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September 10, 2024
Current in Lawrence/Geist
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Experimental Aircraft Association celebrates Aviation Day
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
More than 500 visitors made their way to Wheeler’s Westfield Airport Aug. 24 for the annual Aviation Day, hosted by Indy Flyers Light Sport Aviation Club.
FLYING
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If you didn’t know there was such an airport — you’re not alone.
“It’s a well-kept secret and, in some ways, on purpose,” Indy Flyers President Amy Solomon said. “This is still the most family-orientated little slice of Americana you’re going to find in Westfield.”
Indy Flyers Light Sport Aviation Club is a chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association. Founded in 1984, the club welcomes visitors to the airport each August for Aviation Day, when they can take a ride in a plane, learn about planes and experimental aircraft, learn about flight training and children can plan on model craft. This year, Aviation Day included a visit with two craft used for training during World War II — a North American T-6 Texan and a Stearman biplane.
“We want to make sure that the public understands us and wants us here,” Solomon said of the annual event. “We sometimes see little kids in their pajamas. Their parents made their way here after getting doughnuts because they saw the planes. There’s a lot of pretending that goes on during this day, and for most of us, that is the driving force.”
Frank Ingegno is the treasurer of Indy Flyers. He said club members share a love of being off the ground.
“The club is really aviation enthusiasts. It’s really people who just love aviation,” Ingegno said. “A lot of these guys are small-airplane pilots, single-engine airplane pilots. Some of them fly ultralights, which are almost like flying kites. It’s basically a go-kart with a fabric wing. It’s really outin-the-open stuff, so some of the members like to fly those things.”
Ingegno is restoring a Cessna at the airport. He said flying was always an interest — he spent his professional career as a mechanic and engineer with United Airlines.
“I just love watching them fly,” he said. “Things that fly sometimes just excite people. We do (events like Aviation Day) just to get people exposed to airplanes. When I went to high school, nobody told me I could have a career in aviation. So, for us, the objective is to expose the public to airplanes close up. This is local and easy for locals to experience.”
Brock Naylor has lived with his family in Westfield for the past four years. He said the family-friendly event was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
“We just saw a posting on Facebook and I like planes,” Naylor said. “I’m trying to get my son interested as well.”
Naylor was one of dozens of visitors who said that while they knew there was an airport nearby, they often associate planes with the Indianapolis Executive Airport further west on Ind. 32.
Wheeler’s Westfield Airport has been in existence for three generations and is part of the Wheeler family farm.
“It’s privately owned, but it’s public use. So, anybody who has an aircraft can fly in,” Ryan Wheeler said. “We don’t have any government funding. It’s just our family-owned airport.”
Wheeler said the airport was originally created in 1954 by his grandfather, Les Wheeler, who was a fighter pilot in World War II. Wheeler said his grandfather and some family friends decided to plow some of their fields to create a small air strip.
“It was a really short runway,” Wheeler said. “They just built a little strip out in the middle of their farm field.”
The original runway — now the taxiway — was 1,650 feet with a few hangars. Through the years, the site has grown, with a 3,000-foot north-south runway and more than 30 hangars.
Wheeler said events like Aviation Day let the public see what his family and members of Indy Flyers have enjoyed most of their lives.
“Not a lot of people have the opportunity to go up and see an airplane right up close,” he said. “That’s something we’re always hoping for, that we can meet people — kids and adults — anybody who is interested in aviation and possibly wants to learn how to fly. We just want to give people the opportunity. So many times, you’re outside the fence at an airport or your only experience with aviation is at Indianapolis International. We just want people to come out, get close and realize that people who fly are really just people in your community. It’s definitely something achievable.”
Learn more about the airport at westfieldairport.com.
The Stearman is a World War II-era biplane formerly used as a military trainer aircraft. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Pendleton Pike sewer line fixed
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A sewer line break from early July between CSX railroad and Pendleton Pike near Carroll Road was repaired Aug. 24, nearly two months after the damage was discovered in early July by City of Lawrence crews. The contractor hired to fix the pipe had to wait for CSX to schedule a time to access the site.
