Top Events to Check out in Indy April 2016

There are a few upcoming events in the Indianapolis area to keep on your radar and get tickets for asap. One of these is the show, which I will be checking out Sunday at the 2 p.m. performance, called In The Mood.

A 1940s Big Band musical, will perform for two shows only at Carmel's Palladium. The music of an entire generation and our nation’s veterans.The brassy, singing, dancing and all-American 1940s musical highlights Swing music, Big Band and WWII music and dance.

Perfect for taking grandparents, parents and children to help connect multi generations through live music can open discussion on true historical events and help younger generations understand what the older generations went through to keep freedom for this country.

Included in the show is music by: Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Erskine Hawkins, The Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra and other idols of the 1940s. Hit songs include Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Tuxedo Junction, Well Git It, On The Sunny Side of the Street, In the Mood and many more.

Venue: The Palladium at The Center for Performing Arts
Day/Date: April 3; 2 pm and 7 pm
Tickets: 317-843-3800 or at TheCenterForThePerformingArts.org.

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Also on the Gotta Go line up is this Saturday night ~ to be spent reviewing Beef and Boards' Guys and Dolls on its opening weekend. Having not seen it before (gasp), it will be fun to watch a story line so popular with no idea which way it will turn. I do know there is gambling and romance. I also noticed the buffet contains numerous gluten-free items on it as well.

Check back early next week for my review ~

Venue: Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre
Date: March 31 - May 15
Tickets: 317-872-9664 or BeefandBoards.com.

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The Naptown Roller Girls roller derby organization takes to the rink again at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Proving women can take the pain of roller action, the Tornado Sirens and Warning Belles vie for a victory at this family friendly event.

Image/JoanMarcus

Venue: Indiana State Fairgrounds

Date: April 2, 7 p.m.

Tickets: BrownTickets

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Broadway in Indianapolis will have Indy laughing it up again in The Book of Mormon. Returning for an encore performance, plan on the show to sell out quickly so get your tickets immediately or expect to be out of all the fun. Read my review from the original showing in town. I will be on hand to review this go 'round because you simply do not want to miss something this great.

Venue: Old National

Date: April 12 - 17

Tickets: BroadwayinIndianapolis.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.

Indianapolis Symphonic Choir 2014 - 2015 Season

The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir opens its 2014 - 2015 Season with Mozart: Requiem, followed by the 200-member Symphonic Choir’s annual holiday favorite Festival of Carols with four performances in downtown Indianapolis and Carmel.

From the traditional Handel’s Messiah to the consistently classy annual Gala Bel Canto, the season is highlighted with the world premiere performance of Farué Requiem & Fairouz Zabur pairing the intimate piece with a new commissioned work from composer Mohammed Fairouz. A pillar of choral-orchestral repertoire, Beethoven’s Ninth concludes the season alongside the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Krzysztof Urbański.

Indianapolis Symphonic Choir

2014 - 2015 Season

Mozart: Requiem

Friday, Oct. 10, 2014, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014, at 5:30 p.m., Hilbert Circle Theatre (with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra)

Festival of Carols

Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, 7 p.m., Scottish Rite Cathedral; Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, 8 p.m., The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts; and Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts

Handel’s Messiah

Friday, Dec. 19, 2014, 8 p.m., The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts

(with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra)

Gala Bel Canto: New York, New York

Saturday, Mar. 7, 2015, 6 p.m., The Conrad Indianapolis

Fauré Requiem & Fairouz Zabur

Friday, April 24, 2015, 8 p.m., Hilbert Circle Theatre

(with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Indianapolis Children’s Choir)

Beethoven’s Ninth

Friday, June 12, 2015, 8 p.m. and Saturday, June 13, 2015, 5:30 p.m., Hilbert Circle Theatre, and Sunday, June 14, 8 p.m. at The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts

(with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra)

Season Subscriptions are available for $145 and individual tickets range from $20 to $62. Student tickets are $15. Tickets and more information are available at indychoir.org or by calling the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir at (317) 940-9057.

About the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir 

The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir is proud to be one of central Indiana’s most established and dynamic musical institutions, marking its 78th season in 2014 - 2015. Among the most active symphonic choruses in the nation, the choir reaches in excess of 25,000 people each season with more than 25 performances and a comprehensive educational outreach program.

The 200 volunteer singers demonstrate the choir's commitment to musical excellence through their talent and dedication during each 42-week season. The choral partner of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Symphonic Choir was founded in 1937 at the ISO’s request to perform the great choral-orchestral repertoire. The choir is now in its sixth year as the official choral partner of Indianapolis Public Schools, providing teacher training, educational resources, performance experiences and free printed music.

Images provided

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.

