20th annual Raymond James Stutz Artists Open House April 26 and 27

For the twentieth year, the historic former car factory that houses artists’ studios will come alive for a weekend in the spring. More than 70 artists will welcome visitors to their studios at the 20th annual Raymond James Stutz Artists Open House April 26 and 27.

The event began in 1993 when building owner Turner Woodard, an abstract painter himself, joined with a few other artists to host an open house. They threw some beer on ice in a plastic kids swimming pool and invited some friends.

Now, the event attracts 5,000 people every year, bringing to the historic Stutz building art lovers of all types who welcome the chance to wander through artists’ studios.

“Lots of people have been to art galleries and art fairs, but what’s different at the open house is that you get the chance to see where and how the work is created,” said Tom Potter, co-chair of the 2013 event.

The open house is an opportunity to see artwork in the settings where it’s created. Artwork ranges from paintings, drawings and photography, to sculpture, jewelry and furniture. The event also offers a rare chance to see vintage cars on display in the historic Stutz car factory.

Friday night, the event includes live music, including electric violinist Cathy Morris, while Saturday afternoon features hands-on art activities, an exhibition of work by Saturday School students from the Herron School of Art and Design, and free ice cream beginning at 2 p.m. while supplies last.

Housing the largest group of artists under one roof in the Midwest, the exterior of the yellow brick buildings that comprise the complex have changed little since the Stutz motor car was made here. Located on an entire city block in downtown Indianapolis, the interior of the 400,000-square-foot former car factory has been renovated into studios and office space.

Participating artists include:

Barbara Applegate-Jones, painting

John Bartlow, photography

JD Bills, paint & digital media

Faith Blackwell, photography

Linette Bledsoe, painting

JanettMarie Braun, painting

Susan D. Brewer, painting

Francie Broadie, jewelry

Vicki Broadie, painting

Emily Budd, sculpture/jewelry

Lydia Burris, mixed media

Martha Carlson, painting/photography

Shawn Causey, painting

Andy Chen, photography

Susan Christensen, painting/collage, jewelry

Katie Clayton, quilts/fabric

Cathy Cunningham, mixed

Anthony Dunne, photography

Camille Dunne, photography

Leigh Dunnington-Jones, metal & jewelry

Wendy Franklin, fiber

Bonnie Fillenwarth, painting

James Gerard, painting/drawing/sculpture

Victoria Gillieron, painting

Ritch Hanna, painting

Judy Hauth, metal/metal-clay/jewelry

Susan Hazer, jewelry & metalwork

Pete Howard, photography

Sarah Kercheval, photography

Amy Kirchner, painting

John Kirchner, woodwork

James Klosterman, encaustic painting

Jane Knight, finger painting

Lauren Kussro, sculpture/print-making

Laura LaForge, acrylic painting

Joe Leavell, photography/painting

Diane Lyon, painting

Terri McCatchie, painting

Mallory Marty, mixed

Bruce Moore, painting

Gayle Moore, photography

Sally Moore, fine art painting

Colleen Murphy, painting

Adam Noel, mixed media

Melissa Parrott-Quimby, sculpture/ceramics

Brian Phillips, collage/painting

Tom Potter, photography

Martha Sando, oil painting

Elise Schweitzer, painting

Constance Scopelitis, painting

David Joseph Sloma, silver resin jewelry

Taylor Anne Smith, painting

Rita Spalding, oil painting

Stewart Sparks, photography

Heather Stamenov, painting/photography/video

Ed Stewart, photography

Michael Swolsky, metal sculpture

Caroline Tabac-Shank, sculpture

Martha Vaught, painting/printmaking

Jack Wickes, photography

Julia Zollman Wickes, painting & drawing

Vicky Shaffer White, painting

Turner Woodard, painting

WHAT: 20th annual Raymond James Stutz Artists Open House
WHEN: Friday, April 26, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 27, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
WHERE: Stutz Business Center, 212 W. 10th St., Indianapolis
Enter Bearcat Alley from 10th or 11th streets.

(Free event parking in designated lots and free on-street parking on Capitol and Senate avenues and 11th Street.)

COST: $10 advanced sale tickets at select Old National Bank branches and the Stutz Business Office; $14 at Eventbrite; $15 at the gate; children 12 and under free

INFO: www.stutzartists.com, 317-503-6420

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, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Roger Ebert Dies at 70

Roger Joseph Ebert

(June 18, 1942 – April 4, 2013)

Roger Joseph Ebert, best known for his candid film reviews, has died from a lengthy battle with cancer today.

