Carmel Monthly-April 2023

18 COVER STORY

Vivante’s Executive Chef Jason Crouch “Revs” It Up!

Earlier this May, Rev 2023 celebrated 10 years of hosting one of Indy’s most extravagant fundraisers for IU Health that featured 86 of Indy’s top chefs and restaurants for an evening of fine tastings. For the first time, Executive Chef and Beverage Director Hotel Carmichael Chef Jason Crouch exhibited his culinary expertise at Rev at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and for that reason, Carmel Monthly is incredible proud to feature Chef Crouch on our latest cover!

Cover Story Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photo // Laura Arick

Celebrating the Opening of the 25th Carmel Farmers Summer Market

Carmel Farmers Summer Market kicked off its 25th anniversary season at the beautiful Carter Green on Saturday, May 6, at 8:00 a.m. As per every opening of the CFM Summer Market, guests were able to enjoy more than 70 vendors, and, of course, what would opening day be without the time-honored tradition of “Jim Keckley Donut Day”?

WHAT AND WHO IS NEW THIS SEASON?

Here are a just a few of the activities CFM has planned this season:

Visitors are welcome to register to win a Carmel Farmers Market Celebration 25th Anniversary Basket each month during the summer market season: May, June, July, August and September. The basket will be filled with CFM vendors such as local produce, honey, flowers, etc.

CFM President Ron Carter added a couple of points of interest that will add to the celebratory anniversary season.

“We will have [commemorative] shirts for sale — they’re really special shirts — and those will be available for purchase at the committee tent,” Carter said. “And we have 75 vendors filling 72 spaces each week.”

There are 8 new vendors to the CFM Summer Market. If you frequented the CFM Winter Market, you may already be familiar with these vendors and their exquisite offerings.

ABSeafood: ABSeafood provides fresh seafood to several states. They carry shrimp, oyster, crab meat, fish and much more. No “farm raised imported” shrimp. ABSeafood was wildly popular at

FWHY CFM IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT TODAY or 25 years, CFM has offered the community the finest in Indiana-grown and/ or -produced food and plant products. The fruits and vegetables available at CFM are often more flavorful and nutritious than those found at a grocery store. By buying produce directly from farmers at CFM, you are supporting local

agriculture and helping to keep small family farms in business.

CFM provides a sense of community by bringing together local farmers, artisans and consumers. Saturday mornings at Carter Green are a hub of activity, with live music and other events that bring people together. Buying produce from CFM can reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation, packaging and refrigeration of produce sold in grocery stores.

And CFM offers an opportunity to learn about the food you eat and where it comes from. You can talk directly with farmers and purveyors and learn about their farming/producing practices, as well as get tips on how to prepare and store the produce you buy.

Overall, CFM provides a range of benefits that make this summer market not only a beloved community tradition, but also an important part of our food system.

Lyd the Baker: Lyd the Baker provides baked goods, including gluten free. Lydia is a self-taught baker and registered dietitian, as well as a hobby gardener, with a deep knowledge of food science. A popular favorite at the CFM Winter Market.

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Jennifer Hershberger and CFM

Freedom Valley Farm: Freedom Valley Farm provides fabulous vegetables, fruits and more! They are located in Freedom, Indiana, near Bloomington. They use innovative techniques as a four-season grower of fine,

Biscotti Indy: Biscotti is a bakery that transcends differences by creating a bridge between Italian and African American cultures. They put the spotlight on delicious dishes that make us all happy. They offer a variety of delectable desserts, including peach cobbler, tiramisu, cupcakes, and biscotti, of course.

U-Relish: U-Relish offers an artisan small batch line of easy, nutritious meals for slow-cooking using beans, peas, lentils and grains. Products are vegan and gluten free but can be easily adapted to everyone’s taste.

Be sure to join us every Saturday for the CFM Summer Market at Carter Green from May through September 30, 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For a complete list of vendors and entertainment, visit carmelfarmersmarket.com.

MARKET MEMORIES

Florist provides frozen “comfort” meals. Their truck is equipped with freezers to hold each meal frozen and ready to take home for dinner. No shopping for individual ingredients or chopping involved! From freezer to oven, and dinner is done!

Polish Cottage: Authentic Polish Food at its best. They offer catering options for your next upcoming event or meeting. Fans of the Polish Cottage will tell you it’s the best authentic Polish food you will ever taste!

DJ’s Sharp Edges: Sharpen your knives at DJ’s Sharp Edges booth while you shop the market! From Noblesville, DJ’s Sharp Edges will be joining the market to offer their razor-sharp skills!

I remember opening day at [Carter] Green when we moved the market from the [Carmel] City Hall parking lot to what is inarguably one of the very best farmers market spaces in all the country because of the facilities that we specifically designed to handle the market and other events that take place on the green. That’s why every vendor has electricity and why the driveway was designed the way it was. It was a really great moment for me and the committee. It was a really great day!”

— Ron Carter, Carmel Farmers Market President

&

At Feinstein's, enjoy upscale dining and cocktails in an intimate venue. Feinstein's delivers patrons a unique entertainment experience unlike any other in the Midwest!

