Carmel Monthly-February 2023

BLAIR CLARK

18 COVER STORY

Carmel Jazz Fest: An Exciting Addition To City’s Arts Scene

This month, we are jazzed to feature Carmel residents Blair Clark and Ashley Ulbricht on its cover. Clark is the ex. dir./chief ex. of the Carmel Jazz Festival, and Ulbricht is the board president. The Carmel Jazz Festival is organizing a multi-day, multi-stage event that will be held in Carmel, Indiana, on August 11 and 12, 2023. Blues and R&B artists will be featured, along with vendors from the local Carmel community. Guests from not only the surrounding areas but all over the country will be able to enjoy music, food and vendors, all in the most beautiful parts of the City of Carmel. The festival will feature multiple venues for festival attendees to enjoy music and performances.

/ 317-250-7298

Cover Story Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photo // Paola Williams

A Party with a Purpose Carmel Gala, Design Bright Futures:

It’s that time of year again! Where the Carmel community comes together to celebrate life and support Carmel Youth Assistance Program’s vast efforts to positively impact and raise up our city’s at-risk youth at the Carmel Gala, Design Bright Futures 2023.

Carmel Monthly is proud to be a sponsor of this remarkable fundraising event and a longtime supporter of CYAP. And we call on all of the community’s businesses and residents to join us in supporting as sponsors and/or by purchasing tickets to this annual gala that will be at the Ritz Charles in Carmel on Saturday, April 29 with a 5:30 p.m. VIP reception and 6:00 p.m. general reception.

DUST OFF THOSE DANCING SHOES!

Attendees of the Carmel Gala will enjoy a plated dinner and an open bar. In addition to an impactful program by CYAP, emceed by Carmel Fire Depart-

ment PIO Tim Griffin, the evening will boast an array of fun activities, including a silent auction, raffles, a boozy ring toss, a photo booth and dancing the night away to the music of local favorites — The Bishops.

Sharing what is new at the Carmel Gala this year, Melanie Brewer, event chair and ex-officio CYAP board member, said, “We will have some new surprises for our VIP attendees who will have a chance to win some jewelry from Metalmark. They are once again donating and not one but two pieces of jewelry for us to raffle at the event — one for the VIP reception and another for the general reception!”

Additionally, Brewer explained that the planning committee is offering price breaks for those who want to come with a friend, spouse or partner and is offering discounted pricing for groups of 8 who want to sit together at a table without the additional marketing perks that a sponsor table offers.

“We’re offering ‘Bring a Friend’ tickets, and we’re giving a little price break if you buy two tickets versus one,” Brewer added. “And something new that we’re doing is offering a ‘Table of 8’ package so that you and your friends, neighbors, coworkers can be guaranteed a table together, and it’s $1,200 less than a sponsorship table. We’re hoping to pack the house and

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Submitted

get some teachers, PTO parents and other members of our community to come in on a table for a good cause. We want to open [the gala] up to more individuals who don’t necessarily need to be part of an organization in order to attend.”

INVEST BACK INTO YOUR COMMUNITY

If you have been watching or reading the news, there is no shortage of stressors and heartbreaking stories. Often, these leave one pondering: What can be done, and would your efforts really matter?

CYAP early intervention advocate Maggie Figge shared how the success of CYAP can be measured by not only the data presented in CYAP’s annual reports but also by the examples of the youth themselves, who are in the process of healing and growing, and by those who have gone on after high school to achieve incredible success and happiness. And though the needs of this growing population are often daunting, CYAP remains committed to reaching all of its at-risk referrals and their families. But this mission is only possible by the generosity of donors, mentors and volunteers who are

willing to give time and/or money to this important, life-changing organization.

A quick look at what CYAP is: It was formed in Fall 2015 to help strengthen youth and families through community involvement. Like other peer Youth Assistance Programs throughout Hamilton County, local volunteers develop and provide access to programs and services that promote positive growth experiences and enhance home and community relationships.

CYAP works in collaboration with the Carmel Clay School District, the City of Carmel and the Hamilton County Superior Court. CYAP is one of six offices serving students and their families in Hamilton County, Indiana.

CYAP provides professional coordination of services and referral services to students and families of the Carmel Clay School District. Casework services to our families are completely confidential. Kids and families are often referred to our services by the schools, police and court officials.

CYAP connects families and youth to various resources, including mentoring,

tance and much more!

Figge shared some current statistics on the children that are referred to CYAP.

