Take advantage of early bird pricing to save $5 on your ticket through the start of the show!
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
ARE YOU COMING TO HOME-A-RAMA?
BAGI IS PROUD TO PRESENT SEVERAL SPECIAL EVENTS
Realtor Day
September 13th | 10am-2pm
Calling all Realtors! Join us for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at each show home on the 2024 Centier Bank Home-A-Rama. Tickets will be discounted and limited to Realtors only.
Ticket Cost: $10
September 19th | 4pm-6pm
This is a fan-favorite event with a twist! Join us as we tour each of the five custom homes of this year’s HomeA-Rama, enjoy some wine and hors d’oeuvres and hear directly from the interior designers of each showcase home to learn about the latest trends, inspiration behind their show home, and more.
Ticket Cost: $55 (includes food and drink)
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW
THREE WEEKENDS
THURSDAY - SUNDAY
SEPT. 12–15, SEPT. 19 – 22 & SEPT. 26 – 29
HOMETOWN HEROES
September 26th | All Day
Join us at this year’s Home-A-Rama for a special celebratory event honoring our hometown heroes. To show our appreciation, veterans, first responders, military personnel, healthcare workers, and teachers can enjoy 20% off the general admission ticket price. These unsung heroes are the heart of our community, and we thank you!
Ticket Cost: $20
Use code “Early Bird” to take advantage of early bird pricing to save $5 on your ticket through the start of the show!*
Early bird pricing ends 9/11 at 11:59 pm.
About us
Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XV, No. 50
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Current Publishing, LLC
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Puccini’s Pizza Pasta Puccini’s
Southwest corner of 116th & I-69
Panel addresses the future of Noblesville
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville Main Street presented the 2024 Downtown Summit Aug. 16. The summit featured a panel of Noblesville officials who discussed how new initiatives, programs and developments will impact the city’s future.
CITY NEWS
The panel consisted of Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen; Noblesville Community Engagement Manager Aaron Head; Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt; Noblesville Common Councilmember Aaron Smith; Visit Hamilton County Director of Community Engagement Sarah Buckner; Noblesville Creates Executive Director Ailithir McGill; Noblesville Chamber of Commerce CEO/President Bob Dubois; and Noblesville Main Street Executive Director Kate Baker.
Kurt Meyer, a Realtor for F.C. Tucker Co., moderated the event.
NEW BUSINESSES
Some attendees announced plans to open new businesses, including Lisa Wampler, her husband Chris Wampler, her sister Sharon Beard and her sister’s husband Chris Beard. They announced they will open a restaurant and bar at 841 Conner St. by the end of the year.
“Our restaurant is going to be called Bar Ellis, which, actually, L and S stands for little sis for two sisters doing it together,” Wampler said. “We will do classic entrees, appetizers, all-American cuisine and delicious desserts. We (will also) have some specialty vegan and vegetarian items which we felt were lacking a little bit in this area.”
Another new business announced at the event is Chapter Book Lounge, a bookstore and bar that Brooke Heffernan and Jen Todderud will own.
“We’ll have programming, community-led book clubs, reading retreats and theme nights,” Todderud said. “We should be open by the end of September.”
INFRASTRUCTURE
Reimagine Pleasant Street is a multiyear
initiative designed to improve east-west connectivity and accessibility for the city. Jensen said Phase 1, which started in 2020, will be completed next month.
“We are going to do a party on Pleasant, which is going to be an open party for all of you, all the neighbors and the (entire) community,” Jensen said. “On Sept. 26, there will be a few vendors and live music and a chance to see the beautiful artwork in the murals because it’s not just a road; it is genuinely a corridor with trails and artwork on it. Then we will open that road from River Road to Eighth Street.”
Heirbrandt discussed plans for expanding the Government and Judicial Center and said options are still being explored.
“I think we have five magistrates and seven judges currently in place, and they are saying that we’re going to need five to seven more judges because we have the highest caseload in the entire state for judges right now,” Heirbrandt said.
ARTS DISTRICT
McGill touched on the future of the Noblesville Cultural Arts District, which includes strengthening the partnership between Noblesville Creates and the Hamilton County Artist Association and reviving past events, such as the singer-songwriter series, which celebrates local singer-song-
writers who make original work.
McGill said there also will be an Arts Crawl from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 12 through the cultural district.
“This first pilot event is going to give us lots of data and lots of experience to grow and make sure that all of our downtown events leverage everything we learned from this so that we can send people from place to place, and also start highlighting and getting folks excited about new businesses and getting new ideas about what we need in our downtown,” McGill said.
DESIGNATED OUTDOOR REFRESHMENT AREA
Head discussed the recently approved Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, an area where patrons 21 and older can purchase alcoholic beverages in marked containers from participating establishments and carry them within the district.