&

The Carpenters Project: An Offering | Celebrate The Carpenter's Greatest Hits

Clint Holmes: Between The Moon & NYC | Tribute To Peter Allen's Songbook

Freeform Concert Series - Arts Fishing Club With Homes At Night | Free Entry

Lonnie McFadden | Kansas City Jazz Musician, Tap Dancer & Entertainer

Jazz Brunch: Mother's Day Edition With Blair Clark | 11:00 a.m. Show

Baby Grand Entertainment Presents: Dueling Pianos | Live Human Jukebox Experience

Jeremiah Cosner | Nashville Songwriter & Recording Artists Performing An Intimate Set

&

Jim Caruso's Cast Party With Billy Stritch At The Piano | Show Carmel Your Talents At This Open Mic

Drag Me To Brunch | 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. Show

Freeform Concert Series - Tall Tall Trees With Kristen Bales

DECEPTION: An Evening of Magic & Lies | Magic Show

Freeform Concert Series - Helpling With Joshua Powell | Free Entry

Enchante | Burlesque

&

An Evening With Judy Kuhn | Singing voice of Pocahontas & Grammy Nominated Artist

Anthony Nunziata: Romance From Italy To Broadway | Love Songs From Jazz, Broadway, & More

GARAGE THEORY

Your Solution for Garage Storage

It’s that time of year: when we look to spruce up our living areas and get organized … that includes our garages! Don’t know where to start? Rely on the local specialists at Garage Theory to design and install the best high-quality storage and organizational system to maximize your space!

WHY GARAGE THEORY?

When you hire a garage storage specialist from Garage Theory, you are not only supporting a locally owned and operated business but you are also saving time. Garage Theory will complete the design and installation of your customized garage storage system and flooring system quickly and efficiently.

The garage storage specialists will customize your storage system to fit your unique needs and preferences while providing “future proof” options that can be easily adjusted by the homeowner as their specific needs evolve over the years. The specialists also take into consideration the size and shape of your garage, as well as the types of items that you need to store and compartmentalize, to make your space more functional and attractive.

Made in America, Garage Theory’s high-quality products have been featured on HGTV programs and are durable and

long-lasting to ensure that your storage system will be able to withstand heavy use for many years to come. Additionally, Garage Theory’s products have the highest weight rating in the industry.

Garage Theory has been at its current location for 5 years, has served the greater Indy area for more than 15 years and its factories have been producing the product lines for more than 30 years.

Thanks to its 3D design software, Garage Theory storage specialists are able to give you the most accurate idea of what to expect from their garage storage solutions. They draw your unique space into their software with all appliances, permanent fixtures and wall layouts. With this drawing, you will be able to see exactly what your garage remodel will look like once they have completed your garage storage transformation.

Garage Theory owner Shawn Stevens spoke about additional factors that differentiate his company and team from others in the industry.

“The three most stressful places in a house are your pantry, your closet(s) and your garage,” Stevens stated. “If you can’t park your car(s) in the garage and you’ve got stuff everywhere — not organized — it’s a stressful moment to come in and out of that space. We want to serve our community by offering the best garage storage and organization solutions on the market. The garage is the most underutilized area of the home. Our systems take advantage of all that unused space and organize all your storage in a system custom designed to the needs of your space and storage.”

Stevens expressed that the staff is another reason why prospective clients should place their trust in Garage Theory.

“We’re incredibly blessed to have skilled staff that’s been with us for years,” Stevens said. “We have not only great products but more importantly great staff that care about their work and the clients.”

AMERICAN MADE AND GUARANTEED FOR LIFE

Stevens added, “We proudly offer American-made storage solutions professionally installed by our salaried employees who have been with us for years. We offer by far the widest selection of garage solutions in the market with the highest weight rating in the industry that gives clients a peace of mind that you can load up the product and not worry about the overloaded wire shelf falling off the wall onto cars or little ones. Our proprietary dual-purpose shelving and adjustable hanging provide up to 1,000 lbs. of storage in just a 4’ section of the wall.”

Garage Theory offers free design consultations with 3D software design renderings so clients can see exactly before and after what the custom solutions will look like, specific to their garage layout. No hand sketching or high-pressure in-home sales for hours. Garage Theory listens to its clients and addresses their pain points, focusing on the appropriate storage solutions rather than upselling from its vast product selection.

“Each garage and storage space are unique,” Stevens expressed. “That’s why

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Laura Arick and submitted

we offer individualized garage storage and organization systems to meet the layout of your space and your storage needs. All of our systems are professionally installed, and your garage is ready to use in just 1 to 2 days. Our systems are versatile and adaptable to existing storage systems. With Garage Theory, you are guaranteed:

• A custom, professionally designed system

• Best quality products on the market

• Lifetime warranty

We proudly support our military with veteran’s discounts. It’s the least we can do as a small thank you for their service.”

GARAGE THEORY OFFERS STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Having the widest selection of product types between closed storage (cabinets) and open storage (shelving, hanging, ceiling platforms) gives us more options for the space.

