May 21, 2024 — Noblesville

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

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GOING THE EXTRA MILE

Noblesville woman runs distance races to honor fallen police officers, military personnel / P11

Common council approves audit committee / P2

Assessments mailed, appeals due June 17 / P5

Noblesville hires new parks director / P6

INDOT reveals plan for Ind. 32 / P10

May 21, 2024 Current in Noblesville

currentnoblesville.com

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Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XV, No. 36

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Noblesville council approves audit committee ordinance, reviews development plans

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

At its May 14 meeting, the Noblesville Common Council approved an ordinance establishing an audit committee and reviewed several development plans.

The next common council meeting is at 7 p.m. May 28.

What happened: The council unanimously approved an ordinance to establish an audit committee for the city.

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What it means: Jeffrey Spalding, the city’s chief financial officer, said the audit committee will “facilitate the selection of a certified public accountant to audit the city’s financial statements.” Spalding stated the committee, which will have a minimum of three members and a maximum of six, will “establish factors to evaluate the audit services provided by a certified public accountant, publish notice of a request for proposals, evaluate the proposals submitted by qualified, certified public accountants and rank and recommend to the common council, in order of preference, no fewer than three certified public accountants considered most highly qualified.”

What’s next: Spalding said the ordinance will “set the stage so the city is positioned in the future, if it deems necessary, to opt out of the automatic audit process by the State Board of Accounts and select its own auditors.”

What happened: By a 7-2 vote, the council approved a rezoning and development plan for the Village at Trail Crossing.

What it means: Joyceann Yelton, development services manager for the city’s planning department, presented the ordinance to change the zoning of approximately 19 acres south of Midland Trace Trail and west of Hazel Dell Road to multi-family residential, as well as a preliminary development plan for the area to be known as Village at Trail Crossing. The developer, MI Homes, will construct 180 for-sale townhomes, primarily two-bedroom homes, and possibly three-bedroom homes, with average sale prices ranging from $325,000 to $370,000.

What happened: The council received an update on a mixed-used development, Marketplace on 146th, at the northeast corner of Howe Road and East 146th Street. The development would include a Kroger store, Kroger Fuel Center, additional commercial lots, single-family homes and townhomes.

What it means: Matt Skelton, an attorney for Hamilton County-based law firm Church Church Hittle + Antrim, presented the development plan. The project was previously introduced at the March 12 common council meeting. Skelton stated that the concept plan has since expanded to include an additional 35-acre parcel. The project’s original name was Star Brick Village, to be on 71 acres, and the new plan is for 110 acres, with the name changed to Marketplace on 146th.

What’s next: A second neighborhood meeting for the project is scheduled for 6 p.m. May 30 at Promise Road Elementary School.

Construction worker dies after trench collapse

news@currentnoblesville.com

A construction worker died May 13 after emergency crews were dispatched to the recently opened Crew Carwash at 14650 Umber Ave. on reports of a trench collapse.

FATALITY

The Noblesville Fire Department was dispatched shortly after 9:45 a.m., and upon arrival, they found co-workers digging to free the victim, 21-year-old Shawn Young of Elwood. According to the NFD, crews immediately began working to free the unresponsive victim trapped up to his shoulders in the trench.

Witnesses stated the worker was installing a water line when the trench suddenly caved in. NFD stated they extricated the worker after an extensive two-hour rescue operation involving more than 30 firefighters.

Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison pronounced Young dead at the scene.

NFD stated that the NFD Tactical Rescue

Team, which maintains a technician-level Trench Rescue Certification and trains regularly for this type of emergency, led the rescue operation.

“This type of collapse is dangerous because the event happens very quickly, leaving a small amount of time to react due to the weight and pressure of the dirt and soil,” stated Trevor Hash, division chief for NFD. “Rescue workers used premade barriers and pistons to shore up the walls and prevent a secondary collapse. Once

secured, the walls allowed firefighters to enter the trench and begin freeing the victim.”

Hash stated Paddack’s Wrecker & Heavy Transport supplied a Vac Truck, which firefighters used to help move loose dirt and soil away from the victim.

NFD worked alongside the Westfield Fire Department, Noblesville Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Paddack’s Wrecker & Heavy Transport and the City of Noblesville Utilities Department.

Crews work to free the victim.

(Photo courtesy of Trevor Hash)

Hamilton County Tourism CEO Search — A national search will soon begin to replace Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. President/ CEO Brenda Myers who will retire this summer. Diversified Search Group will lead the HCT Board of Directors in the search. Myers announced her planned retirement in 2022, ending a 19-year tenure as the organization’s leader. She also served as a founding board member of the tourism organization more than 30 years ago as a representative of Conner Prairie. The goal is to have a new leader in place by midsummer.

Brooke’s Place seeks volunteers —

Brooke’s Place for Grieving Young People is looking for volunteers to serve as support group facilitators for its westside, eastside and northside program nights. Volunteers provide a safe and supportive environment for young people, ages 3-29, and their caregivers, to grieve. Facilitators serve families twice a month on either Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays. To learn more about becoming a facilitator or to apply, contact chelsea@brookesplace.org or visit brookesplace.org/grief-support-volunteer.