“We have 15 participating restaurants downtown,” Head said. “We look at (the DORA) as an economic development tool and it’s a great tool for tourism efforts as well.”
Jensen expects the DORA to be a boost for the city.
“There were some misconceptions out there early on of what DORA is. This is done as a way to promote economic business, and do it in a very safe, controlled way,” he said.
Head said the city wants to activate the DORA in early September with a soft opening.
STATE OF THE CITY
Dubois announced that the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce will present the State of the City address from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 17.
“We’re doing something unique with the State of the City where for one time only the mayor is going to be live on stage at Ruoff (Music Center in Noblesville),” Dubois said. “It’s (the community’s) chance to see behind the scenes at Ruoff and hear cool things (happening) in the city. It is going to be a cultural immersion experience as well.”
Noblesville Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Bob Dubois speaks at the Downtown Summit Aug. 16. (Photo courtesy of Robert Herrington)
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: KING LEAR
SEPTEMBER 18-21 | 7:30PM FEDERAL HILL COMMONS
Saturdays – Farmers Market, 8AM-Noon, Federal Hill Commons
09/06 – First Friday: Friday Night Lights, 4-8PM, Downtown Square
09/14 – Noblesville Brewfest, 3-7PM, Federal Hill Commons
09/14 – Music and All that Jazz: Moontown Pickle Stompers, 5-7PM, Courthouse Lawn
09/14 – Concert at the Commons: Chicago Hi Infidelity (80s Rock), 7-10PM, Federal Hill Commons
09/21 – Historic Home Tour, 10AM-5PM, Noblesville Main Street
09/22 – NCAC Band Concert: New Horizons Band, 6:30PM, Federal Hill Commons
09/26 – Noblesville Flower Market, 5-8PM, Seminary Park
09/28 – Concert at the Commons: Chicago Rewired (Chicago Tribute), 7-10PM, Federal Hill Commons
Council approves amendments
By Jessica Todd • jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Noblesville Common Council approved several amendments related to city fees and developments during its Aug. 13 meeting. The next common council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at 16 S. 10th St. in Noblesville.
What happened: The council unanimously voted to amend the city’s wastewater and trash fee ordinances to set rates for the next four years.
What it means: Deputy Mayor Matt Light said the trash fee has been in place since 2020 and that the new rates negotiated with Republic Services, a waste disposal company, are “competitive.” The trash fee increased to $15.55 monthly, a $1.70 increase. Jonathan Mirgeaux, Noblesville utilities director, said the utilities department is dealing with inflation pressures and rising construction costs. The previous wastewater cost, which has been in place since 2020, was $46.13. The rate will rise to $53.28. The combined increase between the sewage and trash is $8.85 per month. For more, visit noblesville. in.gov/utilities.
What’s next: The rates will go into effect Sept. 1
What happened: The council approved an amendment to update the preliminary development plan for commercial lots within the Promenade Planned Development.
What it means: Noblesville Senior Planner Amy Steffans presented updates to the plan, initially adopted in 2006 for 153 acres adjacent to the northeast intersection of Ind. 32 and Little Chicago Road. The most recent addition to the development is the Meijer Grocery Store, which opened this summer. The amendment is for three outlots that have yet to be developed. Steffans said an amendment was adopted in 2008 that added restaurants to the list of permitted uses for the area, but a limit was put on drive-thru windows. The approved amendment allows for an additional drive-thru.
open house
Tournament helps youth
By Conrad Otto conrad@youarecurrent.com
The Noblesville Kiwanis Service Club hosted its Pickleball Extravaganza fundraiser Aug. 17 at Forest Park in Noblesville to raise funds for the Noblesville Boys & Girls Club.
PICKLEBALL
The occasion, which raised $2,000, marked the second year the Kiwanis Club has held a fundraiser for a local children’s charity. Last year, proceeds benefited Riley Hospital for Children.
Kiwanis Club President and Noblesville Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Becky Terry said she wanted to find new ways to bring awareness to kids in the community.
“Noblesville and Hamilton County are amazing,” Terry said. “There’s such a diverse and strong network of nonprofits who all work together to make sure families have what they need to be successful, and what children need to have bright futures.”
Kiwanis Club member David Burns participated in the tournament both years. He said pickleball attracts a lot of people
because of its rising popularity.
“We did it last year and people gave us really good feedback,” Burns said. “If you can do it and have fun, that’s the goal. It’s just fun to watch people play. It’s competitive.”
Kiwanis allowed children from the Key Club to participate as ball boys and girls as a way to simulate a competitive environment. Kids were lined up on the net waiting to retrieve a ball.
For more, visit facebook.com/ Noblesvillenoonkiwanis.
