Founded March 12, 2024, at Indianapolis, IN Vol. I, No. 9
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Close bond helps Brebeuf Jesuit’s postseason run
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School baseball coach Wes Neese can pinpoint a turning point in his team’s season.
BASEBALL
“We had an 0-3 week with two losses to Guerin Catholic and a loss to Cathedral,” he said. “That gave us a pretty good idea of things we needed to do differently and ways we needed to change to compete with upper-echelon teams. We had a 10-day stretch where we worked really hard and pushed really hard to find our identity.”
Neese said the team put it all together, with strong starting pitching from Maverick Geske and Christian Forniss and starting to use the entire field offensively.
The Braves reached the IHSAA Class 3A state championship game June 14 before losing to New Prairie 7-2. The Braves (25-10) had won 10 consecutive games before that, winning five regular season games and five in the postseason.
“I believe that the key to the team’s postseason run was because of how well we played together as a team,” said catcher Will Loftus, a 2024 graduate and Westfield resident. “I think we never gave up on one another even though we were down in some games, and we stuck together as a team. This was special to do it my senior year because I knew I would never be with this team ever again. I didn’t want to stop playing with my teammates, and I wanted to play as many games as possible, and that’s what we did.”
Center fielder Dylan Wells, another 2024 graduate and north Indianapolis resident,
said it was the closest team he has played for during his career.
“I think the biggest factor in our success was our brotherhood and the belief we could win,” Wells said. “We had a great group of senior leaders. Heading toward the end of the season, things started to click.”
Wells said the Braves’ 3-0 victory over Guerin in the sectional final was a huge confidence boost.
“That gave us the belief we could make it to state and helped us in that semistate game,” Wells said. “We were never going to give up.”
The Braves scored five runs in the seventh inning to edge Evansville Memorial 6-5 in the Castle High School semistate championship.
Neese said the coaching staff believed the team had potential from the start.
“We went through a bumpy 2023 where we started 0-6 and finished 15-7 the rest of the way,” Neese said. “That gave us a pretty good belief that this team could do something special. They are incredibly coachable. They work hard. I’ve never had a group that wants to practice more than this group.”
Neese is in his second year as Brebeuf head coach after being an assistant to former head coach Jeff Scott, who is now one of Neese’s assistants.
Geske, who was the starting quarterback on the Brebeuf football team, is going to be a senior. Neese said Geske has the ability to play college baseball but likely will play football instead. Geske finished with an 8-1 record and a 2.41 earned run average.
“We return some pieces even though those five seniors are going to be hard to replace,” Neese said. Forniss, a Carmel resident, finished with a 6-6 record and a 2.53 ERA. Forniss has a scholarship to pitch at Northwestern University. Loftus will play at Marietta College, an NCAA Division III powerhouse. Wells is headed to Denison University, and designated hitter Adian Holzapple is to play at Marian University. Outfielder Jackson Rinebold, the fifth 2024 graduate, is not planning to play baseball in college.
“We’ll have seven seniors next season, and all those guys have big roles in our program,” he said.
Loftus played a key role for the Braves, who lost in the 2022 state championship game. He finished with a .376 batting average, followed closely by Wells with .375 and Andrew O’Brien, .374. O’Brien will be a senior in August. Loftus had team-highs of four home runs and 29 runs batted in.
“Loftus had an unbelievable career. He was one double short of tying the school record for most doubles in his career,” Neese said. “He was our best offensive player over the course of his career.”
Wells missed several games with a stress fracture in his back and returned just before the sectional.
“I wasn’t able to produce offensively the way I was early in the season,” Wells said. “I switched my role from being a power hitter to a base hit-type of guy and laying bunts down.”
Outfielder Anthony Suscha, who will be a senior, hit .356 with three homers and 28 RBIs.
Wells
The Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School baseball team with its Class 3A state runner-up trophy. (Photo courtesy of IHSAA)
Binford Farmers Market a site for small businesses to thrive
By Conrad Otto conrad@youarecurrent.com
The Binford Farmers Market operates from 8 a.m. to noon May through September as a pop-up market at the Northview Church Binford campus. The market showcases smaller businesses and their products.
“People want to support local (businesses),” said Kendal Hantelman, the marketing manager for the farmers market. “When somebody comes (to the Binford market), we can connect them with other vendors who have been here that can give them a heads up of what works, what doesn’t and how we market things.”