School board honored — The Noblesville Schools Board of Trustees, Laura Alerding, Christi Crosser, Misti Ray, Stephanie Lambert and Dr. Joe Forgey, was recently recognized by the Indiana School Boards Association with an Advanced Level Exemplary Governance award. Board members were also all recognized individually for their ongoing professional development and commitment to excellence in public service.

Flags of Freedom — The Exchange Club of Hamilton County will present a Flags of Freedom flag display dedicated to military personnel who have served or are currently serving, Veterans and first responders. 100 full-sized American flags will be posted May 23 through May 28 at Seminary Park in Noblesville to honor men and women who serve in the U.S. military. Citizens are encouraged to adopt a flag and place a specialized tag on the flag that identifies the service member with their name, branch of service, military rank and dates of service. Sponsorships of Freedom Flags are also available. The funds collected will be used to help house homeless veterans through Veterans Matter. Submissions are due five days prior to the event. For more information, contact ExchangeClubEvents@ gmail.com.

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Conor Daly, the Indianapolis 500 has always been his main passion.

Daly revs up for another Indy 500 RACING

Daly grew up in Noblesville and graduated from Heritage Christian School in 2010. His father, Derek Daly, drove in both Formula One and IndyCar.

“It’s been a great event for me,” Daly said. “I love driving here. I love putting in the work during the practice, the qualifications and Carb Day. Everything about it is just the best thing in the world.”

Daly and teammate Ryan Hunter-Reay drive for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.

Barring a qualification issue, Daly is expected to start his 11th Indianapolis 500 May 26 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Daly finished eighth in 2023, sixth in 2022, 13th in 2021 and 10th in 2019. He led the most laps of any driver (40) in 2021 before a flying tire damaged the nose of his car.

Now, he is adjusting to a new team for an Indy 500-only ride. Daly left Ed Carpenter Racing after 3 1/2 seasons in June 2023.

“It’s a new environment, so there will be some things to work on with the team and a new relationship with the engineer and we communicate better each day,” Daly said. “I feel great about what the team has done, preparation wise. It seems like everything is in the right place to be competitive. I feel like I have the right experience to use and deliver for the team. I’m thrilled to have another chance to compete in this race and go after the win.”

Daly expects to compete in a couple of NASCAR Craftsman’s Truck Series races later in the year. He has competed in four NASCAR Truck races in previous years. He also has competed in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Daly has a weekly podcast with Chase Holden called “Speed Street.”

“We need to work harder than ever to get our sport out to people,” said Daly, who also has a YouTube channel, ConorDaly22. “IndyCar is under-appreciated and it’s something that is not discovered by enough people, so we just have to do everything we can to get it out to more NASCAR fans, more Formula One fans to show we have such an incredible product in the series.”

Daly

Assessments mailed, appeals due June 17

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Many property owners in Hamilton County have likely seen an increase in assessed values the last few years.

HOME VALUES

The Hamilton County Assessor’s Office is responsible for assessing property values annually.

According to Hamilton County Assessor Kevin Poore, who has held the office since January 2023, assessments are “initially based on square footage and property features using a cost approach to value.”

“We use (the) base value information to compare sales data as assessments are required to reflect market value,” Poore said. “The assessor’s office evaluates neighborhood by neighborhood, comparing sales from within each neighborhood to their current assessments.”

Since last year, Poore said values have “somewhat leveled out,” but are continuing to rise.

“Over the years, we have still shown a change of about 4 percent (increase) in Hamilton County,” Poore said. “It really

varies depending on the price point, subdivision or even the area of accounting. Some neighborhoods may go up more than others.”

In 2021, the then assessor Robin Ward told Current she’d “never seen values like this before” and thought the COVID-19 pandemic would slow things down, but Poore said time has shown values are “still pushing higher.”

“I certainly think interest rates have slowed the market down in terms of price points,” Poore said. “You have less supply and fewer people looking to sell their homes right now because they don’t want to deal with a higher interest rate. Because of that, demand is high, and if nothing else, values are flat, if not still slightly increasing.”

Since 2019, countywide total assessed values including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural and exempt parcels, have risen 57 percent.

The countywide increase per year:

• 2019 to 2020: 6 percent

• 2020 to 2021: 6 percent

• 2021 to 2022: 14 percent

• 2022 to 2023: 13 percent

• 2023 to 2024: 7 percent

Poore said that nearly all cities countywide are trending toward rising assessed values.

“I don’t know that it’s hotter in any one particular area than another,” Poore said. “I think in the past, when we looked at it from township to township, they’ve all been fairly consistent within a couple of percentage points.”

Last year, Poore said the assessor’s office saw a “record number of appeals.” This year, it has already had many appeals

come through.

“Last year, we had nearly 2,500 appeals, which is 700 or 800 more than we had the previous year,” Poore said. “The first week here this year was really busy, and we have had a fair number of people waiting to file appeals.”

Assessments for property owners were mailed through the Hamilton County Assessor’s office April 30. The deadline to file an appeal is June 17, 2024. For more, contact the Noblesville office at 317-776-9617.

Noblesville hires new director of parks and recreation

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen recently announced the appointment of Savannah Solgere as the new director of parks and recreation for the City of Noblesville. Solgere began the job May 20.

