“WE
Ushering in a new era.
For more than a decade, the Center has been a cornerstone for creativity in our community. Welcome to the center for art and culture in Central Indiana. Welcome to the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.
TheCenterPresents.org
COMMUNITY
Washington Township Schools names next superintendent
northindy@youarecurrent.com
The Board of Education of the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township hired Sean G. Taylor as the new superintendent of schools at its Oct. 16 board meeting. He will take over duties from Nikki Woodson beginning July 1, 2025. Woodson announced her retirement in May.
EDUCATION
Taylor has served the Washington Township School district in several capacities for the past 16 years, most recently as the associate superintendent for Washington Township Schools.
“This is an exciting time for our district as we have worked to find our next Superintendent to replace Dr. Woodson upon her retirement next summer,” Washington Township School Board President William Turner stated. “Hiring for the role of superintendent is a direct and sole responsibility of the board. The board took this responsibility seriously and put in many hours during this search process to find our next superintendent, including hiring a search team that helped us select Dr. Taylor.”
After a community survey/feedback opportunity in May, the board engaged the University Search Team to assist with the superintendent hiring process. After multiple rounds of candidate interviews, which included phone screening and in-person interviews, Taylor was selected.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to step into the role of superintendent for this outstanding district that I have
proudly served for the past 16 years in various leadership and principal roles,” Taylor stated. “Having had the privilege of five years of exemplary mentorship from our current superintendent to my work across our school communities, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication, talent and diversity that make our district truly a destination district. This deep understanding of our district’s strengths, challenges and opportunities will allow me to help sustain and build upon the excellence we’ve achieved together.”
Taylor has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Ball State University, a Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a doctorate in executive educational leadership from Indiana University.
His accomplishments include:
• National Association of School Superintendents Aspiring Superintendent Award
• Washington Township Schools Norman R. Turchan Administrator of the Year
• Led an elementary school to a National Title I Distinguished School designation
• Led an elementary and a middle school from a state accountability letter grade of a D to a B during his principalships
• Earned highly effective evaluation designations at each leadership level served
• National Playworks Principal of the
“I am incredibly honored and excited to step into the role of superintendent for this outstanding district that I have proudly served for the past 16 years in various leadership and principal roles.”
– SEAN G. TAYLOR
Year nominee Taylor also is active in the community through the Washington Township Schools Foundation, the Washington Township Community Coalition, Lion Catchers, Student Impact, Young Life and Westfield Youth Sports.
“I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and the trust that has been placed in me. I look forward to continuing our collective work in fostering academic success, equity and a thriving learning environment for all students,” Taylor stated. “Together, we will ensure our district continues to be a place where every Panther has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Taylor and his wife, Megan, have been married for 20 years and have two children.
Gleaners partners with World Food Championships
NorthIndy@youarecurrent.com
The World Food Championships has selected Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana as its charity partner for the Nov. 8-12 event, with event organizers pledging to donate 10 percent of ticket revenue from premium experiences to the nonprofit. According to an announcement from the WFC, the funds will help Gleaners Food Bank combat food insecurity by providing food assistance to those in need.
COMPETITION
“Joining the Indianapolis market is a
significant milestone for us, and we deeply appreciate the warm Hoosier hospitality we’ve received,” stated Michael Eaton, CEO of World Food Championships. “It’s an honor to play a role in supporting the community through Gleaners and we look forward to making a meaningful impact together.”
The multiday WFC event at the Indiana State Fairgrounds will feature more than 300 competitive cooking teams from around the globe competing in 12 categories for the title of World Food Champion and a share of the $450,000 prize purse, according to the announcement.
Attendees can taste samples from more than 30 vendors, watch live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs and participate in interactive food-related games such as “Cake or Fake.”
Premium tickets offer extra experiences, including special samples of food and cocktails and meet-and-greet opportunities with celebrity chefs.
For more about the event, including ticket information, visit WorldFoodChampionships.com.
For more about Gleaners, visit gleaners. org.
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Taylor
Brebeuf Jesuit senior savors state tennis team title
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Some sage advice from its coach helped the Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School boys tennis team navigate some of its toughest matches en route to an IHSAA state championship.