“We had 129 new referrals in 2022,” Figge said. “And of the kids that get referred to youth assistance, 28 percent have experienced trauma, 18 percent of their parents don’t speak English, 77 percent need basic assistance for food, clothing, housing or utility assistance, and 15 percent are homeless. I know that’s not a giant number, but that’s happening here in Carmel … that’s almost one out of five kids.”

The numbers are real, and the needs are growing. Please consider giving your time as a mentor or volunteer, and if you’re in a position to help financially, there is an option to donate online as well as in person at this year’s gala.

Brewer added, “We’re looking for volunteers who would be interested in helping CYAP as tutors. The fact of the matter is that our families can’t afford the weekly fee for tutoring through an agency or one-on-one tutoring, and so we’re looking for people who specifically have [teaching] experience.”

For more information on how to get involved with CYAP, visit youthassistance.org/carmel. And don’t forget to purchase your tickets and/or tables for this year’s Carmel Gala at carmelgala.org!

THE CARMEL GALA, DESIGN BRIGHT FUTURES

April 29, 2023

5:30 p.m. VIP Reception & 6 p.m. General Reception

Ritz Charles

Directions: 12156 North Meridian, Carmel, IN

Attire: Black Tie Optional Silent/Online Auction: qtego.com

&

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!

Bobby Conte — Along The Way | Love Songs Across Different Genres

Freeform Concert Series — The Rebel Eves w/ Ryan M. Brewer | Free Entry

Rocket Doll Revue Presents: Enchante | Burlesque

Wishbone Ash | Influential UK Rock Band

Ann Talman — Elizabeth Taylor And The Shadow Of Her Smile | Reflection of their friendship

Jazz Brunch: St. Patrick's Day Edition With Blair Clark

Baby Grand Entertainment Presents: Dueling Pianos | Live Human Jukebox

ComedySportz | Improv Comedy

Scott Coulter, Alex Getlin, & John Boswell — Rock 'N Radio | Groove Along To 8 Decades Of Top Hits

Drag Me To Brunch | Drag Brunch

Freeform Concert Series — The Pinkerton Raid w/ Nicholas Johnson | Free Entry

DECEPTION: An Evening of Magic & Lies | Magic Show

EXTC | UK Rock Band

Freeform Concert Series — Tedious & Brief w/ Chad Mills | Free Entry

Feinstein's Presents: Gwen Sunkel & Tennah McDonald w/ Host Thad Mckee | Local Comedians

Kelsey Hickman — A Sweet Sinner | Country Rock 'N Roll

Lianne Marie Dobbs — Why CAN'T A Woman...? | Male Broadway Standards With A Female Twist

Josh Kaufman — Truth Be Told | Season 6 Winner Of NBC's The Voice

CIVIC PRESENTS:

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

THE STUDIO THEATER // MAR 10 – MAR 25

SHOWTIMES:

THURSDAYS & FRIDAYS @ 7:00 P.M.

SATURDAYS @ 2:00 P.M. & 7:00 P.M.

SUNDAYS @ 2:00 P.M.

Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning, it is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer — in case he or she decides to strike again. Note: The March 19 performance at 2 p.m. is designated as an inclusive performance, designed to create a welcoming experience that is intended for patrons who have social, cognitive, or physical challenges that create sensory sensitivities. An ASL interpreter will also be available. Large-print programs are also available for the visually impaired upon request.

ideas, the performers bring their ideas and then you put it all together and you make magic. And everybody loves a murder mystery and loves trying to solve it even when you already know the answer. We love “Titanic” even though we know how it ends and “Romeo and Juliet” even though it’s tragic. The fun of it is watching it all unfold.

REX WOLFLEY –MONSIEUR BOUC

My relationship with Civic Theatre goes back quite a ways, but this is my first time ever as a performer. I’ve been working for our lighting designer and scenographer, Ryan Koharchik, for 21 years now. This is the first show that I’m doing in about 10 years. Before that, I was working mostly at the Phoenix [Theatre] or Beef & Board [Dinner Theater].

I have a lovely little 8-year-old daughter who’s taking classes [at Civic], and it’s my dream to one day do a show with her, so that’s where I’m at in my personal theater journey. I do enjoy Agatha Christie and have always loved those mystery novels. This show is one that I’ve always been interested in, so, when I saw it on the [Civic] calendar, it fit into my schedule, and I was like, “Alright, let’s give this a shot!”

Isat down with director John Goodson and a few of the lead cast members to discuss why they chose to work with Civic and why they have committed their time and talent to this suspenseful production.

