Founded March 12, 2024, at Indianapolis, IN Vol. I, No. 10
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Empowering Youth: JA BizTown Summer Camp inspires innovation and responsibility
NorthIndy@youarecurrent.com
Junior Achievement of Central Indiana’s JA BizTown helped create unforgettable moments this summer through JA BizTown Summer Camp. The mission of Junior Achievement of Central Indiana, or JACI, has always been to inspire young people to own their future success by providing them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the real world.
PROGRAM
JA BizTown, on North Keystone Avenue, has served the central Indiana region through class field trips during the school year for decades. In June, JACI hosted 194 students for JA BizTown Summer Camp.
During the annual JA BizTown Summer Camp, students learn about the importance of financial literacy and the role of an upstanding citizen by taking on jobs that teach responsibility, time management and teamwork. Throughout the week, campers participate in various activities, like learning to write checks, balance a budget, hear from motivational speakers, entrepreneurs and professionals, and create a vision board — encouraging them to dream and prepare for their futures.
In addition, students are encouraged to embrace their creativity by exploring innovations or business experiences that interest them. Each year, students think about their daily lives and design something to help improve it, individually or as a group, with innovative designs such as utility dog leashes designed to hold everything a pet owner would need to edible ice cream wrappers. Students collaborate with other campers by sharing their innovative designs and receiving feedback.
In addition to hands-on learning activities, this special educational event also invites several notable guest speakers each year to inspire young campers and share their expertise. This year, JACI welcomed eight first-class guest speakers and corporate partners:
• The Secretary of State office’s Money Wise program addresses financial decisions and educates campers about financial scams and the importance of financial literacy in safeguarding their future.
• First Internet Bank provides campers with practical knowledge about building networks and exploring career
pathways, empowering them to confidently navigate the professional world.
• Jon Mobley, whose magic show educates campers on the importance of entrepreneurship.
• Nine13sports instructs students on the value of lifelong fitness and equitable exercise through stationary biking.
• Marian University helps campers develop essential skills such as resiliency and problem-solving in a dynamic and supportive environment.
• Donate Life discusses the importance
of health and wellness.
• Nicole Lewis and Shantel Lee empower students through their program, Mindful Credit, with engaging activities about the importance of maintaining good credit and to believe in themselves by practicing kindness toward their mental health and self-image. On the last day of camp, FORVIS Mazars representatives spoke about the delicate balance between profit and integrity.
To learn more and to secure a spot for next year, visit jaindy.org or email info@ jaindy.org.
Campers at the JA BizTown Summer Camp learn about fitness using stationary bikes. (Photos courtesy of Junior Achievement of Central Indiana)
Campers particiapate in last month’s Junior Achievement of Central indiana’s JA BizTown.
Longtime ISBVI leader to retire
By Tirzah Rowland tirzah@youarecurrent.com
Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Superintendent James Durst of Carmel will retire after 33 years in leadership with the school, effective Sept. 30. Durst has served as superintendent since 2001.
EDUCATION
“The most meaningful aspect for me has been the association with individuals who are committed to making a difference and seeing our children grow from toddlers to being productive young adults over the course of their career,” Durst said.
Although Durst has expanded the reach of the school through outreach and summer programs, spearheaded capital projects and improved technology at the school in addition to implementing the use of Unified English Braille code throughout the school, he said the opportunities the students have after they graduate are vital.
“I am most proud of the students that we serve and the independence that they have been able to acquire,” Durst said. “I think the fact that programs are designed to individually meet each student’s needs has allowed us as a school to maximize each student’s potential.”
ISVBI serves blind and low-vision students across the state. Durst hopes future growth initiatives will help the school reach students across the nation and the world.
“There’s a misconception since Indianapolis is our base, but we actually serve students from the far reaches of the state,” Durst said.
The school provides resources to more than 300 students in 46 school districts. The campus at 7725 N. College Ave. in Indianapolis houses 40 residential students and 110 additional students are enrolled in preschool through high school.
“I’m so grateful for the decades Superintendent Durst spent as a dedicated educational leader serving Hoosiers who are blind and visually impaired, as well as their families and wider communities,” Gov. Eric Holcomb stated in a May 20 press release.
Durst leaves ISBVI as a multiyear building project is launching.