Hantelman tries to find ways to not only advertise the market, but also provide an opportunity for local businesses to connect to the community.
Those interested in becoming a vendor may reach out to Hantelman. Some vendors are at the market frequently, while others appear less often.
Hantelman said the market serves as a “business incubator” for the area.
“Being here (in Binford), what better way to connect to a community and start building connections in the community than showing up somewhere where the community is,” she said. “It’s being where the people are.”
Hantelman believes that the market is a natural extension of the community. It has operated at Northview’s Binford campus for seven years. Hantelman said she
Mix bags.
shops the market like a grocery store and has made deep connections with some companies.
One of the companies Hantelman has watched grow is It’s On & Poppin. The company specializes in gourmet popcorn and offers flavors that include strawberry, butter rum and sriracha.
Bonita Powe worked the booth at the market June 15. She is a friend of business owner Sharon Whitley.
“(Whitley) started at the Binford Market around 2012,” Powe said. “She’s met quite a few people that are regulars now in terms of customers.”
As It’s On & Poppin grew, it opened a commercial kitchen and storefront. Powe said it started out as simply a table and tent.
“It’s great,” Powe said. “Just from starting in her own kitchen, she’s developed this business.”
Learn more at binford 71.org.
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It’s On & Poppin booth at the farmers market, displaying its Cheesy Caramel and Naptown
Booths lined up at the market showcase their products Saturday Afternoon. (Photos by Conrad Otto)
Teen sinks historic hole-in-one
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
At 13 years old, Carmel resident Leo Bard not only registered his first hole-in-one, but he made Meridian Hills Country Club history.
ACHIEVEMENT
“I was very surprised when it went in,” Bard said. “I was just shocked.”
Bard became the youngest golfer to record a hole-in-one at the Indianapolis golf club, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023.
Bard used a 9-iron on the 137-yard par-3 12th hole to make the hole-in-one June 8 while golfing with his older brother, Oscar, a 16-year-old Bishop Chatard High School golfer. It is something Leo Bard said he will remember forever.
“Meridian Hills is a very old country club, and I would’ve thought that somebody younger than me would’ve been able to hit one,” Bard said.
Bard said he had never been that close to getting a hole-in-one in the past.
Todd Firestone, the head pro at Meridian Hills, praised Leo’s accomplishment.
“His natural talent and dedication to the game at such a young age is inspiring,” Firestone stated. “This is just the start for Leo and we can’t wait to see what other milestones he reaches on our course.”
Bard’s ace was one of the first holes-inone notched on the newly reopened Meridian Hills course. During the past year, the club had undergone a $5 million renovation that rebuilt all course bunkers, made generational investments in the irrigation system and redesigned course greens to closely resemble course designer Bill Diddle’s initial design.
Bard, who will be an eighth-grader at St. Luke Catholic School, started playing golf at age 5.
“My main concentration is on golf, but I also have a lot of other interests such as fishing and basketball,” Bard said.
Carmel resident Leo Bard, 13, becomes youngest golfer to get hole-in-one at Meridian Hills Country Club. (Photo courtesy of Meridian Hills Country Club)
Happy hour returns to Hoosier state
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Happy days are here again in Indiana. At least, by the hour.
LEGISLATION
Signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb in March, House Bill 1086 went into effect July 1, allowing retailers and craft manufacturers to “reduce or increase the price of alcoholic beverages during a part of the day” — marking the return of happy hour for the first time in the Hoosier state since 1985.
Patrick Tamm, president and CEO of the Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association, said the initial ban on happy hour almost 40 years ago was a “knee-jerk reaction” to some tragic alcohol-related events. Since the ban, the state has allowed all-day drink specials but not “happy hour” designations.
Tamm said the change was bipartisan and includes several restrictions. Happy hour can only run until 9 p.m.; 2-for-1, bottomless drinks and contests involving alcohol are prohibited; and happy hour is limited to four hours a day and 15 hours a week.
“There was a lot of work done with the Alcohol and Tobacco Commision to make sure it was done in a way that was responsible,” Tamm said, adding that most establishments will likely opt for happy hour promotions in late afternoon and early evenings, Mondays through Thursdays.
“It really allows a restaurant to take a look analytically and historically to see when they are slow,” Tamm said. “Each business owner will make those decisions, and it will be day-by-day and week-by-week.”