Filmmakers, Screenwriters, Publishers and more at Across the Arts July 20

Debbie Knox, WISH TV 8 anchor at Indy 500

Being invited to speak, either on a panel or solo, is always an honor for me. I enjoy teaching others what I have learned over the years of working on and with newspapers, magazines, radio, online and television.

Being invited to speak at Across the Arts is particularly exciting as it is for more than just writers. It encompasses Award-winning filmmakers, publishers, screen writers, social media experts (including me) and more giving their time and expertise to the up and coming artists. The all day event will be held at The Palladium, and is followed by a wine and cheese party. I hope you will join us as this is going to be a 'learn more than you thought possible' opportunity.

My topic will be the practical application of social media for creative  occupations. I would love to meet everyone and answer any questions you may have. And, because we are a creative lot, the organizers have made it a FUN and interactive conference so you will not be bored. I like that...

WriteStuff Writers and The Center for Performing Arts in Carmel will team up for Across the Arts, Sat., July 20.

The one-of-a-kind event transforms the Palladium into a “Writer’s Studio” for a day of literary fun with up-close-and-personal conversations with some of Indiana’s finest writers across the writing spectrum.

Tickets ~ AcrosstheArts

Use promo code "Write Stuff" for discounted tickets

Guest Speakers

Michael Shelden
Pulitzer Prize finalist and esteemed biographer (Simon & Schuster)

Angelo Pizzo (Hoosiers, Rudy)
Academy Award-winning screenwriter

Angelo Pizzo (L) with Rob Reiner at Flipped red carpet event

Dan Wakefield

Novelist and screenwriter

Edward Kelsey-Moore
Fiction author and noted cellist

Michael Husain
Emmy-winning documentarian

Matthew Tully
columnist/Indianapolis Star

Elizabeth J. Musgrave
syndicated columnist, GottaGo.us, Indy Style, travel writer and photographer

Elizabeth J. Musgrave, lifestyle writer, photographer & adviser

Debbie Knox
WISH-TV news anchor

Andy Murphy

author/literary agent

Andy Murphy ~ literary agent and author

Amanda Heckart
Editor, Indianapolis Monthly Magazine

Tania Moskalenko
President, Center for Performing Arts

Dick Wolfsie
Humorist

Publishers

Saturday Evening Post

Indianapolis University Press

Dog Ear Publishing

Towne Posts

The event, noon to 6 p.m., will be divided into two sessions made up of panels including Indiana authors, publishers, columnists, magazine editors, social media experts, filmmakers and film festival executives, with plenty of time for audience Q&A. And audience members will have the opportunity to win fabulous prizes while being treated to the laugh-inducing game show Wait, Wait, Do Tell Me! hosted by humorist Dick Wolfsie.

Dog Ear Publishing will host a 30-minute educational presentation for those attendees interested in learning about the current state of the publishing industry.

Across the Arts will cap off with an After the Event VIP wine and cheese party followed by a special movie presentation hosted by Heartland Film Festival/Heartland Truly Moving Pictures.

General admission tickets are $60, $40 for seniors (55+) and $18 for any student or teacher with a valid student/school ID. To purchase tickets, call the Center for Performing Arts Box Office at (317) 843-3800 or order online at www.TheCenterPresents.org.

For a complete Across the Arts program listing, visit www.writestuffwriters.com. For more information on the event, contact WriteStuff Writers founder Andy Murphy at (317) 432-9804 or andymurphy@sbcglobal.net.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Actors Theatre of Indiana Announces 2012-13 Season

ATI 2012-13 Season

GYPSY

September 7-30

Based on the 1957 memoirs of the famous striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee, this piece debuted on Broadway in 1959 starring the legendary Ethel Merman as Mama Rose, the mother who so desperately wanted her daughter to succeed. Written by Arthur Laurents, music by Jule Styne, and lyrics by award-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, the score contains such classic songs as “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Let Me Entertain You.”

ROUTE 66

October 26-November 18

Take a dollop of "Grease," mix in some "Pump Boys and Dinettes" and add a generous dose of "Forever Plaid" for the high-octane fun of "Route 66." From the sounds of 1950s Chicago and traveling along the “Main Street of America” to the California coast with the surf music of the '60s, this musical revue features “Rock ‘n’ Road” hits including, “Dead Man's Curve,” “King of the Road,” “Little Old Lady from Pasadena,” “Little GTO,” “Fun, Fun, Fun” and many more.

The Musical of Musicals...The Musical!