The ISBVI board plans to announce Durst’s replacement before his retirement.
Durst
New laws aim to enrich education in Indiana
NorthIndy@youarecurrent.com
New laws passed during the 2024 Indiana Legislative session took effect July 1, including several aimed at boosting opportunities in education for Hoosier students and teachers.
LEGISLATURE
High school students can apply for a Career Scholarship Account to pursue internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities. The $5,000 scholarship covers certain expenses like training, career coaching, driver’s education, certification and credentialing exams.
“Hoosier high school students need more opportunities to participate in work-based learning, apprenticeships and internships,” House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) stated. “Expanding these scholarships will provide young Hoosiers these experiences that are key to determining career paths and developing high-demand skills for the 21st century workforce.”
State Rep. Chuck Goodrich (R-Noblesville) authored the new law.
“All students should be able to pursue educational opportunities that prepare them for what comes after graduation,” Goodrich stated. “This program is a game changer that will help young Hoosiers achieve success, no matter their career goals.”
Lawmakers said a measure aimed at boosting student
reading proficiency will address data that shows 1 in 5 Hoosier third-graders struggle to read by strengthening remediation efforts and offer more targeted classroom support starting in second grade. Schools will also be required to offer summer courses to help with reading beginning this year.
“Reading is such a critical skill for all Hoosier students,” stated State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel). “Providing targeted support for students who need the most help in improving their reading will better prepare these learners for future success.”
Hoosiers looking to make a career switch to education can apply for Transition to Teaching Scholarships. One-time, nonrenewable scholarships of up to $10,000 are available to applicants with a bachelor’s degree pursuing a transition to teaching certification.
“Like many other states and other industries, we’re facing a shortage of educators,” stated State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville), who serves as a member of the House Education Committee. “Providing scholarships to Hoosiers who are enrolled in transition to teaching certification programs is a common sense move to boost our talent pipeline and support our students and schools.”
A measure to provide nearly 90,000 retired public servants including teachers and first responders with a $360 pension boost to cover cost-of-living expenses also became law July 1. To view all new laws now in effect, visit iga.in.gov.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16 TH , 2024 11AM to 3PM at Lucas Estate, Carmel, IN
DISPATCHES
Golden Hoosier nominations — Nominations are being accepted for the 2024 Golden Hoosier Award, which honors senior Hoosiers for their lifetime of service and commitment to their communities. To be eligible, the nominee must be an Indiana resident age 65 or older and have been a volunteer in the community for the past three years. The deadline for submitting applications is July 14. Nomination forms can be accessed at bit.ly/4bnCDrS.
‘Good Night Forest’ exhibit — The Indiana State Museum’s newest exhibit, “Good Night Forest,” is open through Oct. 31. The playful experience was created especially for little ones, with beautiful artwork and engaging activities designed to help children build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity as they discover nature and learn about animals that emerge after dark. According to the museum, “Good Night Forest” will help children build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity as they discover nature and learn about the animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down. “Good Night Forest” is free for members and included with museum admission, which is $20 for adults, $14 for youth ages 3-17 and $18 for seniors. The museum is located at White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis. Learn more at IndianaMuseum.org.
Huston Cash
Project Rouj assists homebuilding efforts in Haiti
By Adanna Mbanu adanna@youarecurrent.com
Founded in Zionsville, Project Rouj is a nonprofit organization that provides jobs and builds houses in Haiti.
NONPROFIT
Project Rouj CEO Jamalyn Peigh Williamson moved to Haiti in 2003 with her husband David to better understand how the United States influences the rest of the world after taking a class on developing nations while attending Duke University.
The couple moved to Zionsville in 2005 but returned in Haiti in 2010 when a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit, collapsing the country’s infrastructure and destroying homes. The Williamsons stayed to help rebuild homes and realized that Haiti needed something more.
“We thought the mission was building houses, but really what the mission had turned out to be is creating jobs, and the byproduct of that is that people get safe, secure housing,” Williamson said.
The increase in housing in Haiti has allowed people to move forward with their lives. It also kept many homeowners from spending excessive amounts of money to have a place to live.