Having written for the Chicago-Sun Times for more than four decades, Ebert was teamed with Gene Siskel to debate over movies, giving audiences opposing view points and their well-known thumbs up or thumbs down after each critique. "At the Movies" and "Siskel and Ebert At the Movies" made the pair famous around the world. Television partner Gene Siskel, passed away in 1999 at the age of 53 from complications arising from brain surgery. Ebert continued on solo, then with Richard Roeper. The critic also garnered accolades, winning a Pulitzer in 1975 for film criticism and receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Chicagoan was also the author of 15 books, a contributor to various magazines, a blogger, and instructor and lecturer at the University of Chicago.

Ebert was 70 years old and survived by his wife, Chaz Hammelsmith.

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, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Broadway Across America Indianapolis 2013-2014 Season Gets Wicked with Ghost, Flashdance and Mormons

BroadwayInIndianapolis.com brings fresh shows and a (now) classic favorite to the 2013-2014 season. Check back to GottaGo.us for reviews of each of the shows or catch them on WIBC Saturday mornings.

2013-2014 SEASON

FLASHDANCE
October 1-6, 2013
*Clowes Hall
FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of one day becoming a professional performer. It features the biggest hit songs from the movie, including the Academy Award-winning title song "Flashdance - What a Feeling," "Maniac," "Gloria," "Manhunt," and "I Love Rock & Roll."

WICKED
November 13-December 1, 2013

*Old National Centre
Back by "Popular" demand. Variety calls WICKED "a cultural phenomenon,” and when it last played Indianapolis in 2011, it broke box office records and sold out in record time. Winner of 35 major awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, WICKED is the story of  long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One - born with emerald green skin - is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for "the most complete - and completely satisfying - new musical in a long time" (USA Today).

GHOST THE MUSICAL
March 4-9, 2014
*Old National Centre
Relive the iconic and magical moments from the Oscar-winning movie GHOST in a brand-new Broadway musical. GHOST THE MUSICAL follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam's untimely death. Trapped between two worlds, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger. Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death.

MEMPHIS
April 1-6, 2014

*Clowes Hall
From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, comes a hot new four-time Tony winning Broadway musical with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves -- filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock 'n' roll.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY
May 13-18, 2014

*Clowes Hall
THE ADDAMS FAMILY is a smash-hit musical comedy that brings the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and Lurch to spooky and spectacular life. Come meet the family. We’ll leave the lights off for you.

THE BOOK OF MORMON
June 17-22, 2014

*Old National Centre
THE BOOK OF MORMON features book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. Parker and Stone are the four-time Emmy Award-winning creators of the landmark animated series, “South Park.” Tony Award-winner Lopez is co-creator of the long-running hit musical comedy, Avenue Q. The musical is choreographed by Tony Award-winner Casey Nicholaw (Monty Python’s
Spamalot, The Drowsy Chaperone) and is directed by Nicholaw and Parker.

For more information visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.

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, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Theater Review: Broadway Across America ~ Indianapolis: American Idiot

American Idiot opens this week in Indianapolis, running through Sunday, April 7, at Clowes Memorial Hall, on Butler University campus.The punk-pop opera features tunes from the Green Day album, with extra songs added in to the delight of fans.

With a story line that is none too original, the performance starts out loud and raucous becoming more so as the tempers, frustrations and desperation mounts within the main characters, Johnny, Will and Tunny. Three friends wanting to shed their boring, do-nothing, suburban lives post high school, aim to go to the city for all the action they believe will make their lives count for something more. Will and Tunny, portrayed by Casey O'Farrell and Thomas Hettrick, "escape" to the city sans Johnny, played by Alex Nee, whose girlfriend has become pregnant.

O"Farrell, Hettrick and Nee rock the stage and audience with an opening of approximately minutes worth of their emotional outburst, squarely letting the world know they are ready for action.
The setting is wired for audio/visual with about two dozens television sets of varying sizes, strobe lights, and all the other punk-rock fixtures you would imagine at their concert. If you are prone to migraines or are adverse to ultra-loud noises, it would be best to skip this show.

Heather, played by Kennedy Caughell, and Whatsername, portrayed by Alyssa DiPalma, added decidedly to the quality of vocal talent produced by the main trio. Although the music was too loud to understand the men more often than not, the females were able to be understood and appreciated much more.

Bottom Line: With a setting of stark reality, an aerial performance midstream and an in-your-face visual and audio attack to the senses, fans of American Idiot and Green Day will not be disappointed by this performance.