Becky Terry plays alongside her teammate TJ Houghtalen. (Photo by Conrad Otto)
Superintendent reviews survey
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
At the Noblesville Schools Board of Trustees meeting Aug. 20, Noblesville Schools Superintendent
EDUCATION
Dan Hile shared results from a community survey that was conducted in May.
“We really wanted to check in with our community to get some input on a variety of topics that have been on our minds,” Hile said. “The data was collected with the intent that it will be used to inform our district strategic planning.”
Marnie Cooke, executive director of marketing and communications, said the survey had more than 3,000 adult respondents, including parents, employees and Noblesville residents. Approximately 2,600 middle and high school students also provided feedback.
On the role of educating students “for the world of tomorrow,” Cooke said 94 percent of respondents said the district was meeting or exceeding their expectations –up from 86 percent in 2022.
Student respondents reflected on how
well teachers and staff teach, how safe they felt at school and if they felt they belong or have a sense of community. Students also cited real-world learning as one of the most important parts of their education.
“There were three big things that resonated with me,” Hile said. “Overall, our com munity told us they are pleased with the work we are doing at Noblesville Schools. It (appears) some of our older community members (who) don’t have students in the schools have some concerns or maybe mis understandings about school finances. And our community really prioritizes real-world learning, internships and career development over standardized test scores.”
Hile said the school’s strategic plan will be shared with the community in late October.
As a continuation of the survey, the district will hold a listening session later this month.
The session will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 29 at 1779 Field Dr. in Noblesville.
RSVP for the listening session at tinyurl. com/c44zasc4.
Find Current in Noblesviile Managing Editor Jessica Todd from 10 a.m. to Noon each Friday at Debbie’s Daughters Bakery & Cafe, 1236 Conner St., Suite 100, Noblesville. Suggest story ideas, ask questions and learn more about Current in Noblesville. For more, email jessica@youarecurrent.com.
Salsa on the Square returns
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The fourth annual Salsa on the Square returns to downtown Noblesville from 6 to 11 p.m. Aug. 30 on Logan Street. The ticketed event for people 21 and older includes food trucks, a cocktail garden, salsa lessons by Latin Expressions Dance Co. and live music by DJ Mambo Sound. Tickets are $12 and will be on sale until the event.
DANCE
A collaboration between Noblesville Main Street and Noble Coffee, the night will feature cocktails from Noble Coffee, including classics like margaritas, gin and tonics, and more. Nonalcoholic options also will be available.
Robyn Wilson, owner of Noble Coffee, said the event is an opportunity for people to learn about salsa dancing and Latin culture.
“It is even fun for people that aren’t going to dance just to get to be exposed to different kinds of dance,” Wilson said. “This year, we added a photo booth option, which prints out photos with the salsa logo. We also have some local food ven-
dors, such as 9th Street Bistro and Latin Griller, participating this year.”
Noblesville Main Street Executive Director Kate Baker said she enjoys seeing the community explore Latin culture each year.
“One of the things that I love so much about this event is that Noblesville Main Street strives to have representation of all of Noblesville, and Noblesville has a Latin population,” Baker said. “It’s really neat to have an event that celebrates that culture in such an intentional and celebratory way.”
For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/2zvjudkd.
Visitors line Logan St. at the 2023 Salsa on the Square. (Photo courtesy of Robyn Wilson)
COMMUNITY
NOBLEVILLE SEPTEMBER CALENDAR
CRAFT CIRCLE
Options Noblesville will offer a free evening of coloring, painting, knitting and more from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at Options Schools Noblesville Campus, 9945 Cumberland Pointe Blvd. RSVP at facebook.com/ events/1155433402421409.
WEED WRANGLE
Join the fight to rid the community of invasive plants that pose a threat to the environment. Restore the ecological health of the prairie at Bray Family Homestead Park in Noblesville, 4528 Ind. 38, from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 14. For more, visit hcinvasives. org/weedwrangle.html.
MARKETPLACE
Indiana Grown is hosting a free event connecting Indiana Grown members and their products to Hoosier consumers. The Indiana Grown Marketplace is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds in Noblesville, 2003 Pleasant St. The event will feature local producers & artisans.
RISE FEST
RISE Fest will feature wine, beer, food, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and live music from eight different bands throughout the day from noon to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Spencer Farm in Noblesville, 7177 E. 161st St. The free all-day music festival will donate 100 percent of donations and proceeds to Hamilton County nonprofits. For more, visit millionairefinancialcoach.com/rise-fest-2024.
BREWFEST
Noblesville Brewfest & Wine Garden is Hamilton County’s beer, wine and spirits sampling event. The 2024 event returns to Noblesville Forest Park, 701 Cicero Rd., from 3 to 7 p.m. Sept. 14. The event includes unlimited sampling of beers, a wine garden, local distilleries, food vendors, live music and more. Tickets are $42.50 and can be purchased at event.ontaptickets.com/ events/noblesville-brewfest-2024-9-14-2024.
