Symphony on the Prairie Schedule

June 19-20

College & Alumni Night, Friday, June 19

70s: Disco Days & Boogie Nights

Jack Everly, Conductor

Opening weekend at Marsh Symphony on the Prairie puts the 1970s front and center. No matter what crowd you ran with during that era, Jack Everly’s got the music to match—from disco anthems like “I Will Survive” and monster rock hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody” to the singer-songwriter tunes like “American Pie.”

June 26-27

Pictures at an Exhibition

Fawzi Haimor, Conductor

Nareh Arghamanyan, Piano

Experience the soaring music of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition performed by the ISO under Fawzi Haimor, resident conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

July 2-4

Salute to America’s Military – all three nights!

Star Spangled Symphony

Alfred Savia, Conductor

Celebrate America’s birthday with the ISO’s annual patriotic performance and salute to our military service members. All the traditional favorites return, including a spectacular fireworks show to cap off each concert.

July 10-11

Police and Firefighter's Night – Friday, July 10

The Music of Journey

Brent Havens, Conductor

Guest conductor Brent Havens is back with a symphonic rock tribute to the band Journey. The ISO will have you swaying to some of classic rock’s greatest hits like “Open Arms,” “Don’t Stop Believin,’” and “Any Way You Want It.”

July 17-18

Teacher's Night – Friday, July 17

Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons

Daniel Meyer, Conductor

Anne Akiko Meyers, Violin

While enjoying the evening sunset, travel through the idyllic sounds of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, one of the best known and most beloved of the composer’s works.

July 24-25

Scout's Night – Friday, July 24

Music of John Williams

Stuart Chafetz, Conductor

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performs all the hits by the maestro of cinema, John Williams. Williams wrote and composed music for more than 80 films including such classics as Jaws, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and the original Star Wars trilogy.

*July 31-Aug. 1

Nurse's Night – Friday, July 31

The Music of Genesis Starring Daryl Stuermer

Daryl Stuermer, guitarist for both Genesis and the Phil Collins Band, performs some of both groups’ biggest hits in this concert with his own live band. Relive the music of the late 70s, 80s and 90s, including “I Can’t Dance” and “Throwing it All Away.”

*Aug 7-8

Classical Mystery Tour: Music of the Beatles

The Classical Mystery Tour is back with their annual Marsh Symphony on the Prairie tribute to the band that changed rock and roll forever. Be sure to make your way to the stage to dance and sing along to your favorite Beatles classics.

*Aug. 14-15

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

They’re back! Big Bad Voodoo Daddy returns and brings its high-voltage sound and feel-good energy to the stage. You are guaranteed a show that blends jazz, swing, Dixieland and big band into a night to remember for the whole family.

*Aug 21-22

Steve Lippia’s Centennial Celebration:

A Frank Sinatra Tribute

Steve Lippia, Vocalist

Nothing says classy and cool like the songs of Frank Sinatra. Join crooner Steve Lippia for an evening of magical “Ol’ Blue Eyes” hits, including “Strangers in the Night,” “Summer Wind” and “My Way.”

*Aug. 28-30

Blues Traveler

The chart-topping blues/folk/southern rock band Blues Traveler makes its debut at the Conner Prairie Amphitheatre. Look for the Grammy Award-winning group to present a mix of favorites from their 25-year career, including “Run Around” and “Hook,” and songs from their newest album, Blow Up the Moon, – all led by the signature harmonica playing of lead singer John Popper.

*Sept. 3-4

The Hit Men:

Studio Legends of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons

Back by popular demand, the former performing and recording members of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons take audiences on a walk down memory lane to the 60s, 70s and 80s with mega hits “Oh What a Night (Dec. ’63),” “Sherry,” “Bad Bad Leroy Brown,” “You’re so Vain,” “Mony Mony” and many more.

*Sept. 5-6

The King: A Tribute to Elvis

Elvis Presley changed American music forever, and this tribute concert honors that legacy. These are no Elvis impersonators, but four singers dedicated to honoring the entire range of Elvis’ music with new arrangements of iconic rock ‘n’ roll classics.

*The ISO does not perform in these concerts.