PARKS

“We are thrilled to welcome Savannah Solgere to the City of Noblesville,” Jensen said. “Her extensive experience and strong alignment with the priorities of my administration, the common council’s fiscal priorities and her unwavering focus on community well-being will undoubtedly make her a valuable addition to our community.”

the day, if you asked me why I loved my other job, it was just new, and I was learning, but when you ask me why I love parks, it’s because parks make people happy. That’s just where my passion is.”

Solgere said her previous experience has prepared her for the role.

An Indianapolis resident, Solgere has a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and a Master of Science in Recreation Administration from Indiana University and has a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional credential. She was previously an assistant city planner and project manager in Lebanon, focusing on projects that included recreational and greenspace components.

Solgere has also served as the parks director for the Town of Whitestown, where she managed a $1.8 million budget, produced a 5-year master plan for the parks, managed staff, fundraised for the Parks Foundation and oversaw the department’s daily operations.

“I had been in the parks and recreation field for a little over five years, and I kind of got out of the field and went to a new path, which I did love,” Solgere said. “I saw this opportunity open, and at the end of

“I was in a relatively new and growing parks and recreation department when I was in Whitestown, and it started very, very small,” Solgere said. “They had three parks and three staff members. Throughout my time there, we were the fastest-growing city (in Indiana) for about eight years in a row at the time. We were expanding at a rapid rate. I got to go through pretty much everything somebody would in a longer period of time in a very quick amount of time.”

Solgere will supervise a team of more than 30 full-time employees who maintain more than 800 acres of parks, greenspace and golf course properties, plus an extensive trail network.”

Solgere said that as she learns more about Noblesville parks, she plans to make a “meaningful impact on the community.”

“My primary goal is to ensure this department continues to make an impact on mental health and the overall wellness of Noblesville,” Solgere said. “Something that is extremely important to me is making sure everything is completely inclusive, meaning our programming and what the facilities offer. It is important to me that there’s something for everyone, no matter their age, interests or abilities.”

For more, visit noblesvilleparks.org.

NOBLESVILLE SCHOOLS EMPLOYEE NAMED RISE WINNER

Fred Farley, Hazel Dell Elementary School’s building supervisor, was recently named a RISE, which stands for Recognizing Inspirational School Employees, award winner by the state of Indiana. According to Marnie Cooke, executive director of marketing and communications at Noblesville Schools, Farley was chosen from more than 100 nominees for the award, which recognizes support staff for excellence. “With 34 years of service to Noblesville Schools, Fred is beloved by students and staff for his leadership, expertise, hard work, magic tricks and humor,” Cooke stated. Hazel Dell hosted a surprise program in his honor with “Farley Fan Club” T-shirts for all students and staff.

Solgere

HEPL hires new director

news@currentinfishers.com

Hamilton East Public Library’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously May 8 to hire Melissa Loiselle as the new HEPL library director, effective immediately.

LIBRARY

Loiselle replaces former HEPL Library Director Edra Waterman, who resigned in December 2023 following a year of controversies stemming from policies established by a conservative library board. Most of the more conservative members of the board have resigned or been replaced.

her new role, she will oversee the executive administration of the library, working with the HEPL board and leadership team.

“After the Board of Trustees’ director search and selection process, I am confident that Melissa is the right person to lead HEPL into its next chapter,” HEPL Board of Trustees President Craig Siebe stated. “The Board of Trustees looks forward to working with Melissa to achieve HEPL’s strategic priorities.”

According to an announcement from HEPL, the new board started its search for a director in January with help from Organizational Architecture, an executive recruitment and consulting firm. The board held an executive session May 8, followed by a public meeting to vote on the new director.

The announcement stated that Loiselle brings an extensive background in libraries, education and leadership to HEPL. In

Loiselle has a Master of Library Science from Indiana University and has 14 years of experience in the library field. She was the youth services manager of the Fishers Library, and then became director of the Vernon Township Public Library. She joined HEPL as a deputy director in November 2023.

“As a longtime resident of Fishers, it is an honor to serve my community once again,” Loiselle stated. “I will work hard to ensure the library exceeds the expectations of the people of Fishers and Noblesville.”

Loiselle

ZCHS pitcher’s increased velocity leads to more success

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Zionsville Community High School pitcher Mateo Wells has started to develop his 6-foot-6 frame.

Wells said he stopped growing this year, so he has been able to add some strength and weight. He has boosted his weight to 225 pounds.

“Pitching mechanics is something kids work on nonstop,” Eagles coach Jered Moore said. “When they are still growing, it impacts things. Now that he’s done growing, he can focus on getting stronger. His fastball velocity has increased.”

Wells said his fastball averages 87 to 90 mph. Moore said his fastball had reached 92 mph several times this year. As of May 14, Wells has a 5-0 record with a 0.46 earned run average. He has 62 strikeouts in 46 innings.

Wells was 3-0 as a junior with 24 strikeouts in 35 innings.

“My main improvement is adding 2 mph

MEET MATEO WELLS

Favorite athlete: Formula One

driver Daniel Ricciardo

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite movie: “The Benchwarmers”

Favorite vacation spot: Cancun

to my fastball, which is pretty significant, especially in our conference,” Wells said.

Wells said being able to throw his changeup more consistently has been a boost, too.