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK
The Noblesville Cultural Arts Commission’s 32nd annual production of Shakespeare in the Park, the longest running production in central Indiana, will be at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18-21 at Federal Hill Commons in Noblesville, 175 Logan St. King Lear will be performed in the amphitheater and admission is free. For more, visit noblesvillearts.org.
Invest HC expands initiatives Spooner debuts fall market
news@currentnoblesville.com
Invest Hamilton County drives workforce development solutions in Hamilton County by expanding career pathway development, training and resources provided to justice-involved, mental health and recovery populations throughout Hamilton County, according to the organization.
EMPLOYMENT
Invest Hamilton County officials said they plan to expand the programs this year with new property maintenance courses to help place participants into high-demand maintenance occupations across the community.
“Hamilton County is a place where people dream big. Some people need more help taking the first step forward to accomplish those dreams,” stated Mike Thibideau, president and CEO of Invest Hamilton County. “We can’t take the step forward for them, but we can pave the road to make it easier to see a path.”
Thibideau said the initiatives have been life-changing for those involved, including for people like InvestOnward program par-
ticipant Tiffany Jacobs.
Jacobs participated in a program that works with people to establish career goals and enter the hospitality industry. Jacobs now works at the front desk at Fairfield Inn in Carmel and will soon be promoted to sales manager.
According to Thibideau, Jacobs learned about the program through Aspire Indiana Health, where she participated in sobriety and therapy programs. She’d had difficulty finding a job because of a felony background. But through the training program and working with an employment coach, Jacobs was able to find employment.
“The program and the instructors were amazing,” Jacobs stated. “They really helped me get ready for a hotel career and what to expect. The program helped me get my foot in the door to build a career where the hours and job makes me proud and able to be an independent single mom.”
Thibideau said InvestOnward also supports other courses and events to help underemployed populations.
For more, visit investhamiltoncounty. com/initiatives/investonward.
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Spooner Markets, which helps foster the growth of small businesses while promoting local shopping and DIY crafting, will hold its first Fall Festival Market from 1 to 6 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Noblesville, 2003 Pleasant St.
SHOPPING
Sherry Spooner, founder of Spooner Markets, said the festival, featuring indoor and outdoor vendors, will spotlight junior entrepreneurs, who will sell a variety of their own products.
“The junior entrepreneurs are hardworking, great kids. I wanted to try and help them out by giving them a special focus at the market,” Spooner said. “The junior entrepreneurs will not have to compete against each other to sell items. Other small businesses may be selling similar products, but the juniors will have a fair shot when selling a wide range of items. One thing I try to do at Spooner Markets is have a lot of variety for my vendors, so they’ll do well. And then for our shoppers,
there is also that variety for them.”
Guests will have opportunities to take photos at a fall photo booth, shop for fallthemed items, enjoy food and treats from several food trucks and browse garden and home goods. Vino Wine Bar and Epic Coffee will also be on-site.
Spooner, who is presenting her first fall market, said she looks forward helping small businesses connect with the community.
“When people come to the market, they will find things they cannot find anywhere else and not walk away empty-handed,” Spooner said.
Admission to the market is $3. For more, visit spoonermarkets.com/fall-festival-market.
The Fall Festival Market will have indoor and outdoor vendors. (Photo courtesy of Sherry Spooner)
LIGHT ON THEIR FEET
Annual Dancing with Our Stars to benefit Meals on Wheels Hamilton County
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The 10th annual Dancing with Our Stars returns to the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Noblesville, 13700 Conference Center Dr., from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 5.
All proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels Hamilton County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit governed by a volunteer board of directors that delivers more than 200 meals daily, including breakfasts, freezer meals, cold lunches and hot meals, to the elderly, people with disabilities or who are homebound and people suffering from chronic illnesses.
This year, to celebrate the event’s 10th anniversary, the theme is “Decades.” Dancers will showcase styles from the 1930s through the 2010s. Guests are encouraged to dress according to their favorite decade.
Beth Gehlhausen, executive director of Meals on Wheels Hamilton County, looks forward to the event.
“Every year just keeps getting better and better,” Gehlhausen said. “The level of commitment, along with the wow factor demonstrated by our dancing couples, is always off the charts and will completely mesmerize the crowd.”
Gehlhausen said local professional dancers are paired with some of Hamilton County’s “most-recognizable” residents, competing to be named Dancing with Our Stars Champions 2024. Audience members also can vote for their favorite dancer or dancers to win the night’s People’s Choice Award.
“We have some special tricks up our sleeves for our 10th-year event,” Gehlhausen said. “The professional dancers are working hard to bring out the very best in each of our celebrity dancers.”