Single tickets go on sale Monday, April 20 the following ways:

• Marsh Stores: Discount adult tickets may be purchased at all Indiana Marsh locations for $24, with a Marsh Fresh Idea Card.
• Online at IndianapolisSymphony.org $25/adults $12/children
• Conner Prairie Amphitheater Gate: $29/adults, $14/children
Single tables: $69

Single tickets for premium concert weekends

For the Star Spangled Symphony and Classical Mystery Tour: Music of the Beatles concert weekends, advance single tickets can be purchased at Marsh and the ISO Box ~ $31/adults, $12/children. Premium gate: $35/adults, $14/children

Premium tables: $89 

For more information on all Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra indoor and outdoor presentations, contact Hilbert Circle Theatre at (317) 639-4300 or at IndianapolisSymphony.org.

Images: provided by ISO

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic, as well as writing two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Theater Review: Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre: A Beef and Boards Christmas 2014

Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre, Indianapolis, closes the season with its annual holiday variety production, A Beef and Boards Christmas 2014.

It's interesting to watch the changes in the holiday show over the years. The first I attended was my first year reviewing (2007), which is available only in the original newspapers. However, I have included the links to a few I have published in newspapers and posted online over my tenure.

Click here for 2009 review

Some years there are children on stage, others (such as this year) it is a whirlwind of adults-only dancers and singers mixing it up with The Grinch, Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman.

And the flying reindeer.

So, this time I thought I would give my hits and misses list.

HITS

Indy's own co-host favorites ~ Deb Wims and Kenny Shepard ~ took the reigns once more for this production. Guiding the audience through a myriad of holiday staples, dancing characters and choral groups, the show would not be the same without this attractive and charming pair.

New to the Christmas cast is Heather Patterson-King, who portrayed Mrs. Banks in B&B's Mary Poppins. Patterson-King's vocals were a beautiful addition to each song and highlighted best in "Tennessee Christmas." A most welcome talent who this critic hopes to see (and hear) more of in the 2015 schedule. She is the best thing to be added to the holiday show in quite some time.

Click here for 2013 review

B&B's tradition of saluting the military serving our country always brings me to the edge of welling up. "I'll be Home for Christmas," performed superbly by Matt Branic is full of pride and respect. Here's to the continued practice.

Intermission with Santa Claus is an absolute keeper for me. Although I have no young ones dashing about, the free pictures with the jolly elf gives back to the audience and gives the kids something special.

MISSES

Not casting John Vessels is a big miss in my book. His zany antics bring the audience to tears every time he hits the stage. This year's fun segments seemed less so without this favorite of Indy theatergoers. Watching him plop about during his (see link for review below) rendition of, "All I Want for Christmas," still makes me laugh out loud.

Click here for 2011 review

Seeing children perform on stage gives children in the audience the crazy idea that they, also, can get up there and perform. Not a bad thing. It also holds their attention better than one adult after another. So, I would call it a miss to eliminate the kid factor this year.

I cannot see "Marshmallow World," performed by Shepard and Wims enough. Left out this year, the performers dress as Raggedy Andy and Raggedy Ann for an adorable segment of great music and dancing.

Bottom Line: A Beef and Boards Christmas 2014 offers a family friendly holiday show with song and dance for every age.

Images: JulieCurryPhotography.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

4th Annual Indiana Short Film Festival to be held October 10-11, 2014

Movie buffs will be pleased to learn Indiana has a growing-in-popularity event devoted to moving pictures. The 4th Annual Indiana Short Film Festival will take place October 10-11, with films being shown on the big screen at the Royal Theater in Danville, Indiana.

The only event solely dedicated to short films in the Central Indiana region, the festival received a record 217 films this year. A selection committee narrowed the list to 47 that will be shown at the 4th Best Short Film Festival in North America awarded by AudienceAwards.com.

The films will be divided into six showings, with five of the six showings lasting about 90 minutes. The other entitled “Saturday Nite Frite” includes science fiction, horror and other films not recommended for children, lasting about 120 minutes. Each showing is followed by a short question-and-answer session with filmmakers.

A panel of judges will select their favorite films during the event with a $250 cash award given to the grand jury winner. The VIP Filmmakers Meet-and-Greet event will be held between showings at 4:30 p.m. Saturday for attendees with the weekend pass. One hundred weekend passes can be purchased giving patrons full access to the entire festival.