“Last season, I was only a two-pitch guy, and being able to add a third pitch has made me more efficient this year than I was last year,” Wells said. “I was more of just a fastball and curveball-type of guy, but

Zionsville Community

High School pitcher Mateo Wells boasts an earned run average of 0.46 this season.

(Photo courtesy of Matthew Dumbris)

in the offseason, I changed my two-seam (grip) to four-seam and developed a better changeup.”

Wells became a pitcher his freshman year and stuck with it for high school and his travel baseball team, the Indiana Mustangs. He will play for the PRP Mambas this summer.

“He was a very good pitcher last year,” Moore said. “But being able to get command of his changeup this year and throwing it any count has definitely helped him this year.”

Wells learned from former ZCHS pitchers

Drew Dickson and Nate Dohm. Dickson now plays for Northwestern University, and Dohm is at Mississippi State University.

“I watched how they tried to be perfect in everything they do and everything they do has a specific reason,” Wells said.

Moore said being around other high-caliber pitchers and seeing how they trained was a positive for Wells.

“Now, Mateo is helping our young guys,” Moore said.

Wells will pitch for High Point (N.C.) University, an NCAA Division I program, next season.

“I wanted to be in a place with good weather, so that obviously was a plus,” said Wells, who plans to major in sports management. “The academics are really good. The overall feel of the campus is more my type. It’s a little bit smaller, so I can get to know my teachers more.”

Wells’ parents are from Colombia, and he still has relatives there.

“My great-grandfather played baseball and helped baseball grow in Colombia,” said Wells, who organized a baseball equipment donation drive to send equipment to Colombia in the past.

Wells

Tourism with a GREATER PURPOSE.

CARMEL FISHERS NOBLESVILLE WESTFIELD NORTHERN TOWNS

This year, during National Travel & Tourism Week, May 19-25, Hamilton County Tourism celebrates industry and community partners doing amazing work in sustainability and stewardship programs throughout the destination.

Scan the QR Code to learn more about Hamilton County Tourism’s Inspire initiative.

INDOT reveals plan for Ind. 32

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Residents of Hamilton County were presented with plans for the Indiana Department of Transportation’s Improve to Move plan, a project to implement 5 miles of improvements on Ind. 32 between Westfield and Noblesville, during a presentation at Prairie Waters Event Center in Westfield May 8.

ROAD WORK

The project addresses traffic congestion and safety from East Street in Westfield to Mensa Drive in Noblesville. The project is in the first phase of an anticipated three-year planning and construction effort.

The plans widen the 5-mile stretch of road to four lanes, starting on the western portion at East Street and Ind. 32. A roundabout is planned for that intersection as part of a separate project that is part of an interlocal agreement between Westfield and INDOT.

The Improve to Move plan adds seven 2-lane roundabouts along the corridor, at the following intersections:

• Carey Road/Grassy Branch Road

• Gunther Boulevard

• Moontown Road/Gray Road

• Pebble Brook Boulevard/Hazel Dell Elementary School

• Hazel Dell/Little Chicago Road

• Mill Creek Road

• Hague Road/Pleasant Street Extension The Hague Road/Pleasant Street Extension will be constructed by the City of Noblesville.

Although the total cost of the project has not been determined, Batista said construction costs are anticipated at $75 million. INDOT is planning a public hearing on the project in the first quarter of 2025.

For more, visit improvetomove32.com.

Attendees at a May 8 meeting in Westfield view plans to widen Ind. 32 between Westfield and Noblesville. (Photo by Marney Simon)

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

Noblesville woman runs distance races to honor fallen police officers, military personnel

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

In the last nine years, Noblesville resident Linda Callaway Chambers, 73, has completed more than 400 running races, including 170 half marathons and a marathon in every state. With every race she completes, she honors fallen police officers and military personnel.

Most recently, Chambers participated in the May 4 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and the May 18 Noblesville Endurance Ruck, which celebrates Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.

“I did the Endurance Ruck in honor of Elwood (Police Department) Officer Noah Shahnavaz,” Chambers said. “Noah was killed in 2022, and his mother and sister did the race with me.”

When participating in races, Chambers wears a photo of who she is honoring on her shirt and has carried an American flag on several occasions.

Chambers, a retired nurse, has experienced several losses throughout her life. To cope, she began running mini marathons, even though she was not a runner and had no experience.

“I was just really sad,” Chambers said. “I told my current husband I wanted to walk a 5K because I was trying to find something to help me.”

Chambers’ first race was at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis when she was 64. The race was to honor Jason Baker, a Marion County deputy sheriff who died in 2001.

“I met Jerry Baker, Jason’s father, and they were having a prayer service before the race up in the church at Crown Hill,” Chambers said. “I met him and asked how I could help. He said, ‘Remember Jason. Say his name.’”

Chambers said her first race has always stuck with her, influencing her decision to honor fallen police officers and military personnel.

“I always knew I was going to be slow because I don’t want to train; I just want to run and do my race,” Chambers said. “I thought, well, what can I do? I can get a picture of somebody, and I can honor them. And so that’s what I do.”

When choosing who to honor, Chambers said she

researches officers on memorial pages and sometimes runs for local officers who have recently died. She said she started including fallen military personnel because of her family’s losses.