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, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

CASINO AZTAR TO BECOME TROPICANA EVANSVILLE

*Press Release*

Casino Aztar opened its doors in December of 1995 in Evansville, Indiana introducing casino-style gaming to the Hoosier state. Today, Casino Aztar has become one of Evansville’s largest employers with almost 950 team members and has established itself as a leading corporate citizen.

Over the past 17 years, Casino Aztar has invested over $212 million into the development of their Riverfront Park location with many milestone developments: Riverfront Pavilion in 1996; Casino Aztar Hotel in 1996; Aztar Executive Conference Center in 2004; and $40 million Entertainment District featuring the Le Merigot Hotel, Blush Ultralounge and restaurant venues in 2006.

In 2010, Casino Aztar emerged from bankruptcy from former owner Columbia Sussex with a new company -- Tropicana Entertainment, Inc. At that time, the City of Evansville formed a new relationship with Tropicana Entertainment, Inc. and ushered in a new era of prosperity for Casino Aztar. Additional improvements of hundreds of new slot and gaming machines, a pedestrian bridge connecting the boutique Le Merigot hotel directly with the gaming floor and pavilion amenities, and a recent renovation to the Casino Aztar Hotel worth more than $6 million have been highlights of a capital investment plan over the last three years that has totaled over $19.3 million.

Casino Aztar will be rebranded as Tropicana Evansville in June 2013.

Guests can look for additional changes in the near future to launch the new brand in June, including a stronger sense of arrival to the downtown casino property complimenting the customer service and fun gaming experience. A full slate of rebranding events to celebrate the transition to Tropicana Evansville will be announced in the near future.

Tropicana Entertainment Inc. owns and operates 7 casinos and resorts in Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada and New Jersey. In addition, the company owns a development property in Aruba. Tropicana Entertainment properties collectively have 5,750 rooms, 8,300 slot positions and 240 table games.

Images: Furnished by Casino Aztar

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, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Theater Review: Beef and Boards Menopause the Musical

Menopause the Musical opens at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre this week to the sound of an audience

gone wild. Who knew menopausal-age women (and their menfolk, by the way) could be so energetic and exuberant?

I do now.

Lest you believe only the Red Hat Society ladies like this show, the audience was young, old, male and female.

Four women "meet" each other while fighting over a black brassiere in a sale bin at Bloomingdale's, NYC. Four women from four different lifestyles find they all have one thing in common ~ menopause. Hot flashes, night sweats, crankiness, crying jags, sex drive and vibrators all get discussed ~ and sung about ~ in the 90-minute show, which has no intermission, by the way.

Lamenting, laughing and listening to each other about the symptoms transferring them to their golden years bring on songs from the 1960s, '70s and '80s. Lyrics befitting the problems associated with aging explain away their pains, desires and frustrations. "Chain of Fools," Lion Sleeps Tonight," "Puff the Magic Dragon," Good vibrations," "What's Love  Got to do With It?" and "I Got You Babe" are just a few of the two dozen songs revamped for the cause. Short of stamping their feet, the theater-goers gave their stamp of approval to the well known and loved show. And, who could blame them?

Tiffanie Bridges, a veteran of Menopause graces the northside stage with all the freshness of her first performance as Professional Woman in the worldwide phenomena known to middle-age women as true, accurate and hilarious. Chances are if you saw Menopause at the Athenaeum a few years back, it was Bridges who blew you away with her vocals.
Bridges has appeared in the show in more than 40 cities over the past eight years. Also known throughout the Indy area, the powerhouse of vocal talent brings the audience to cheers and tears. With an arch of her eyebrow the soulful singer wins arguments with the other three ladies ~ with a song or two she wins over the audience's admiration. This lady is quickly becoming one of my Designation Singers in town.

Joining Bridges in the quarrelsome foursome is Judy Bridgewater, absolutely delightful portraying Iowa Housewife. Bridgewater brings a naivete required for the role, while still able to sass it up when necessary. Dee Etta Rowe hums along in her role as Earth Mother, giving the holistic approach for aging.

Rebecca Fisher, as Soap Star, debuts at B&B, which is surprising as she rocks the diva role, portraying the shallow, vain television actress with a devilish charm. If this is her first performance at B&B, let us pray it isn't her last.

*Special note: Adult-themed subject throughout the performance makes this an adults-only program.

Bottom Line: Women and men will enjoy ~ equally ~ the hilarious Menopause the Musical at Beef and Boards due to the creative lyrics and fabulous talent.

For tickets, performance times and group discounts, visit www.BeefandBoards.com.
Images: www.JulieCurryPhotography.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for www.GottaGo.us. 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.