This year’s professional dancers are Rob Jenkins, Scott Shook, Adam Trogdlen, Ed Godby-Schwab, Natasha Cox, Yulia Shook, Diana Miller, Olga Cansino and Kristen Motz. Gehlhausen said Hamilton County’s “celebrity” dancers are chosen based on suggestions from past dancers and people who committee members know, among other methods.
“At the end of the day, what we want to do is have people dance that want to, but it can also bring new people to the table,” Gehlhausen said. “We have had big-time extroverts, but we’ve also had some amazing introverts be spectacular. There are no real qualifications other than the willingness to want to dance and raise money for us. We have a suggested amount for each individual to raise, which is $10,000, and that is done through sponsorships and donations.”
Corby Thompson, a Fishers resident and 2021 participant, said the event was out of his comfort zone, but he “dove headfirst” into the competition.
“I just had an absolute blast. It was so much fun,” Thompson said. “During our last dress rehearsal, it struck me how much effort everyone put into making sure we
performed a good show and raised money for Meals on Wheels. It was impressive and I was proud to be a part of something that was a solid effort for a good cause. We’re all a little bit shy about taking that celebrity title, and people are reluctant to do it just because you’re putting yourself out there. But I just had fun with it and I encourage other people to do the same.”
This year’s Hamilton County “celebrities” are:
• Marti Brown – Mortgage lender at Fairway Independent Mortgage
• Melissa Carter – Owner of Balanced Health Clinic
• Linda Mylin – Certified health coach
• Kim Kerchval – Co-owner of Village Pizza
• Doug Pileri – Retired vice president and chairman of the board of Music for All
• Trevor Pike – Controls analyst for Freedom Mortgage
• Benji Lewis – Physical education teacher at Monon Trail Elementary
• Matt Rapp – Facilities director for Hamilton Southeastern
• Cameron Rivers – Esource Resources
Gehlhausen said the event is the largest fundraiser for Meals on Wheels Hamilton County.
“We were looking for an event that was kind of different, something that wasn’t a traditional gala but still gathered people together with the idea of raising awareness,” Gehlhausen said. “The cool thing is that every year there’s 10 new celebrities or people from the community who are dancing, which means we’re exposed to their family, friends and co-workers, which means every year, at least three-fourths of the people that attend are new to the event. So, we’re able to raise awareness and find friends that become donors on an ongoing basis. It’s a different
perspective that works well for us.”
The event has helped Meals on Wheels Hamilton County serve the growing number of people who need help with meals.
“What has absolutely exploded is the amount of food people are needing,” Gehlhausen said. “Ever since the (COVID-19 pandemic), people have been much more dependent on our program for all of their meals, or the majority of their meals. We’re giving hot and cold (meals) every day, plus frozen meals for the weekend. So, we’ve really seen an increase in the need for food and the amount of food needed to sustain nutritional needs. It’s been pretty incredible.”
Gehlhausen said her goal for this year’s event is to raise between $65,000 and $70,000.
“Every year is different. Last year, I had two dancers that were going head-to-head,” Gehlhausen said. “Between the two of them, they raised over $65,000. This year, we’ve got some people working really hard with their fundraising. So, it’s going to be really interesting.”
For more, visit mealsonwheelshc.org/dancing-with-ourstars. Tickets will be available until noon Aug. 29.
MEALS ON WHEELS HAMILTON COUNTY
Meals on Wheels Hamilton County, inside Riverview Health in Noblesville, delivers hot, cold and frozen meals to people in need throughout the county.
“The majority of the people, meaning about 60 percent of those we serve, are on some kind of financial assistance,” said Beth Gehlhausen, the organization’s executive director. “From us, Monday through Friday, people can get a hot and cold meal that’s brought to them by volunteers. So, we’re trying to make sure people have access to meals seven days a week to meet their nutritional needs, with our ultimate goal being to keep people as nutritionally healthy as possible.”
Gehlhausen said one of the organization’s greatest needs is volunteers to deliver meals.
“We have 19 routes that we send out every day for our hot and cold meals, and our frozen meals go out every Friday, and right now we have eight routes for that,” Gehlhausen said. “We really need to grow our volunteer base. Our call to action would be for people to attend our fundraising event, but also we’d love to find more people to drive for us.”
To volunteer, visit mealsonwheelshc.org.
ON THE COVER: Scott Shook and Debby Pileri dance at the 2023 Dancing with Our Stars event. (Photo courtesy of Beth Gehlhausen)
From left, Scott Shook, Debby Pileri, Olga Cancino and Alex Wolf at the 2023 Dancing with Our Stars event. (Photo courtesy of Beth Gehlhausen)
Fishers Blues Fest headliners follow fathers’ footsteps
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Bernard Allison was always taught not to copy other performers’ styles.