“We’ve had 13 suicides in my family, and four of those were in the military,” Chambers said. “It is important for me to remember them, too. There’s never a shortage of people to honor. When I run out of state, I look at local news or local officer-down pages and find someone to run for.”

ish line of 50 states and hundreds of races.”

Chambers’s No. 1 takeaway from her first race was to continue saying people’s names, and she aims to do the same with each race she runs.

Chambers said she now runs a race nearly every weekend. She is also a member of the Indianapolis Team RWB, a community of veterans, service members, military families and supporters that helps veterans lead healthier lives through fitness events, training and programs.

“Because of the suicides in my family, I try to be supportive of Team RWB and volunteer for its events and fundraising,” Chambers said. “I recently ran in the team’s Old Glory Relay carrying a flag flown in special operations over Iraq and Syria, then brought back to the United States. We’ve carried it for six states and 1,600 miles. The portion that I ran was from Carmel to Westfield.”

Chambers’ husband, Dr. Kelly Chambers, a retired physician, said Chambers now does through running what she once did as a nurse.

“She helps people,” Kelly said. “I (am) proud (to have been with her) at the fin-

“The thing I know about loss is that those people stay with you,” Chambers said. “At 73, I realize how precious and short life is. I can’t do anything about suicide or when there are military killed in action or the things that happen to our police officers, but I can be a love and a light and help those families remember that somebody still cares. Somebody still says their name.”

Chambers will return to the site of her first race June 2 to compete in the Crown Hill Cemetery half marathon.

HONORING AARON SMITH

Linda Callaway Chambers competed in the One America 500 Festival Mini-Marathon May 4, where she honored fallen Indiana State Police Trooper Aaron Smith, who died June 28, 2023.

Chambers received the Heart of a Hero award at the Concerns of Police Survivors Ball March 2 of this year. At the ceremony, she met Smith’s wife, Megan.

“I knew she was pretty young and athletic, and I planned to honor Aaron, anyways, so I had her do the race with me,” Chambers said.

The two were surprised with an escort from two Grant County sheriff’s deputies, who also carried the department’s flag while Chambers carried an American flag.

ON THE COVER: Linda Callaway Chambers at the Team RWB Old Glory Relay. (Photo courtesy of Linda Callaway Chambers)

Linda Callaway Chambers walks in the May 4 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. (Photo courtesy of Linda Callaway Chambers)

Linda Callaway Chambers, right, and her husband Dr. Kelly Chambers at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department Community Foundation Heroes Run 5K. (Photo courtesy of Linda Callaway Chambers)

READERS’ VIEWS

I have called Northview Church home for the last 15 years. From attending church there while I was single, through today now married with three kids, it has provided immense positivity in my life. All three of our kids have attended pre-school there, and we could not have asked for better teachers who cared for our kids, had a passion for teaching and a passion for

There has been publicity as of late not shedding a positive light on the church, and while stories deserve to be told, they should not overshadow what the church has done for our local community and world over the past 40 years. My family’s personal stories that are attributed to the opportunities Northview has provided us are endless. From making lifelong friendships, serving together at multiple functions as a family or individuals, and attending amazing worship services, Northview

holds a special place for my family, and I know hundreds of others.

My motivation in writing this is because the church, Northview especially in my experience, is still the best place for hope, relationships and outreach to the community and world. The serving that goes on from GO Trips, Dollar Club (please check this one out), prison ministry, global partnerships with organizations like World Vision, Filter of Hope, etc., is endless. There are not many, if any, local entities that have the resources and the individuals willing to step up without expecting anything in return like the local church, and in my personal experience, Northview provides. My goal is that this brief note provides a different perspective to people jaded with the church, especially after the recent publication.

Shane Kelly, Carmel

currentnightandday.com

Center schedule includes familiar names, different genres

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Center for the Performing Arts’ 2024-25 schedule includes a mix of familiar names of classical, pops, rock, jazz and country performers.

“It’s the most artists we’ve announced at this point of the season, I believe, with right around 60 performances,” Center for the Performing Arts President/CEO Jeffrey McDermott said. “We’ve left space for eight to 10 more to be added through the season as other artists go out on tour and we have the opportunity to get them booked. We’re really excited that it’s a diverse lineup of genres and artists. There is clearly going to be something for everyone. I think we have some great headliners in each genre. There are some artists that are household names, some artists who are up and coming. There are great recognizable names in every single category.”

McDermott said he has artists and genres he likes more than others.

“I go back to my ’60s and ‘70s roots and I was a big fan of The Monkees,” McDermott said. “We’re excited about getting Micky Dolenz, the last living Monkee.”

Dolenz will perform April 25, 2025, with songs and stories from his days with The Monkees.

Most of the performances are set for the Palladium, with a few at The Tarkington.

McDermott said Grand Funk Railroad (Oct. 19), Welcome Back: The Return of Emerson, Lake & Palmer (March 21, 2025) and Pure Prairie League (April 5, 2025) are cool additions.

“Leslie Odom Jr. has been on our list for a long time, and we are really excited to bring him in (Nov. 22),” McDermott said. “We have some people coming in for a second and third time. We have people like Dave Koz, who are just traditions for us. It wouldn’t be the holidays without Dave Koz and Friends.”