“One of our homeowners, because they weren’t spending money trying to fix this house that was falling apart, was able to
start a tree nursery,” Williamson said. “So, now we are able to plant around 100 trees at every house we build because his tree nursery is where we buy those trees from. People have been able to have more money by either having a job with us, or getting a house from us, which then frees up money they were spending to try and keep themselves dry from a leaky roof.”
Project Rouj is the largest employer in Fondwa, Haiti, employing more than 150 people, according to the organization, whose name is derived from the word rouj — which means red in Haitian Creole — representing the red roofs commonly seen throughout Fondwa.
Project Rouj prides itself on not simply building homes in Haiti, but allowing Haitians to work for the organization, which can ultimately help end the cycle of poverty.
“We never hand a dollar directly to a person that hasn’t worked for it,” Williamson said. “We really are trying to help (Haitians) help themselves. We felt our main project was to help people get out of dilapidated homes, get them in a secure place, make them feel safe so that they can then think about what dreams they want for their lives. We’ve achieved that, but we’ve also had this enormous blessing of now being able to help people by giving them jobs.”
Learn more at projectrouj.org.
Haitians assist in building homes in Fondwa, Haiti, with help from Zionsville-based nonprofit Project Rouj. (Photo courtesy of Project Rouj)
BALANCING ACT
Head coach and elementary school principal juggles different roles
By Conrad Otto conrad@youarecurrent.com
Kyle Ray is the head football coach at Heritage Christian School on the northside of Indianapolis. Heading into his ninth year of coaching at the school, he was recently promoted from assistant principal of the elementary school to interim principal.
Recently answered the following questions about balancing his coaching and administrative roles.
How long have you been at Heritage Christian, both coaching and working?
I just finished my eighth year, so I’ll be headed into my ninth year this August. My oldest daughter Ella was a few days old when I accepted the job at Heritage, and now she’s 8 years-old, so it’s cool to see the journey of our family.
What time does your day start and end?
Normally, I try to get to the school a little after 7 a.m. Then from about 3:10 to 3:15 p.m., I transition to football and can finish anywhere between 5 and 6 p.m. Friday’s our unique. Those are long days because you might have a home or away game. You need to be ready.
What is typically the first chore each day, and what’s the last?
The first one is usually hallway duty, gym duty or sidewalk duty. The main thing is greeting kids when they walk in, having a positive interaction with the elementary kids. I give a lot of high-fives, tell them to have a great day. The main thing is to have a positive interaction when they walk into the building. The last thing is locker room supervision, telling guys that I love them as they walk out.
What are the best parts of your life going from an administrative role to a coaching role?
It’s just so cool to have relationships from kindergarten all the way to seniors. It’s really unique for me to have just a wide range of impact and influence and to be able to see those really young kids going into school loving every minute.
What does a typical practice look like from a coaching perspective?
It just depends on the day. Monday is more of a gameplan day for varsity, looking at our opponent that week, dissecting what they do well and how we attack them.
Tuesday and Wednesday are all about getting live reps of what we will be doing in the game. Thursday is a final tune up of what we are going to do, review new plays, concepts and even special teams. Friday is game day. Saturday is more film, unless the JV team is playing
What goes on behind the scenes from one role to the next, that people might not be aware of?
It’s hard to really explain to people how much goes into running a football program. There’s so many different elements that go into football. I think from a leadership from a school and football perspective, a lot of time is solving problems you didn’t create. That is a huge part of being in a leadership position.
Every day is different. You never know what you are going to get going into work.
How much work is put in as coach in the offseason?
You have to begin doing stuff year-round. If you want to be really good, you have to be diligent in working yearround. At the same time, though, you have to advocate for your multisport athlete. They cannot be punished when they miss basketball, baseball or track. There are always
opportunities for them to get better. You have to be able to get stronger year-round. That’s the separator.
On the days off being assistant principal, what do summer breaks look like for you?
Summer breaks are different when you’re working in administration. When you are teaching, summer is off. It’s all preparing for the start of school and just making sure that all the behind-the-scenes stuff gets worked out.
How much fun do you have while working both jobs simultaneously?
If you shadowed me for a day, you’d realize that I really love what I do. Elementary school and football are two very different things, but one thing they share is that to do it well, you have to have great energy and enthusiasm for what you’re doing. One of my missions is to make kids love school. That’s what you want. For football, it’s such a brotherhood and a family. There is such a bond that is formed when you are working hard to achieve your goal.