MUSIC
“Every song I do is my own spin,” Allison said. “My dad always said if you are going to do somebody’s music, you have to do it how you do it, not how it’s been done before. I’ve stuck to that strategy.”
Allison’s love for blues, however, did come from his late father, Chicago blues legend Luther Allison, who died at 58 in 1997.
Allison is the Sept. 1 headliner at the two-day 12th annual Fishers Blues Fest at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. Shemekia Copeland is the Aug. 31 headliner for the free festival. The hours are 4 to 10 p.m. each day.
Allison, 58, performed on one of his father’s live albums at age 13 and later toured as a member of his father’s band.
“This whole year is based on ‘Luther’s Blues’ and my previously recorded songs with my father,” Allison said. “Our set is combined with my last albums, pretty much all original songs. I do one cover, but pretty much Allison material.”
“Luther’s Blues,” which has 20 songs, was released earlier this year.
Allison was his father’s band leader for nearly three years.
“I just pick and choose which (songs) suit me,” he said. “I look for certain songs that I felt were overlooked as opposed to ones that everyone knows. We’re excited to have a blues party and meet some old fans and some new fans.”
This is the 30th anniversary of Ruf Records, the label for Allison and his father.
Prior to his Fishers appearance, Allison performed several concerts in Europe. He will return for a five-week tour of France starting in September.
“In the U.S., we’re mostly performing in the festival period between European tours,” he said. “There’s tons of clubs but over the years I’ve done them all. We
don’t drive anywhere. We fly everywhere.”
Like Allison, Copeland’s devotion to blues came from her father.
“My father was a great blues musician named Johnny Copeland, so I grew up with it,” she said.
Copeland, who lives in California, grew up in New York City and then spent 20 years in Chicago. Her songs often address social issues.
“I feel if you are going to make music, you should make good music that is good for the heart,” she said.
Copeland has been a blues fan since she was a child.
“Blues, gospel, soul, just American-roots music,” she said.
Copeland is releasing a new album, “Blame It On Eve,” Aug. 30. She will play some of that new music at the Blues Fest.
“Summer is always busy with the festivals,” she said. “We’re all running around. I travel year-round, but this is the busiest time. It’s a good time to see everyone at festivals, otherwise we’re missing each other. When you play at a big festival, you get to run into people you love.”
Copeland has five Grammy nominations for Best Contemporary Blues Album. She has been named Contemporary Blues Artist of the Year seven times.
Two songs she said she always must perform for her fans are “Ghetto Child” and “It’s 2 A.M.”
Copeland hosts a SiriusXM satellite radio show called “B.B. King’s Bluesville.”
Other announced Aug. 31 performers are Phillip-Michael Scales and Skelton & Rice. Other Sept. 1 performers are Jonathan Ellison and Buffalo Nichols. For more, visit npdamp.com.
‘MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Million Dollar Quartet” runs from Aug. 29 to Oct. 6 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Dueling Pianos presented by Brittany Brumfield and Baby Grand Entertainment is set for Aug. 30, followed by Eric Baker & Friends presents: Southern California in the ’70s Aug. 31 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE
Proud Tina: The Ultimate Tribute to Tina Turner is set for Aug. 30, followed by The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute Aug. 31 at Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie in Fishers. Both performances start at 8 p.m. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.
‘WE ARE FAMILY? THE STAGE PLAY’ Shandrea Funnye presents “We are Family? The Stage Play” Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
SAMMY HAGAR
Sammy Hagar’s Best of All Worlds Tour with special guest Loverboy will appear at 7 p.m. Aug. 30 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.
ROB ZOMBIE
Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper: Freaks on Parade concert is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 31 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.
PITBULL: PARTY AFTER DARK TOUR
Pitbull and special guest T-Pain will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 1 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.
DISPATCH
Fork + Ale holds holds weekly concert series — Fork + Ale, 350 Veterans Way, Suite 150, Carmel will hold a concert series from 6 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday through Nov. 6. The series, which started Aug. 21, continues Aug. 28 with Sam King.
(Above) Bernard Allison will perform Sept. 1 at Fishers Blues Fest. (Photo courtesy of Bernard Allison)
(Below) Shemekia Copeland will perform Aug. 31 at the Fishers Blues Fest. (Photo courtesy of Dave Specter)
Carmel resident singing the blues on own album
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Christopher Wyze has played in several blues cover bands but never expected to write his own songs.
MUSIC
A longtime Carmel resident whose actual last name is Wirthwein, Wyze didn’t think his German name would work well on a blues record. In July, the song “Back to Clarksdale” reached No. 1 on the RMR, or Roots Music Report, song chart. The album, Christopher Wyze & The Tellers’ “Stuck In The Mud,” reached No. 2 on the RMR blues chart based on worldwide radio play.