Tamm said the amended law included a “two-cocktails-to-go” measure, which allows a bar or restaurant to prepare, sell and deliver alcoholic beverages for carry-out to a customer in sealed, non-original qualified containers.
“It means margaritas, punches, vodka and soda to-go with the purchase of a carry-out meal,” Tamm said. “If (a retailer) has signature cocktails, they can sell that… It’s a good option for customers if restaurants choose to utilize that privilege.”
Read the text of the bill at iga.in.gov/ legislative/2024/bills/house/1086/details.
Marian University Prep expands curriculum
By Tirzah Rowland tirzah@youarecurrent.com
Marian University Preparatory School will expand to offer K-12 curriculum, adding grades 9-12, for the 2024-25 school year.
EDUCATION
Enrollment is underway for the third year of MU Prep. The Indianapolis-based institution offers online courses available to students across the U.S. “We are very pleased to offer education
that focuses not only on the traditional subject matter skill set from science, mathematics, English, language arts, etc., but also in the individual development of the students from the spiritual side as well as developing leaders for the future,” said Joseph Heidt, executive director of MU Prep.
Developed from the goal to provide a quality, faith-based education to students beyond the traditional
school setting, MU Prep offers online instruction and in-person opportunities to support families.
Sponsored by Marian University, the school teaches values of dignity, peace and justice, reconciliation and responsible stewardship.
“We partner with a program called Stride K-12, which is a national program,” Heidt said. “The curriculum is very well developed, very well vetted and utilized.”
The independent school within the Indianapolis Archdiocese is staffed by licensed Indiana Department of Education teachers with access to Marian University facilities.
Courses are taught live, providing students interaction with teachers and peers..
“This is a setting where you can support your child by being a learning coach,” Heidt
said. “But you have the opportunity for your child to learn from an expert in that subject matter — a very well-educated and well-practiced teacher.”
With online, hybrid and single-course options, families can customize plans, and students are given opportunities to participate in school-based clubs and activities both online and in person. Online assemblies, clubs and activities are available to virtual-only students. Students enrolled in the hybrid program attend classes on the Marian University campus as opportunities arise.
The school serves students of all faiths and financial means. Tuition ranges from $400 per semester course to $7,500 for a full year of hybrid instruction. Financial aid is available, and the school accepts Indiana Choice Scholarships.
For more, visit muprep.k12.com
Adult Summer Camp — The Indiana State Museum at White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis will host Adult Summer Camp from 7 to 9 p.m. July 12. Adults can leave the children at home and enjoy an exclusive opportunity to unwind with friends and experience the museum after hours, with food, themed cocktails, classic camp activities and more — all inspired by the museum’s new Good Night Forest exhibit. The adultsonly program is open to visitors ages 21 and older. For more or to purchase tickets, visit
To purchase tickets visit IndyOpera.org call 317-283-3531 or scan the code
Heidt
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
After 44 years in the classroom, retired musical theater teacher continues to impart wisdom
By Jennifer A. Haire NorthIndy@youarecurrent.com
Retiring after 44 years teaching musical theater to students in Washington Township is only the beginning for Carmel resident Joyce Click, 68. She continues to teach her craft to youth through various programs in Carmel and beyond, and in March, her handbook for educators, “Building a Musical Theatre Program for Kids 7-14,” was released on audiobook and in print.
Click produced and directed hundreds of performances during her decades as a high school choir director and elementary music teacher for the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township. In addition, she’s spent 30 years as the children’s music coordinator at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Carmel. Over the years, finding affordable material without a lot of restrictions proved more difficult, she said.
“There weren’t very many age-appropriate shows, and they were very expensive,” Click said.
There were often licensing limitations, not enough characters or the inability to alter characters to fit the cast.
Fourteen years ago, at a theater festival in Carmel, Click met Denver Casado, a former musical theater camp director and founder of Beat by Beat Press, an online publisher specializing in original contemporary musicals for young performers. Its diverse range of plays consisted of large casts and fewer licensing restrictions. She’s been using its plays for the past 12 years.
When Click decided to retire, Casado saw an opportunity. Recognizing the value of Click’s extensive experience, he suggested she write a book about it.
“Joyce has seen it all in the world of educational theater. So, when we had the opportunity to work with her to distill her knowledge into this guide for upcoming educators, we jumped on it,” Casado said. “There’s nothing else like it for those just starting out. It’s like having a mentor with you every step of the way.”