Products ranging from custom garage cabinets in different sizes and finishes,

dual purpose shelving (stacking totes/ boxes/coolers) and adjustable hanging (bikes, yard tools, bag/folding chairs, scooters, strollers, golf bags, cornhole boards, ladders), ceiling mounted overhead platforms both fixed and motorized so you don’t need a ladder. Great for clients with tall ceiling heights.

Motorized Jeep and Bronco top lifts, kayaks, car top carriers. Even have flake flooring options. We are full turnkey in the residential garage space.

WHY IS COORDINATION IMPORTANT?

Based on years of experience, we know that a coordinated garage is easier to main-

LET’S TALK ABOUT

tain. Creating a storage plan that utilizes multiple complimentary storage solutions and maximizes your available space.

Mismatched storage solutions simply add to a cluttered aesthetic in the garage. Storage solutions that clash and compete for attention draw attention whereas our garage makeovers in Indianapolis blend seamlessly together as they work to keep your garage organized.

So, don’t wait another minute to get organized and transform your garage space this season! Call Garage Theory at 317-296-7441 or visit thegaragetheory.com to schedule your FREE consultation!

Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s to Continue Its Fabulous Momentum Into 2023–24

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of CSO

What a sensational 2022–23 season for the Carmel Symphony Orchestra! In the words of CSO Artistic Director Janna Hymes, “We’re back!” Having personally attended some of the concerts that offered not only variety but first-class entertainment, I fully understand Hymes’ sentiment in that the orchestra and the concert experience feels comparable to the environment prior to the pandemic … only even more energetic and exciting!

A SEASON IN REVIEW

I spoke with Hymes about her thoughts on this past season as well as what she is most excited about as we look forward to

what she has programmed for the CSO 2023–24 season.

“This [past] season went by quick,” Hymes expressed. “It was a great season for us for so many reasons. It’s been a really positive season for us in terms of the energy from the audience and the orchestra playing really well.”

In addition to enjoying a post-pandemic vibe in and around the Palladium, Hymes has been able to engage the community at-large in purposeful ways.

“We have a huge community that extends well beyond Carmel’s city limits,” Hymes stated. “We have people coming from all of these areas with all different kinds of [artistic] tastes. We perform concerts for kids and families, people

who want to have ‘date night,’ and people who enjoy classics — and we’re not taking away from that. In fact, all we’ve added! We’ve had more pops concerts than we’ve ever had before and more educational opportunities than ever before. I’ve visited and worked with five or six area school districts, and I think we’re really infiltrating with our communities in ways that are not just presenting concerts but are resonating with people and in their daily lives. It’s very positive and rewarding.”

BUILDING FROM THAT MOMENTUM

Having reviewed the upcoming lineup for CSO’s upcoming season, it is apparent that Hymes has put a lot of thought and heart into the programming aspect of her role as artistic director.

“We have some really great music and exciting stuff coming up,” Hymes revealed. “Anybody looking at this next season is going to find at least one or two things that they would go to and really enjoy. It does take me some time to put a season together, and I am a little methodical about how I program.”

The CSO opener will be on October 7, 2023, and will feature a commissioned piece by Carmel resident Caroline Kyunga Ahn.

“Caroline is a really fine composer,” Hymes said. “We’ve commissioned her to write an opening piece for us, and we’re also bringing in Gabriela Martinez, who’s a gorgeous person and musician, to play Mozart, and then we’re doing Beethoven Symphony No. 7 — which is an exhilarating piece! We will be doing this really cool Gershwin concert for kids — it’s another of our ‘Classical Kids Live’ concerts and people love those. And in November, we’re changing the program just a little bit. We’re doing a piece by Valerie Coleman — and African American composure that I’ve wanted to perform. She wrote a piece called ‘Umoja, Anthem of Unity’ on November 11. It happens to be Veteran’s

Day, and so we’re also doing a piece by Ives, ‘Variations on America,’ which is lovely. This concert will be very moving and special. I want to thank our veterans … because of them, I can share beautiful music with people.”

This year’s Holiday Pops in December will feature Broadway singer Ben Davis, Carmel’s own Amelia Wray of Disney’s “Sydney to the Max” TV series, and Indiana Ballet Conservatory as well as the Second Presbyterian Choir.

Hymes expressed her excitement for the Holiday Pops program to end the calendar year and what’s on deck first for the new year … Cirque de la Symphonie!

“Cirque de la Symphonie is amazing, and it’s going to be incredible,” Hymes expressed. “Like Cirque du Soleil, we will have acrobats and we will have a stage extension, so it’s going to be a very cool show that will be visually stunning. We will be doing our ‘Family Fun’ concert later that January, which is where we bring the kids up on stage. They love that.”

CSO’s Masterworks 3 – Symphony goes

to the Movies, will feature Charlie Chaplin’s “The Kid,” and yes, CSO has secured the rights to show the movie in conjunction with the concert. Masterworks 4 and Masterworks 5 are also guaranteed to move the audiences by featuring popular pieces by Dvorak, Stravinsky and Messa da Requiem — that will be performed along with Anderson University Choirs.