Wyze co-wrote all the songs, is the lead vocalist and plays harmonica. The Tellers’ name comes from songs as a form of storytelling.
“These aren’t pop songs,” Wyze said. “This is about people with real stuff going on in their lives. They’re not doing very well.”
Wyze, 67, wrote eight songs with Ralph Carter, a Los Angeles producer, who he met in Mississippi.
Carter was a bandmate and musical tour director for Eddie Money.
“Ralph was in that big rock ‘n’ roll world and I met him at (a) blues camp in Mississippi,” Wyze said. “I started to learn the harmonica. Ralph said you have to start writing songs. I said, ‘Yeah, right. I don’t write.’ I hadn’t written any songs.”
Approximately three years ago, Wyze saw a Wall Street Journal article about a new recording studio in Muscle Shoals, Ala. He sent it to Carter, half-jokingly writing that it would be a good place to record the album. But Carter said Wyze needed
to write the songs and they would do the album together.
Six months later, Wyze had written the songs and he and Carter had turned them into music.
“Carter had auditioned and hired the studio musicians,” Wyze said. “We packed up and went to Muscle Shoals, where all the great musicians in the world recorded and we recorded the record.”
Wyze was signed by Big Radio, a division of Select-O-Hits, in December 2023.
One of the band members is Wyze’s friend, Westfield resident and bass player Gerry Murphy, who co-wrote two songs, including “Back to Clarksdale.” One of the musicians on the album was Eric Deaton, a guitarist who also plays with the Black Keys.
“He’s a monster talent,” Wyze said of Deaton.
Wyze said some of his favorite blues artists are Howlin’ Wolf, Junior Wells and Jimmy Reed.
For more, visit christopherwyzeandthetellers.com
FREE EVENT GAME NIGHT
Feeling strapped for cash but still want to have some fun? Each week, Current helps you find things to do without breaking the bank. Here’s what’s on tap this week:
Options Westfield will present a free game night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at 17721 Gunther Blvd. in Westfield with Wii Sports, Just Dance and refreshments for middle and high schoolers. Attendees can learn more about Options Schools. RSVP at facebook.com/ events/1241259203532830.
OTHER FREE AREA EVENTS
CONCERT — Concerts in the Centerpiece will be 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 1 at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel, 2000 W. 116th St. The night will feature musical entertainment from the terraced seating of The Centerpiece. Bring lawn chairs or spread a blanket in Coxhall Gardens’ amphitheater.
Christopher Wyze on the railroad track in Clarksdale, Miss., in March. (Photo courtesy of Christopher Wyze)
Opera in the Park returns
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Lyndsay Moy, Indianapolis Opera’s Opera in the Park is always special and this one has special significance.
CONCERT
Moy, director of education and community engagement for Indianapolis Opera, will be joined by Ganson Salmon as feature performers in Opera in the Park in a 7 p.m. free concert Sept. 7 at Garfield Park in Indianapolis.
“Since this is our 50th anniversary season, we really wanted to highlight Hoosier talent, so (general director) David (Starkey) graciously asked me to sing because I was raised in Indianapolis,” Moy said.
After earning a master’s degree at Cleveland Institute of Music, she returned for her residency at Indianapolis Opera in 2015.
“I’ve been here with the company ever since,” she said. “That’s just been a big joy for me.
Moy, a Brownsburg resident and Pike High School graduate, will perform the Italian version of “Gabriel’s Oboe/Nella Fantasia” with oboe player Pam Ajango. She also sings “Alto’s Lament.”
“It features a lot of musical theater and a lot of comedy, which is my bread and butter,” Moy said.
There will be some pieces from “Barber of Seville,” which Indy Opera will perform in November.
Salmon is appearing in Opera in the Park for the first time since 2021.
Salmon will sing “Nessun Dorma” from “Turandot” and a piece from “Rigoletto.”
A Heritage Christian School graduate, Salmon grew up in the Lawrence area and returned during the COVID-19 pandemic when theaters were closed in New York City.
“Being an Indy-bred tenor, it feels only right that I get the honor of playing a part in this 50th anniversary season,” said Salmon, who lives in Whitestown.
For more, visit indyopera.org.
Moy Salmon
Riverview Health earns award
news@currentnoblesville.com
Riverview Health is one of 15 companies nationwide to be named a Culture of Good 2024 Community Impact Award recipient.
HONOR
According to Riverview Health, Culture of Good, Inc. is an organization dedicated to inspiring businesses to make a positive difference in the world. The award celebrates companies that exemplify excellence in corporate citizenship and embody the values of compassion, generosity and purpose-driven leadership.