ON THE COVER: Kyle Ray is the interim principal of Heritage Christian School’s elementary school. (Photo courtesy of Kyle Ray)
Heritage Christian School football coach Kyle Ray, center, talks to players during a game. (Photo courtesy of Kyle Ray)
MacGregor Park provides ‘passive nature’ for all
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Rumbling traffic along U.S. 31 and Ind. 38 can’t drown out the peaceful tranquility of MacGregor Park.
A passive nature preserve, MacGregor Park is in a conservation easement, making it protected land immune from development. The 96-acre, dog-friendly park was donated by Sheila MacGregor Beals to Westfield Washington Township in 1999. Born in 1909 in Scotland, MacGregor Beals moved to the United States following World War II and lived on the property. The preserve’s wellmarked 3 miles of trails follow the regular path she took while walking the property.
The crushed limestone trail is well maintained with areas of easy to moderate inclines on the western and eastern sides of the property. Connecting trails on the interior make extending hiking distance easy.
Along the prairie and wetlands trails in the northern portion of the park, visitors will find a Peace Pole — a monument found in more than 180 countries that displays the message “Let Peace Prevail on Earth” in four languages.
Blossoms are also plentiful in the preserve, including — but certainly not limited to — beebalm, cone flowers, black-eyed Susans, butterfly weed, milkweed, buttonbush, false sunflowers, crownvetch, raspberry bushes, prairie roses, daisies, Indian hemp, ninebark, compass plants and clover.
Visitors can bring a natural material ornament to leave on the Christmas tree near the northwest portion of the property. The origins of the tree are not fully known, only that a patron placed an ornament on an evergreen in 2004, and ever since, other
Park is at Ind. 38 and U.S. 31
hikers have added to that collection.
MacGregor Park is owned and operated by Westfield Washington Township. Learn more at westfieldwashingtontwp.us/162/ MacGregor-Park.
MacGregor
in Westfield Washington Township. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Blueprint for Improvement: Effortless elegance in Carmel
Commentary by Larry Greene
Built in 1999 in Carmel’s Laurel Lakes neighborhood, this home’s kitchen was due for a contemporary facelift. Our team envisioned a timeless transformation featuring a classic palette, thoughtful storage solutions and strategic appliance placements, resulting in a functional and effortlessly elegant space.
THE BLUEPRINT
• A classic palette featuring tones of white, taupe and gray offers a versatile backdrop that adapts beautifully to evolving trends.
• Organic warmth is introduced through wood barstools, seagrass dining chairs and iron accents.
• Functionality is significantly enhanced by relocating the range off the island, providing additional prep and entertaining space.
• The removal of an impractical desk makes way for additional cabinetry, streamlining sight lines and increasing counter and storage space.
• The design is elegantly finished with a double-basin apron-front sink, crown molding and brushed nickel hardware, bringing both charm and practicality to the forefront of this kitchen transformation.
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.
‘Cats’ gets new life in Civic Theatre YAP show
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Anne Beck conducted a survey of Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program members and alumni of possible future musicals.
“Cats” was listed in the top three by all 75 participants. One reason it was listed so high is because most high schools don’t attempt to present it.
“It’s incredibly challenging,” said Beck, the YAP coordinator. “It forces them to think about character from beginning to end. The program itself is all about building people up and (the performers) have to be on the side, kind of building up the character that’s in the forefront at the time. It’s a big theme about acceptance and forgiveness and being who you are and not having to apologize for it. I love the messages and it’s great for this age group.
“They are working really hard and they’re killing it. It’s just really exciting to see they love it, too.”
The Fishers resident is direct ing the YAP production of “Cats,” which runs July 25-28 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Civic Theatre has not performed the An drew Lloyd Webber classic at any level.
Beck performed in “Cats” at the Gate way Playhouse in Bellport, N.Y., in 2012 with Ken Page, who was reprising his Broadway role as Old Deuteronomy, and director Jacob Brent, who portrayed Mr. Mistoffelees in the original video production.
“Learning it from them, I know it so well,” Beck said.
There are 30 cast members — 15 male and 15 females — from 14 high schools.
Emma Hornbecker, a Lebanon High School graduate who will attend Indiana University this fall, plays Grizabella.