UTILITIES
City crews put a patch on the pipe right away and monitored the temporary fix while waiting for CSX to provide a time for permanent repairs — which involved replacing the broken pipe.
Interim Utilities Superintendent Paul Wanner updated the Utility Service Board on the repair project during its Aug. 27 meeting.
“On (Aug. 24), that force main was replaced (and) the contractor this week has been working on getting the street cut squared away on Pendleton Pike so they can get those arrow boards and those cones out of that area and open that back up,” he said. “It was an interesting project,
A sewer line break on Pendleton Pike was fixed Aug. 24, nearly two months after the damage was discovered. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)
but it has finally been done and we can take that off the books.”
In other matters, the Utilities Board on Aug. 27 approved an increase of $20,320 for the Brookside Park water line replacement project. Wanner said the additional costs are related to delays for the project, which was extended to allow engineers to be onsite during water main installation.
Wanner said he hopes that project will be completed by the end of this month.
The next Lawrence Utilities Service Board meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St.
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September 15, 2024
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Come Enjoy Live Music and Barbeque at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus
City budget update delayed
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
While it wasn’t on the agenda, the City of Lawrence’s 2024 budget was a topic of discussion during the Sept. 3 Lawrence Common Council meeting.
GOVERNMENT
At a previous council meeting, Lawrence Controller Humphrey Nagila said he would come back to the council Sept. 3 to provide details about this year’s budget, including specifics about deficits that will require budget transfers approved by the council. However, that update was not on the meeting agenda and nobody from the administration provided comments.
Councilor Rick Wells (D-District 2) said the city can’t complete its 2025 budget — which is due by Nov. 1 — until it resolves deficits in the 2024 budget.
“Which is why last week, I contacted Controller Humphrey (Nagila) to exercise my right and my duty as an elected city councilor to inquire into the cost of the recent purchases of the new staff car for the mayor, the remodeling of the mayor’s office and bathroom and, as well, to inquire as to why the council has not yet received the mandated monthly finance report,” Wells said. “Not once this year have we seen the mandated monthly finance report as required by city ordinance.”
Wells said he was told that the controller’s office was short-staffed and couldn’t compile the monthly report, and his request for information about the remodeling work was denied. Wells called for an independent audit of city finances, commissioned by the council.
No other council members commented on the budget, but a member of the public did. Daniel Rapp, who frequently shares his thoughts with the council, said he is con-
The Lawrence Common Council met Sept. 3 at the Lawrence Government Center. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)
cerned about the city’s finances and was disappointed that the promised budget presentation was not on the agenda.
“You are now in the last third of the year,” he said. “You’re running out of runway to do something to fix it before the end of the year.”
During the council’s Aug. 5 meeting, Nagila told the council that city expenses had been higher than anticipated. Through June, the city had spent about 64 percent of its appropriated $27.4 million general fund. Expenses should have been closer to 50 percent at that time. The 14 percent in additional spending equals $3.8 million.
However, Nagila said on Aug. 21 that appropriations needed to balance the 2024 budget should be less than $1 million. He did not have exact numbers to share at that time and said he would come back with details on Sept. 3.
In related matters, the council forwarded a resolution to the committee of the whole that would retain municipal advisors Baker Tilly LLC, a certified public accounting firm. The committee likely will meet prior to an upcoming council meeting.
The next Lawrence Common Council meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St. Meetings are livestreamed on the city’s Facebook page, facebook.com/ cityoflawrencein; and its YouTube channel, youtube.com/@visitlawrenceindiana.
Families and caregivers of former Community Hospital North Neonatal Intensive Care Unit patients attend an Aug. 24 reunion at Conner Prairie. (Photo courtesy of Community Hospital North)
Hospital hosts NICU reunion
news@currentinfishers.com
Community Hospital North hosted its 10th annual neonatal intensive care unit reunion at Conner Prairie in Fishers Aug. 24, providing an opportunity for former NICU babies and their families to reconnect with caregivers.