SPORTS
“The key for us as a team to coming through in the more difficult matches of the year is something our head coach Brandon Gill constantly reiterated, which was that we came to get three spots,” senior Will Hutchinson said. “This is so important because it allowed you to relax some if you had a tough individual matchup as well as allow us to play as a team, which is rare in a sport like tennis. For me, the key was just to stick to my plan, allow the outcome to unfold and try to ride with the punches as much as possible as tennis is a game of momentum, and you have to be able to endure the lows and capitalize on the highs.”
The No. 1 Braves edged No. 4 Center Grove 3-2 Oct. 19 in the state championship at North Central High School. It was the program’s second boys tennis title with the previous one coming in 1973. With the match tied 2-2, Brebeuf’s Tony Tancredi got the winning point at No. 2 singles, topping Yuvraj Dasari 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.
“It was awesome,” said Tancredi, a Carmel resident. “It
was exciting for me and my team, all the seniors and the coaches.”
Tancredi, a sophomore, played No. 1 singles much of the year before he changed spots with Hutchinson late in the season. He finished 14-2.
Tancredi said winning the title was special after losing to Park Tudor 3-2 in last year’s sectional. The team match was 2-2 when Tancredi lost his individual match.
“Last year wasn’t the prettiest, and it helped me get to here,” Tancredi said.
Hutchinson, who lives on the north side of Indianapolis, finished with a 23-2 record, losing to Center Grove’s Tyler Lane in three sets in the final.
“To me, the state championship is the biggest achievement you can have as a junior player,” Hutchinson said. “As a kid, I remember watching one of the Brebeuf coaches, Steven Cristi, compete in the state championship, and ever since then I knew it was something I wanted to chase. So, being able to win the title means everything and brings me hope that this will be the start of something great for the Brebeuf tennis team in the coming years.”
Hutchinson plans to play in college but, for the moment, is savoring the state championship.
“Having the opportunity to compete for my school is always special, especially when I am competing with some
of the most talented guys in the state by my side, as well as the best coaching staff I could ask for,” he said. “All in all, ending my high school tennis career with a win is the most special, and I could not ask for anything more.”
A Carmel resident, Gill became the first person to have won individual and doubles state championships as a player and a state title as a coach. Gill, who played at Park Tudor School, won the state singles title in 2000 and state doubles title with Wade Knall in 1998.
“It’s amazing. The boys worked their tails off,” said Gill, whose team finished 24-1. “Honestly, we put a lot into it this year. We felt this season went for five months. I feel this is all about the boys. I just tried to show them the path and they kicked the door down.”
Brebeuf’s other victories in the final were by junior Owen Birge (23-2) at No. 3 singles and sophomore Andrew Held and junior Harry Stutler (21-3) at No. 2 doubles. The Braves No. 1 doubles team of seniors Ethan Birge and Anthony Suscha finished 23-3.
“Resiliency is what it’s about with these guys,” Gill said. “We’ve talked about commitment over feelings and in the big moments being as calm as possible, and they showed it (in the title match). We just found a way again.”
Gill said when he became coach 11 years ago, he wanted to bring professionalism back to the program.
“It takes time, but slowly but surely, I think we’ve built the program back up to where we can compete and would have kids who want to play here,” Gill said.
Gill Hutchinson
Holiday Mart set for Indiana State Fairgrounds
By Jennifer A. Haire NorthIndy@youarecurrent.com
The 53rd annual Junior League of Indianapolis’ Holiday Mart fundraiser will be presented Nov. 15-16 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. The event features more than 70 vendors with products ranging from apparel to children’s items, jewelry, handbags, art, holiday décor and food-related items for holiday meals.
EVENT
Shoppers browse a booth at a previous Junior League of Indianapolis Holiday Mart. This year’s event will be held Nov. 15-16 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. (Photo by Michael Stark/Junior League of Indianapolis)
“(Holiday Mart) is a fun, festive holiday shopping experience,” said Alexis Sheets, co-chair of the Holiday Mart Committee. “We feature a lot of small business merchants, some local to Indiana. (It is) a fun way for families and friends to get together to be able to find the perfect gift for folks in their life.”
The Junior League of Indianapolis is
youth in foster and kinship care.
“It really helps us not only give back to the community by hosting an event like this that is for the fun of it and enjoyment, (but it) also helps us raise funds to run the league and support our mission, our community partnerships, projects and grant programs,” Sheets said.