“I wasn’t very familiar with ‘Cats,’’’ Hornbecker said. “I don’t think a lot of theaters around here take it on because it’s very daunting. I listened to all the music before auditions and really fell in love with it.”
This is Hornbecker’s first appearance in a YAP production. She played Liesl Von Trapp in Civic’s main stage production of “The Sound of Music ‘’ in 2023.
“I think through Grizabella I’ve learned a lot about the themes of forgiveness and compassion and I really like how she teaches that to the other cats,” Hornbecker said.
Hornbecker sings “Memory,” the musical’s signature song.
Andrew Horras, who will be a Fishers High School sophomore, plays
in Junior Civic’s “Newsies Jr.” in 2023.
Noah Greer, a 2024 Fishers High School graduate who will study dance at Ball State University this fall, enjoys his role as Mongojerrie.
“He’s very energetic, very fun,” he said. “He’s mischievous.”
Greer and Horras perform an energetic number together.
“He tumbles a lot and that’s definitely kind of taxing but it’s all a part of the process,” Greer said. “It’s very hard also doing like a five-minute number with just two people on stage. You don’t have a lot of people on stage to back you up, so it’s really important that you’re locked in for the full five minutes there.”
The chemistry comes naturally as Greer and Horras are close friends.
“I think people will enjoy just watching us get into the characters,” Greer said. “It’s very different. You have to stay in character for the full two hours. I think that it’s really just fascinating getting to watch everybody do that because you just see different things in each corner of the stage. Everybody’s doing something different. I think that’s something that audiences will really enjoy.”
Taylor Smith, who will be a Lawrence North High School senior, plays Old Deuteronomy.
“I enjoy playing a character that can really command a room,” Smith said. “That’s not something that I’ve really been able to play before. I’ve often played a comedic side character, but I don’t often get to play characters that really are about like majesty and grandeur. I think it’s really cool to try something new.”
Beck said Adrienne Conces, Civic’s resident costume designer, has done an amazing job.
“She puts a unitard on a mannequin and is hand-airbrushing all the different colors and stripes and dots for each character,” said Beck, who is designing the wigs.
For more, visit civictheatre.org.
‘LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” runs through Aug. 25 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE’ Main Street Productions presents “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” at Basile Westfield Playhouse July 18-28. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Bubbles up! Let’s Celebrate Jimmy Buffett” is set for July 18; Dueling Pianos: ‘80s Music July 18; and Sweet Caroline: The Life and Music of Jimmy Buffett” July 20 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, THE MUSICAL’ Red Barn Summer Theatre presents “Young Frankenstein, The Musical” July 17-21 in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre. net.
SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE
“Best of John Williams” is set for 8 p.m. July 19-20 at Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie in Fishers. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.
DAN + SHAY
Dan + Shay: Heartbreak on the Map is set for 7 p.m. July 19 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.
EARTH, WIND & FIRE & CHICAGO
Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago’s Heart & Soul Tour stops at 7:30 p.m. July 20 at Ruoff. For more, visit livenation.com.
DISPATCH
Broadway star set for Public Masterclass — Three-time Tony Award nominee Joshua Henry will team up with Michael Feinstein at 2 p.m. July 16 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel for the Great American Songbook Foundation’s annual Songbook Academy summer intensive to critique performances by 10 randomly selected students. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
MUSICAL
Clockwise from the top, Andrew Horras, Fishers, Austin Lizama, Zionsville, Lyra Montalvo, Fishers, and Emma Hornbecker, Lebanon. (Photo courtesy of Joshua Hasty)
Filmmaker ‘pedals’ documentary at Indy Shorts
By Jennifer A. Haire editorial@youarecurrent.com
Joe Rudy considers himself a community social worker. A Noblesville resident and owner of Rudy’s Re:Cycle shop in Cicero, he is a former youth pastor and property manager of Bethel Lutheran Church and is now a bicycle shop owner.
DOCUMENTARY
“He’s everyone’s friend, and he’s a person that’s always willing to lend a hand,” said 12 Stars Media co-founder Rocky Walls, noting that Rudy’s shop focuses on bicycle repair and provides the community access to affordable bikes.
maybe the ‘70s,” Walls said.
Walls said he recognized there was a story to be told through the bikes and immediately thought of Rudy, who he’s known for years through their mutual community work. Rudy was also a subject in the short they were filming at the time, “Toboggan ‘Bout Town.”