BABIES
According to an announcement from Community Hospital North, 500 families were invited to the celebration.
“When babies are born prematurely, with a health condition or through a difficult birth, they are cared for in the NICU,” the announcement stated. “Community Hospital North offers Level III care for infants with the highest needs due to complex or severe illness. That care can last from days to weeks, even months. This experience often creates
a special bond between parents and the caregivers.”
The annual NICU reunion helps maintain that bond. Caregivers get a progress report from parents and can see for themselves how their former patients are growing up.
“We look forward to this event every year that allows our caregivers the opportunity to see what long term impact they had on the lives of these babies,” Jamie Phillippe, Community Hospital North Chief Nurse Executive stated.
The announcement stated that Community Hospital North in Lawrence Township has delivered more babies overall than any other Indiana hospital, according to the most recently available Indiana Department of Health data.
The data shows the hospital delivered 4,032 babies in 2022, including 83 sets of twins.
Fishers Arts Council seeks submissions
news@currentinfishers.com
Artists are invited to submit their work for two upcoming exhibits hosted by the Fishers Arts Council.
EXHIBITS
The October exhibit, “Scenes from Indiana and Beyond,” is open to artists from central Indiana — and beyond — and focuses on landscape art, according to the FAC website. The deadline for submissions is 3 p.m. Sept. 13.
All styles and techniques are welcome. Submissions must be two-dimensional, weigh no more than 50 pounds and not exceed 42 inches in any direction. The exhibit will open Sept. 30 and runs through Nov. 1 at the gallery at the Fishers Municipal Center, 1 Municipal Dr.
A public reception for the exhibit is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 11 with live music by Elizabeth Lee.
Submissions for the council’s De-
cember exhibit, “Art of the Emerging Artist,” are due by 3 p.m. Nov. 15.
‘This exhibit is for artists of all mediums who are brand new to exhibiting their work or those who have never (previously) exhibited with Fishers Arts Council,’ the website states.
“All work is welcome — bring your best to make a great impression.”
Two-dimensional pieces must weigh no more than 50 pounds and not exceed 42 inches in any direction.
A limited number of 3D work will be accepted. The exhibit will open Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 27 at the gallery at the Fishers Municipal Center, 1 Municipal Dr.
A public reception for the December exhibit is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 13 with live music by Crossing Bridges. For more about how to submit artwork for consideration, visit fishersartscouncil.org and click on the “Artist Call Outs” link under the “For Artists” tab.
Lagers in Lawrence set
news@geistcurrent.com
The City of Lawrence and Indiana On Tap will celebrate all things German with the seventh annual Lagers in Lawrence Oktoberfest, set for 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus, 8950 Otis Ave.
FESTIVAL
According to a news release from the city, attendees 21 and older will get unlimited pours of more than 100 craft beverages.
“The event will feature all styles of beer in addition to the popular Lager styles,” the announcement stated. “And not to worry, there will be plenty of pretzels.”
A DJ will play popular dance tunes and Oktoberfest/polka songs on stage throughout the event and the ever-popular Weiner dog races will return.
“Dachshunds of all shapes and sizes from around central Indiana will be racing in multiple heats throughout the event in the ‘Running of the Weiners,’ with the winners competing in the championship heat at the end for the honor of ‘Fastest Weiner,’” the announcement stated. “Trust
us — if you’ve never seen it, you don’t want to miss it.”
According to the news release, there also will be several food vendors on hand with options for food lovers. For more and to purchase tickets, visit LagersinLawrence.com.
Oktoberfest started in Munich, Germany, in October 1810 to celebrate a royal marriage. The festival became an annual celebration and was later moved to a September start date to take advantage of better weather conditions. The upcoming 189th Oktoberfest in Munich starts Sept. 21 and runs through Oct. 6.
