Tuesday, February 11, 2025
WILD AND FREE
Indiana nonprofit helps injured animals return to nature / P6
‘Gram’ influencer teams up with Current / P2 Holliday Park Foundation begins trail improvement / P3
New Indian American fusion restaurant opens / P5
About us
Founded March 12, 2024, at Indianapolis, IN Vol. I, No. 24
Copyright 2024 Current Publishing, LLC
All Rights Reserved.
525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032
317.489.4444
Contact the editor
Have a news tip, calendar item or photo to share?
Contact Managing Editor Leila Kheiry at leila@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444. You also may submit information at youarecurrent. com. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily.
Share your thoughts
Letters to the editor may be sent for consideration to letters@youarecurrent.com. Letters have maximum word count of 300 words. Please include your city of residence and a contact phone number for verification. Current Publishing may refuse letters.
Advertise your business
If you’re interested in reaching the North Indy market (6,000 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@ youarecurrent.com (subject: North Indy advertising) or by calling 317.847.5022.
Obituaries obits@youarecurrent.com
Legal advertising legals@youarecurrent.com
Delivery questions
circulation@youarecurrent.com
Join our community instagram.com/youarecurrent
Opinions
The views of the columnists in Current in North Indy are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
JANUARY
Mon: 20% off total bill Tues: 1/2 price bottles of wine Sat: FREE: kids meal, dessert or appetizer when you spend $25 or more
‘Gram’ influencer teams up with Current
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Fishers resident Sean Hartwick gained a lot of experience in the real estate business as a child, with his family moving every couple of years for his dad’s work. That early experience led him to a career as a Realtor, which then led to a gig as an Instagram influencer.
COLLABORATION
Hartwick regularly posts videos on his Instagram account, @the317agent, about what’s happening in Fishers and the north Indy area, along with videos specific to the real estate market. He’s gained about 23,000 followers after only a couple of years and now he’s teaming up with Current Publishing to promote local news and events through social media.
Indiana was a repeat stop on his family’s moving adventures, Hartwick said, and the Indianapolis area felt like home
base. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University and eventually made his way to Southern California, where he met his wife, Amanda, who had lived in that area her whole life. After about four years in sunny, warm California, he said they chose to move to Fishers about three years ago.
“I brought Amanda back to Indianapolis for a month in February, just to test out if she liked it at the absolute coldest time it could be,” he said. “And she liked it.”
Hartwick started working in the local real estate business and said he wanted to find a different way to generate leads for home sales. He said he doesn’t like some of the traditional methods, like cold-calling people, which is how he ended up on Instagram.
“I wanted something where I could have people come to me … rather than the other way around,” he said. “I don’t know if I would have made this Instagram (ac-
count) if I wasn’t a real estate agent, to be quite honest, but I did and I’m enjoying it. There’s a lot of benefits that come from the Instagram side of business, too — just meeting a lot of good people in the community and then shining a light on a lot of local establishments.”
He said his account is a low-key pitch for his business, with maybe 40 percent of posts focusing on housing and 60 percent about the community in general. He’s made videos about the new Fishers Event Center, for example, and his first collaboration with Current focuses on the Jan. 29 grand opening of the new Kroger store at 116th Street and Allisonville Road.
Hartwick said he’s excited about working with Current.
“Living here, we get the Current every single week, and it’s an awesome publication and I enjoy it,” he said. “I probably throw away most mail, and I keep the Current every time and I bring it inside.”
Follow Hartwick on Instagram at @the 317agent.
Wilburn focuses on public safety, families
State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) has filed various bills for consideration during the General Assembly’s 2025 legislative session, focusing on public safety, public and mental health, families and youth.
According to an announcement from Garcia Wilburn’s office, House Bill 1093 would expand sexual assault victims’ rights by increasing annual reporting.
“I am proud that HB 1093 is the result of many conversations with sexual assault survivors, advocates, law enforcement and prosecutors,” Garcia Wilburn stated. “Right now, institutional barriers are pre-
venting us from getting a full picture of how well the state is ensuring that sexual assault cases are prosecuted and justice is served. HB 1093 will help us fully assess our successes and failures so we can better deliver results for survivors in the future.”