JOHN GOODSON –DIRECTOR

We’ll be in the Studio Theater, which is a much more intimate space. We’re on a “train” for most of the play. So, the trick is keeping it compact and contained and … real. But then also theatrically

engaging for the audience so that they want to watch people in very small compartments. We want to maintain some semblance of the close quarters and the stress and anxiety of just being in that space [where] you can’t escape, but then we are also letting the audience see some staging and imagery — utilizing some really cool techniques. Ryan [Koharchik] is brilliant, and we have a really awesome set that’s going to be really versatile and beautiful.

I don’t want to work on a piece that’s going to be easy. I want the challenge of having a puzzle and not having an immediate solution. I think that’s really fun, because you come in with some ideas, the designers come in with some

LAUREN FRANK –MARY DEBENHAM

I typically do musicals, and I’m kind of your go-to ensemble gal. I wanted to shift that narrative and I thought that going for a play would be a good place to start to work on my acting skills. And I’ve always loved murder mysteries. I’m a true crime buff through and through. I’m constantly listening to [crime] podcasts and watching documentaries, so that really drew me to this show.

I was so excited when I got the call back because that’s not something I typically get. I think the character is really

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of Civic Theatre

PURCHASE TICKETS AT THECENTERPRESENTS.ORG.

fun, and I’ve never done accents before. Even a British accent is a challenge for me, so exploring that and the character development with such an outstanding cast has been really enjoyable! It’s going to be a truly fantastic show, and I’m just happy to be a small part of it!

ERIC REIBERG – HERCULE POIROT

I am “Hercule Poirot,” and I am detecting who the murderer potentially is, but of course, I won’t spoil it! Luckily, I’ve had experience with speaking French, just not particularly a Belgian version of it. I haven’t had to mess too much with dialect work anymore than I would with just an American regional accent, so that’s been nice and I can kind of focus on watching and reacting to the other

I just try to take the small little building blocks that are given with the script and what the character is, and from there, I watch what happens and react to it. That’s been my approach. And the reason why I work with Civic is totally selfish: it’s really fun for me. I like acting,

and this is a great, juicy part that I was lucky enough to get cast in. And being on stage with other very talented people is also affirming and fun. It’s much better than sitting at home not doing this, so, again, it’s totally selfish.

CAST LIST

Hercule Poirot Eric Reiberg

Monsieur Bouc Rex Wolfley

Mary Debenham Lauren Frank

Colonel Arbuthnot Clay Mabbitt

Hector MacQueen Luke Faser

Michel/Head Waiter Ronald May

Princess Dragomiroff Susan Hill

Greta Ohlsson ............... Alexis Koshenina

Countess Andrenyi Evangeline Bouw

Helen Hubbard Sherra Lasley

Samuel Ratchett Lee Russell

Carmel Symphony Orchestra PresentsMasterworks 4 : Best of John Williams – A Tribute Concert

Experience the exceptional at two performances saluting the Master of the Movie Score: The Best of John Williams – A Tribute Concert. During a Saturday evening performance and a Sunday matinee repeat of the program, Carmel Symphony Orchestra under Artistic Director Janna Hymes will present multiple selections you know and love from movies you know by heart. And — even better! — the music will be performed to clips from the films shown on the Palladium’s big screen! This is a concert you will not want to miss, and we’ve made it easy for the entire family to enjoy with both evening and afternoon programs. Get you tickets early for these exceptional presentations honoring Hollywood’s most prolific and beloved composer at thecenterpresents.org.

CSO’s Extraordinary 2022–23 Season

The concerts come on the same weekend that the fivetime Academy Award winner is up for another Oscar® — Williams’ 53rd nomination, this time for the score to Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film, “The Fabelmans.”

“We are so excited about these upcoming performances and anticipate a couple of fantastic crowds on March 11 and 12,” said Artistic Director Janna Hymes. “We’ve really expanded and experimented with our programming during this 47th CSO

season, and this John Williams production is shaping up to be a highlight of a season that’s already been noteworthy for multiple highlights!”

The concerts’ playlist includes selections from some of Hollywood’s biggest hits, including “Star Wars,” “Hook,” “Schindler’s List,” “AI,” “Harry Potter,” “JFK,” “Jurassic Park,” “Superman,” “Jaws,” “Memoirs of a Geisha,” “ET,” and “Indiana Jones.”

“We will be performing with film clips,” Hymes said. “We could do this without film and people would come because they love the music, but to perform with the [movie] clips, I think it’s going to add another

dimension. Williams is one of my favorites, and the music is spectacular.”