The Holiday Mart will feature a special family-friendly ticketed event, Pastries and Pirouettes, before shopping hours begin on the morning of Nov. 16. It will include performances by ballet students from Village Dance Studio. Guests will have the opportunity to meet and take photos with the ballerinas. A light breakfast will be served.
Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door and are available through the ticketing link on the Junior League of Indianapolis’ website. Parking at the Indiana State Fairgrounds is $10.
For more, follow Junior League of Indianapolis Holiday Mart on Facebook and @ jliholidaymart on Instagram. The mart is from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 15 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 16.
More 1,000 shoppers attend annually, according to organizers.
“It’s a long-standing Indianapolis tradition where families have come for years and years,” Sheets said.
For more, visit jlindy.org/holidaymart.
It’s not just brain surger y. s
When you hear the word neurosurgery, you might think of complicated procedures in the brain. But did you know that many neurosurgical procedures actually involve the spine?
If you’re living with pain, you might not know that neurosurgery is an option to help you live a more comfortable life. At Community Health Network, you can find relief from back, neck, arm and sciatica pain through minimally invasive neurosurgical solutions. Plus, Community makes it simple to find neurosurgical solutions — no physician referral required.
Neurosurger
y can help.
Learn more about how neurosurgery can help with your pain at eCommunity.com/neuro
500 Festival Miler Series dates announced — Registration is open for the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy, through Feb. 2, 2025. The series, held at Fowling Warehouse Indianapolis, includes three races designed to help participants train for the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. The Miler Series kicks off with a 3-Miler Feb. 8, followed by a 6-Miler on March 8, and concludes with a 10-Miler on April 5. For more, visit IndyMini.com/Challenges.
Operation Christmas Child dropoff event – Volunteers will collect donations for Operation Christmas Child throughout the region Nov. 18-25. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child, a project of the nondenominational evangelical Christian organization Samaritan’s Purse,
has collected and delivered gift-filled shoeboxes to children, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster. Shoe box gifts can be dropped off at Crossroads Church of Westfield, 19201 Grassy Branch Rd. in Westfield; Grace Church, 12450 Olio Rd. in Fishers; and Heritage Christian School, 6401 E. 75th St. in Indianapolis. Learn more at samaritanspurse.org.
United Way young philanthropists event — Nominations are open for ELEVATE, United Way of Central Indiana’s annual awards event recognizing the region’s top young philanthropists, advocates and volunteers. The event serves as a fundraiser for United Way. Winners will be announced during the event Feb. 22, 2025, at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. Nominees must be ages 21 to 41 and
live or work in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Henricks, Marion, Morgan or Putnam counties. Nominations close Dec. 3. Submit nomination at uwci.org/elevate.
Energy assistance program – Applications are open for winter utility bill assistance from the Indiana Energy Assistance Program. EAP applicants should gather their last three months of income for the application process. While review can take several weeks, EAP approval leads to financial assistance being applied to natural gas and electric utility bills and temporary protection from utility disconnection for nonpayment. Applications close April 14, 2025. Eligibility requirements and the application can be found at in.gov/ihcda under the “homeowners and renters” tab.
When you need heart care, it’s reassuring to know that the expert cardiac specialists from Ascension St. Vincent are right here. Not only are we the #1 heart program in the state, but the Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center is #2 ranked in the nation for cardiac care. Best of all, our highly skilled cardiac care teams, advanced treatment options and commitment to safety get you home faster to the ones you love.
Find a specialist close to home at ascension.org/StVincentHeart Your heart will thank you.
Bank supports recovery center
By Jennifer A. Haire NorthIndy@youarecurrent.com
Centier Bank presented a $5,000 donation Oct. 18 to the Heart Rock Justus Family Recovery Center in Indianapolis. The donation will support the organization’s mission to provide recovery services to pregnant women and mothers in need. Heart Rock Recovery Center provides longterm sober living for current and expecting mothers, offering 12 to 18 months of affordable housing and financial assistance based on need, to women recovering from substance use.
DONATION
From left, Nikole Young of Heart Rock Recovery Center, Carin Procarione Sassatelli of Centier Bank and Justin Phillips of Overdose Lifeline with a replica check. (Photo courtesy of Centier Bank)
“We are incredibly grateful for Centier Bank’s generous donation and their commitment to supporting our mission,” stated Justin Phillips, founder and CEO of Overdose Lifeline. “This partnership will not only help sustain our recovery programs but also empower the women we serve with essential financial education that will benefit them long after their time here.”