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LEGAL NOTICE OF DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC’s STANDARD CONTRACT RIDER NO. 58 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around September 11, 2024, Duke Energy Indiana in accordance with 170 IAC 4-4.1-10 will submit its Standard Contract Rider No. 58, Economic Development (“Standard Contract Rider 58”), to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. This filing of Standard Contract Rider 58 updates the minimum hours use demand an Economic Development customer 20 MW or larger may be required to maintain during each month of the bill reduction period. The minimum hours use demand requirement is in accordance with the agreed upon Service Agreement. This submission is expected to be approved approximately thirty days after filing, unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, Dana Kosco, or Lorraine Hitz of the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:
Lagers in Lawrence celebrates all things German. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)
DEVELOPMENT news@youarecurrent.com
New home permits are up 27 percent in central Indiana, according to a breakdown by the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis.
BAGI reported an increase in single-family home permits in July, reflecting high demand for new homes despite stalled interest rates and prices.
“Permit numbers in Central Indiana are indicative of a healthy market,” stated Steve Lains, CEO of BAGI. “Mortgage costs are still low in historical comparison. There’s record-high home equity and a tight labor market. We’ve seen a smaller percentage increase in home prices in the past two years and a steady (although higher than we’d like) interest rate. These factors, in addition to the housing demand, point to a strong, balanced market.”
Westfield issued 115 permits in July, the most new home permits in the region. Of 808 permits issued in July in the nine-county Indianapolis metro region, 16 were in Lawrence; 26 were in Fishers; 22 were in Carmel/Clay; 66 were in Noblesville; and 34 were in Zionsville.
Housing supply remains low because of locked-in rates that have kept people in their homes, creating less inventory.
“The only answer to demand currently is new home construction, which is why it continues to grow steadily,” Lains stated.
According to BAGI, a significant number of young adults between the ages of 25 and 34 are looking to purchase housing, one reason why demand is outpacing supply.
See the full permit breakdown at bagi. com/permits.
A home under construction in Westfield. (File photo)
Versatile wide receiver provides boost to Shamrocks
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Westfield High School wide receivers coach Matt Clark views versatility as senior Gabe Aramboles’ greatest strength.
“He has a unique blend of speed, strength and game awareness,” Clark said. “His speed allows him to outrun defenders and create separation, making him a constant threat downfield. His physical strength is equally impressive. He can power through tackles and is rarely brought down by the first defender. Additionally, Gabe excels in perimeter blocking, which plays a crucial role in the run game. What truly sets him apart is his deep understanding of the game. He reads defenses with precision, making smart route choices and finding openings that others might miss.
“Gabe consistently delivers big plays and contributes significantly to the team’s success.”
In the first two games, Aramboles
MEET GABE ARAMBOLES
Favorite subject: History
Favorite athlete: Deebo Samuel
Favorite type of music: R&B
Favorite vacation spot: Dominican Republic
had 15 receptions for 253 yards and two touchdowns.
Aramboles, who played in only 10 games last season because of an injury, caught 41 passes for 583 yards and six TDs as a sophomore. He has 117 career receptions.
“It was just the ability to be flexible,” Aramboles said of his improvement. “I moved outside and inside throughout the years. But being able to be coachable and
Westfield High School senior Gabe Aramboles has committed to play football for Ball State University. (Photo courtesy of Westfield athletics)
flexible with what I was doing for the team (was helpful). But now I am confident in my ability to read coverages and study them on film. There are a few things you can still learn from others when learning coverages and my teammates and coaches are very helpful with teaching me that.”
Clark said Aramboles has elevated his game through remarkable growth in his leadership.
“On the field, his vocal presence and strategic direction have inspired his teammates, while his commitment to personal
excellence and consistent effort have set a new standard for work ethic,” Clark said. “Off the field, he has become a mentor, taking younger players under his wing and fostering a culture of accountability and unity within the team.”