Hymes’ programming this season is proving to be a big hit with CSO patrons, as the orchestra successfully rebounds from the effects of the pandemic. Attendance has continued to build since the season opened in early October, highlighted by a sell-out for January’s Serpentine Fire: The Music of Earth, Wind & Fire, and near sell-outs for two Holiday Pops! shows in early December.

Having attended some of this season’s performances, I can attest that CSO under Hymes’ masterful direction is generating

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

some intoxicating energy that is reaching people of all ages and backgrounds — locally and throughout central Indiana.

Additionally, CSO is strengthening the community through its outreach initiatives as it continues to deliver extraordinary, energetic and fun performances.

“I’m forward-thinking, and I’m always thinking about the future and what’s relevant,” Hymes shared. “I’ve been working with the kids in area schools and connecting with the community with our community outreach, hoping that people realize we are their orchestra and we want them

to know that we are here for them. We are very flexible, and we play a lot of different styles and kinds of music. And we like to do that, and I want to keep this energy going into next season’s programming.”

When asked what Hymes would like to express to anyone who has yet to experience a CSO performance, she thoughtfully replied, “I would like, when people are hearing about CSO and talking about us, that

they feel like CSO plays not just classical [music] but relevant and cool music. I want them to think that we’re something they don’t want to miss!”

Don’t wait to experience the invigorating energy and the exceptional artistry that CSO brings to the stage with every single performance! Get your tickets today and be part of the magic that is the arts scene in Carmel, Indiana.

BEST OF JOHN WILLIAMS – A TRIBUTE CONCERT

His greatest movie scores, performed by the CSO to the original film clips projected on the screen. Music from Star Wars • Harry Potter • Jurassic Park • Superman & more!

sponsored by

CENTER PRESENTS:

THE TARKINGTON // SATURDAY, MAR 11, 8PM ET CRASH

TEST DUMMIES

OPENING THE SHOW WILL BE

FROM

Founded in the 1980s in Winnipeg, Canada, the Crash Test Dummies achieved international success with their 1993 album “God Shuffled His Feet” and the hit single “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm,” showcasing lead singer-songwriter

Brad Roberts’ distinctive baritone voice. The group reformed in 2018 after a long hiatus and has been touring North America and Europe to mark its 30th anniversary. A new original single, “Sacred Alphabet,” is set for release in March.

Janelle Morrison: While preparing for this interview, I took a fun trip down what I lovingly refer to “Amnesia Lane” when I was a young person in school. Listening to the early [Crash Test Dummies] albums, a lot of great memories and great years came flashing back. I’m thrilled that you’re back on the road and doing this 30th anniversary … eek, tour.

I’d like to talk about what’s new with you, but before we get into that, for those in my readership that may not be as familiar with the great music that you’ve created then and now, let’s take a look at the genesis of Crush Test Dummies and what made “God Shuffled His Feet” such an iconic album.

Brad Roberts: Most people don’t

realize this, but that was actually our second record, and it vastly outsold our first record [The Ghosts that Haunt Me]. Although, I have to say our first record, in its own right, did extremely well in Canada and it went like quadruple platinum. Even though we hadn’t picked up much attention outside of Canada, we definitely experienced enormous success in our own country. I think the first single off that record, “Superman’s Song,” stands the test of time, but not much else on that record does for me. I didn’t even like that record once I was finished making it. [Laughs] I wanted to go back and start again!

JM: What, in your opinion, made your second album so successful?

BR: I think the reason why it did so

much better is because I had the experience of making a record under my belt, and I knew what I was doing the second time around. That record started getting played on this new radio format — back then — called Triple A or Adult Album Alternative, which, no doubt, you remember from back in the day. People were calling in and requesting this song [“Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm”] and asking, “Who’s that guy with the deep voice?” So, the record company noticed us, and for the first time in our career, Arista Records — who was run by Clive Davis — decided to plug us into the machine. All of the sudden, we were in every show: Saturday Night Live, David Letterman … and it was just crazy. It went through the roof, and I was extremely relieved because I had just made the best record of my life and I just really thought we were going to sink into oblivion. I am very thankful to my adoptive country [USA] for rescuing us from that fate, as it were.

JM: Your sound is still such a unique sound, and when I think about the artists that I can recognize after a couple of notes, I think of Ozzy Osbourne, David Gilmour, David Bowie, Johnny Cash, and then there’s Brad Roberts. I hear your voice, and it’s still such a cool sound. But I remember reading an interview that you gave early on, and you had some reluctancy about singing your own songs because you thought your voice was “too low.”