Click agreed that compiling her knowledge would be a great way to give back to up-and-coming musical theater educators, noting that there is often so much untapped knowledge that retirees can offer.
“No matter what the career is, they have so much knowledge and experience and wisdom,” Click said. “It’s the idea that maybe you could help a first-year teacher or volunteers starting a camp, or you could help a young community theater group.”
The writing process came easily for Click, who said she simply wrote what she knew.
“I put together an outline, which was so easy, because I just wrote all the things that we did to get ready for camp, how we taught the camp, how we (made) a rehearsal schedule, how we even wrote the proposal to begin with to do the camp, if we needed to write grants, how we wrote those grants,” she said. “It just came together.”
From left, University of Indianapolis music education students Stephen A’vilez, Ellie Jones and Cordale Hankins display copies of Joyce Click’s book, “Building a Musical Theatre Program for Kids 7-14.” Click is an adjunct professor at the University of Indianapolis. (Photo courtesy of Joyce Click)
The Washington Township Schools Foundation created the Joyce Click Vocal Instruction Fund in her honor to provide scholarships to traditionally underserved students. A portion of her book sales will fund the endowment.
Click continues to produce summer musical theater camps for MSDWT and St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. She supervises student teachers at Anderson University and is an adjunct professor for the University of Indianapolis.
and theater.
“When I was growing up, our family was musical. My mother would write musicals for church,” she said. “And then at school, I was in the musicals and I was always with my friends. We were always wanting to write little plays and put on little productions just for fun. So, I guess I just grew up with it, and I saw that it was a really good outlet.”
The 40-year Carmel resident is married and has two children who live in California. She said her family has long been supportive of her work.
“They think it’s great that I wrote down these things that they’ve had to live with hearing about for all these years,” Click said. “My son bought 10 books because he wanted to support the idea.”
“It’s all with the idea of mentoring new teachers or mentoring future teachers,” Click said. “Everything that I’m doing is with that mission.”
Learn more about the book at shorturl.at/tA3S7.
Joyce Click has had a lifelong passion for music
A MUSICAL FAMILY
Joyce Click runs a drama camp in June at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Carmel. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
ON THE COVER: Joyce Click works with youth at a drama camp June 17 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
“Where Quality Comes First”
By Adanna Mbanu adanna@youarecurrent.com
Simon Property Group plans to redevelop the Saks Fifth Avenue space at the Fashion Mall at Keystone after the department store permanently closes in July.
DEVELOPMENT
Upgrades will include new space for luxury retailers, a first-to-market restaurant and an outdoor plaza to host community events. It will also include One Keystone Crossing, three floors of office space above ground floor retail, dining and entertainment options.
“The Fashion Mall at Keystone’s redevelopment will further enhance the center’s positioning as the region’s premier experiential shopping destination and a gathering place for the community,” said Patrick Peterman, senior vice president of
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
When Cambri Builders started to outgrow its office space on Zionsville Road in Indianapolis, customizing a new home was a no-brainer.
RELOCATION
Cambri Builders specializes in commercial development, including health care facilities, strip center and retail renovations, design/build projects and retail tenant improvements.
Cambri chief operating officer Eric McKinney and president John Vyverberg started the company in a 2,700-square-foot office space in 2017. The business is planning a move to 8,000 square feet within a newly constructed 40,000-square-foot building in Zionsville this fall. The project at 96th Street and Zionsville Road, under construction by Cambri, includes a commercial building that will house Cambri as well as multiple other tenants. The site is already 80 percent leased out.
“We grew pretty rapidly into a multistate commercial general contractor,” McKinney said. “We are building a new building because we’ve outgrown our space.”
Cambri’s commercial construction and renovations résumé includes some notable projects completed across the country,
mixed-use development at Simon. “Simon’s commitment to this asset will ensure the center continues to elevate the experience for our discerning patrons and to meet the demands of our retailers.”
The project at the mall, at 8702 Keystone Crossing in Indianapolis, is set to be complete in the fourth quarter of 2026.
“We are excited to offer companies this opportunity to transform their workplace in a setting designed to attract top talent and impress clients,” stated John Robinson, market leader for agency leasing at JLL, a firm working to lease the space.