Tickets, times and details are available at INShortFilmFest.com.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

19th Annual Indy’s Irish Festival Sept. 11-14, 2014

Indy’s Irish Fest returns to Military Park Sept. 11-14 for its 19th-annual celebration of the state’s Celtic heritage.

Festival Highlights

Entertainment

The Elders

Burning Bridget Cleary

Hounds of Finn

Tallymoore

Tom Sweeney

The Kells

Animals

Sheep-herding exhibitions, Celtic Canine tents feature dogs representing Irish breeds, such as Irish Glen of Imaal Terriers, Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, Irish Water Spaniels, Irish Wolfhounds, Irish Red and White Setters and Kerry Blue Terriers.

Complete schedule and ticket information: IndyIrishFest.com

Cultural area

Information on Irish American Presidents, the history of Ireland, the Great Famine, origins of popular Irish songs, family genealogy, and notable Irish women. Indianapolis Gaelic Athletic Association will be onsite performing hurling demonstrations.

Kids Activities

Blarney Castle

Moonwalk

Olympic Run

Kerry Putt n’ Go

Celtic Bean Bag Toss

Donegal Duck Pond

Tralee Targets

Limerick Lollipop Tree

Sligo Fish Bowl Toss

GalwayGo Fish

Face Painting

Contests

Art Contest (Saturday)

11:30 am – 1:30 pm  (up to age 12)

Awards announced at 2:45 pm on South Stage

Reddest Hair - Greenest Eyes - Most Freckles (Sunday)

Sign-up 1:45 pm at Craft Tent

Judging 2:00 pm at North Stage

Winners Announced at 2:30 pm on North Stage

Irish Market Vendors

All Irish Foods

Imported packaged foods from Ireland

Bead and a Prayer

Handcrafted necklaces, bracelets, earrings and bookmarks

Because I Like It

Misc Irish scarves, hats, handbags, jewelry, oghams, clay pipes, money clips, apparel, throws, linens

Celtic Clothing

Irish rugby shirts, tweed caps, Guinness caps, Irish t-shirts, Irish jackets, fragrances

The Celtic Croft

Kilts, accessories, Celtic clothing and jewelry

The Celtic Cross

Framed and unframed embroidery and rubbings of Celtic grave stone designs and ancient monuments

The Celtic Exchange

Bars, pewter gifts, ceramic porcelain, silver jewelry, crystal, leather journals, cloth bags, mirrors, soaps, cologne

Celtic Expressions

Shortbread, tea, jewlery, apparel, home goods, Irish woolens, bags, barware, dog clothes, leashes, collars

Celtic Fashions

Embossed, stonewashed, embroidered and printed t-shirts, tops, hats/caps, sweatshirts, kidswear and sport shirts

Chips Ltd

Pet, infant and adult Irish themed products

Classic Irish Imports

Shirts, sweatshirts, jewelry, kids clothes

Dayton’s Celtic Connection

Silver jewelry made from stainless steel, leather and beads

Fireball Designs

Celtic airbrush tattoos

Frozen Light

Sterling silver jewelry with gemstones and exotic garments handmade by artisans all over the world

Giftworks Plus

Personalized custom irish design reverse engraved, etched, shaded wooden frames, heritage personality profiles, magnets, mattes

Green Man Pottery

Stone pottery with Celtic designs, Green Man faces, Celtic dog collars

Harpstone

Handcrafted Celtic jewelry

Highland Kilt Company

Kilts and Accessories, including several Irish Tartans, original t-shirts

Historical Research Center

Computer-generated family name histories and coat-of-arms crests, hand-made embroidered coat of arms crests, shields from Ireland by heraldry artist, key rings

Indianapolis Firefighters Emerald Society 

I.F.D. t-shirts, hats, mugs and bagpipe band CDs

Irish on The Square

Irish blessing prints, coats of arms, heraldry prints, Celtic fashion, jewelry, ceramic tiles, gifts

Ireland in Prints

Jewelry, sweaters, t-shirts, perfume, various other prints and photos, bodhrans

Irish Sisters

Sweaters, capes, scarves, mittens, hats, track jackets, Guinness products, rugby shirts, Christmas ornaments

Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians

Miscellaneous crafts and Irish related gifts

My Celtic Treasures

Celtic jewelry

O’Caseys Irish Store 

Celtic gold and silver jewelry, county flags, misc gifts

Sean’s Celtic Creations

Handmade original and traditional Celtic jewelry design

Utilikilts

Men’s utility kilts, kilt belts, t-shirts, kilt socks, belt buckles

Wolf Den Leather

Sporrans, kilt belts, hair wraps, snoods, coin sashes, tails, bottles

Food Vendors

Claddagh Irish Pub

Soulshine

Circle City Spuds

Ben’s Soft Pretzels

Ancient Order of Hibernians

Northside Knights of Columbus

St. Barnabas Men’s Club

Beverages to be served

Soft drinks and water

Guinness/Harp

Killians

Angry Orchard Cider

Smithwicks

Coors Light

Chapman Englishman (Southern English Brown)

Chapman Pail (American Pale Ale)

Barefoot Chardonnay, White Zinfandel and Merlot

Smirnoff Ice

Images: E.J. Musgrave

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

White River Festival Sept. 1-14 2014

INDIANAPOLIS – The annual White River Festival, a two-week long celebration of the White River and the area’s land, wildlife, plants, streams and people, occurs September 1-14 with multiple events at venues and locations throughout central Indiana.

With the recent opening of new trails along the White River and Fall Creek, recreation encompasses all that the Indianapolis community is looking to do this year. The two-week celebration will feature the following events, most of which are free to the public, with more additions to the lineup in coming weeks:
 

White River Festival Events 2014

August 29 – September 1

White River Arts Music and Recreation Festival (WARMfest), Friday, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Monday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Broad Ripple Park. Tickets: warmfest.org.

August 30 – January 4, 2015

Exhibit: Water’s Extreme Journey – Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Minnetrista in Muncie, Ind. FREE with admission ($5 public, free for members).

September 2 – 30

A River Runs through Us: Exhibit about the importance of the White River – Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 1 – 5 p.m. at Cool Creek Nature Center in Carmel. FREE to the public.

September 4

DamNation Community Film Screening – 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Tickets are $9 for the public, $5 for IMA members.

September 5

Shoreline Fishing Trip down White River, 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Public Access Points, Noblesville to Mooresville, Ind. FREE to the public.

Primitive Skill Building in a Riparian Habitat, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. at the Indianapolis Art Center Boat Launch. FREE to the public.

September 5

Justin Riney and Mother Ocean: One Man, One Paddleboard, and 365 Days

5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Indianapolis Art Center. Tickets are $10 and kids 12 and under are FREE.

September 6

Walk Indiana, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Cardinal Greenways Historic Wysor Street Depot in Muncie, Ind. Tickets are $35.

Daleville to Anderson Appreciation Paddle, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Canoe Country in Daleville, Ind. FREE except for canoe/kayak rental.

The White River Is My Home Too, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Indiana State Museum. FREE to the public. 

Family Fun Day at Minnetrista: Blue Planet, Noon – 4 p.m. at Minnetrista in Muncie. FREE for members, $5 for the public.

White River is Migration Station! Bird Hike 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Potter’s Bridge Park in Noblesville, Ind. FREE to the public.

September 6

White River Festival Community Fun Day – 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at White River State Park. FREE to the public.

2nd Annual White River Festival Walk and Fun Run – 10 a.m. at White River State Park. Dogs are welcome, with special opportunities for them throughout the event.

Justin Riney and Mother Ocean: One Man, One Paddleboard, and 365 Days

1 p.m. at Minnetrista in Muncie, Ind. FREE with admission ($5 for public, free for members).

September 6-7

White River Past and Present, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Conner Prairie in Fishers, Ind. FREE with general admission.

September 7

Mounds State Park Hike, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Mounds State Park in Anderson, Ind. FREE with park admission.

September 8

Abstract Landscape Painting Pop-Up, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Indianapolis Art Center. Tickets are $25.

September 11

Family Fun at the White River, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at River Road Park in Carmel, Ind. FREE to the public.

Film Screening: DamNation, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Anderson University in Anderson, Ind. FREE to the public.

September 12

The Magic behind the Screen: Screenprinting Pop-Up – 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Indianapolis Art Center. Tickets are $35.