BR: Yes, as you recall, in the 80s there were screaming metal bands, aside from the obvious new wave thing that was going on at the time. But, in any case, the metal band screamers were the people

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Julie Curry Photography

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // XXXXXX

CARLETON STONE, AN AMERICANA AND POP SINGERSONGWRITER

NOVA SCOTIA. PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS AT THECENTERPRESENTS.ORG.

that got on the radio, and people with low voices just weren’t out there. The only person that I could think of that I listened to growing up in my grandfather’s basement, of all places, was Johnny Cash, and later on I discovered Leonard Cohen. They were barely influences on me musically, but I love their music and I just felt like there wasn’t any precedence for the way that my voice sounded. I thought it was never going to sound like a commercially viable voice. So, I looked for other people to sing my songs. Inevitably, they would inflect them in a way that just didn’t ring true with me. So, I ended up singing them. Everywhere, I was getting, “Oh, your voice man … it’s so low! It freaks me out!” and I was expecting that all. I was kind of hoping that the song would rise to the occasion and people would look past my voice.

JM: And all these years later, you still have that strong, hypnotic voice.

BR: Wait until you hear this new song that we just recorded; it’s the first thing I’ve done in 10 years or something, and

my voice is even stronger now and people have been saying as much to me after our shows.

JM: You’re referring to “Sacred Alphabet,” of which I hope we are going to be able to see you perform when you come to Carmel?

BR: Yes, and I hope that you’ll be able to listen to it on streaming platforms before, but if not, we will certainly be playing it live!

JM: Comparing now versus the early days of touring, what are enjoying about touring now? Your fans and fellow musicians understand that it’s a difficult life and there are a lot of sacrifices made. Plus, traveling in general can suck really bad, so why did you decide to get the band back together and hit the road?

BR: Well, for one thing, there’s an awful lot less pressure on me now. Back then, I had to work like 5 times harder because we were signed to a record label, and I started and finished my day doing interviews or meet-and-greets. I never had a moment to myself. Whereas now, when

LET’S TALK ABOUT

we tour, I don’t have a lot of press going on. I do interviews like this one, and I’m very grateful to be able to do that, but it’s nothing like the job that it once was. It’s much less complicated going on the road for me, and it’s on my terms now.

JM: Last question, when it comes to the songwriting process for you, at this point in your career, are you inspired more by past events and experiences or more by the present?

BR: I would say the present. I don’t have any sense of golden ageism in my life, and I don’t think of the past as being “the good old days” or anything. What I do know is that the result of what has gone on in the past is the product of an evolutionary creative process. And although we only have the one big record, I’ve actually made about 10 records altogether. So, who I am as a songwriter today does depend a great deal on who I was as a songwriter yesterday, even though I’ve moved on.

Inaugural

Carmel Jazz Fest:

An Exciting Addition To City’s Arts Scene

This month, Carmel Monthly is jazzed to feature Carmel residents Blair Clark and Ashley Ulbricht on its cover. Clark is the executive director/chief executive officer of the Carmel Jazz Festival, and Ulbricht is the board president. The Carmel Jazz Festival organization is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that is organizing a multi-day, multistage event that will be held in Carmel, Indiana, on August 11 and 12, 2023.

Blues and R&B artists will be featured, along with vendors from the local Carmel community. Guests from not only the surrounding areas but all over the country will be able to enjoy music, food and vendors, all in the most beautiful parts of the City of Carmel. The festival will feature multiple venues for festival attendees to enjoy music and performances. These venues include the Palladium, the Tarkington Theatre, the Carmel Gazebo, Carter Green, the Studio Theater, the Midtown Plaza Stage and others throughout the central core of Carmel, Indiana!

EDUCATION, OPPORTUNITY AND ENTERTAINMENT

The Carmel Jazz Fest mission is to celebrate Indiana’s rich jazz music history, highlight national and international jazz, R&B and blues musicians and spotlight

and educate emerging, upcoming artists in the hopes of energizing the community through the vibrant sounds of jazz, blues and R&B music.

Clark’s lifelong passion for music and education is the impetus for the Carmel Jazz Fest.

“I’m a singer-songwriter, producer and owner of Artist Development Company, and I’ve been singing professionally since I was 16,” Clark shared. “I also coach artists, and music has been my life — my whole life. So, when the opportunity came to start Carmel Jazz Fest, I immediately began thinking about who the best person would be to join me in this [opportunity], and the first person I reached out to was Ashley [Ulbricht].”