In addition to the financial support, Centier Bank will partner with the recovery center to offer financial literacy classes to
those at Heart Rock. The initiative aims to help women build financial skills and independence as part of their recovery journey. Heart Rock Justus Family Recovery Center is a holistic sober living community for pregnant and parenting women recovering from substance use disorders or dual diagnosis. In 2023, 35 women and 20 babies called Heart Rock home. The recovery center guides women through achieving substance use recovery, deconstructing harmful behaviors and finding self-love, inner peace and lifelong joy.
automotive teacher at J.
Light
Center at North
and representatives
HIGH-GEAR INSTRUCTION
J. Everett Light Center automotive teacher receives prestigious honor
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Andrew Rice shows his dedication every day simply with his commute from New Castle to Indianapolis.
“I drive an hour every day because I love it so much here,” said Rice, in his 13th year as an automotive teacher at the J. Everett Light Career Center at North Central High School.
Rice was surprised Oct. 16 by receiving the 2024 Harbor Freight Tools for School Prize for Teaching Excellence at the J. Everett Light Center. The award is given to 25 teachers nationally. The program’s mission is to advance excellent skilled trades education in U.S. public high schools.
Rice said he knew Andrice Tucker, an automotive teacher at Central Nine Career Center in Greenwood, had applied and won it in 2022, so he decided to give it a try.
“I knew I made the top 50 because there are two stages in the application,” he said. “Once I got there, I was really confident, but you never know what is going to happen. It’s really shocking. It’s a big deal. I’m so proud.”
Rice received a check for $50,000, which includes $35,000 for the school’s program and $15,000 for Rice. He also received a U.S. General full-bank tool cart.
“I want to use (the $35,000) to get certification for our students,” Rice said. “The more students we can get certified, the better chance they are going to have when they get out in the real world. We have ASE certifications and there are 10 areas the students can get certified. We’re going to focus on steering and suspension first, and once we get everybody certified in that, we are going to broaden our spectrum to include air conditioning, electrical, brakes and all the systems on the vehicles.”
Rice has 60 students, divided into two groups with three-hour blocks in the morning and afternoon.
The students were on hand to applaud on their teacher during the award presentation.
Rice has been an automotive teacher for 23 years. He taught at Lincoln College of Technology and as an adjunct instructor at Ivy Tech. His students can receive dual credits from Ivy Tech.
“So, I’m technically still an adjunct instructor there, but I used to moonlight at Ivy Tech in Muncie,” he said.
Harbor Freight Tools District Manager Chip Williams said Tucker is the only other teacher in Indiana to win the honor in his seven years in the position.
“To have 900-plus applicants and one of them to be in Indiana is pretty neat,” Williams said. “It is a pretty grueling process. It goes through three different phases, then they are narrowed down.”
In 2023-24, 97 percent of Rice’s students earned dual, transferable college credits, which allows them to save $16,226 on tuition and earn 18 credits.
Williams shared a part of Rice’s application to show his dedication.
Williams wrote, “Watching students blossom into something they never imagined is rewarding. I love seeing students complete tasks and procedures that they were once afraid of trying. For instance, many of the students have a fear of electricity. I think this fear is ingrained in us from early childhood. Watching a student overcome this fear, build a circuit in a light bulb for the first time, is a joyful experience. Their joy is my joy. I know at this point, I’ve done much more to teach someone how to build a circuit. I know I’ve helped them build confidence that they will carry for the rest of their life.”
A Carmel resident, Williams enjoyed being part of the honor.
“Our company is so much about people and community,” he said. “When I get to be a part of this and see the hap-
piness, not just the teacher but the students, it’s really special.”
As for the $15,000 he gets to keep, Rice said his wife likely has plans for it. He said the tool chest will benefit his students.
“But that big (replica cardboard) check is coming home with me,” he said. “I want that.”
Rice thanked Harbor Freight Tools.
“We have a lot of great teachers at JEL,” he said. “We all come in and do the best we can possibly do every day. Every teacher here deserves an award like this.”