“I am really looking forward to the ‘Side-By-Side’ with Carmel High School,” Hymes said. “We haven’t been able to do that because of COVID. And lastly, we will be doing our ‘Jeans ‘n Classics “Soulful”’ in May. We’re seeing that people are really reacting to these soul and ‘hip’ concerts like the Serpentine Fire that was so much fun, and a lot of people came out. I’m just really loving my job, and I’m really excited about what we are doing. I think it’s really exciting, and I feel that CSO is in a really great place right now.”

For more information on the Carmel Symphony Orchestra and the upcoming 2023–24 season, visit carmelsymphony.org.

CSO 2023–24 Season Lineup

Masterworks 1- Modern Classics

Saturday, October 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Sounds Exciting – Classical Kids Live –Gershwin’s Magic Key

Sunday, Oct. 22 at 4:00 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 23 at 9:00 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.

Masterworks 2 - Unity, Veterans and America

Saturday, November 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Holiday Pops

Sunday, December 10 at 3:00 & 7:00 p.m.

Cirque de la Symphonie

Saturday, January 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Family Fun

Sunday, January 28 at 3:00 p.m.

Masterworks 3

Symphony goes to the Movies –

Saturday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Masterworks 4

The Firebird & Bohemian Delight –

Saturday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Masterworks 5 -Verdi Requiem –

Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Side-By-Side with Carmel HS –

Sunday, April 21 at 4:00 p.m.

Jeans ‘n Classics “Soulful” –Saturday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m.

•

•

•

•

Carmel Jazz Fest Presents: Evelyn “Champagne” King

Singer-songwriter and record producer Evelyn “Champagne” King will be taking the stage on Saturday, August 12th, at Carmel Jazz Fest!

Throughout her career, she has notched up plenty of hits such as the big disco tune “Shame” from 1978, which is a perennial favorite on the dance floors of the world. Other big tracks of hers include the likes of “Love Come Down” and “I’m in Love,” and these often found their way to the top of the charts.

Back in 2008, her album “Open Book” was another big success. It came out on

Big Day and Jaggo Records, and the lead single, “The Dance,” hit number 12 in the Billboard Chart and made a big mark on the dance scene.

As well as being a star on stage and in the studio, Evelyn “Champagne” King also does charity work, including the March of Dimes Fundraiser amongst other exploits. She is often featured on the cover of magazines and is a regular on top talk shows.

Don’t miss out on Evelyn Champagne King’s set and grab your Carmel Jazz Fest tickets at carmeljazzfest.org!

Janelle Morrison: I’m thrilled that you and your husband, Freddie Fox, are coming to the inaugural Carmel Jazz Fest this August!

Evelyn “Champagne” King: We’re excited because it’s me and my husband, together, on the same show, and it’s going to be fun!

JM: In addition to getting people back together to enjoy music, I believe it’s important to engage the younger generations and teach them why the history of jazz and R&B is so important to not only the nation’s history but to Indiana’s as well. It’s also important that we connect with the youth through the arts.

EK: That’s exactly true. We all know that music is good for the soul, and it’s very educational. It is important for the youth to know what real music is and what it has brought to us. It keeps us grounded. I was brought up with music. My dad was a stand-in tenor singer for The Harptones, and he played guitar. And my uncle Avon Long was from [Broadway’s] “Bubbling Brown Sugar.” So, music was instilled in me and my whole family. It was “King Amateur Hour” all the time.

I always wanted to be a singer, dancer, DJ, actress — all of that. I enjoy what I do, and the kids, I mean sometimes they need to have it [music] come back into the home, but we need to bring it to them. They need to know what real music is and what real songs are about. Jazz, R&B, rock, pop … it all started way before me, and I grew up listening to the music of [John] Coltrane, Sarah Vaughan … just a lot of singers and even just instrumentals so I could learn what music is all about.

The world is so divided right now, and everything is chaotic. It’s the worst I’ve ever seen actually. And looking at it through a child’s eyes, you can imagine what they’re feeling. We’ve got to pay attention. The kids are looking for guidance, and we’re trying to do that as artists. We play a lot of roles, actually.

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of CJF

When fans are talking to us, we have to listen, and when we put out a song, we need to make sure that it’s about something they’ve experienced and that we’re bringing people together instead of dividing them.

I just pray for a better tomorrow, and all we can do, like I said, we can lend our voices; we can lend our talent, but we have to hear it from other people, and we have to talk about it.

JM: Music has a way of creating a sense of hope that can get you through a rough day because tomorrow might be a heck of a lot better.

EK: Nothing’s promised, but you’re right … it can be better. We need to come together, and that’s what we did “back in the day.” It might have been a little crazy, and they kept saying everything was “sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll,” when I came out in the music business. But it was not all like that. I didn’t do any drugs, and there was no sex going on because my father made sure of that. [Laughter] I could barely have a boyfriend, and when I did,

I was always monitored — I had brothers! Back in the day, the things we did made it fun, and we need to come together now on a more spiritual level, where everybody can believe in each other instead of going against what we believe.

JM: What a blessing to have you and Freddie come to Carmel to perform your own unique styles.