Dave Koz’s “Christmas Tour” is set for Dec. 13. Holiday concerts also include The Four Phantoms: “Holiday Show” (Dec. 6); Jane Lynch’s “A Swingin’ Little Christmas” (Dec. 7) and Jon McLaughlin & Friends: “Home for the Holidays” (Dec. 14)

“Jon McLaughlin is an Indiana favorite with his roots here,” McDermott said. “We’ve had him a couple times and had him in the Palladium last year and sold it out quickly. He may be the next tradition brewing because people just love him. He brings great artistry and friends, but he’s just a great show person. He relates and connects with the audience.”

Great American Songbook Foundation Hall of Famer Dionne Warwick will perform Nov. 24 in her first full concert at the Palladium.

“Dionne has been here for two (‘Center Presents’) galas and people loved her,” McDermott said. “She’s a legend. She puts on a great show and has so many hits of her own.”

McDermott said it’s great to have two classical legends in the 2025 portion of the schedule with Chinese pianist Lang Lang (March 18) and Itzhak Perlman (April 17).

“We always feel fortunate to have one artist of their caliber in a season, but to have both of them in the same season is a real coup for us,” McDermott said.

McDermott said the Center is trying to add some comedy shows.

“I think you can count on shows we add will have some comedy,” McDermott

said. “I’m personally a big fan of comedy. I love bringing comedy here. It sells really well.”

There will be several tribute shows with Leonid & Friends: The Music of Chicago (Sept. 27), and Space Oddity: The Quintessential David Bowie Tribute Experience (Oct. 26). In 2025, tribute acts include Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience (Jan. 18); The Evolution of Joni Mitchell starring Lauren Fox (Jan. 24); Folsom Prison Experience: Legendary 1968 Johnny Cash Concert (Feb. 15); The Kings of Queen (Feb. 1); and Brooklyn Charmers: A Steely Dan Tribute (March 7).

“We don’t do too many tribute shows, but when we try to bring in the top tribute bands around, typically (they’re featuring) artists who are not performing or not with us anymore,” he said.

Ben Folds will bring his “Paper Airplane Request Tour” to the Palladium Oct. 10. Other 2025 performers include Mac McAnally (Jan. 10) and Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives (May 1).

The Center Celebration featuring trumpeter and composer Chris Botti is set for Sept. 21.

“I always tell people programming a season is part art, part science and part luck,” McDermott said. “You have to find the right artist touring at the right time with a date you have available and at a price that works. When all those stars align, we get them.”

For a full list of the schedule, visit youarecurrent.com.

‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” runs May 23 to July 7 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

The Freeform Concert Series features Katie Peterson with Anana Kaye and Omega Defern May 22; “Deceptions: An Evening of Magic and Friends” is set for May 23; and Josh Merrit May 24 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’ Indiana Ballet Conservatory presents “The Phantom of the Opera” at 4 and 7 p.m. May 25 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianaballetconservatory.org.

LUMINARIES: ‘VISUAL ARTS AND OPERA’

The Luminaries series features Lyndsay Moy discussing “Visual Arts and Opera” at 2 p.m. May 28 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $10. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

ROCK THE RUINS

The Decemberists will perform at 7 p.m. May 23 as part of the Rock the Ruins concert series at Holliday Park in Indianapolis. For more, visit rocktheruins.com.

DISPATCH

Dennen’s concert set at NDP Amphitheater — The Nickel Plate District Amphitheater and MOKB Presents announced that singer-songwriter Brett Dennen will perform an Aug. 24 concert at the Fishers venue. Tickets for the show were scheduled to go on sale May 17. Dennen’s show is part of the venue’s annual summer concert series that also includes an Aug. 23 performance by Niko Moon. Dennen’s next release, “See The World,” is due out July 23 on Mick Music. For ticketed shows, the venue is an all-ages facility and children 2 and under are admitted free. Guests can bring their own lawn chair and blankets. For more, visit npdamp.com.

Dionne Warwick will perform Nov. 24 at the Palladium.

(Photos courtesy of the Center for the Performing Arts)

Violinist Itzhak Perlman’s concert is set for April 17, 2025.

Micky Dolenz, the last living member of The Monkees, will perform April 25, 2025, with songs and stories from his days with the band.

SONGBOOK ACADEMY IN CONCERT

SATURDAY, JULY 20 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

AVERAGE WHITE BAND: A FUNK FINALE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

JEROME COLLINS: REWIND–A JOURNEY TO MOTOWN & BEYOND FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

VERONICA SWIFT

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

CENTER CELEBRATION 2024

FEATURING CHRIS BOTTI

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM

NICK CARTER: WHO I AM TOUR

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

LEONID & FRIENDS: THE MUSIC OF CHICAGO AND MORE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DAMIEN ESCOBAR: VICTORY LAP TOUR

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BEN FOLDS: PAPER AIRPLANE REQUEST TOUR

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

#IMOMSOHARD: LADIES’ NIGHT!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

SPACE ODDITY: THE QUINTESSENTIAL

DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DANA & GREG NEWKIRK’S HAUNTED OBJECTS LIVE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON

VITAMIN STRING QUARTET: THE MUSIC OF TAYLOR SWIFT, BRIDGERTON AND BEYOND

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

ZAKIR HUSSAIN & RAHUL SHARMA

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BONEY JAMES

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE MAGIC OF MICHAEL GRANDINETTI EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 AT 2PM & 8PM THE TARKINGTON

GRUPO NICHE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE PIANO GUYS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 AT 4PM & 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BUCKETS N BOARDS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM

AN EVENING WITH LESLIE ODOM JR. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

CANADIAN BRASS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DIONNE WARWICK SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

CHERRY POPPIN’ DADDIES: WWII TIKI XMAS CANTEEN

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE FOUR PHANTOMS: HOLIDAY SHOW FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

JANE LYNCH’S A SWINGIN’

LITTLE CHRISTMAS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR 2024 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

MAC MCANALLY

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

YESTERDAY AND TODAY:

THE INTERACTIVE BEATLES EXPERIENCE

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE EVOLUTION OF JONI MITCHELL

STARRING LAUREN FOX FRIDAY, JANUARY 24 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

HEART OF AFGHANISTAN

FEATURING THE FANOOS ENSEMBLE SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE KINGS OF QUEEN SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

PETER SAGAL: HOST OF NPR’S WAIT WAIT...DON’T TELL ME! FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

FOLSOM PRISON EXPERIENCE: LEGENDARY 1968 JOHNNY CASH CONCERT SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH STEVE WARINER

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

KALANI PE’A: GRAMMY-WINNING SINGER, SONGWRITER SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DON WAS & THE PAN DETROIT ENSEMBLE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE STEPCREW FRIDAY, MARCH 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BROOKLYN CHARMERS: A STEELY DAN TRIBUTE FRIDAY, MARCH 7 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

WELCOME BACK: THE RETURN OF EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER FRIDAY, MARCH 21 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DUSTBOWL REVIVAL: A LAUREL CANYON RETROSPECTIVE FRIDAY, MARCH 21 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

THE RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS SUNDAY, MARCH 23 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON

GRIMMZ FAIRY TALES SUNDAY, MARCH 23 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM

LANG LANG FRIDAY, MARCH 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE

SATURDAY, APRIL 5 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

UNITED STATES ARMY FIELD BAND & SOLDIERS’ CHORUS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN SATURDAY, APRIL 12 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BACHELORS OF BROADWAY: GENTLEMEN OF THE THEATRE SUNDAY, APRIL 13 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

ITZHAK PERLMAN IN RECITAL THURSDAY, APRIL 17 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

MICKY DOLENZ OF THE MONKEES: AN EVENING OF SONGS & STORIES FRIDAY, APRIL 25 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BLACK VIOLIN

SATURDAY, APRIL 26 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

OUR PLANET LIVE: A NETFLIX ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY SERIES WITH DAN TAPSTER TUESDAY, APRIL 29 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

MARTY STUART AND HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES

THURSDAY, MAY 1 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

CELEBRATE THE SONGBOOK: MICHAEL FEINSTEIN WITH THE INDIANAPOLIS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SATURDAY, MAY 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

iLUMINATE SUNDAY, MAY 11 AT 4PM | THE PALLADIUM

RENEE ELISE GOLDSBERRY

NICK CARTER

GRUPO NICHE LESLIE ODOM JR.

PETER SAGAL LANG LANG

BLACK VIOLIN MARTY STUART

Indy Opera to celebrate legacy

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The main theme of Indianapolis Opera’s 50th season is celebrating legacy and alumni.

MUSIC

“The legacy are the families that from the beginning started the company and those who have come along through three or four generations of supporters,” said David Starkey, who has been the Indianapolis Opera general director since 2016. “They are very key civic leaders and families, and the desire to have a world-class city is the desire to have a world-class opera and symphony and all those kinds of institutions. Then you come along with the alumni. You have two iconic leaders, Bob Driver in the ‘80s who went on to take Opera Philadelphia and was a legend in the opera world, followed by the era of (artistic director) Jim Caraher. There are singers who got their start here or really developed their career in Indianapolis. That’s one of the biggest emphasis of our event.”

Indy Opera will reunite with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for the 50th Anniversary Legacy Gala Concert at 7:30 p.m. March 22, 2025, at the Hilbert Circle Theater in Indianapolis.

“We will have all those legends coming back, not only the artistic leaders but the famous and world-renowned singers who have been on our stage,” Starkey said.

The 2024-25 season will open with Opera in the Park at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7, a free event at MacAllister Amphitheater at Garfield Park in Indianapolis.

“The Barber of Seville” is set for Nov. 15-17 at The Tarkington in Carmel. Starkey said “The Barber of Seville” was the first Indianapolis Opera show at The Tarkington in 2016. Starkey was the production director for that presentation before taking the general director post later that year.

Following the concert, there will be a debut production of “West Side Story” May 9-11, 2025, at the Bicentennial Pavilion at the Indianapolis Zoo.

For more, visit indyopera.org.

Starkey

Beef & Boards cast off to Oz

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Elizabeth Stark Payne went through a phase of repeatedly watching “The Wizard of Oz” as a youngster.