The Shamrocks opened the season with victories over Center Grove and Carmel. Aramboles said the primary team goal is to win the Class 6A state championship.
“But my personal goal is to create memories with this team,” Aramboles said.
Aramboles has verbally committed to Ball State University.
“Something just felt right about Ball State,” Aramboles said. “I have a few teammates and friends that play football on the team and I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Ball State staff. Along with building a relationship with the coaching staff, they made me feel like it was home. I’m sure they’ll develop me to be a better man and player, so overall, it was just the right fit for me.”
Aramboles’ brother, Alex Aramboles, is a senior defensive end for the Shamrocks. He had four sacks Aug. 30 in the 17-13 victory over Carmel.
Aramboles
COMMUNITY
DISPATCHES
Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ screening — Due to inclement weather on the original date, the free outdoor film screening of the classic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” was rescheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus, 8950 Otis Ave. The event is a collaboration between Heartland Film and the City of Lawrence. Food trucks and a popcorn vendor will be on-site.
Tickets on sale for stage play – The 4th Wall Players perform “The Grotesque of Notre Dame,” an original adaptation by Josh Gibson, Sept. 20-22 and Sept. 27-29 at Arts for Lawrence’s Theater at the Fort, 8920 Otis Ave. The fall production will be directed by Dr. Paul “Spike” Wilson with Kelli Gibson assistant directing. “The play is the ‘Hunchback of Notre Dame,’ but with a twist,” Spike stated. Tickets will be available at the door and can be pre-purchased at artsforlawrence.org/tickets.
5K to benefit transplant patient — A 5K run/walk to help Adriel, a 3-year-old Indianapolis-area child who had a heart transplant is set for 8 a.m. Sept. 14, at Roy G. Holland Memorial Park, 1 Park Dr., Fishers. Adriel recently received a heart transplant at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. Funds raised through the Children’s Organ Transplant Association event will assist with transplant-related expenses. A virtual option is available. To register, visit cota.org/cotaforadriel/events.
Community grill installed — The City of Lawrence recently installed an outdoor community grill at Lawrence Civic Plaza, along with a selection of outdoor games including dominos, checkers, Connect Four and corn hole. The grill and games are at Otis Avenue and Wheeler Road.
Special Olympics seeks coaches — Special Olympics Indiana is seeking volunteers to join its Campaign for Coaches program and help empower athletes with intellectual disabilities to achieve success on and off the field. The program offers comprehensive training to equip volunteer coaches with the skills needed to make a lasting impact in the lives of these athletes. The nonprofit is searching for coaches to serve throughout the state. For more information or to volunteer, visit soindiana.org/BeOurCoach.
Forbes names Ivy Tech one of Indiana’s best employers
news@youarecurrent.com
Ivy Tech Community College is among Forbes best employers in Indiana for the third consecutive year. The college was included on the 2024 America’s Best In-State Employers list. The ranking is determined based on surveys that ask employees how likely they are to recommend their employer on a scale of zero to 10. Responses, which were received from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., were tallied and incorporated into a scoring system, along
EDUCATION
with survey data from the past three years, with the most recent surveys given greater weight.
“Ivy Tech is Indiana’s workforce engine and we could not deliver on that commitment without the dedication of our faculty and staff,” stated Dr. Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy Tech Community College. “Our people are what make us great, and it’s why we strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued, empowered and driven by a deep sense of purpose and belonging. This recognition reflects the impact of our efforts to engage our employees, invest in their growth and enhance our policies and
programs to support their success in work and life.” Ivy Tech was rated the 52nd-best employer out of 75 that received the honor in the Hoosier state, and is one of five higher education schools in Indiana on the list.
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, with 45 campus locations, including Noblesville and Indianapolis. The college has 6,500 employees statewide. Learn more at ivytech.edu.
Women and Infants Hospital opening soon
Designed for moms and babies, built with compassion for the whole family
The new Women and Infants Hospital, located on the Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis campus and connected to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, will offer all the care for moms and babies, from routine to the most complex.