Clark shared that he has been Ulbricht’s vocal coach, and the two formed a fast friendship and shared passion for music, the arts and the city of Carmel.

Ulbricht added, “I moved [to Carmel]

from Northern Indiana, and though I came here looking for a job as a city attorney, I had met with Mayor Brainard and we connected on a musician level, as he is a musician himself and I’ve been classically trained on the violin since age 4. I remember [Brainard saying], ‘You have to come here because of what we are creating here.’ So, yes — I’m an attorney, currently with Taft [Stettinius & Hollister, LLP], but I’ve always hoped to meld everything together, and while it has taken a decade for that to happen, it’s all coming to fruition by me partnering with Blair to help with the Carmel Jazz Festival.”

Although the frontline mission of the festival is to bring world-class entertainment to world-class venues in Carmel, the opportunity and educational components are equally important to Clark, Ulbricht and their board of directors.

Ulbricht stated, “I remember, at age 4, seeing children playing the violin on Sesame Street. I also remember telling my mom that I wanted to play. Because I was exposed to lessons, I was able to realize my talents, and from age 4 to college, that was an integral part of who I became. I would love to be able to give back to children throughout central Indiana and to be able to work with children in schools to help them realize their dreams.”

Clark also shared that a portion of the proceeds from Carmel Jazz Fest will benefit the organization’s mission. He further explained that as part of the “opportunity” arm of their organization’s mission, the board has invited the jazz bands and respective professors from Indiana University, Ball State University, Butler University and the University of Indiana to perform at the upcoming festival.

“This is where the opportunity for the young college musicians comes in,” Clark said. “They will have the ability to play on stage [and] will have the ability to interact with some of these local, regional and national/international artists and bands. They will be able to pick their brains and talk with them about the industry. So, the education, opportunity, and entertainment components are all beginning to fit together like a tight woven glove.”

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Paola Williams and logo inspired by Arlon Bayliss

NOT YOUR TYPICAL JAZZ FESTIVAL

“There’s a lot of great [jazz] festivals that people go to, but they’re almost all outside, and the great thing about the Carmel Jazz Fest is the infrastructure we are utilizing,” Clark said. “You will be able to see an act inside Feinstein’s, the Studio Theater or Tarkington [theater], or sit outside and enjoy entertainment on Carter Green or the Carmel Gazebo. And you can check out a blues performer and then the next hour go see something jazz. There’s a lot of variety within the same festival.”

The festival will have designated areas both at the Carter Green location and the Carmel Gazebo at which patrons can purchase food and alcoholic beverages. Both Clark and Ulbricht emphasized the importance of including local area businesses — restaurants, wineries, breweries

and distilleries — in the planning of the festival. The two are actively reaching out and meeting with the local business community to make them aware of the festival for their own planning purposes as well as inviting them to collaborate and participate [at the festival] if they are interested.

There are several sponsorship opportunities as well. For any local businesses who are interested in learning more about these opportunities and for anyone interested in volunteering at the inaugural Carmel Jazz Festival, you are invited to “Get Jazzed” and visit the offi-

and internationally known musicians. It’s important to preserve and build upon both our nation and state’s jazz legacies and culture, and this festival provides a wonderful educational opportunity for students and young people that may not be as familiar with Indiana’s [jazz] roots. In continuing with celebrating our city’s growing diversity, the Carmel Jazz Fest allows all attendees to experience worldclass entertainment while connecting with the history and culture of jazz.”

Fellow supporter, collaborator and Hotel Carmichael General Manager Jamie Hopwood added, “Hotel Carmichael and Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael is very excited to be part of the first Carmel Jazz festival. This event will help highlight all the amazing things that the Carmel venues are doing to drive a great music scene. It’s a fun time to be part of the Carmel entertainment community.”

STAY TUNED FOR MORE EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENTS!

AN IMPACT

Both Blair and Ulbricht expressed their sincerest gratitude to not only their fellow team members — Jeremy Miller, Erica Thompson, Lisa McCann and Heather Collins — but also the City of Carmel, Mayor Jim Brainard, Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael, Hotel Carmichael, the campus of The Center for the Performing Arts and all of the sponsors who have already signed on, noting that without their support, the event would not have been possible.

Mayor Jim Brainard, in particular, expressed his support for the upcoming festival and its purpose.