Two bills support public safety officials — HB 1091 would enhance the penalty for sexual battery against a law enforcement officer on duty and HB 1092 would build upon Garcia Wilburn’s 2023 law to implement first responder mental health and wellness training by providing funding for the program into the future.
Garcia Wilburn also co-authored HB 1167, which decriminalizes fentanyl test strips.
“The CDC approximates that 1,877 Hoosiers died from a drug overdose last year, a 22 percent decrease from the previous
year,” she stated. “Every one of these people likely had family and friends and were members of our communities. I co-authored HB 1167 to continue reducing these tragic deaths by protecting harm-reduction methods that have the potential to save lives.”
Her other bills are HB 1090, which would make joint custody the standard in custody proceedings unless the court finds that joint physical custody is not in the child’s best interests; and HB 1107, which would establish the Family Recovery Court Fund and ensure that family recovery courts target cases of abuse or neglect where a parent or primary caregiver suffers from a substance use disorder or co-occurring disorders.
Garcia Wilburn represents House District 32, which includes portions of Hamilton and Marion counties.
Hartwick
Garcia Wilburn
Holliday Park kicks off trail improvement
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A portion of the Holliday Park trail system is closed as work begins on the first phase of the Meridian Arch Project, which aims to improve accessibility to Holliday Park from Blickman Park on the east side of Meridian Street.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The approximately $1.5 million project is funded by the Holliday Park Foundation, which supports infrastructure projects at the 94-acre park, 6363 Spring Mill Rd. The plan is to replace existing boardwalk, improve the trail that runs under the Meridian Street bridge at White River and reroute to a new trailhead at Blickman Park, an approximately 10-acre park at the intersection of North Meridian and 64th Street.
According to the project overview, the project “will transform an underutilized public space into a central hub connecting residents to community resources that are close geographically but far apart in connectivity.”
As part of the planning process, feedback was gathered during public meetings.
The plan calls for a multiuse path and a pedestrian-only nature trail passing under the bridge, landscaping and signs, and a gathering space that includes a stage and tiered seating to view the White River and for outdoor events and programs.
Holliday Park Foundation Marketing and Development Coordinator Ben Moses said Phase 1 includes removing old boardwalk near Blickman Park that was in disrepair, reclaiming the trailbed between Meridian Street and the accessible path, and re-routing the trail along the hillside to meet up with the parking lot. He said that phase will take about a month, depending on weather conditions.
Phase 2 involves installing a newly designed trailhead area closer to the Blickman Park parking lot for increased wayfinding and connectivity in the trail system.
The foundation received a $480,000 matching grant from the City of Indianapolis for the project.
DISPATCHES
IPL, nonprofits to mark KKK trial anniversary — The Indianapolis Public Library and local civic organizations have teamed up to reflect on the 100-year anniversary of the 1925 trial of D.C. Stephenson, a Ku Klux Klan leader convicted of the rape and murder of Indianapolis resident Madge Oberholtzer. The trial, conducted in Noblesville, marked the decline of the Indiana KKK, which wielded significant political and social power in the 1920s. To view the events schedule, visit indypl.org/ stephenson-trial-anniversary.
Eiteljorg Museum presents Alaska exhibits — Open through March 9 is an exhibition of Alaska Native glass sculptures, “Preston Singletary: Raven and the Box of Daylight at the Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St, featuring illuminated glass sculptures by Tlingit artist Preston Singletary. On Feb. 22, the Eiteljorg opens a new exhibit: “Voices from the Arctic: Contemporary Inuit Art.” Featuring more than 80 works by Inuit artists, this exhibit continues for 13 months and is included with regular admission.
Holliday Park Trail Run — Registration is open for the 25th annual Holliday Park Trail Run, set for March 14 and 15. On March 14, the park will host a Family Fun Night, including a 1-mile kids run followed by the tot trot, plus a bonfire and s’mores behind the park’s Nature Center. Race day on March 15 includes the 5-mile run and 3-mile hike. Proceeds from the Trail Run goes to the Holliday Park Foundation to support environmental education programs, capital improvements and trail maintenance. To register, visit hollidaypark.org/trail-run.
Garcia Wilburn honored for law enforcement support — Police1, an online news site focusing on law enforcement training, resources and tools to enhance officer safety and effectiveness, recently honored Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) in its inaugural “Got Your Six” Awards program. The award recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond to support law enforcement. Garcia Wilburn represents House District 32, which includes portions of Hamilton and Marion counties. For more, visit police1.com.