COVER STORY
WANG DANG BBQ
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The sixth annual BBQ & Blues Festival in Lawrence has migrated a short distance, from inside Fort Harrison State Park to just a little ways outside, allowing people to attend without having to pay a gate fee at the park entrance.
Other than that, the festival is pretty much as it’s always been, with lots of barbecue to sample while listening to hours of blues music. The festival starts at noon Sept. 14 at Lawrence’s Fort Ben Cultural Campus, 8950 Otis Ave.
City of Lawrence Director of Communications for City Events Jami Weirich said the Friends of Fort Harrison State Park, which had been planning the festival each year, asked the city to take on the annual event.
“It’s been so much fun,” Weirich said of organizing the festival. “I’ve been getting the opportunity to talk to a lot of different people. I’ve been here since March, so (we’re) using quite a few vendors that I’ve never used before. It’s (also) been fun getting to listen to new blues bands and figure out which will be best and how we can bring people and exposure to our Lawrence community with these different bands.”
Among the bands are King Bee and the Stingers from Bloomington and Indianapolis-based Mississippi Raglips and the Riverdogs.
Jeff Shriver — aka Mississippi Raglips — said the band plays a variety of blues, but for the festival, they plan to keep things lively.
“We kind of like to do a rock-and-blues kind of thing,” he said, adding that they will play some slower tunes and plan to include their original song, “Hit it Early.”
“It’s what we like to do on vacation,” he said, laughing as he explained the song title. “But most of what we like to do, we like to get things moving a little bit, you know — we like to have fun. We’re a high-energy kind of band. For instance, I’ll be showing up with a bunch of what we call Riverdog beads. We pass those out to dancers. So, you want beads? You just dance. I’ll throw them right at you.”
Shriver said the band has been together about a dozen years, but he’s been playing
blues music for much longer. The group has played in Lawrence previously, most recently during the Arts for Lawrence Fridays at the Fort free concert series.
“We have a lot of fun out there,” he said. “That’s actually one of my personally favorite (shows). That’s the one show I kind of go a little overboard. One of the things that I do because — you know, I wear the hat and sunglasses — so, I bring a bunch of plastic hats and sunglasses and I go out and buy a bunch of little harmonicas for the kids. We do a song and it’s a lot of fun.”
Shriver said they like to make their shows a party.
“A lot of people can play music, but it’s got to be entertainment, you know,” he said. “And then, hopefully, what you’ll see is that we don’t necessarily just play a lot of these songs — we feel them.”
Food is an important element to the BBQ
& Blues festival and Weirich said the city has a great lineup of vendors for participants. For barbecue options, confirmed vendors are MJ’s Backyard BBQ, Wild Boar BBQ, Scratch House Kitchen, Real Slab Masterz and Colonel Mustard Catering. For something sweet, Lawrence-based Moo & Lou Frozen Treats will be on hand as well.
“There’s going to be some chicken wings, some pulled barbecue, some ribs and some rib tips — It looks like there’s going to be a lot of options and I usually get yelled at for the amount of options and people have to make decisions,” she said.
“I’ll take that feedback.”
For those who want to try everything, Weirich has some advice: “It’s six hours, so eat right at the beginning and then every two hours.”
If participants get a little thirsty, Arts for Lawrence will be serving beer, wine
and nonalcoholic beverages at its beverage tent. AFL Program Director Lecia Floyd said the nonprofit also will be holding a small raffle fundraiser during the festival to benefit local arts programming.
WHAT: The sixth annual BBQ & Blues Festival
WHEN: Noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 14
WHERE: Fort Ben Cultural Campus, 8950 Otis Ave., Lawrence HOW: Admission is free and registration isn’t required
Annual Lawrence blues festival moves out of the park, offering free access
ON THE COVER: Barbecue chicken wings will be among the food options during the upcoming Lawrence BBQ & Blues Festival.
(Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)
(Above) Jeff Shriver — aka Mississippi Raglips — teaches a blues song to kids during a recent performance in Lawrence. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Shriver)
(Below) Lawrencebased
Moo & Lou Frozen Treats will be among the vendors during the Sept. 14 Lawrence BBQ & Blues Festival. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)
ATI performer well in tune with Johnny Cash musical
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Appearing in his seventh production of “Ring of Fire,” Kevin M. Lewis joked that he is starting to get it.
PERFORMANCE
Lewis is performing and directing in Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “Ring of Fire” Sept. 13 to 29 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“I play the older but wiser Johnny Cash,” Lewis said. “I act somewhat like a narrator. The way our story unfolds, Johnny comes to the end of the line, and he’s come to a heavenly portal that for him looks just like a train station. And he goes through a lot of the memories of his life and I’m the one representing that older Johnny looking back at all the things that have happened.”
Lewis, who lives in New York City, said each production is a little different but he always plays Cash at the end of the show.
Brandon Alstott, an Indianapolis resident, has played Cash in three ATI productions of “Million Dollar Quartet.”
Although he portrayed a young Cash in that show, in this production, he plays Cash from a younger age through his 40s.
“He’s one of my favorite artists of all time, so any chance I get to portray him in some form of fashion on stage, I absolutely want to,” Alstott said.
Alstott said “Cry, Cry, Cry” is one of his favorite songs because it was Cash’s first big hit.
Sarah Hund plays all of the women in Cash’s life, including first wife Vivian, his second wife, singer June Carter, and a mother figure. Hund said she wears four different wigs and outfits.
Hund appeared in a production in Utah earlier this year.
“This is a lot different from the last production I did because in that previous production there were several women, so
I just got to do a few of the things,” Hund said. “This time I get to do all of the roles. The great thing about this show is just the music. I’m happy I get to play some Johnny Cash songs, too.”
Hund, also a New York City resident, plays several instruments, including the fiddle, guitar, upright bass and ukulele.
Mike McClure, an Atlanta resident, plays the roles of several different people Cash encountered in life.
“This is a smaller production, so I get to wear a lot more hats,” he said. “I think it will be a lot of fun.”
Jordan Simmons, a Noblesville resident and 2002 Carmel High School graduate, plays several roles.
“I’m primarily the string bass player,” Simmons said. “I play pretty much all of (Cash’s) friends, including some he’s up to no good with. I’m just kind of always there.”
Simmons has never been on stage,
usually playing bass in the orchestra pit.
“I love Johnny Cash and I love singing Johnny Cash,” Simmons said. “When I found they needed a bass player who liked Johnny Cash, that gave me the courage to sing and be in front of a lot of people. I’m very excited because it’s a new experience that I haven’t previously had the opportunity to do, so hopefully (I’ll) have more to do.”
Nathan Perry, a north side Indianapolis resident, is the music director and keyboardist.
“I’m also elevated in the show with some lines as the train station master,” said Perry, who has been in several shows with ATI.
Usually in the orchestra pit or background, Perry said he has been on stage on occasion in a similar role.
The show features more than 30 of Cash’s songs.
For more, visit atistage.org.
‘MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Million Dollar Quartet” runs through Oct. 6 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
VIRGINIA SWIFT
Jazz vocalist Veronica Swift will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 14 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘RING OF FIRE’
Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “Ring of Fire” runs Sept. 13 to Sept. 29 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.
STAIND & BREAKING BENJAMIN
Staind & Breaking Benjamin, with special guest Daughtry, will perform at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.
SHARP DRESSED SIMPLE MAN
The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour, featuring ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd, will perform at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.
’TOO MANY RULES’
Carmel comedian Dave Dugan’s tour “Too Many Rules” will debut at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel, at Theatre in Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
DISPATCH
“CRYSTAL” set for Fishers Event Center — Cirque du Soleil’s “CRYSTAL,” a one-of-akind production that brings the circus arts to the ice for the very first time, comes to the new Fishers Event Center for five performances Jan. 23-26, 2025. With seven traditional circus acts all adapted for Cirque du Soleil’s first foray into a brandnew creative territory – the ice – “CRYSTAL” takes audiences on a journey into the vivid and whimsical world of imagination. For more and for tickets, visit cirquedusoleil. com/crystal.