September 13

Noblesville White River Celebration:

20th Annual White River Clean-Up, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Moose Lodge and Renner’s Body Works in Noblesville, Ind. FREE to the public.

Fun on the River, Noon – 4 p.m., 17180 River Ave. in Noblesville, Ind. Costs vary, some are FREE.

Bridge Fair, 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Logan Street Bridge, City Parking Lot in Noblesville, Ind. FREE

1 Million Dollar Duck Race, 5 p.m. – race time at the Logan Street Bridge in Noblesville, Ind. FREE to attend (ducks are $5).

Delaware County 8th Annual White River Clean-Up:

8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Westside Park in Muncie, Ind. FREE to the public.

Family Fishing Day, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Riverside Park, Indianapolis. FREE to the public.

8th Annual Indiana Bat Festival, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at IUPUI. FREE to the public.

Celebration Fall Creek, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Fall Creek Parkway in Indianapolis.

8th Annual Indiana Bat Festival Evening Event, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Garfield Park in Indianapolis. FREE

September 16

4th Annual White River Alliance Stewardship Awards Celebration – 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Indianapolis Yacht Club on Geist Reservoir. Exceptional stewards of our rivers and lakes are recognized.

About the White River Festival

Each day of the festival, multiple venues and locations welcome the public with a range of events and activities. For registration information and details on all events, visit whiteriverfestival.org.

The Festival is a project of the White River Alliance, a non-profit coalition of local governments, educators, allied organizations, industries and citizens working together to improve and protect water resources throughout Central Indiana. The watershed of the upper White River extends from the river’s source in a farmer’s field in Randolph County across 16 counties into the tips of Brown, Owen and Monroe counties.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

4th Annual Indy Hula Luau August 9, 2014

Please join us for our 4th Annual Luau! This year we will be honoring "Our Kupuna" (Our Elders)

He Aloha I Nā Hulu Kūpuna –

Love for our cherished ancestors

This enchanting evening will include Polynesian style meal plus non alcoholic beverages followed by song and dance!

Our Menu will include authentic Polynesian foods…
Main Entrée
Kalua Pig
Chicken Long Rice
Shoyu Chicken
Steam Rice
Lomi Salmon
Salads
Macaroni
Green Mixed Greens
Dessert
Haupia
(Coconut Pudding)
Marble, Chocolate and White Cake
Beverage
Lemonade

We are looking forward to presenting you with a wonderful luau and entertainment presented by Indy Hula dancers.

For details and tickets, visit IndyHula.org 

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, and in magazines. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Top 10 Coolest Midwest Museums 2014

Grohmann Museum Rooftop Sculptures

Museums are more than just somewhere you are forced to go on an elementary school field trip. After you grow up (and are no longer required to go) you find out they are nice. Even tasty in some cases.

Whatever your interests there is a good chance a museum devoted to it exists somewhere. Unfortunately many museums have little or no budget available for marketing and go unknown. Food, music, military, fine and performing arts, outer space, underground and on land, water and wheels ~ pretty much anything goes. Below are the ones I believe should make someone's bucket list.

Top 10 Coolest
Midwest Museums 2014

GROHMANN MUSEUM

More than 1,000 paintings, mosaics and sculptures line the walls, floors and rooftop paying homage to the laborers throughout history in the Eckhart G. Grohmann "Man at Work" collection, located in Milwaukee. The passion of Dr. Grohmann encompasses works (from 1580 through post WWII era) depicting farmers, glass blowers, miners and other trades people he had watched as a child in Germany. Dr. Grohmann happened to be in the museum when I visited and proved to be a delightful and gracious host, passionate in his respect to working men and women, stemming from his days spent at his grandfather's marble processing plant.

GrohmannMuseum.org

NATIONAL MUSTARD MUSEUM

Is there anyone who hasn't had a hot dog slathered with the bright yellow goo known as mustard? With literally hundreds of flavors, mustard is the new black in the world of condiments. Located near Madison, in Middleton, Wisconsin is the coolest of quirky when it comes to museums. From the hundreds of different types of mustard to try (and purchase), to Poupon U mustard university, to the fresh pretzels and hot dogs in house to eat for lunch with, what else, mustard, this is the only museum devoted to the yellow spread. Spicy, sweet, maple ~ even chocolate ~ can be found in a jar, bottle or tube, along with mustard serving spoons and dishes dating to the beginning of mustardom.