“We are honored to receive Culture of Good’s 2024 Community Impact Award,” Dave Hyatt, Riverview Health’s president and CEO, stated. “Riverview Health’s mission is to preserve and improve the health and well-being of those we serve. We know that if we want our community
to be healthier, we need to partner with and support the work of other local organizations. Being recognized for creating that culture of working together to uplift the community really reaffirms why we’re here.”
According to Culture of Good, Riverview Health was hand-selected for this award based on “an outstanding commitment to community service and using business as a force for positive change in the world.”
“We are proud to recognize companies like Riverview Health,” stated Ryan McCarty, the spokesperson for the awards. “Culture of Good’s Community Impact Award is not just an event; it’s a movement towards recognizing businesses that integrate social good into their core.”
For more about Culture of Good’s Community Impact Award, visit cultureofgood. com.
Coroner’s warning — The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office is warning residents of an emerging drug recently discovered during a death investigation in Fishers. The drug, nitazene, is reportedly 1,000 times more potent than morphine and 60 times more than fentanyl. According to Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison, warns residents to only take medications prescribed by your doctor and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.
Autumn Elegance
STYLE
SHOW & LUNCHEON
Riverview Health Auxiliary invites you to the Autumn Elegance Style Show & Luncheon featuring the latest fashions from The Secret Ingredient.
When: Thursday, September 26, 2024
Where: The Bridgewater Club 3535 East 161st Street, Carmel, IN 46033
Registration & Shopping: 10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Style Show, Luncheon & Gift Basket Raffle: 12 p.m.
A cash bar will be available. The Gift Basket Raffle may be paid for with cash or debit card only—no credit card.
$60/ticket
Sponsored by Riverview Health Medical Staff
LIFESTYLE
1. Witches’ group 6. Recipe amt.
10. Part of MSG 14. Butler frat letter
15. “___ Abby”
16. Castleton Square Mall store sign
17. In first place in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference
18. I-65 big rig
19. Hawaiian island
20. Track meet starter’s gun 22. Area pizza place
Gillette razor
City known for its zoo
Cornell’s home
Clumps of dirt
Absurd
Voyage preceder?
40. Ye ___ Shoppe
41. Area pizza place
42. Rainbow guy: ___ Biv
43. Hoosier Park feedbag morsel
44. “Now you ___, now you don’t”
45. Delaware’s capital
46. Fear
48. Petroleum plant
50. Blunders
52. Spy org.
53. Area pizza place
57. Make equal
62. Fishers N-S road
63. French cheese
65. Muscat native
66. IndyGo map dot
67. Neckwear at 19-Across
68. Vision-correcting surgery
69. Many millennia
70. Gov. Holcomb
71. Playing marble Down
1. Henhouse
2. ___ Severin Hotel
3. Pet docs
4. Showbiz award “grand slam”
5. Area pizza place
6. Colts stats
7. Broken Barrel bar order
8. Pago Pago’s place
9. Unsullied
10. Dough
11. October birthstone
12. Fruity soda brand
13. Burden
21. “To Kill a Mockingbird” author
23. Art Deco designer
25. Nimble
27. Current reporter’s coup
28. Muslim deity
29. Signal, in a way
30. JFK’s predecessor
31. WFMS studio sign
33. Over
34. More demure
35. Furious
38. Ancient Mexican
41. Not too bad
42. Indy Councilor Gibson
44. Foal’s father
45. Area pizza place
47. Gets into some Jazz Kitchen music
49. “Fee, ___, foe, fum”
51. More certain
53. Big name in speakers
54. Indianapolis Opera voice
55. Utah national park
56. 13, in old Rome
58. Online publication, briefly
59. Space inits.
Army outfit
Indianapolis township
PC key Answers on
in the area described below. As part of this project, one of its qualified contractors will be applying EPA approved and registered herbicides to control vegetation that may interfere with the safe operation and maintenance of power lines. This vegetation management will be performed in/near Noblesville, Carmel, Fishers on or near streets identified below:
• Beginning at the substation located at the intersection of E 196th St & SR 13 to include the areas around & near: N of E 166th St, E of Promise Rd, S of Newton Ave, W of the substation
• Beginning at the substation located at the intersection of E 216th St & Cammack Rd to include the areas around & near: N of Rolling Rock Ln, E of Scofield Ridge Blvd, S of the substation, E of S Harbour Dr
• Beginning at the substation located near the intersection of Greenspire Dr & Regency Ln to include the areas around & near:
◦ N of E 98th St, E of Seton Dr, S of E 116th St, W of Allisonville Rd
◦ N & E of the substation, S of E Main St, W of Allisonville Rd
The date this notice is published initiates the two (2) week period for calculating implied consent by an affected property owner under 170 IAC 4-9. If you have any questions, you may contact the Duke Energy Vegetation Management toll free number, 866-385-3675. Duke Energy Indiana, LLC Vegetation Management Department
Locally
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