Hoosier to lead regional Make-A-Wish — Make-A-Wish of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana has announced that central Indiana resident Juli Miller will be its new president and chief executive officer.
JUST FOR LAUGHS
indie folk band
‘Jersey Boys’ veteran to guide Beef & Boards show
JUST FOR LAUGHS
Four decades later, stand-up routine still fun for Foxworthy
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Jeff Foxworthy has written several books, hosted TV game shows and radio shows, starred in his own sitcom and recorded comedy albums, but stand-up comedy is still the thing he enjoys most.
“It’s funny. When I quit my job at IBM to try this, I secretly hoped I’d be able to get away with it for two or three years,” he said. “It never dawned on me that I could make a lifelong career out of it. Now, I’ve been doing it for 41 years. I love the time on the stage. I am over the airports and hotel rooms. Now when I do a show, I jokingly say the show is free. You are paying me to get on another plane and sleep in another hotel
room.”
Foxworthy will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 21 at Fishers Event Center. His longtime friend Reno Collier is the opening act. The performance is presented by the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation.
“I’m big on education because I’m two decisions from drywalling,” Foxworthy said. “It’s amazing to me how you can change people’s lives with education.”
Laughter can change lives. Foxworthy said it often seems like Americans have been yelling at each other for a long time and have forgotten how to laugh at themselves.
“I don’t think laughter makes people’s problems go away, but it is a relief valve that keeps the boiler from exploding,” he said. “It’s a coping mechanism. I think the more we can laugh,
especially laugh at ourselves, the more mentally healthy we are to deal with the rest of life.”
The 66-year-old comedian said he often gets asked why he doesn’t retire.
“Why would I quit doing something I really enjoy doing?” he said. “It's changed so much over the decades of doing it. I think I was fortunate as a comedian that I discovered early on what worked for me. I just figured out if my wife or family member was doing or saying something, other people were thinking, saying and doing the same thing. That’s always the template I’ve come up with ideas for. It’s very rewarding when people come backstage and say, ‘You’ve been in my house.’ It’s been a wonderful way to make a living. I kind of feel like I cheated life.”
Foxworthy said he marvels at the different aspects of his career.
“When you are in the middle of it, you are just trying to be creative,” he said. “You look back and say, ‘I had some pretty productive years.’”
Foxworthy said he has slowed down on some of his activities so he can enjoy more time as a grandparent.
“I paint and draw and do a lot of different things,” he said. “My wife says if I’m not doing something creative, I’ll explode. I found just different creative things. I just wrote a movie with a friend and I’m tinkering around with a novel -- doing some things I thought might be fun but never had the time to do.”
Foxworthy is no stranger to performing in larger arenas. He spent six years on the Blue Collar Comedy Tour with his friends Bill Engvall, Ron White and Larry the Cable Guy.
“We were doing arenas. Financially for me, it was a boon, but it’s a weird show for me as a comic because I’ve always thought comedy is kind of an intimate thing,” he said. “Even to this day, if I’m working on new material, I go back to itty bitty clubs. Some might hold 75 people.”
Foxworthy prefers to perform at a small club on a Monday or Tuesday instead of a weekend because he said he feels he gets a more honest audience reaction.
“I love that intimate environment,” Foxworthy said. “One of the things that has always kept standup interesting to me is you never get to the point that you have it figured out. After four decades, you think I would know what people will laugh at, but I can still be dead wrong. But that makes it fun and interesting.”
Foxworthy’s fame started with his “You Might Be a Redneck ...” routine. He turned it into a joke-a-day calendar.
“We did the first one in 1990, and I remember two or three years after saying to my brother, ‘I don’t know if there are 365 more (redneck jokes) out there,’” he said. “I just finished the calendar for 2026. Thirty-six years later, it’s still one of the bestselling page-a-day calendars. I don’t do it much on stage anymore because I figure people want to hear something on stage they haven’t heard before. I need to go back and see how many I’ve written because it’s got to be close to 10,000 (one-liners).”
For tickets, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
Jeff Foxworthy will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 21 at Fishers Event Center. (Photo courtesy of Fishers Event Center)
EVENTS CALENDER
‘PRIDE & PREJUDICE’
Through Feb. 22
Presented by Civic Theatre at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. The show is a spirited and refreshing take on the Jane Austen classic.