From left, Nathan Perry, Brandon Alstott, Sarah Hund, Matt McClure, Kent M. Lewis and Jordan Simmons appear in “Ring of Fire.” (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)
NIGHT & DAY
Sunday, October 6
12:30-4pm
Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center (the Colts practice facility)
Join us for an upgraded watch party experience of the Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars away game! Enjoy tailgate food, an open bar, bounce houses for kids and more, all while supporting survivors of domestic abuse.
Learn more at morethanaphone.org.
See inside the Indianapolis Colts practice facility!
Bounce and Play on the field while the DJ spins!
Watch the game from 2 large screen TVs!
Small Town City returns
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The time seemed right for Ryan Ahlwardt and Mike Luginbill to reprise their Small Town City act.
MUSIC
The 1999 Hamilton Southeastern High School graduates are performing as Small Town City for the first time since 2021. The friends will open for Jerome Collins at 8 p.m. Sept. 13 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“We’re looking forward to sharing our original music with a new audience and supporting our friend Jerome Collins as he brings his Motown revue show to Indiana,” said Ahlwardt, a Fishers resident and former member of the a cappella group Straight No Chaser.
Luginbill, who lives in Nashville, Tenn., and Collins are still members of Straight No Chaser. Ahlwardt, Luginbill and Collins were all members of Straight No Chaser when they were students at Indiana University.
Luginbill will join Ahlwardt and Friends for an Indy Nights show at 7:30 p.m. Sept.
Ahlwardt said The Tarkington set is slated for 30 minutes.
“We’ll perform several original songs along with our rendition of James Taylor’s song ‘Her Town Too,’ which has a lyric in it that inspired our songwriting duo’s name,” Ahlwardt said.
The song line is “Lord knows that this is just a small town city and everyone can see you fall.”
For more, visit thecenterpresents.org and feinsteinhc.com.
STP in ‘Purple’ phase
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Stone Temple Pilots lead singer Jeff Gutt wasn’t a member when the band started, but its first two albums made a great impression on him.
CONCERT
Stone Temple Pilots will perform “Purple,” the band’s second studio album, in its entirety during its Sept. 15 visit to Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. The band +LIVE+ will open at 7 p.m.
This summer marks the 30th anniversary of the release of “Purple.” Stone Temple Pilots’ first album, “Core,” came out in September 1992.
“I fell in love with ‘Core’ when I was 16,” Gutt said. “That’s when I was putting down the guitar and singing. It had a big effect on me when it comes to that. When ‘Purple’ came out, it was different. It wasn’t like they tried to make ‘Core Part II.’ A lot of bands do that because of pressure from the (record) label to match the success they had. ‘Purple’ had different vibes on it, and I had so much respect for that.”
Gutt was hired as the lead singer in
November 2017. He previously was the lead singer for Dry Cell.
Scott Weiland, Stone Temple Pilots’ original lead singer, was fired in 2013. Chester Bennington, of Linkin Park, joined the band for two years as lead singer before leaving to concentrate on Linkin Park. Weiland died of an alcohol and drug overdose in December 2015. Bennington took his own life in July 2017.
Gutt said after the tour, the group might look to create new songs.
“We always work on things individually, so that way when we get together, we have a plethora of things we can throw at each other,” Gutt said.
For tickets, visit livenation.com.
14 at Feinstein’s in Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.
Mike Luginbill, left, and Ryan Ahlwardt perform together as Small Town City. (Photo courtesy of Megan Mellinger)
From left, Stone Temple Pilots members Dean DeLeo, Jeff Gutt, Eric Kretz and Robert DeLeo. (Photo courtesy of PR Brown)
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