MustardMuseum.com

CRANBROOK INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE

Michigan's Museum of Natural History
This is one of those museums adults love to go to even though they'll pretend it's really for the kids. The scientific section of the Cranbrook Educational Community in Bloomfield Hills (metro Detroit), is the ultimate spot for learning about the world around us. Featuring, among many other areas, a Bat Zone, planetarium theater, observatory, and plant gardens, summer programs are also popular, along with overnights and themed lectures and galeries.
Science.Cranbrook.edu

ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME MUSEUM

From The Everly Brothers to The Beatles and on to Van Halen, music has been a part of American history as the inventor of the rock and roll genre. The coolest list would not be complete without the Cleveland, OH music pillar. Fans flock from around the world to see thousands of artifacts including, concert posters, instruments and rockers' jewelry among other items. Exhibits, live entertainment and inductee ceremonies give music lovers a one-stop venue to enjoy all that is Rock and Roll.

RockHall.org

AMERICAN MUSEUM OF MAGIC

Highlighting the masters of magic through thousands of artifacts, the Marhsall, MI shares the history, memorabilia and artifacts of such famous magicians as Harry Houdini and Harry Blackstone, among others. Children and adults alike will find fascinating items in this educational and fun museum. Gifts, books and magicians' coins are available in the gift shop. Supported by the National Endowment of Arts, research appointments are available at the archive center which houses more than four centuries of information about magic and magicians.
AmericanMuseumofMagic.org

INDIANA MEDICAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Located in Indianapolis, this museum is one which will surprise you with the background story. The history of the Old Pathology Building places it on the campus once used as the Central State (Mental) Hospital. The National Register of Historic Places building features an autopsy room, amphitheater lecture hall and three clinical laboratories used in the beginning era of psychiatric medicine. On the grounds, also, is the Medicinal Plant Garden, featuring more than 90 medicinal plants for education and demonstration purposes. It is maintained by Purdue Master Gardeners of Marion County.

IMHM.org

CITY MUSEUM

St. Louis is the home to the Cardinals, the Arch and the Mighty Mississippi River, it's true. However, this hands- and feet- on interactive museum might be even more popular. The 10-story spiral slide begins on the rooftop where you'll find a school bus hanging off the building's edge and various midway equipment (still working and safe). It will wind you down through floors of enchanted caves, the shoelace factory and MonstroCity. Tours, educational programs and age-appropriate activities solidify the learning-through-fun premise.

CityMuseum.org

MARK TWAIN BOYHOOD HOME & MUSEUM

Few literary figures elicit a museum, and this is a personal favorite author from my childhood. A town of sorts, complete with Grant's era-replicated drug store, Becky Thatcher's home, Twain's boyhood home and father's law office. Merging Twain's actual childhood and literary characters creates a 3D historical situation. Interactive events (whitewashing the famous fence) free outdoor musical concerts and walking tours of the eight building compound make this a family friendly museum.

MarkTwainmuseum.org

FIRST DIVISION MUSEUM AT CANTIGNY

Located just west of Chicago is Cantigny Park, 500 acres of gardens, golf, camping and picnic grounds open to the public, along with two museums. First Division Museum preserves, interprets and presents the history of the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division, "in order to promote understanding of American military history and affairs." Gardens, live music evenings and exhibits, such as "WE NEED YOU! Propaganda of the Great War," and the Historic Military Vehicle Collection make this a museum, gardens and park not just for military, history and vehicle buffs.

FirstDivisionMuseum.org

ELLWOOD HOUSE
Step back in time to a world changing rapidly at the 1879 home of barbed wire entrepreneur, Isaac Ellwood, situated in Dekalb, IL. The three-story mansion features original Victorian style architecture and Gothic Revival, Georgian and Colonial Revival styles through subsequent remodeling projects. Gardens, exhibits and the home are open to the public for tours, events and an extensive interactive youth program, which focuses on art, history and nature. Children will be able to hunt for replicas of sea life, dragons and other creatures within paintings, carved into wood and throughout the mansion.

EllwoodHouse.org

Images were provided~

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, and in magazines. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.