“Carmel has built its economic development model around music and the arts,” Brainard said. “It’s important to hold events like this to promote downtown activity, which supports our small business community, including our restaurants and retail shops. I’m particularly excited about this festival because it mixes great local musicians with regional, national

Clark and Ulbricht enthusiastically shared the festival’s lineup as was confirmed at the time of this publication. Clark will be performing some original music as well as debuting a song co-written by Preston Glass and the late Al Jarreau that was never previously released. Ulbricht will be performing a jazz set and showcasing her electronic violin skills along with her band, SixFigures. Additionally, there are some extraordinary talents on deck with a few surprises to be announced in the near future!

National performers Evelyn “Champagne” King [CA] and Freddie Fox [CA] are just a couple of the international/national artists who will be preforming, along with regional and local artists: Josh Kaufman [IN], Jennie DeVoe [IN], Tad Robinson Band [IN], Steve Allee Big Band [IN], Pavel Polanco-Safadit [IN], Brenda Williams [IN], Premium Blend [IN], The Dave Bennett Quartet [MI], Both Sides of Joni Project ft. Alexis Cole [NY] Tim Cunningham [St. Louis] and The Bottom 40 Band [Nashville].

Be sure to check out the Carmel Jazz Fest website at carmeljazzfest.org for updates on ticket sales, additions to the entertainment lineup and other exciting and major festival announcements!

Spring Sensation

at Coxhall Mansion 2023

The Coxhall Guild, an affiliate of Friends of Hamilton County Parks, Inc., invites the public to attend the Second Annual Spring Sensation. This special fundraiser will be held at the stately Coxhall Mansion on Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Guests will be given the opportunity to peruse unique offerings from local specialty retailers and enjoy a tearoom, a Signature Cocktail Bar (at a small additional cost) and melodic entertainment performed by Melanie Mashner, a member of the Carmel Symphony Orchestra.

A collection of highly respected professional decorators, florists and individuals will design and display spectacular tables-

capes and décor, as inspiration for hosting your own special spring and summer events, such as graduations, weddings and other memorable occasions.

Supporting Local While Preserving a Cherished Amenity

As an affiliate of the Friends of Hamilton County Parks, Inc., the Coxhall Guild is helping support their goals in making the Coxhall estate a place for families

and others to gather and appreciate the beauty and educational opportunities offered in this setting.

We spoke with Kimberly Shoemaker, event chair, and April Williams, executive director, both of the Friends of Hamilton County Parks, about the importance of featuring Coxhall Gardens and the Coxhall Mansion, as well as what this year’s attendees can expect at this remarkable event.

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of Coxhall Guild

“Coxhall [Gardens and Mansion] is a treasure, and it is a legacy that we contin ue to carry on,” Williams expressed. “And I’m proud to be a part of that — I think it’s really a special place.”

Additionally, we spoke with Shoemaker about the importance of supporting not Coxhall Gardens and Hamilton County’s parks but the participating women-owned small businesses as well.

“The event is a two-part fundraising event,” Shoemaker explained. “One part will be located in the conference room, and the second part will be located in the balance of the mansion. In the conference room, we will be focusing on the tablescape designs that are being created by florists, designers and decorators. Primarily, all participants are local women-owned businesses who will be tickling our senses with their interpretations of spring.”

Throughout the mansion, guests will be able to exchange conversation and purchase products from the array of interesting [women-owned] vendors who will be selling their unique culinary or artisan products and/or promoting their services.

Engaging Activities

The event will also include door exquisite prizes and raffle items. Tickets

to increase their exposure while offering the guests an opportunity to win some fun and exciting prizes at the conclusion of the event. Attendees do not need to be present at 4:00 p.m. for the drawings, but they do need to leave their contact information on their door prize and raffle tickets in order to be contacted.

“We will have refreshments in the ballroom, featuring finger sandwiches [and] sweet treats, and we are looking at 3–4 different local businesses from which we can purchase their prepared items and present them to our guests for their refreshments,” Shoemaker said. “The guild will also have the purse sale for which we are enthusiastically trying to round up purses in good condition that we can sell for a modest fee. And inside [said purses], we will tuck some fun surprises!

Sponsorships are still available, and interested businesses, individuals or vendors should contact Kimberly Shoemaker at olongbourn@aol.com or via phone at 1-704-877-6329 for more information.

A $25 cost per person to attend the Spring Sensation includes up-close viewing of a variety of unique tablescape

designs and décor, your tearoom experience and an unguided walk-though of the iconic mansion to personally visit with a variety of retailers showcasing their exquisite merchandise, made available for purchase during this special event.