ON THE COVER: Andrew Rice, automotive teacher at J. Everett Light Career Center at North Central High School, was the winner of the 2024 Harbor Freight Tools for School Prize for Teaching Excellence. (Photo courtesy of Maleni Martinez/ Washington Township Schools)
WELL-DESERVED HONOR
Andrice Tucker had to be there to see Andrew Rice receive the Harbor Freight Tools for School Prize for Teaching Excellence.
Tucker, who teaches at Central Nine Career Center in Greenwood, received the award in 2022.
“I’ve known Andy the whole time I’ve been teaching,” Tucker said. “He’s been a great asset and a great mentor and a great person to be around. I’m happy for him and the school.”
Tucker said Rice has a strong passion for helping students.
“I don’t know anyone else who deserves this more than you,” Tucker said to Rice.
Andrew Rice,
Everett
Career
Central High School, center, with students from his class
from Harbor Freight display the replica prize check for $50,000. (Photo courtesy of Ellen Rogers/Washington Township Schools)
‘Looney’ version of ‘Barber of Seville’ set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Gabriel Preisser will make his first appearance with the Indianapolis Opera, but he is no stranger to “The Barber of Seville.” Preisser, a baritone based in Orlando, Fla., said he has appeared in the classic opera five or six times, each time in the lead role of Figaro.
INDY OPERA
The Indianapolis Opera’s production of “The Barber of Seville” runs Nov. 15-17 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“It’s one of the greatest roles in the repertoire and has one of the most iconic arias, thanks to Bugs Bunny,” Preisser said.
The Looney Tunes cartoon features the music from the classic opera in an episode called “Rabbit of Seville.”
“It’s fun music, the slapstick element of the comedy, the beautiful (Gioachino) Rossini music,” Preisser said. “It’s a pleasure to get to do it. It’s one of my favorite roles. Figaro gets to break the fourth wall and kind of be the instigator and the puppet master in many ways and gets to have fun on the stage.”
Preisser said the first time he played Firgaro was in 2010.
“You try to keep him youthful. They’re all young characters,” Preisser said.
Director Jessica Burton said she embraces the Looney Tunes spirit of the production.
“People will get that reminiscence of childhood of the first time seeing opera on the tiny little TV screen,” she said.
Preisser said he has seen productions that feed off that wackiness. “I saw one production where they replicated the Bugs Bunny set from that script,” he said. “All the productions I’ve been in are more on the traditional side. But there is nothing wrong with either one. Anything we can do to make opera more accessible or relevant, I’m all for it.”
Preisser said he tried to tweak his skills in each appearance as Figaro.
“Obviously, I have certain bits that have worked in the past,” Preisser said. “You want to come with ideas of what you want to do with the role, but a lot of it is collaboration with the stage manager and conductor and they might have a different idea. You try to be collaborative and open-minded with all that. You don’t want to do it the same way every time because that kind of kills the whole creative process.”
He also has appeared in Wolfgang Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro,” playing the same role, in six productions.
Burton said she believes “The Barber of Seville” is a lot of people’s favorite opera.
“It’s one of those performed more than most other operas,” Burton said. “Lighter operas do well, no matter what is going on (in the world), but I think we could use a few good laughs that are outside of that (election) spectrum.”
For more, visit indyopera.org.
‘La Cocina’ wins Heartland grand prize
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Heartland International Film Festival grand prize winners had different routes to the major cash prizes.
HEARTLAND
“La Cocina,” directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios, received the $20,000 Narrative Feature Grand Prize, and “Porcelain War,” directed by Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev, earned the $20,000 Documentary Feature Grand Prize at the 11-day festival, which concluded Oct. 20.
“There’s a wide range of movies, styles and topics every year, and the burden is really with our juries when it comes to the grand prizes,” said Heartland Film Artistic Director Greg Sorvig, a Carmel resident. “‘La Cocina’ premiered in Berlin and we were the first major festival award that it has won, whereas our documentary winner ‘Porcelain War,’ about artists in Ukraine, has taken the festival circuit by storm since premiering at Sundance and continues to win awards at nearly
every festival it has been selected to play at.”
Sorvig said it was surprising an independent documentary, “Champions of the Golden Valley,” won the Overall Audience Choice Award, beating out every other film in voting, including major Oscar contenders and dramas.