“One Keystone Crossing’s highly sought after location paired with the connectivity to The Fashion Mall at Keystone and its world-class amenities meets the demand of office users looking for a vibrant mixeduse environment in the heart of the strongest submarket in Indianapolis.”
Cambri moving to Zionsville Fashion Mall to redevelop Saks Fifth Avenue space after closure
including the 500th Ollie’s Bargain Outlet store in Iowa City, Iowa.
McKinney said the company was fortunate to land some clients outside of Indiana when they began, but hope to focus on local development as they expand.
“We’d like to develop more business in Indianapolis,” McKinney said, adding that, locally, Cambri has built or renovated sites from 10,000-square-feet up to 100,000-square-feet or larger.
Cambri’s notable projects include Kincaid’s Meat Market in Fishers, Helium Comedy Club in Indianapolis, Mary’s Mountain Cookies in Carmel, Chipotle, Michael’s and Five Below in Brownsburg and their new building in Zionsville.
Learn more at cambri.com.
Cambri Builders is building a new office at 96th Street and Zionsville Road. (Rendering courtesy of Cambri Builders)
Cool Creek a cool stroll
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
It only takes a short walk through Cool Creek Park on 151st Street to understand why it’s one of the most popular recreation destinations in Hamilton County.
Cool Creek Park’s interior natural surface trails measure 2 miles, but connections allow trail users to customize their hikes by distance and difficulty level. Portions of the trails are uneven with some grade changes and trip hazards that may make it difficult for inexperienced hikers.
Hiking along the shaded interior is a perfect way to get out of the sun and heat, but make sure to bring bug spray and check for ticks after each hike. Long pants are recommended to avoid bugs and poison ivy, which grows along the side of the trail.
Don’t know how to identify poison ivy?
Remember this trick — three leaves come off a single stem, with the side leaves resembling mittens while the front leaf is symmetrical. Other plentiful plants along the trail and creek include milkweed, primrose and false sunflowers.
The 90-acre park opened in 1990 and is operated by Hamilton County. In addition
to trails, park amenities include athletic fields, a music pavilion, a nature center, shelters, picnic tables, a playground and restrooms. Along the creek there are multiple benches and swings.
Want to extend your hike? From the 151st Street entrance, follow the Cool Creek Trail south, connecting to shopping and restaurants. South of 146th Street, the trail connects to the Hagan-Burke Trail in Carmel. From the Westfield Boulevard entrance, follow the new trail connection under U.S. 31 to 151st Street, then west to the Monon Trail.
Defending your eyes
Commentary by Dr. Katherine Schuetz
Did you know that injuries are the No. 1 cause of blindness in children? Not genetics, but injury. That means we could easily prevent many cases of blindness in our young people, as well as active adults, simply by wearing protective eyewear for sports. It’s so easy, but requires a shift in our culture, much like the acceptance of wearing a helmet every time your child rides a bike.
Let’s start small: if a person wears glasses full time, he or she needs sports glasses. We have sleek, durable, fashionable sports goggles that will protect your eyes in any sport.
Not every patient is ready to take the leap to contact lenses, and the only thing worse than wearing no eye protection for sports is wearing a pair of glasses that aren’t designed for the rigors of sports. Your everyday pair of glasses should be durable, but that doesn’t mean they can withstand being hit with significant force. We have seen serious injuries to the eye and
surrounding tissue from regular glasses breaking during sports. That is 100 percent preventable when sports glasses are worn.
Certain sports have already made huge strides in preventing eye injuries by requiring eye protection. Sports such as basketball, baseball, softball, lacrosse, racquet sports and fencing are the most likely for eye injuries to occur, so those are the most important sports for protective eyewear. It’s important to find a frame that fits the sport you play. Some sport goggles will be too bulky for certain helmets, so we recommend bringing along your gear to try on with the glasses.
Make sure all the athletes in your family are seeing their best to play their best, and above all, make sure you’re protecting their eyes!
Dr. Katherine Schuetz is based at Little Eyes in Carmel. She is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Optometry. Learn more at LittleEyes.com.
HIKE!
Cool Creek Park has 2 miles of natural surface trails. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Bird is the word at new museum
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Visitors looking for a respite after dropping cash at the new Terre Haute Casino Resort can visit the Larry Bird Museum in the Terre Haute Convention Center.
Capital Improvement Board Museum
Co-Chair Terri Conley said Bird insisted on the museum admission being free. The museum’s kickoff was celebrated with Bird’s return for a public ceremony May 30.