Rudy is featured in the documentary short film “Bike Story,” directed by Walls and produced by his Noblesville-based company, 12 Stars Media. The film’s world premiere is at 7:30 p.m. July 23 at the Indy Shorts International Film Festival. 12 Stars Media has had a film at Indy Shorts every year since 2021. The July 23 premiere is at Living Room Theaters. There will be a showing at 12:30 p.m. July 28 at The Tobias Theatre at Newfields in Indianapolis.
“I felt comfortable with Rocky’s vision from the very beginning,” Rudy said. “My hope is when people see this film, they might feel the importance and impact they have on their own community. When we don’t feel like we have a choice in what’s going on in the world, we can put the work in, get a little grimy, learn some new things and make some new friends right where we are.”
Walls said people use “our bikes to get places or to get together with people and go on a journey.”
While filming another local short documentary in 2022, Walls — also a Noblesville resident — received a call from a friend that the new owners of the nearby Lacy building were clearing it out and might have some things he’d be interested in. Hoping to find a unique addition to his typewriter collection among the 30-, 40-year-old untouched items, Walls paid them a visit.
“While I was there, I happened to see, and it truly was like out of a movie, there was this window where this light was kind of pouring in, and it was illuminating these four bicycles hung upside down in a corner that truly didn’t look like (they) had been touched or certainly not ridden since
The film explores “the concept of bikes as a symbol of freedom and coming of age,” said Walls, emphasizing how the importance of bicycles changes throughout people’s lives. “Adolescent experiences sort of revolve around a bicycle, often being the first means you have to explore further out into the neighborhood to go do things with friends that you couldn’t before.”
As Rudy restores the bikes, Walls said the film evokes nostalgia, encouraging viewers to restore what used to bring them joy.
“It might be picking up something from your childhood and revisiting something that you used to really love,” Walls said.
Filming took place in Noblesville and Cicero on and off for two years from January 2022 to April 2024, with a crew of six to eight people.
Walls said he plans for the film to be available in the fall on the Hoosier documentary streaming platform Hoodox, which he co-founded in 2021 with 12 Stars Media co-founder Zach Downs.
Walls
Rudy
Foreigner to visit Ruoff
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youcurent.com
For Foreigner keyboardist Michael Bluestein, the time is right to slow down a bit.
CONCERT
“We’re in the middle of a two-year farewell tour,” Bluestein said. “We’re not saying goodbye completely but basically we’re entering a new chapter where we’ll not be traveling as extensively as we have been because it’s been about nine months a year for about 20 years. It’s going to be considerably less, so this is a full-on, going out with a bang during these two years.”
Foreigner has paused its official farewell tour concerts to perform a Renegades and Juke Box Heroes summer tour with Styx. The tour will visit Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville at 6:45 p.m. July 26. John Waite serves as the opening act.
Foreigner brought its farewell tour with Loverboy to Noblesville in July 2024, shortly after the tour started. The tour with Styx will feature a few less songs than the farewell tour, but will include all the major hits.
“It’s a leaner, meaner set,” Bluestein said. “Instead of 100 minutes, this is closer to 80 minutes.”
Foreigner will be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Oct. 19 in Cleveland as part of the class of 2024.
“It’s a buzz, for sure. A lot of people think it’s long overdue,” said Bluestein, who joined Foreigner in 2008. “It’s a thrill and it looks like we’ll all be there. It will be a nice reunion for the older members as well as newer members. It’s kind of hallowed ground and pretty amazing to be inducted to a prestigious institute. I think it’s going to be kind of a then-and-now scenario.”
Michael Bluestein has been the keyboardist for Foreigner since 2008. (Photo courtesy of Krishta Photography)
Mick Jones, the band’s founder and guitarist, and former lead singer Lou Gramm co-wrote most of the band’s hit songs. Jones, the last original member, hasn’t been able to tour with the band since 2022 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
Bluestein, 55, is looking forward to spending more time with his 8-month old daughter.
“I’m a first-time dad. I’m looking forward to being a dad more full time, or at least half time,” Bluestein said.
Bluestein started playing classical music and then began performing more jazz in high school. Before joining Foreigner, he toured with Enrique Iglesias, Anastacia Lyn Newkirk and Boz Scaggs.