For tickets and showtimes, visit civictheatre. org.
‘JERSEY BOYS’
Feb. 14 - April 13
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents the fascinating secret of a 40-year friendship that led Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to work their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom.
For tickets and showtimes, visit beefandboards.com.
STEVE WARINER
Feb. 21
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
KALANI PE'A
Feb. 22
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
INDIANAPOLIS OPERA: 50TH ANNIVERSARY LEGACY GALA CONCERT
March 22
In celebration of 50 years of championing the vocal arts, Indianapolis Opera presents a legacy gala concert at the historic Hilbert Circle Theater in collaboration with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for the first time in 20 seasons. The event will showcase returning opera stars and worldrenowned alumni from IO’s many decades of artistry in the heart of Indiana, alongside members of the Indianapolis Opera Chorus, in a special evening presentation of opera favorites and classic lyric theater hits. For tickets and showtimes, visit indyopera.com
DON WAS & THE PAN-DETROIT ENSEMBLE
Feb. 28
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
‘AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE’
March 1
Presented by Indiana Wind Symphony at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. This special concert will feature a captivating arrangement of Bologne's "Overture to L'Amant Anonyme," alongside other chamber works. For tickets and showtimes, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
CRIME JUNKIE PODCAST LIVE: LIFE RULE #10 TOUR
March 6
‘CAT IN THE HAT’
Feb. 25 - March 6
Presented by Civic Theatre at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets and showtimes, visit civictheatre. org.
TOM SEGURA: COME TOGETHER TOUR
Feb. 28
For tickets and showtimes, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
Award-winning podcasters Ashley Flowers & Brit Prawat will present the Crime Junkie Life Rule #10 Tour which is billed as an unforgettable true crime experience. For tickets and showtimes, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
'LIFT EVERY VOICE'
A Celebration of Black History Through Music at the Palladium
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Opera star Angela Brown will lend her powerful voice to Indianapolis Wind Symphony’s tribute to Black History Month.
Brown, a soprano who lives in Indianapolis. will perform on three pieces during the Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Lift Every Voice” concert, set for 4 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“She will perform a suite of traditional gospel songs that are in a nontraditional setting,” IWS Music Director Jay S. Gephart said.
The suite is by composer Luigi Zaninelli. In the second half of the concert, Brown will perform two arias by composer Giacomo Puccini.
Gephart said several of the composers featured in the concert are Black. One of those composers is Omar Thomas, who is on the faculty of the University of Texas. The concert will include his piece “Our New Day Begun.”
The concert includes “Kaleidoscope Eyes” by Katahji Copley, a doctoral student at Michigan State University.
Gephart said trumpet player Jim Butz will perform a “beautiful” arrangement to compos-
“Summertime.”
The concert includes a tribute piece, “Salvation is Created,” to Janis Stockhouse, who died in December 2024. She was the Bloomington North High School band director for 38 years before retiring in 2019.
“She was one of the most respected band directors in the country,” Gephart said. “Her Bloomington North jazz band played at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago on three occasions. She won the Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor, which is the highest recognition the Midwest Clinic will give.”
In 2005, Stockhouse received the James B. Calvert Award, given annually to outstanding music educators at an IWS concert.
IWS assistant conductor Evan Cooper will be the guest conductor on “Castles in Europe.”
“We’re also doing a traditional march called ’Steadfast Leadership,’ which was done in honor of the 50th graduating class at West Point,” Gephart said. “The composer is Dwayne Milburn, who was the chief arranger for the United States Army Band for a number of years.”’
For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
Soprano Angela Brown will be guest vocalist at Indiana Wind Symphony's Concert. (File photo) er Dave Wolpe’s
A FRESH SPIN
‘Jersey Boys’ veteran to guide Beef & Boards production
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Candi Boyd will never grow weary of her ties to “Jersey Boys.”
“I love ‘Jersey Boys,’” Boyd said. “I joined the cast of the first national tour in 2009, then the Broadway cast in 2011. I have had the opportunity to perform the show for over 11 years, in New York City, and all over the U.S. -- Las Vegas, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey.”