EK: It’s going to be so much fun — what we’ll be bringing to the stage on each end. I sing for him, and he plays for me. He’s my music director as well as road manager when I go out [on tour]. He’s also my music director when I’m with my band. Something that’s different is he performs smooth jazz and I do R&B, disco and dance, and it kind of freaks people out [when forming together] because people are like, “Wow, I didn’t

realize that could still happen today.” Yeah — it does, but you got to make it happen! We’ve been married 32 years and I learn from him, and he learns from me.

We continue to do what we love. I am totally blessed having started off in the ’70s and still going. I have not stopped working. I’m grateful that I’m still here to do it — and God gave me this gift, so I’m going to use it.

CENTER PRESENTS:

RUBEN STUDDARD & CLAY AIKEN: TWENTY | THE TOUR

THE PALLADIUM //

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 7:30PM

ET

Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken first gained fame in 2003 as they battled for the top spot in the second season of “American Idol.” Since then, both have built successful careers as singers, recording artists and stage and television actors. More recently, they appeared together on Broadway in “Ruben & Clay’s First Annual Christmas Carol Family Fun Pageant Spectacular Reunion Show.” Their 2023 tour together celebrates the 20-year anniversary of their sensational run on Idol.

Stay tuned for the 2023-24 season announcements at thecenterpresents.org.

Having watched “American Idol” Season 2 and its finale, I was especially thrilled to speak with Clay and Ruben as they reflected back on the last two decades as performers and as friends who became each other’s family.

Writer // Janelle Morrison

Photography // Courtesy of the Center

Janelle Morrison: Those of us that watched “American Idol” Season 2, 20 years ago, are struggling with the fact that much time has passed. As you’ve been reflecting on the past two decades, what are some of the thoughts you’re having about your experiences on “Idol” and your current tour?

Ruben Studdard: I think about that every year once the show comes back on. Clay and I watch another crop of young people reach for their dreams in the same way that we did. I’m cognizant of how old I am every time that show comes back on. [Laughter] You don’t meet many people that you consider friends and are friends as long as Clay and I have been. I consider him more like family now. My experiences on this show were based around the relationships that I built, whether it be with the producers, executives, and, of course, Clay as a co-contestant — now my brother. I’m thankful that we get to go on the road, sing for people, do what we love and have these nostalgic moments.

Clay Aiken: Don’t you feel like there’s this real interest in nostalgia nowadays for whatever reason?

RS: Absolutely. Everything old is now new again.

CA: Thank God! [Laughing] Ruben’s favorite show when we were on “Idol” was “That 70s Show” — he loved that show! I showed him the link for “That 90s Show,” and now some of the kids that were on that show at the same time we were on “Idol” have their own kids, and Ruben and I both have kids. You asked about our friendship growing, and we’ve been able to bond over that [kids]. I keep telling him to freeze his son at the age he’s at now and don’t let him become a teenager, if possible. [Laughter]

Aside from graduating from high school, “Idol” may be the biggest milestone of our lives at this point. We’ve been able to watch each other and be present for each of our own milestones. Ruben came and helped me when I ran for Congress — both times — and when I debuted on Broadway. And I’ve been to his shows and was there for his debut on Broadway … in a different way. We’ve been a big part of each other’s lives.

JM: Both of you have gone back to the show as mentors as well as “Idol” alumni. What has that been like for each of you?

CA: Ruben’s been back many times, and I just recently went back as a mentor on the show. We both went back for the Fox finale, and it was really weird. There were the three of us: Ruben, me, Kim [Locke] from Season 2 and the number 1 and number 2 [finalists] from every other season. Most of them had not seen each other since their finales. I remember Ruben and I looking at each other like, how do you go through something like “Idol” …

RS: I don’t know if collegiate is the right word, but we treated it more like we were having a dormitory experience as opposed to the seasons after us having their own spaces. We were like in the “American Idol Dorm.”

CA: Also, nobody knew what the stakes were when we were on. I think that’s unique to season 1 and 2. Neither of us, nor anybody else, realized the show was going to be that huge and how life-changing it was going to be.

JM: You spoke about how the culture of “Idol” changed in the following seasons and how it became more competitive and “cutthroat.” I think that Seasons 1 and 2 will be remembered for the way the contestants obviously competed but lifted each other up throughout the process.

CA: I guess I lifted too damn hard because Ruben won! [Laughter]

RS: Let’s be clear, before you even stepped on stage, it [the outcome] was ordained by God. [Laughter] Nothing you could’ve done would’ve changed that outcome.

CA: I think one of the things that we have found funny over the years is that people have always wanted to put us in competition with one another. We honestly never felt that way. We both wanted to go through and didn’t want the other to go home. Luckily, neither of us were sent home. And that first year, Ruben’s album would’ve come out first, but I was done [with my album], and he loves to be in the studio. So, he wasn’t finished yet, and he specifically told our label to go ahead and let my album come out first. And he bought mine the first week, and I bought his [album] that first week. You know, I don’t think I’ve ever told you [Ruben] this. I did vote for you one week.

RS: I ain’t gonna lie … I never voted for you. [Laughing]

CA: There was one week that I was actually nervous.

RS: That you were gonna go home?