“Versatility is something I was shooting for to have a lot of opportunities and be employed in different situations,” he said.
“It’s served me well. I’ve always loved different styles of music. Duke Ellington used to say there are two kinds of music, don’t worry about genres, there is good and bad.
I feel Foreigner music is really good music.”
Bluestein, who also serves as a record producer, writes music for TV and movies. Bluestein and his girlfriend Tina Terry perform as a duo called Tina Blue.
For more, visit livenation.com.
FREE EVENT THE NOBLESVILLE STREET DANCE
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:
The Noblesville Street Dance is a family-friendly community event in downtown Noblesville from 6 to 11 p.m. July 20. Admission is free. There will be a free kids zone and live music. Food vendors will be onsite with items available for purchase.
OTHER FREE AREA EVENTS
LATE NIGHT ON MAIN: The free street party begins at 7 p.m. July 20 with food and beverage vendors opening for business. The stage where the band Country Summer will perform will be located on West Main Street and Range Line Road near The Olive Mill in Carmel.
Brewing up community, culture, connections
Commentary by Mark LaFay
For many people, coffee isn’t simply a morning ritual. It’s a way to connect with others. Making it is a craft to be mastered and a reflection of the community’s evolving tastes. Through conversations with several roasters in Hamilton County, I’ve discovered how coffee has become a cornerstone of community life here.
COFFEE
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Let’s start with Indie Coffee Roasters in Carmel. In 2018, Diane McAndrews opened Indie Coffee Roasters on Main Street. Since then, it has expanded to multiple locations, including a second in Carmel at North End, at Purdue University and in Noblesville.
“Consumer interest is growing and people are getting more curious about coffee,” McAndrews said. “It is very culinary. We don’t serve food. It was our strategy from Day 1. We focus on coffee and community, knowing people.”
Jeremy Balch at Geist Coffee also emphasizes quality and community engagement. He took over an existing shop in 2018 and revitalized it. He uses beans from Utopian Coffee Roasters, known for their direct sourcing from farmers.
to share their extensive coffee knowledge with customers.
“MOTW’s foundation has always been about community,” Nasif Rahman with MOTW said. “Our baristas go through extensive training and testing to be prepared to give guests a great experience.”
“Over the past few years, customers have been asking deeper questions about coffee origins and processing,” Balch said. “Our culture is shifting from blind consumerism to educated purchasing. Farmers are now able to invest in better equipment and processing methods that truly affect quality and taste in the cup.”
Allie Commons, founder and owner of RIVET Coffee Bar & Roastery in Westfield, said she started roasting beans even before the shop opened in May 2021.
“We would roast beans in the ‘garage’ while the shop was being built out,” Commons said. “Neighbors would smell the roasting, see the activity and it built a bit of buzz prior to opening,”
The staff often encourages customers to check out the roastery. Educational cupping classes are also an interactive opportunity to teach customers about the nuances of artisanal coffee.
MOTW Coffee & Pastries, established in 2021, with locations in Carmel, Fishers and Indianapolis, has made education a cornerstone of its business. With a foundation rooted in community and a commitment to local causes, MOTW trains its baristas
Ken Julian of Julian Coffee Roasters in Zionsville has seen the evolution of coffee culture firsthand. Founded in 2004, Julian Coffee Roasters initially operated several coffee shops but now focuses on wholesale and online retail. It ensures quality through state-of-the-art roasting equipment and direct trade relationships with farmers in Honduras.
“Coffee is similar to wine in that every coffee can have a variety of flavor profiles based on how it is processed at the farms and how it is roasted,” said Julian, noting that his shop’s subscription service introduces customers to new micro-lot coffees each month, keeping things fresh and exciting.
These personal stories reveal quite a bit about our local coffee culture. The common thread running through each roaster is their passion for education, quality and community engagement. Whether it’s offering cupping classes where consumers learn to drink and smell coffee, inviting customers into the roastery, or training baristas to be coffee educators, these shops are fostering a deeper connection between consumers and the coffee they drink.
Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4201 Millersville Rd., Suite 119, Indianapolis
Geist Coffee, 10110 Brooks School Rd, emphasized quality and commmunity engagement. (Photo courtesy of Geist Coffee)