The museum is small at 2,720 square feet but packed with Bird’s memorabilia from Springs Valley High School, Indiana State University and the Boston Celtics. There are several interactive exhibits. Visitors can shoot free throws, as well.
Bird put Terre Haute on the national basketball map by leading Indiana State to the 1979 NCAA Championship game before losing to the Magic Johnson-led Michigan State. Bird’s Celtics and Johnson’s Los Angeles Lakers continued the rivalry in the NBA and the two eventually became good friends. An exhibit with Johnson is featured in the museum.
Johnson signed a jersey in 1993 with the inscription “To Larry Bird, ‘The Greatest Basketball Player Ever.’ But more important, a friend forever.”
Bird concluded his career by playing in the 1992 Dream Team, which cruised to the Olympics gold medal. Ten days later, Bird announced his retirement after 13 seasons due to back problems. Bird, nicknamed “Larry Legend,” helped the Celtics capture NBA titles in 1981, ’84 and ’86. He was named to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998. As a head coach, Bird led the Indiana Pacers to the NBA Finals in 2000 before losing to the Los Angeles Lakers.
There also is an exhibit featuring Bird’s stint as Pacers coach and executive.
The exhibits include Bird’s legendary status as a trash talker.
Bird said he always is a bit amazed when he sees so many young people wearing his No. 33 uniform.
“I think that’s what social media is all about – thank God they didn’t have that when I was playing,” he said, adding that “Terre Haute has followed my career. You don’t make these journeys alone. Terre Haute always had my back.”
Bird said he doesn’t need any more recognition from the home of his alma mater.
“I got a little street named after me,
I got a statue out there and now a museum here,” Bird said. “Thank you, Terre Haute, but I think that’s enough for a while. You have no idea how much I respect the city and the people in it.”
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Reservations are required.
For more, visit larrybirdmuseum.com.
‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” runs through July 7 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
SERPENTINE FIRE
Serpentine Five, a Earth, Wind & Fire tribute act, will join the Carmel Symphony Orchestra at 8:30 p.m. July 3 at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel. A patriotic tribute of George M. Cohan featuring Actors Theatre of Indiana performers will start at 7 p;m. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Indy Nights with Ryan Ahlwardt & Friends” is set for July 5 and “Chrome Horse, the Bob Dylan Tribute” July 6 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘THE
LONE STAR LOVE POTION’
Red Barn Summer Theatre presents “The Lone Star Love Potion” through July 7 at the Frankfort venue. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
THIRD EYE BLIND
The Summer Gods tour featuring Third Eye Blind and special guest Yellowcard will perform 6:30 p.m. July 6 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com
‘ANNE OF GREEN GABLES’
The Carmel Community Players’ Rising Star Production of “Anne of Green Gables” runs through July 7 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more visit carmelplayers.org.
DISPATCH
Tickets for Floyd Nation on sale — Floyd Nation, a Pink Floyd tribute band, will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The concert is billed as connecting Pink Floyd fans on a deep and soulful level. The band previously performed at the Palladium in February 2023. The Floyd Nation VIP soundcheck experience includes a preshow performance along with a full light show beginning at 4:30 p.m. plus access to early merchandise sales and a meet-and-
An exhibit calling Bird as the “State “Bird” of Indiana. (Photos by Mark Ambrogi)
An exhibit calling Bird as the “State “Bird” of Indiana. (Photos by Mark Ambrogi)
Palladium gets new sound, lighting system
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Center for the Performing Arts President/ CEO Jeff McDermott knew the Palladium needed upgrades to its sound system.
IMPROVEMENTS
“We always knew we needed a sound system specifically designed for it,” McDermott said. “We also knew our lighting and sound system was aging. Like technology – I tell people if you had a 14- or 15-year-old iPhone or Android, you would be way out of date with it.”
McDermott said there was a need to upgrade to attract more top artists, plus it was getting to the point where it was hard to find parts for speakers and lighting at the Palladium.
“It was pretty much state-of-the-art in 2009 and 2010 when ordered and installed,” he said of the Palladium, which opened in 2011. “Time changes that, so we’re very excited to get two new systems that will make a big difference to our patrons.”
McDermott said the Palladium initially was envisioned as more of a classical concert hall.