MUSICAL

“This was the only VHS (recording) that my grandparents had at their home when we went for holidays, and while the adults were all in the kitchen, laughing and playing cards or talking, us kids would watch it on repeat back in the middle bedroom,” Payne said. “I never got bored of this movie. I love that my kids are starting to go through the same phase now, although it has to contend with TikTok now.”

to stray too far from those images in people’s minds but would still like to bring it along with us into new, fun visions. I also want to keep it fresh for the kids and adults alike. Our family-friendly shows have something for everyone.”

Payne said the show has a nice mix of cast members who have performed at Beef & Boards and some who are newcomers.

Payne will direct Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz,” which runs May 23 to July 7 at the Indianapolis venue.

“My biggest challenge with a show like this is keeping it fresh,” Payne said. “People come expecting the same nostalgia and feelings they got when they first watched the movie. We don’t want

“I have several cast members that I’ve had the pleasure of working with a lot over these last several years, (and) some, like Ty (Stover), who I’ve known since I was a child, and others that I will be meeting for the first time in person on our first rehearsal day,” Payne said. “It’s always nice to welcome new people into the Beef & Boards family.”

Payne said the adult cast is normal size.

“But once you add in all those cute Munchkins, it is a pretty large cast for us,” Payne said. “We are utilizing several Munchkins in shorter contracts.”

For more, visit beefandboards.com.

Payne

Visiting the Valley of the Kings

Commentary by Don Knebel

In our continuing tour of Egypt, we visit the Valley of the Kings, containing at least 65 royal tombs, including that of Tutankhamen.

TRAVEL

By about 1500 B.C., Egyptians had either forgotten how to build pyramids or had concluded that they were too easy to rob. So, they began burying the pharaohs and their families, along with other important Egyptians, in a valley on the west bank of the Nile River near the modern city of Luxor, called Thebes by ancient Egyptians. The site was apparently selected because of the large pyramid-shaped rock overlooking the valley. The area’s soft limestone allowed workers to dig sloping shafts extending hundreds of feet to underground burial chambers enclosing a giant stone sarcophagus. Along all the walls and ceilings, artisans painted scenes of the pharaoh’s life and life with the gods, some intended to give the pharaoh help with questions asked at the final judgment. The pharaoh’s earthly possessions were buried with him (or her) for later use if, as

expected, he survived that judgment.

To prevent looting, the entrances to the tombs were scattered and concealed behind tons of limestone. But the camouflage did not work, and the tombs were systematically raided. Raiders eventually found and looted all but the tomb of Tutankhamen, who had died at age 19 after a very short reign. Tutankhamen’s small tomb, discovered in 1922, included both the king’s mummy and about 3,500 items of gold and other rich materials.

Only about 20 of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings held mummies of pharaohs. Today, about 18 tombs are open to the public on a rotating basis. The finest is the elaborately decorated tomb of Pharaoh Seti I. The most popular tomb is that of King Tut, which, unlike all the others, includes his mummy.

Don Knebel is a local resident. For the full column visit donknebel.com. You may contact him at editorial@ youarecurrent.com.

Valley of the Kings near Luxor, Egypt. (Photos by Don Knebel)

Tomb of Pharaoh Seti I.

Across

1. Medical setback

8. IND safety org.

11. Green prefix

14. Impersonate

15. Non-Rx

16. Nile snake

17. Drinking fountain, to a Hoosier?

18. Classic shoe style

20. Hoosier National Forest tree

21. Direct to a specialist

22. Colts second-stringers

25. Raggedy Ann, e.g.

26. Comfort

30. Captain Nemo’s vessel

33. Pops out, as a DVD

35. “___ the ramparts...”

36. Taunts

38. Ahead by a point

39. Heavy rainstorm, to a Hoosier?

42. Hard guy to find in kids’ books

44. Hammerin’ Hank

45. IndyGo vehicle

48. Eye makeup

50. Metal craftsman

52. Electrician’s supply

53. Very long time

55. Frozen treat

56. Wanderer

58. LPs’ successors

60. Flying Wham-O toy

63. “Did you eat, yet?” to a Hoosier?

67. Secluded spot

68. Annoy

69. Taking a sabbatical

70. Fine, to NASA

71. Radiator sound

72. Everlasting Down

1. City Barbeque bit 2. Ostrich kin

3. Ad-___ (improvise)

4. If all goes well

5. Gloomy atmosphere

6. Flower part

7. Always, poetically

8. Waterpark accessory

9. Suppress

10. Skin woe

11. Have a tenderloin at Mash House

12. CBS forensic franchise

13. Pos., to neg.

19. Bloomfield’s county

21. Scented splash

22. ___-cone

23. OPEC member

24. Cause for alarm?

25. 43rd prez, informally

27. Bitterly harsh

28. Alphabet run

29. Mentalist’s claim

31. Arctic house

32. Diminutive, in rap

names

34. Papa ___ Pizza

37. Hindu garments

40. Fair Oaks Farms milk dispensers

41. Mama’s boy

42. U-turn from ENE

43. Tuna type

46. Eiteljorg Museum tribe

47. Seashell seller

49. Is undecided

51. Man’s title

54. Tech whizzes

57. Kimono sashes

58. Lincoln’s coin

59. Proofreader’s notation

60. Lilly watchdog org.

61. ___ Speedwagon

62. Current printer’s need

63. Mayor Hogsett

64. MLK birthday month

65. Actress Mendes

66. ___ Aviv

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