Boyd is the director/choreographer for Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Jersey Boys,” which runs Feb. 14 to April 13 at the Indianapolis venue. The story is based on the life story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
“I feel so lucky that I have had the privilege to work on one of the best musicals in history for so long,” Boyd said. “I truly don’t tire of it, and now my kids even sing the songs around the house. I’ll happily work on ‘Jersey Boys’ forever.”
Boyd said the best aspect of the show is the brisk pace and momentum.
“Our story never stops, and the audience never gets to come up for air,’ Boyd said. “This translates into the ‘furniture-ography’ of the show, which is as precise as any dance move, and watching the tables and chairs all move perfectly in harmony is thrilling. As far as actual choreography, I adore the joy and sim-
plicity of the choreo of the era. It’s more about shapes and angles than kicking the highest, and the movement all originates from a place of style, bravado and individualism.”
Boyd said the Beef & Boards cast is made up of two categories.
“First are colleagues I have previously worked with on ‘Jersey Boys’ that are the best at what they do, and I begged them to come make me look good,” she said. “Second are the local folks that the theater knows and loves, who make the shows at Beef & Boards successful, no matter what the style. It’s a perfect mix.”
Boyd said because every stage size and cast is different, she said the choreography is different.
“There are definitely scenes, pictures, moments and choreography that are classic to the show and always remind in some form, like the ‘Walk Like a Man’ marches, but I always want to keep my vision fresh and ever changing and improving.”
Two of Boyd’s favorite numbers are “Short Shorts” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry.”
“The reason I like these so much is I’ve given them new and modern spins that they’ve never had in other productions,” Boyd said. “I also love the second act, where the scene work is lots of people leaving Frankie’s life, and between the scenes is a concert of Frankie singing ‘Bye, Bye, Baby.’ It’s such a beautifully written show.”
For more, visit beefandboards.com.
Joseph Leo Bwarie. Candi Boyd and Richard Blake perform a “Jersey Boys” scene at Tony Awards. (Photo courtesy of Candi Boyd)
MALINGO'S RISE
How a solo project became a ‘darling’ indie folk band
By Jennifer A. Haire editorial@youarecurrent.com
Struggling to cope with his mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Jonny Gerber turned memories of his mom into music.
“That was a super therapeutic thing for me,” said Gerber, 38, founder, guitarist, singer and songwriter for the band Malingo. The name was inspired by Eric Clapton’s childhood alter ego, Johnny Malingo, who helped him cope with early life struggles.
Described as the Midwest’s “darling indie folk band,” Malingo’s semi-acoustic sound is a blend of folk, bluegrass and psychedelic blues.
Malingo will perform in the Live at the Center series at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“Malingo started just as a me thing,” said Gerber, adding that as the fan base grew on streaming platforms, so did requests for live performances.
“People started to reach out about booking us, and there was no us, it was just me,” he said.
Forming a band was a longtime dream for Gerber, a Danville resident who grew up in Avon. Malingo’s drummer, Josh Faudree, is from Fishers.
“I’d been in bands in high school and stuff,
and that was always in the back of my mind, something that I wanted to pursue,” Gerber said. “So, I reached out to some old friends and a couple people that I met online and formed up the band.”
Malingo’s first show was performed in front of a sold-out crowd at McGowan Hall in Indianapolis in January 2023. The five-piece band creates original songs using a unique mix of mandolin, hand percussion, banjo and sometimes a didgeridoo. The Palladium show will feature a 1940s vibraphone.
“If we’re writing something, we don’t necessarily put many limits on it. It just has to feel like a Malingo song,” Gerber said.
Malingo is trying to grow its global fan base and engage with fans on social media.
“We record every performance that we do so that we can release live albums and just put out lots of content,” Gerber said.
The band is developing a behind-the-music podcast where it explores its songwriting process.
Malingo has released new music monthly and about one to two albums per year since 2016. The band’s goal for 2025 is to present at least one show or livestream each month.
Tickets are $10, with free livestream access available during and after the show. To register for the livestream, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Malingo members, from left, Sam Mcguire, John Boyle, Jonny Gerber Josh Faudree and LJ, Aucker. (Photo courtesy of 40FI Creations)
THE STEPCREW
March 7
The Canadian Celtic ensemble StepCrew brings together three dance forms – Ottawa Valley stepdance, Irish stepdance and tap. For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
BROOKLYN CHARMERS: A STEELY DAN TRIBUTE
March 7
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
COUPLES THERAPY: THE THEATRICAL SHOW
March 8
An evening of laughter and entertainment that is a unique and clever combination of theatre, stand-up comedy, and improv. For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
MIXED REP
March 9
Presented by Central Indiana Dance Ensamble at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. Featuring an blend of classical, contemporary, and modern repertoire. For tickets and showtimes, visit cidedance. org/current-season.