“Of the big Oscar contenders, ‘September 5’ won the Narrative Special Presentation Audience Choice Award, which is the first festival award for the film that premiered at Venice and then played Telluride,” Sorvig said. “Richard D. Propes Social Impact Documentary Winner ‘Zurawski v Texas,’ featuring Hoosier natives Amanda and Joshua Zurawski, who attended their first screening, also won our Documentary Audience Choice Award.”
Actor Craig T. Nelson attended the Awards Presentation to accept the Pioneering Spirit Award: Lifetime Achievement Award. Nelson stars in “Green and Gold,” which had its World Premiere at Heartland and won the Jimmy Stewart Legacy Award.
Sorvig said the world premiere of Noblesville filmmaker Rocky Walls’ “Dirty Laundry” was sold out and electric.
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” runs through Nov. 24 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Carmel Arts Council presents Dueling Pianos Dinner with Brittany Brumfield at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘SHE
LOVES ME’
Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “She Loves Me” through Nov. 17 at the Studio Theater at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.
THE PIANO GUYS
The Piano Guys will perform at 4 and 9 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents. org.
INDIANA WIND SYMPHONY
Indiana Wind Symphony presents “The Call: A Concert for Veterans” at 4 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
DISPATCH
Songbook exhibit features Swift — The Great American Songbook Foundation is exploring the singer-songwriter Taylor Swift’s place in popular music history through an online resource and a special popup exhibit at its gallery in Carmel. Through Nov. 15, the interactive gallery, located in the Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, will feature Swift memorabilia in historical context alongside iconic artifacts from artists across the past century of American popular music. In addition, the Songbook Foundation has posted a multimedia online exhibit titled Taylor Swift: A New Chapter in the American Songbook. The Songbook Exhibit Gallery is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Admission is free.
Preisser Burton
Sorvig
‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’
NOVEMBER LINE UP
DINNER WITH DIVAS | Elevated Drag Dinner Featuring Veranda L’Ni
CARMEL ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS DUELING PIANOS
JAZZ BRUNCH | Presented by Blair Clark Featuring KA THERINE NAGY
FREEFORM: THE REBEL E VES WITH BRYAN RUBY & CORY WI LLIAMS
TEN BRANCHES | Presented by Don Farrell & Crossroad s Entertainment
FRANK SINATRA: THE TRIBUTE | Hosted by Don Farrell
INDY NIGHTS WITH RYAN AHLWARDT & FRIENDS | Straight No Chaser Alumni
DRAG ME TO BRUNCH| Hosted by Pat Yo’ Weave
FREEFORM: MIKE MAINS & YOUNG MISTER | featuring Coo l Woodruff
DECEPTION | An Evening of Magic & Lies with David R analli
DUELING PIANOS | Live Jukebox Experience Presented by Brittany Brumfield
MURDER MYSTERY DINNER | Live & Interactive Experien ce
PRINCESS TEA | Magical Luncheon with Fairy Tales Br ought to Life
IWS set to salute veterans
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Indiana Wind Symphony Music Director Jay S. Gephart’s programming philosophy must serve three constituents.
CONCERT
“It has to serve myself, my musicians and the audience,” he said.
The selections making up “The Call: A Concert for Veterans” do just that, Gephart said. The IWS concert is set for 4 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
The guest soloist is Gil Hoffer, a retired trumpet player for the U.S. Army Band known as “Pershing’s Own.”
Hoffer will perform “Concerto for Trumpet,” composed by Alexander Arutiunian, and on “With Malice Toward None” from the movie “Lincoln” by well-known film composer John Williams. In addition, Hoffer will perform on James Curnow’s “Concert Piece,” which Gephart said is a more contemporary show number.
Hoffer, a North Central High School graduate, performs regularly around Washington, D.C.
“He was recommended to me by several Wind Symphony members,” Gephart said. “I investigated his background and thought he would be a great fit for this concert, in particular.”
The concert opens with “Let Freedom Ring” by composer Ryan Nowlin, who is the conductor of the United States Marine Band, the President’s Own.
“Ryan, in addition to being a fine conductor, is a very talented composer,” Gephart said.
The concert will include “American Legion March” by Charles Wesley Parker.
“Indianapolis is the home of the American Legion, so it’s very appropriate we would do that march,” he said.
Evan Cooper, a Carmel High School graduate, will guest conduct on “Liberty” by Rossano Galante.