CA: Not me! [Laughing]

RS: Me? [Laughing]

CA: You know … Oprah talked about this. There was a week that I was a little nervous, so I voted for myself, of course, but I also voted for you.

[All laughing]

JM: Wow … what a revelation! What advice were you given from the Season 2 judges that resonates with you to this day?

CA: I’ll give you the answer that both of us have given in the past. “Idol” was, in so many respects, a boot camp for us as entertainers. And Simon [Cowell], Paula [Abdul] and Randy [Jackson] as judges provided exposure to criticism that we would later experience as performers. Being on a live TV show in front of 40 million people essentially made everything else we did after that … impossible to be nervous about because we had survived that!

RS: They should rename it “American Idol University.”

and selling stuff,” Chef Crouch shared. “My mom still grows a lot of what she eats and cans it and saves it for the rest of the year. My kids will still only eat her grape jelly from her grape arbor. So, [shopping] local is very important to me.”

In the year that Chef Crouch has been orchestrating the kitchens of both Vivante and Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael, he has networked with many local growers and purveyors. He is also a regular at the Carmel Farmers Summer Market, which is conveniently located right outside of the Hotel Carmichael on Carter Green. Cultivating mutually beneficial relationships with growers and purveyors is important to Chef Crouch.

Executive Chef Jason Crouch

Earlier this May, Rev 2023 celebrated 10 years of hosting one of Indy’s most extravagant fundraisers for IU Health that featured 86 of Indy’s top chefs and restaurants for an evening of fine tastings.

“Revs” It Up! Vivante’s F

or the first time, Executive Chef and Beverage Director Hotel Carmichael Chef Jason Crouch exhibited his culinary expertise at Rev at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and for that reason, Carmel Monthly is incredible proud to feature Chef Crouch on our latest cover!

FROM THE FARM TO FRENCH CUISINE

Hoosier native Chef Crouch shared a little of the backstory on how his culinary and life journey led him from his family farm near Muncie to his role at the Hotel Carmichael in Carmel, Indiana,

overseeing the kitchens for the hotel’s venues: Vivante French Eatery and Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael.

Chef Crouch began his culinary career at the Culinary Arts program that took him to study abroad in France. Chef Crouch held several positions before earning the position as Executive Chef at the Indiana State Museum at the age of 23. Since then, Chef Crouch has led culinary teams around the Indianapolis area before joining the Hotel Carmichael team.

“Growing up northeast of Muncie in farm country, I remember going to the farmers market with my mom setting up

“The dish [created] for Rev featured a protein from a local farmer,” Chef Crouch said. “I’m always looking for partners rather than vendors — that’s important to me in a business model. You can’t do it by yourself [in this industry], and if you only work with vendors, you’re not going to make it very far.”

THE ESSENCE OF SPRING IN A DISH

As it was only Chef Crouch’s first month at Hotel Carmichael, in addition to not having adequate staff, he missed out on the opportunity to participate in Rev last year. Luckily, he was approved to be one of the 86 chefs featured this year.

“I was so excited when Jamie [Hopwood] told me that we had been approved,” Chef Crouch expressed. “And then we were paired with our French driver [Simon Pagenaud] and I was like, this is brilliant! We have a French restaurant [Vivante] and a French driver — it’s a match made in heaven. And to be able to help out IU Health, which is an amazing organization, and to be a part of this huge event was exciting. I know a lot of local chefs who were on the waiting list, so it’s an honor to be invited. I went to the [Rev] chef orientation and found out that we’re [placed] in the VIP Experience section, in the Pagoda, which was even more exciting.”

Chef Crouch explained that the dish is supposed be inspired by the Indy Car driver that each chef is paired with. Upon his research, Chef Crouch learned that Pagenaud is a red wine enthusiast.

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Laura Arick

“Pagenaud maintains a wine cellar in France,” Chef Crouch stated. “I was like, well, that’s perfect! Red wine and food go hand in hand. But it’s springtime, and when I think of red wine, I think of heavy winter dishes. So, the challenge was figuring out how to utilize red wine and cooking outside of a stew or winter dish.”

Chef Crouch’s Hoosier roots became his source of inspiration, and a little taste of Indiana farm country was paired with a little taste of France’s wine regions to create a culinary masterpiece.

“I came up with the idea to mix fruit with the dish,” Chef Crouch explained. “So, we made a strawberry red wine sauce. And since [the Indy 500] all about Indiana, I thought about what immortalizes Indiana: pork. For me, it’s pork tenderloins, and having grown up down the street from a hog farm, I wanted to use pork. I ended up with a pork belly — from Fischer Farms — that I’ve had curing for two weeks and seared and then topped with our red wine strawberry sauce.”

Chef Crouch added, “Then I thought about it being springtime, and I thought

of a strawberry rhubarb pie, mowing my grass for the first time and the dandelions in my yard. So, we made a rhubarb puree underneath the pork belly topped off with the strawberry red wine sauce. Nestled next to the pork belly were dandelion greens with the sauce drizzled over those. To top it all off, we gave [the dish] a little spicy flair with spicy candied pecans. You got the sweet from the rhubarb, the salty from the pork and your bitter from the greens.”