HANK RUFF AND THE HELLBENDERS
March 11
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
March 14 - 29
Presented by Civic Theatre at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets and showtimes, visit civictheatre. org.
GUTFELD LIVE '25
March 15
Join Greg Gutfeld and comedian Tom Shillue for an evening filled with laughter, insight and surprises. For tickets and showtimes, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
APPALACHIAN SPRING
March 16
Presented by the Carmel Symphony Orchestra at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT
SWEATS: SOUTH OF HERE TOUR
March 18
For tickets and showtimes, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
TEGE HOLT: ALBUM RELEASE PARTY
March 20
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
WELCOME BACK: THE RETURN OF EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER
March 21
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
MICHAEL JR.'S FUNNY HOW MARRIAGE WORKS
March 22
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
THE RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS
March 23
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
FORREST FRANK: CHILD OF GOD TOUR
PART 2
March 27
For tickets and showtimes, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
LANG LANG
March 28
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
BLAKE SHELTON
March 29
For tickets and showtimes, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
EMMYLOU HARRIS
April 3
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
SPRING EQUINOX
April 4 & 5
Presented by Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
A.J. CROCE: HEART OF THE ETERNAL TOUR
April 4
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE
April 5
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
DANCING IN THE STREETS
April 6
Presented by Indiana Wind Symphony at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. This spring concert showcases a diverse range of music, from ballet to Broadway. For tickets and showtimes, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
PETER FRAMPTON: ‘LET'S DO IT AGAIN!’
April 11
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN
April 12
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
‘CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES’
April 17 - May 18
Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre presents the show that started it all. Times are changing
quickly in 1965, and they'll do all they can to keep things from boiling over below the house of God.
For tickets and showtimes, visit beefandboards.com.
EASTER PARADE IN CARMEL
April 19
Presented by The Carmel Symphony Orchestra at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
MEGAN MORONEY: ‘AM I OK TOUR?’
April 24
For tickets and showtimes, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
‘JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT’
April 25 - May 10
Presented by Civic Theatre at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets and showtimes, visit civictheatre. org.
‘9 TO 5’
April 25 - May 11
Presented by Actors Theatre of Indianapolis at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. 9 to 5 is based on the 1980 movie of
the same name, and features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. For tickets and showtimes, visit civictheatre.org.
MICKY DOLENZ OF THE MONKEES: AN EVENING OF SONGS & STORIES
April 11
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
‘WEST SIDE STORY’
May 9 - 11
Indianapolis Opera presents a musical classic, West Side Story! A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story is set in 1950s New York, where growing racial tensions between the Sharks, a gang of first-generation Puerto Rican immigrants, and the Jets, made up of ‘American’ boys, lead to an all-out street fight over territory. For tickets and showtimes, visit indyopera.org.
‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’
May 17 & 18
Presented by Central Indiana Dance Ensamble at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. Dancers bring to life the timeless tale of Beauty and the Beast: a story of love and transformation, where Belle's compassion and bravery break the spell cast upon the Beast.
For tickets and showtimes, visit cidedance. org/current-season
‘NOCHES CALIENTES!’
May 18
Presented by Indiana Wind Symphony at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. This performance will feature classical and contemporary pieces crafted by acclaimed Latin composers and offers diverse musical genres and styles.
For tickets and showtimes, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
Current Publishing’s audience is known for its affinity for all things entertainment. The average distance one will drive for experiential opportunities is 42.5 miles, according to independent research. Current’s special section, APPLAUSE, will reach 131,191 households in the communities we serve by U.S. Mail. This section provides you with the opportunity to connect with even more arts enthusiasts than you might otherwise be reaching. Take your marketing messaging to center stage with the offerings below, and then take a bow.
New Indian American fusion restaurant opens
By Lavanya Narayana northindy@youarecurrent.com
Hannah’s Bar ‘n Grill at Allisonville Road and 62nd Street opened in December with an expansive menu of Punjabi favorites, plus a sprawling lunch buffet, adding to Indianapolis’ expanding Indian dining scene.