“Many of (Galante’s) band pieces sound like they would come from a film score because his music has become wildly popular,” Gephart said.
For more, visit IndianaWindSymphony.org.
Hoffer
Ten Branches set for Feinstein’s
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Phil Stockton had a specific reason for choosing Ten Branches as the name of his band.
“We all have 10 branches, 10 fingers and we should be reaching out and touching people because we all probably have similar life experiences,” he said. “Let’s share and grow together.”
unsigned and not marketed, I feel that is a pretty substantial accomplishment.”
A 50-year-old Carmel resident, Stockton said he wants to expand the band’s fan base in the area. Stockton, who owns a gym, Stockton Training Grounds in Carmel, started the band in 2020.
Actor and promoter Don Farrell presents Ten Branches Nov. 14 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael. Romain Benjamin will open the show at 7 p.m., followed by Ten Branches.
The band, which Stockton describes as a modern rock alternative band, played at Feinstein’s in May.
“We had a very good turnout and response,” Stockton said. “We’ll perform some new material and some of our favorites. We’ve had quite a bit of success on the streaming platforms, not just in the U.S. but across the world. Approaching the 2 million stream mark for a band that is
“I had always been in cover bands, and after COVID, I was tired of doing three-hour shows doing other people’s songs,” Stockton said. “My passion was to write and write relatable music that I thought spoke to a lot of different people.”
Benjamin, who moved from Carmel to Indianapolis in March, will make his Feinstein’s debut with a 30-minute set.
“It will be all original music I’ve written about my life, my family and faith,” Benjamin said. “I’ve been looking for more opportunities to share my craft. I hope it’s music that encourages people and builds them up. I feel there is enough music that tears people down and doesn’t help them navigate through challenges.”
Benjamin, a mechanical engineer, said his music is a mix of poetry and rap.
For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
Actress gets prime time role
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Kennedy Martin can’t wait to see the finished product of her biggest film role yet.
Martin has a starring role in “Who’s Stalking My Family,” which debuts at 8 p.m. Nov. 7 on the Lifetime network.
“I’m eager to see how everything comes together, because you film all these scenes and you film them out of order,” she said. “You never know what the final product is going to be.”
Kate Watson, who plays her mother.
Martin has acted in other TV shows and movies.
“I got the audition through my Atlanta agency, People Store, who are so amazing,” she said. “They’ve been so supportive.”
Martin, 27, attended Carmel Middle School. Her family eventually moved to Westfield and she attended Heritage Christian School, graduating in 2016. She studied screen acting at Chapman University in Orange County, Calif., near Los Angeles.
Martin, who is based in Los Angeles, plays a high school student named Sadie, whose mother is being stalked.
“There are all the twists and turns of who you think it can be,” said Martin, who plans to watch the premiere with actress
The movie, which was directed by Jeff Hare, was filmed in Georgia.
“It was such an awesome collaborative experience,” she said. “Jeff Hare worked so closely with the actors on performance and giving directions.”
Martin said playing the character over the course of several weeks was fun.
“I’d love to do more Lifetime movies,” she said. “I especially like the ripped-fromthe-headlines films based on true stories. I would like to work in network television. I’m really drawn to limited series.”
Martin appeared in Actors Theatre of Indiana’s presentation of “Beyond the Rainbow,” playing a young Judy Garland in 2007. She has performed in a few shows at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, including “The Sound of Music” and “Mary Poppins.”
Martin
Stockton
Blueprint for Improvement: Bright and beautiful Zionsville kitchen
Commentary by Larry Greene
Built in 1998, this kitchen in Zionsville’s Austin Oaks neighborhood needed a refresh. Through modern aesthetics and efficient functionality, the outcome is an inviting and practical space that radiates brightness and beauty, significantly elevating the homeowners’ everyday living experience.
THE BLUEPRINT
• White perimeter cabinetry offers timeless style, complemented by warm wood tones on the island and bar for a touch of organic warmth.
• The reimagined appliance layout enables the inclusion of a statement double range with custom hood, establishing a functional focal point.
• Smart storage solutions, including a knife block drawer, tiered utility drawers, utensil pull-outs and roll-out shelves keep essentials close at hand while maintaining a clutter-free appearance.
• The integrated quartz counter and backsplash provide the sophisticated appeal of natural stone without the upkeep.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.
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