February 1-24

With book, music and lyrics by Eric Rockwell and Joanne Bogart. Sometimes one musical is not enough! In this comic Off-Broadway satire of musical theatre genres, the same story, “You Must Pay The Rent”, is told five different ways - each in the distinctive style of a different master of the form...Rodgers and Hammerstein (Oklahoma, South Pacific), Stephen Sondheim (Company, Sweeney Todd), Jerry Herman (Hello Dolly, Mame), Andrew Lloyd Webber (Phantom of the Opera, Evita), & Kander and Ebb (Chicago, Cabaret).

My Fair Lady

May 10-19

May 29-June 9

Based on Bernard Shaw's play "Pygmalion," with book, music and lyrics by Lerner and Loewe, "My Fair Lady" is triumphant. With "Wouldn't It Be Loverly?" "I Could Have Danced All Night," "On The Street Where You Live" and "Get Me To The Church On Time" it's no wonder everyone - not just Henry Higgins - falls in love with Eliza Doolittle. Includes a 10-person cast and dueling pianos for this unique version of a classic.

Tickets, directions and schedule are available at ActorsTheatreofIndiana.org.

Images provided by ATI

Reviews by Elizabeth J. Musgrave

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Read her new column, Infused, at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M and Retired Living magazines and several Indianapolis area newspapers. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Tarkington Theater Announces Free Events and Grand Opening

Tarkington Theater Opens

with Free July Previews

Carmel (July 8, 2011) – The Center for the Performing Arts has finalized plans for the Tarkington Theater’s month-long preview celebration. The July performances culminate with a special red-carpet curtain raising on August 6, featuring Broadway and television star David Hyde Pierce, the Center’s artistic director Michael Feinstein, American Ballet Theatre dancers and Carmel native Julia Bonnett, winner of the 2009 Great American Songbook competition.

To attend the free previews, guests are required to request seats by calling the box office at 317-843-3800. Seating is limited. All performances will be offered in the Tarkington Theater, which is located across the Green from the Palladium (Third Avenue SW & City Center Drive).

In addition to the July preview performances, the Center is hosting Kids Day on July 30. A public ribbon-cutting ceremony and Open House is July 31. Both days will feature free performances on the Tarkington Theater stage.

The opening celebration culminates with the red-carpet curtain raising on August 6, featuring Michael Feinstein and Broadway star David Hyde Pierce. The Red-Carpet Curtain Raising concert on August 6 is the only paid performance in the lineup. Purchase tickets for the Red-Carpet Curtain Raising at the Palladium box office, One Center Green, by phone at 317-843-3800 or online at www.TheCenterForThePerformingArts.org

Michael Feinstein                                           Photo Credit: A J Mast

Preview and Grand Opening Events

Dance Kaleidoscope (July 15)

7 p.m. / Free / Reservations required

Celebrating 40 years in Indianapolis, Dance Kaleidoscope is Indiana’s premiere professional dance company. Under artistic director David Hochoy’s lead for 20 years, DK’s mission is to inspire, educate and entertain through the experience of outstanding contemporary dance. At the Tarkington, DK will perform “There’s No Business Like Show Business” and “Taking Care of Business.” They will perform at IRT July 21-24 and at the Sweet Pea Festival in Montana on August 7.

Anita Hall & Everett Greene (July 19)

7:30 p.m. / Free / Reservations required

One of the most sought-after performers on the Island scene, Anita recently left her Hawaii home of 22 years and returned to her birth place of Indianapolis. Anita has shared the stage with Natalie Cole, Herbie Hancock and Michael McDonald. Everett Greene has traveled around the world, performing with notables such as James Moody, Larry Ridley and the Smithsonian Jazz Orchestra. He also toured and sang with The Count Bassie Orchestra. Everett was inducted into the Indiana Jazz Hall of Fame in 2005.

Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre (July 21)

7 p.m. / Free / Reservations required

Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is a professional contemporary dance ensemble and company dedicated to the exploration and presentation of thought-provoking issues. With the ability of dance to transcend the barriers that divide our world, they strive to enlighten, educate and entertain audiences of all ages. GHDT presents four repertoire concerts each season. It is a resident company at the Tarkington Theater and will begin its 13th season performing at the new venue in October.

Heartland Truly Moving Pictures film screening (July 26)

7 p.m. / Free / Reservations required

Heartland Truly Moving Pictures, a non-profit arts organization, seeks to promote positive change in people’s lives through the transformative power of film. Its flagship event, the Heartland Film Festival, launched in 1991 and runs each October in Indianapolis, screening independent films from around the world. Heartland is also dedicated to cultivating youth and providing innovative educational programs to enrich the minds and lives of aspiring filmmakers.

International Violin Competition of Indianapolis (July 28)

7 p.m. / Free / Reservations required

The mission of the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis is to recognize, reward and promote the world’s finest young classical violinists and encourage understanding, appreciation and support of the violin repertoire by a large and diverse audience. The IVCI utilizes its world prominence to bring international attention to Indianapolis, and maintains its efforts to be a visible and collaborative member of the arts communities in Indianapolis and Indiana.