“It was certainly made for that, but didn’t exclude it from being an opera or country hall, or a hall that could be used for a wide variety of art forms,” McDermott said. “What we found was the speakers were fine for their time and they did a nice job for a lot of years. When it was time to change, it really made sense to go with something more universal. We know we
had specific artists that asked what our sound system is and they had certain requirements we couldn’t meet. There have been opportunities we have not been able to fulfill because the sound system, the PA system, wasn’t the appropriate system. I think this will eliminate that altogether.”
One example is Ringo Starr & His AllStarr Band determined the previous sound system wasn’t suitable for their show.
“It’s one thing to have a hall that is acoustically perfect, but the PA system has to complement it,” McDermott said.
The cost for the new sound and lighting systems is approximately $1.5 million, paid from the city’s 2021 tax increment financing bond issue.
The Center’s staff, with the aid of Carmel Redevelopment Commission, which oversees capital improvements on the campus, solicited three bids for the design and installation of the system. The winning proposal came from two Greenfield-based
PUZZLE ANSWERS
Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE:
companies, Force.Tech and Mid-America Sound, which are leaders in audio technology. Their design was based on an acoustic analysis conducted by Haverstick Designs, a Carmel company. The design added microphone testing throughout the room and the use of LiDAR technology to create a three-dimensional digital model of the interior surfaces.
Installation of key components took place in June. According to the Center’s news release, most notable are the two
line arrays – the curved speaker stacks that hang over each side of the stage and produce most of the volume – are more robust. The number of speakers has grown from nine to 12 each for better coverage throughout the room. In addition, two subwoofers are on either side of the stage for bass reproduction and new fill speakers supplement the sound in areas not fully covered by the main speakers.
The new lighting system was installed by the production staff earlier in 2024.
FREE EVENT COOL CREEK CAMPFIRES
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:
Cool Creek Park at 2000 E. 151st St. in Carmel will hold a free campfire on the north side of the park from 7 to 8 p.m. July 3 and on several other dates throughout the summer. Campfires will include songs, nature presentations and marshmallow roasting. Preregistration isn’t required.
OTHER FREE AREA ACTIVITIES
WALKING CLUB: Moms meet monthly to hike Noblesville Strawtown Koteewi Park trails. For more, visit hamiltoncounty.in.gov/296/Parks-and-Recreation.
MOVIE: Hamilton East Public Library presents a free screening of “Trolls Band Together,” 1 to 3 p.m. July 6 at its Fishers branch, 5 Municipal Dr. Register at hepl. libnet.info/event/10186437.
A side view of the Palladium’s new PA system. (Photo courtesy of Center for the Performing Arts)
Creating Unmatched Moments, One Show at a Time at Feinstein’s!
7/5
7/6
7/12 & 7/13
7/16
7/18
7/19
7/20
7/21
7/25
INDY NIGHTS WITH RYAN AHLWARDT & FRIENDS | Sold Out
CHROME HORSE: THE BOB DYLAN TRIBUTE | Six Decades o f Top Hits
CELEBRATING CELINE: STARING JENENE CARAMIELO | Celi ne Dion Tribute
NICOLE ZURAITIS: GENERATIONS OF HER | Songs of Icon ic Women
BUBBLES UP! | Let’s Celebrate Jimmy Buffett with Do n Farrell
DUELING PIANOS | Live Jukebox Experience
SWEET CAROLINE: THE LIFE & MUSIC OF NEIL DIAMOND | Don Farrell
DRAG ME TO BRUNCH HOSTED BY PAT YO’ WEAVE | 11 am S how 21+ Only
DECEPTION | An Evening of Magic & Lies with David R analli
Brenda Williams, who has won awards for her performances at American Cabaret Theatre, the Indiana Repertory Theatre, and Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, is set to appear from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at The Tarkington. (Photo
Locals to play Jazz Fest
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Besides national acts, the Carmel Jazz Festival will feature many of the top jazz performers based in central Indiana during the Aug. 9-10 event.
MUSIC
7/26
7/27
THE AHLWARDTS PRESENTS: HUMAN JUKEBOX EXPERIENCE | You Pick, We Play!
ERIC BAKER & FRIENDS PRESENTS: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IN THE 70'S Visit FeinsteinsHC.com to purchase tickets.