Indiana Artisan Marketplace April 4-7, 2013 Seeks Volunteers

*Press Release*
IndianaArtisan.org is looking for art and food enthusiasts to volunteer behind the scenes April 4-7 at Indiana Artisan Marketplace, the state’s premier fine art and food event, at the State Fairgrounds.

Volunteers, 18 and older, are asked to work 4-hour shifts doing a variety of tasks, including greeting guests, selling tickets, answering questions, helping Artisans load-in or pack up, staffing the Artisan store and booth sitting. In return, each receives free parking, admission and T-shirt.

Register at IndianaArtisan_VolunteerRegistration

In addition to more than 150 booths, demonstrations, food and wine sampling and live music, this year’s Marketplace will include a gallery of work by artists affiliated with VSA Indiana, the state organization on arts and disability, as well as a Preview Party from 7-9:30 p.m. April 5 that will benefit VSA. Plus, Indianapolis interior designer Chip Kalleen will furnish and decorate a model dining room and bathroom with Indiana Artisan work.

For information, contact Ros Demaree, Rosalyn@IndianaArtisan.org or (317) 964-9455.

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, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Chef Greg Schiesser of Indiana Downs Takes Top Award at Taste of Elegance 2013

Chef Greg Schiesser from Indiana Downs, takes home another culinary award. This go-round is the top award from Taste of Elegance 2013 held February 5 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.

Schiesser's winning entrée was candied pork belly with bacon infused goat cheese. The chef was presented with a check for $1,000 from Indiana Pork. He will represent Indiana at the Pork Summit hosted by National Pork Board in Napa Valley, CA.

Annually, chefs from across Indiana compete in the prestigious event, hosted by Indiana Pork in partnership with Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council to encourage chefs to use pork more frequently in creative, non-traditional ways. Indiana wines are paired with the dishes and served to attendees throughout the evening.

Schiesser continues his innovative ways with cooking and canvas classes in the fall and a 5-Course Tequila Pairing Dinner on Friday, March 22. The dinner will be hosted at 7 p.m. in the 2nd floor of the clubhouse. Call 317-421-999 to reserve a place.

Other 2013 award winners include:

Superior Chef Award

Grant Michael-Albatross Grille at Prairie View Golf Club, Carmel

Premium Chef Award

Lucas Trinosky-The Chefs Academy, Indianapolis

Wine Pairing Award

Lucas Trinosky-The Chef's Academy, Indpls, Winzerwald Winery's Lieblich

People's Choice Award - Favorite Entrée

Carlos Salazar-Oakley's Bistro, Indianapolis

People's Choice Award - Favorite Wine

Oliver Chambourcin-Oliver Winery, Bloomington

People's Choice Award -Favorite Display

Carlos Salazar-Oakley's Bistro, Indianapolis

Schiesser also won the Taste of the Southside Chef Challenge February 24. During two sessions, the competitors had 30 minutes to prepare a dish with mystery ingredients. Chef Greg’s mystery basket included alligator, quinoa, kumquats, summer squash and montenebro cheese. He presented a pan-fried alligator with citrus kumquat quinoa, roasted sweet pepper fondue, and baby arugula and pickled summer squash salad.

Other competitors were defending champ Richard Goss from Richard’s Kitchen and Brick Oven Pizza, Donovan Koester of Augustino’s Italian Restaurant, and Mike Heller of Main Street Grille.

Images provided by Indiana Downs

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, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Lorene Burkhart Donates 100% of Book Sales March 14 to Indy Reads

What's better than supporting a local writer? Supporting a local writer who is donating 100 percent of her book sales to Indy Reads, that marvelous nonprofit group teaching Central Indiana how to read.

Author, public speaker and philanthropist Lorene Burkhart has decided to give back to her community ~ again. This time around, the Indianapolis pillar has partnered with nonprofit group Indy Reads.

What's Indy Reads? Just a little ole group of individuals who are lot like that little bitty ant climbing the rubber tree plant. They have high hopes. The organization dares to believe that it can make a difference. A difference in an area that is difficult to fathom in this day and age. Seriously...doesn't everyone know how to read?

Nope.

More years ago than I would care to admit, I was on the original Project Literacy group in, where else, the Ozark Mountains. Our goal was to teach adults how to read and write. Fast forward a few lifetimes to today's adult. Illiteracy is a thing of the past ~ right?

Nope.

Illiteracy it still a very real problem. Little Johnny and Janie aren't getting left behind, technically. They are graduating... or at least passed on the the next higher grade. However, and this is just a tad bit important... they don't necessarily learn reading, writing and arithmetic.