Kids Day (July 30)

FREE / No reservations

1 to 6 p.m. - Family-friendly events and performances on the Tarkington Theater stage by Radio Disney, Iibada Dance Company, International Talent Academy, Central Indiana Dance Ensemble, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre and CYT. 

Open House (July 31)

FREE / No reservations

1 p.m. – Ribbon cutting. Remarks by Steven B. Libman, Mayor Jim Brainard and architect Stephen Sturtz.

2 - 5 p.m. – Open House featuring performances by Duke Tumatoe (2 p.m.), Carmel Repertory Theatre (2:30 p.m.), Indy Irish Dancers (3 p.m.), Indiana University Summer Concert Band (4 p.m.), Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre (5 p.m.) and Actors Theatre of Indiana (5:30 p.m.)

Red Carpet Curtain Raising (August 6)

PAID / Tickets required

5:30 p.m. - The opening night will feature artistic director Michael Feinstein performing Frank Sinatra hits. Feinstein will be joined by Tony Award-winning Broadway and television star David Hyde Pierce. Additional entertainment includes dancers from American Ballet Theatre and Carmel native Julia Bonnett, winner of the 2009 Great American Songbook competition. Guests will be greeted with a cocktail reception with food stations throughout the evening. Plans include an after party entertainment lineup and dancing. Limited seating is available via advanced paid reservations. For details, call the box office at 317-843-3800 or purchase online at www.TheCenterForThePerformingArts.org.

The Center for the Performing Arts, which is currently under construction in Carmel City Center, will include the Palladium concert hall, the Tarkington proscenium theater and the 200-seat Studio Theater. The Palladium will also be home to Michael Feinstein’s Great American Songbook Collection, acting as a museum and education center by day and a concert venue by night.

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.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Announces 2011 Pops Series to Include Sandi Patty

2011-12 ISO Pops Series Schedule at the Palladium

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Presents Six Printing Partners Pops Series Concerts at the Palladium in 2011-12 Season

INDIANAPOLIS – In its effort to bring more symphonic music and world premiere productions to communities throughout Indiana, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra announced today that it will present six of its 2011-2012 Printing Partners Pops Series concerts on Sunday evenings at the Palladium at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana. These six productions will complement the ISO’s existing Pops Series that will be performed at the Hilbert Circle Theatre on Fridays and Saturdays.

Do You Hear the People Sing?

Sunday, October 9, 7:30 p.m.

Jack Everly, Conductor

The ISO and Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly will be joined by a talented cast to perform many favorites by famed duo Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, the composers of Broadway hit musicals such as Les Misérables and Miss Saigon, in an original Pops concert-stage production.

Rodgers and Hammerstein at the Movies

Sunday, November 6, 7:30 p.m.

Jack Everly, Conductor

The ISO will take popsaudiences on a nostalgic journey to the Golden Age of Hollywood with many timeless classics from the Silver Screen written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, including songs from Oklahoma, The King and I, South Pacific, Carousel and The Sound of Music that will be accented by the original scenes from the movies projected onto a large screen above the musicians.

“Hello, Dolly!” Starring Sandi Patty

Sunday, January 15, 7:30 p.m.

Jack Everly, Conductor

Sandi Patty, Vocalist

Gary Beach, Vocalist

The ISO will create a new concert-stage production of the timeless Broadway musical Hello, Dolly! starring Sandi Patty as Dolly Gallagher Levi and Gary Beach as Horace Vandergelder.

SPECTRUM: The Magic of Motown

Sunday, February 19, 7:30 p.m.

Jack Everly, Conductor

SPECTRUM, Vocal Quartet

The ISO and vocal quartet SPECTRUM pay tribute to the many artists and groups from Motown — from the Platters and the Temptations to Boyz 2 Men.

Rocky Mountain High: A Tribute to John Denver

Sunday, March 11, 7:30 p.m.

Richard Kaufman, Conductor

Jim Curry, Vocalist and Guitar

Acclaimed tribute artist Jim Curry and the ISO celebrate American singer/songwriter, John Denver. With timeless hits such as “Rocky Mountain High,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” and “Annie’s Song,” Denver’s legendary spirit and bittersweet country sentiment live on.

Chapter 6: The Titans of Tight Harmony

Sunday, June 10, 7:30 p.m.

Jack Everly, Conductor

Chapter 6, A Cappella Sextet

Renowned a cappella sextet Chapter 6 blends vocal jazz and pop with upbeat energy in repertoire ranging from Stevie Wonder to George Gershwin. They join the ISO for the premiere of this original Symphonic Pops Consortium production written especially for them.

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 send an email to 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.