“We’ve got some great talent in Carmel and the surrounding areas,” Carmel Jazz Festival Artistic Director Blair Clark said. “It’s great to bring in performers like Pavel (Polanco-Safadit), Wendy Reed and Brenda Williams. Some of these artists I have the privilege to work with and I know are going to bring in a crowd and entertain the people that are there.”
Williams, a vivacious singer/actress who has won awards for her performances at American Cabaret Theatre, the Indiana Repertory Theatre and Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, is set to appear from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at The Tarkington. Polanco-Safadit is an Internationally known Latin jazz pianist originally from the Dominican Republic. Pavel & Direct Contact will perform from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at The Tarkington.
Electric violinist/vocalist Cathy Morris will perform from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at The Tarkington.
Clark, a jazz vocalist, and The Naptown Strangers perform Aug. 9 at the Carter Green stage.
DysFUNKtion Brass will be performing outside from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 9
The Aug. 10 performances from central Indiana on Carter Green include Premium Blend and Wendy Reed.
Northside Exchange, a jazz trio founded in 1999 by Joseph Filipow and Darnell Perkins, will perform from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts.
For more, visit carmeljazzfest.org.
courtesy of Carmel Jazz Fest)
NIGHT & DAY
CURRENT CRAVINGS
HC Tavern at 9709 E. 116th St. in Fishers offers classic American fare with a unique twist in a location near popular shopping destinations and entertainment venues. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Learn more at AtTheHC.com.
MOST PHOTOGRAPHED:
The Lobster Cargot appetizer features lobster meat covered in garlic butter and Havarti. Best served spread on the accompanying Tuscan bread. Shambaugh)
DRY-RUB BABY BACK RIBS, $33
MOST UNIQUE MENU ITEM: LOBSTER CARGOT, $25
Harmony Tea Shoppe
Panda Express side 16. Start of an Albert Einstein quote
Astound
41. Indigenous
43. Mine finds
44. Winner’s Circle Sports
Pub screens
46. GOP foe
47. Mach 1 breaker
48. Eiteljorg Museum Western tribe
50. Derisive shouts for the visiting team at Lucas Oil Stadium
52. Silent assent
53. Winter wear
55. Quote, Part 3
62. Distort
63. Hotel Carmichael offering
64. Zionsville Pizzeria hot spot
65. Belles of the ball, briefly
66. Noblemen
67. Plant starter Down
1. In the past
2. Moving vehicle
3. Ind. neighbor
4. Final authority
5. Civil rights org.
6. Black eye, informally
7. Nincompoop
8. Suffix to Green, Plain and West on an Indiana map
9. Showy flower
10. Roman 1004
11. High card
12. Rx
17. Had meatloaf at Sahm’s 18. Reclined
21. Beer barrel
22. Some young cows
23. Kit with toy bricks
25. Turkey Creek barrier
26. Chair a meeting
27. Body of science?
28. Foxy
30. Tiny particle
31. “Step ___!” (hurry)
33. Table scraps
34. Tennis shot 36. Sea eagles
37. CIA cousin
39. URL starter
40. Celtics, on a Pacers scoreboard
42. Ambulance letters
45. One who won
48. Current reporter’s query
49. Scents
50. Bone with teeth
51. Belief system
52. Defunct Indy evening paper
54. AES electrical units
55. ‘60s psychedelic
56. ‘50s prez
57. Valentine’s Day mo.
58. Wall St. profitability measure
59. “___ Got a Secret”
60. Reggie Miller’s NY foil: Spike ___
61. Apt answer for this clue
Blueprint for Improvement: Chic Carmel kitchen
Commentary by Larry Greene
Built in 2000 in Carmel’s Fairgreen Trace subdivision, this home recently underwent a stunning kitchen transformation. The owner’s desire to update and upgrade led to a chic, modern redesign, showcasing how a black and white palette can be anything but basic.
THE BLUEPRINT
• A reworked appliance layout improved both form and function. Moving the range to a central location and relocating the sink to an adjacent wall enhanced the room’s sight lines and created a more efficient workflow.
• The dark backsplash in a chevron pattern creates a crisp contrast to the sleek white cabinets, while brass hardware and natural wood accents add warmth.
• Decorative columns were replaced with a cabinet wall, increasing storage space and overall square footage.
• A new, larger island provides additional prep, serving and gathering space, making it ideal for both daily use and for entertaining.
• Extending the cabinets to the ceiling adds visual height, making the ceiling feel higher and the room more spacious.
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.