The Coxhall Mansion is accessible, and the mansion features a guest elevator permitting convenient access to all three floors of the historic residence. Drop off at the mansion is accessible, but parking at the mansion entrance is prohibited. Parking is available in the parking lot.

Tickets are available for purchase at the door on the day of the event or in advance at friendsofhamiltoncountyparks.org.

Vendors for 2023

• Abby’s Garden Parties (return vendor from 2022)

• Lily’s Wearable Art - Zionsville (return vendor from 2022)

• Bloom Bar by BloomingLeaf (return vendor from 2022)

• High Class Booker – Rai Peterson (VoWC)

• Tastefully Indiana – Amy Black (Kokomo)

• Tulip Tree Creamery

• Sweets by Lauren

• Color Street Nails – Pamela Malone

• Unsoaped – Tawni Reller

Designers

• Oberer’s Flowers – Bri Hewitt (Carmel)

• Que Sera – Wedding event planners

• Gisele’s Flowers and Event Décor – Gisele Found

• Tea Parties & Murder Mystery Event planning – Karin Glass

• Yard Card Queen – Christina Champins

• Posh Picnic – Guild-hosted event

• Manners Class – Guild-hosted event

Explore the Library After Dark:

A Special Fundraising Event for Ages 21+

Modern-day libraries are so much more than books, digital files and databases. They are also active community centers that offer an array of services, programs and events for people of all ages. The Carmel Clay Public Library is always looking for ways to connect the library to the Carmel community, and after a pandemic-imposed hiatus, CCPL is pleased to bring back a signature event: Library After Dark.

Enjoy food, beer, wine, live music and fun activities throughout the library on Saturday, April 15, starting at 7:00 p.m. and going until 10:00 p.m.

SPOTLIGHTING LOCAL WHILE SUPPORTING CCPL

CCPL’s Young Professionals Committee organizes this outstanding event and is ecstatic to be able to bring it back after a 4-year hiatus as a result of the pandemic. CCPL Young Professionals Committee President Hadley Moore Vlahogeorge shared some of

the upcoming event’s details and more about its purpose.

“I think one thing that’s important to note: we [committee] were really inspired to create this event after seeing other ‘after dark’ events around Indianapolis,” Moore Vlahogeorge said. “So, we saw an opportunity to open a community space up to adults [21 and over] for a really fun event and for a fun night out. The library has so many incredible resources, and what more fun way to explore all of those resources and ways to enjoy our library than with a cocktail in hand? Additionally, we have fantastic

vendors who are donating their food and beverages. So, we will be celebrating the Carmel culinary scene as well as the Carmel Clay Public Library.”

Moore Vlahogeorge mentioned that Sugar Creek Winery has already signed on, and the planning committee is looking forward to highlighting other generous Carmel restaurants and food and drink purveyors who will be participating.

FUN AND GAMES … AND FRIENDLY COMPETITION

Library After Dark will feature raffles [with stellar prizes], a wine pull, fortune

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Kara Phung

telling, trivia, and a variety of games designed to evoke friendly competition among attendees.

“The library has a board game collection that they circulate, so we will have a lot of different board games, and because of the renovation, there are all these spaces designed for socializing and collaborating,” Moore Vlahogeorge shared. “And we’re going to turn them into spaces where people can gather, play and celebrate, because it’s just been so long since we’ve been able to do that. Additionally, we will have an indoor mini golf course that is going to span the entire library. So, people will be able to see the nooks and crannies of renovation that maybe they haven’t encountered yet. It’s a truly fantastic space in addition to being a community resource for books, information and technology.”

AN INCLUSIVE AND AFFORDABLE AFFAIR

Moore Vlahogeorge expressed that the committee thoughtfully priced the tickets to this year’s Library After Dark with the community [at large] in mind and is

selling the tickets at $40 per person and $75 for a pair of tickets.

“We’ve taken great care to keep the price point at a very accessible price so that we don’t exclude people who might not be able to afford an expensive night out but want to come and support this event,” Moore Vlahogeorge stated. “The price of the ticket includes all of the food, alcohol and beverages, and all of the activities. Our goal is to make this a very inclusive and welcoming event for anyone 21 and over that would like to have a really good time in this community space.”

Corporate sponsorships for the event, including “Hole Sponsors” for the miniature golf course, are still available! Any local businesses or food and beverage purveyors that are interested in participating and increasing their visibility at this year’s Library After Dark are encouraged to contact CCPL for more information.

Purchase your tickets at carmelclaylibrary.org/library-after-dark, and don’t wait … this event has limited tickets and is expected to SELL OUT!