WINE DOWN THIS SUMMER AT VIVANTE

If you weren’t able to attend Rev 2023, be sure to visit Chef Crouch and his staff at Vivante French Eatery or grab dinner and a show at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael this spring and summer!

Chef Crouch shared some exciting news that involves the newly expanded patio outside of Vivante overlooking the gorgeous Palladium and Center for the Performing Arts campus.

“We’re looking at having live acoustic music on the expanded patio on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings,”

Chef Crouch said. “The idea of this [light experience] is you can come watch the sunset, drink a glass of wine, have some charcuterie or small bites and listen to the music. We will also host our first wine dinner on June 5. It will be limited seating, and those [seats] will go quickly. We’re hoping to do those once a month throughout the summer. So, lot of exciting things to come!”

For more information, visit Vivante French Eatery’s website at vivantecarmel.com and be sure to follow Vivante on Facebook and Instagram.

Carmel High School’s Return to Full-Scale

Productions!

Carmel High School proudly presented its production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame! Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated film, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz. The show embraces story theatre and highlights verbatim passages from Hugo’s gothic novel. Carmel’s version featured a cast of 72, a full orchestra and dazzling sets and effects.

Back to Full-Scale Productions

Director Kyle Barker shared his thoughts on the spring musical as well as what it means to be able to perform a full-scale production back in the auditorium since before the pandemic and the renovations to the performing arts department began at Carmel High School.

“Just a week or so before spring break, we were able to move back into one our choir rooms,” Barker shared. “That has been awesome. We’re coming out on the other side of this renovation, and the fact that everybody’s together and healthy … that we were able to have Holiday Spectacular back in the auditorium and now we’re about to have our first full-scale musical back in it since ‘Bring it On’ in 2019, it’s super exciting. Overall, it’s been

a really fun year, and the show choir was awesome. The kids were great and have been really fun to work with.”

When asked how the cast and crew were utilizing the technical upgrades in the auditorium, Baker replied, “I’m most

excited about the new acoustic treatments. The sound is so much better, and the mics don’t cut out. It [auditorium] has been brought into the 21st century. They continue to make adjustments, so I’m excited to see how it will keep evolving. The lighting and the sound are the major improvements. The tech team was running around like crazy getting everything ready to go.”

A Massive Cast and Crew

With an exceptional cast of 72, a full orchestra, volunteers and staff, this production wowed audiences who likely felt like they were watching a Broadway-caliber musical — not atypical of a CHS spring musical production.

“We had so many people come out [audition] for this show, so we were able to

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of CHS

do it as it was written,” Barker explained. “There was a cast that told the story on stage and a 48-member choir in the set’s 2-stories tall loft. And then we had what’s called the congregation, and they were one of two ensembles. The style of the book is written in story theater, so the cast are also the narrators and they go in and out of character and they play multiple characters. It was really awesome, and it was super special because of the scale in which we produced it.”

The cast and crew had been working on this production since last October, and Barker shared his immense pride for how committed each member was to ensuring that this was another phenomenal spring musical.

“They were really digging into it, and these kids are phenomenal singers and great actors,” Baker elaborated. “This [production] pushed them in different ways than they’ve been pushed before. We haven’t done a drama in terms of musical theater since ‘Phantom,’ and that was the year before I came here. It is a

different style of storytelling with different demands. Being funny and comical is challenging in its own right, but these kids dug into some deep stuff and had to empathize with things they may or may not have experienced themselves.”

In addition to Barker’s talent and directing expertise, this musical would not

have been possible without the artistry and direction of his fellow staff members: Anna DeBard, who was the music director; Andrew Okerson, who was the technical director; Sloan Bayer, who was the choreographer; and Bethany Brown, who was in charge of the magnificent costume designs.

A world to explore, a vibrant community to come home to. A lifestyle that embraces true independence, friendships, culinary celebrations, and the safety of community. It’s time to enjoy retirement the way it’s meant to be.

Premier Retirement Community

Modern Aesthetics

WELLNESS IS AN INVESTMENT

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Submitted

Spring has sprung, and as you take time to spruce up your home and garden, be sure to carve out some time to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul too!

Zionsville residents Jeff and Jordan Lee are proud owners of Modern Aesthetics in Zionsville. They are engaged members of the Zionsville community who share a desire to help everyone who walks in their door to be mentally, physically and spiritually inspired. With more than 20 years in the health care industry, Jordan [Lee] had been searching for the perfect combination of health care and aesthetics before opening Modern Aesthetics in Zionsville’s south village.

THE BENEFITS OF A MEDSPA

Many spa treatments, such as facials and body scrubs, can help to exfoliate and nourish the skin, leaving it looking

and feeling more youthful and refreshed. The relaxation and stress relief provided by spa treatments can also help improve sleep quality, leaving you feeling more rested and energized.

Some spa treatments are documented to help improve overall health and wellness. So, in addition to offering traditional spa treatments, Modern Aesthetics offers a wide range of therapies including IV Ozone, Precision IV and peptide and hormone therapies. These treatments and therapies are administered by a medical director, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses and licensed estheticians. Whether it be a laser skin resurfacing treatment or non-surgical face lifts, injectables or fillers, Modern Aesthetics

provides its clients with amazing results and helps clients avoid costly, time-consuming, and often invasive surgery.