Some folks want to help them accomplish what the majority of us take for granted ~ the ability to read their children's report cards, the newspaper, a job application.

You feel bad, right?

You want to help, right?

But... reality is what it is... you have a full-time job, kids of your own and, well, a life to tend to.


No problem. There's a solution.

Burkhart and Indy Reads have a book signing March 14, 5-7 p.m. at the bookstore, 941 Massachusetts Ave. It's free to come, sit awhile, hear the author speak and then... buy a book written by the Hoosier storyteller. Heck, buy a couple or three of them. She will sign the books, then (and this is rather amazing...) she will donate 100 percent of the proceeds right back to our super hero illiteracy-busting group.

Bam!

Just like that... you've helped and can get back to the soccer games, dinner together and your boss while feeling rather proud that you truly helped in a practical way which means just as much as the volunteers who sit down with the Central Indiana adults.

I will stop by and hope you will stop in also. Buy those books, say hello to Lorene and give yourself an ever-so-slight smile knowing you did the right thing.

The Books to Buy

Bootstraps: How Women Pull Themselves Up Through Tough Times (2012)

Sick of Doctors? A Prescription for Patient Empowerment (2010)

Animal Tales: It’s All About the Tails (2010)

Home on The Farm: If Chickens Could Talk (2007)

An Accidental Pioneer: A Farm Girl’s Drive to the Finish…(2006)

About Burkhart's Books

Burkhart’s newest title, Bootstraps: How Women Pull Themselves Up Through Tough Times, features the inspiring stories of 20 women who found themselves facing adversity and how they overcame these circumstances. In 2010, Burkhart published Sick of Doctors? A Prescription for Patient Empowerment with information and stories designed for patient healthcare education. Her first two books, Home on The Farm: If Chickens Could Talk and An Accidental Pioneer: A Farm Girl’s Drive to the Finish, chronicle her perspective on family farm life. For children, Burkhart has written Animal Tales, a fact-filled book of animals from around the world, and the Raccoon Tales series, two fun board book adventure stories.

About Indy Reads and Indy Reads Books

Indy Reads exists to teach adults in Central Indiana to read and improve their literacy. With more than 1400 students and 800 volunteers, the organization strives to make Central Indiana 100 percent literate.

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, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Infused Book Review: Vodka Distilled by Tony Abou-Ganim

Spirits expert and author of "The Modern Mixologist," Tony Abou-Ganim, pairs up once again with Mary Elizabeth Faulkner to produce an intensive guide for vodka lovers and novices alike. "Vodka Distilled" gives an in-depth look at the world’s oldest distilled spirit.

History, comparisons, and detailed instructions on distilling processes bring the enthusiast up to speed. Ordering vodka properly is made easier with an increase in knowledge base of grains, national styles and flavor properties.

Abou-Gamin wills the reader to know – and care – enough to delve into the quality and choice of vodka used in their drink, whether served in a cocktail, on the rocks, or neat. The guide contains a section depicting 58 vodkas complete with tasting notes, drink suggestions and cost divided by main ingredient: Rye, Wheat, Potato, Mixed Grains, Corn and Others.

Like a peppery taste? Try the rye vodka created by Belvedere out of Zyrardow, Poland. The four-time distilled vodka’s spicy and vegetable nose, along with its acidity, makes it the perfect pour for a Bloody Mary.

Are vanilla and caramel more to your liking? Corn vodka by Rain Organics of Frankfort, KY, is your new vodka option for those salted chocolate caramel martinis.

In the mood for a straight up martini garnished with blue cheese stuffed olives? Order the potato vodka Blue Ice – with its earthy nose and citrus palate, you will feel sophisticated with knowing your liquor.

Recipes for classic cocktails like Mudslide, Cosmopolitan and Harvey Wallbanger are given, along with expert advice on the best vodka for maximum drinking pleasure.

Glassware is taken seriously – as it should be – by the charismatic mixologist. The proper barware can definitely enhance the drink’s flavor, as can choice of ice. Tidbits such as this can be found throughout this bible of Russia’s favorite drink.

It is possible to learn more about vodka in the time it takes to read this book than in your entire over-21 life. No longer will you overlook or under appreciate the clear liquid. It will become your go-to guide from here after.

I predict that vodka will follow the path of wine, beer, and now bourbon, in being recognized as a spirit worthy of snobs, but still enthusiast friendly.

Bottom Line: "Vodka Distilled" shakes, stirs and mixes the spirit’s history, varieties and brands with classic and modern recipes in an enjoyable, reader-friendly style and should be in the hands of every bartender – home or professional.

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, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.