The services offered by Modern Aesthetics can be a great way to take care of yourself both physically and mentally, helping you to feel better and more rejuvenated.

WHAT ARE IV OZONE THERAPY AND PRECISION IV THERAPY?

Ozone IV therapy, also known as ozone therapy, is a type of alternative medicine that involves administering ozone gas into the body through intravenous (IV) infusion. Ozone is a gas made up of three oxygen atoms, and it is believed that introducing it into the body can improve oxygen delivery to tissues and organs, boost the immune system, and increase antioxidant protection.

The process of ozone IV therapy involves drawing blood from the patient, mixing it with ozone gas, and then reinfusing it back into the body through an IV line. This process is thought to help deliver more oxygen and ozone to the body’s tissues and organs, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.

Precision IV therapy is a type of intravenous (IV) therapy that involves delivering a customized mixture of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream. The goal of Precision IV therapy is to optimize cellular health and boost overall well-being. The IV solution is prepared and administered by a trained healthcare professional through a needle inserted into a vein in the arm.

Precision IV therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to improve overall health and wellness. It is often used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts to improve performance and recovery, as well as by people with chronic health conditions or deficiencies.

It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare professional before undergoing any type of IV therapy.

COMPASSIONATE AND QUALITY CARE

The Lees are parents to seven children and grandparents to one granddaughter, so their nurturing demeanors and sense of responsibility for the care of others are inherent characteristics.

“When we decided to open Modern Aesthetics, we wanted it to be a place where people could come and feel rejuvenated and refreshed … mind, body and spirit,” Jordan Lee shared. “We want everyone to feel welcome here and to not feel ashamed over what they’ve got going on. We want to help everyone who walks in our doors with their wellness as well as aesthetics.”

Lee added that they are working on bringing functional medicine to their spa.

“We will have functional medicine [on-site] within a few weeks,” Lee stated. “Functional medicine is a little different from your modern or mainstream medicines in that we treat with things like peptides, hormone therapy and we also look to foods for treatments. We look for the root of the issue rather than just writing a prescription.”

Having endured a surgically induced menopause, Lee was fervently researching ways to manage or treat the symptoms she was dealing with, in addition to suffering from Long COVID symptoms. Upon in-depth research of IV Ozone treatments, Lee completed six weeks of [IV Ozone] treatments.

“I can tell you from my own personal experience, other than allergies, I have not had any upper respiratory infections, and my cough is gone,” Lee expressed. “It has been life-changing for me. IV Ozone [therapy] is an exceptional way for people to deal with weight loss, autoimmune disorders, Crohn’s Disease and other digestive issues, lung disease, neurological issues, etc. It’s putting Ozone [O3] into your blood cells and getting healing mechanisms to areas of the body that haven’t been able to heal because they’re under constant attack.”

Lee has also personally benefitted from peptide and hormone therapies.

“I got on a peptide, and within 3 months, I lost every ounce of weight that I couldn’t lose [through other weight-loss

methods],” Lee said. “I also got myself on a low dose of estrogen, and now my hormones are in check. I am a huge advocate for healing the body. I’m not a doctor, but I have studied these things inside and out, and I employ doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners with the medical education and expertise on healing the body.”

FIRST-CLASS AND FULL-SERVICE AESTHETICS SPA

Modern Aesthetics is proud to be a full-service aesthetics spa that provides its clients with treatments that go above and beyond the standard spa treatments. Modern Aesthetics offers free consultations to develop the best individualized treatment plan.

Modern Aesthetics’ goal is simple: for every patient to have the best skincare results possible, optimizing both skin health and skin appearance. The staff members provide clinical and cosmetic expertise and experience to Modern Aesthetics’ patients that they cannot get anywhere else and provide services such as:

• Lasers

• Injectables

• Dermal Fillers

• Microneedling

• PRP

• Skinwave

• Tetra CO2 – Skin Resurfacing

• Skinpen

• Coolpeel

• Chrome

• IV Ozone

When asked if clients can use their HSA accounts for services rendered, Lee stated, “Yes, we can accept HSA payments for qualified services, though not all of our services are qualified under HSA.” Lee encouraged clients to call the spa in advance of their appointment to verify which services are qualified.

Why wait to feel great? Start your summer off feeling strong and looking vibrant! Call Modern Aesthetics or visit modernaesthetics.biz for a complete menu of services and treatments and to book your consultation. And be sure to follow Modern Aesthetics on Facebook at: Modern Aesthetics and on Instagram at: modernaestheticszionsville.

HOURS OF OPERATIONS

Monday - Friday: 9-5pm, 5pm-7pm by appointment only

Saturday: 9-2pm by appointment only

317-973-8770

www.ModernAesthetics.biz Our app is www.ModernAesthetics.RepeatMD.com

When we decided to open Modern Aesthetics, we wanted it to be a place where people could come and feel rejuvenated and refreshed … mind, body and spirit.”