DINING
With a dream of owning their own restaurant, owners Shaweta and Rishu Sikka moved to Indianapolis six years ago. Obstacles like the COVID-19 pandemic prevented it from becoming a reality until now.
“We both come from Punjab, India,” Shaweta Sikka said. “We came to the U.S. in 2012 and Rishu ran his aunt’s restaurant for eight years. Since then, he’s always wanted to open his own restaurant.”
Working various jobs to pay the bills, the two began driving semi-trucks at the onset of the pandemic, often driving as a team with daughters Hannah, who the restaurant is named after, and Felicity. Their sixmonth truck driving stint rekindled their love for Punjabi cuisine while introducing them to a common phenomenon in America: Truck stop Indian food.
The tradition involves truck drivers of Indian heritage stopping to refuel their vehicles and themselves at rest stops called dhabas — roadside eateries that pay homage to their Punjabi roots with snacks, sweets and fresh meals.
After a few logistical downfalls, the couple eventually took the plunge — building their new restaurant from the ground up in a little over a year. They celebrated its grand opening Dec. 21, 2024.
The couple, along with Chef Sanju, created a menu that Sikka said “showcases contemporary Indian American cuisine, bringing authentic flavors from our childhood with a touch of modernization.”
The dishes recommended for first-time diners include the classics like butter
chicken, paneer tikka, lamb rogan josh and fragrant biryani alongside fresh naan and paratha.
For more adventurous diners, Sikka recommends the Australian fish, Australian cheese and a dish that many Americans may not be familiar with: peri-peri chicken.
“The inspiration behind the peri-peri section comes from the vibrant culinary traditions that blend various influences, particularly the bold and dynamic flavors found in both Indian and African cultures,” Sikka said. “These dishes pay homage to the spicing techniques we admire, drawing from the fiery flavors of street food in Delhi and the popular Nando’s style, which has captured the hearts of many. We wanted to create a fusion that not only highlights the heat and richness of peri-peri, but also showcases the versatility of its application in our dishes.”
Diners can try Hannah’s Bar ‘n Grill’s many unique offerings at their daily lunch buffet, priced at $17.99 on weekdays and $19.99 on weekends, or a la carte dining to individualize the dining experience. For more, visit hannahsbarngrill.com.
Orthopedic practices to merge — Three of Indiana’s leading independent orthopedic practices — OrthoIndy in Indianapolis, Tri-State Orthopaedics in Evansville and Fort Wayne Orthopedics — recently announced their intent to merge. Together, the practices will form OrthoIndiana, an integrated group that will deliver patient care across the state. For more about available services or to schedule an appointment, visit OrthoIndy at orthoindy.com, Tri-State Orthopaedics at tristate-ortho.com and Fort Wayne Orthopedics at fwortho.com.
Hannah’s Bar ‘n Grill, a new Indian restaurant, opened in December at Allisonville Road and 62nd Street. (Photo courtesy of Shaweta Sikka)
WILD AND FREE
Indiana nonprofit helps injured animals return to nature
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A new nonprofit dedicated to helping Indiana’s wildlife kicked off operations in January 2025, with its own veterinarian who specializes in wild animal medicine and a team of licensed rehabilitators trained to care for the animals until they can be released back into the wild.
Although ReWilding Indiana is a new organization, Dr. Angela Lennox has provided free wildlife veterinary care for decades at the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic, working closely with rehabilitators licensed through the state and/or federal governments.
“What my clinic has done for 30 years now, has provided the medical care,” Lennox said. “Veterinarians don’t need a license to patch them up, but then they send them on to the rehabilitators.”
The need for wildlife medical care has increased significantly since she started volunteering her expertise to the cause three decades ago. That, on top of an increase in clients at her veterinary clinic, became too much for her and her staff.
“Our solution was to create a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation that was a combination of a hospital, which is what we do, with designated wildlife rehabilitators,” she said.
Dr. Crystal Matt, who recently completed her residency with Lennox, is the staff veterinarian for the nonprofit.
“I’m going to be doing surgeries. If something has, like, a broken wing that we need to put pins in and do a complex orthopedic repair, or even a laceration repair — we get a lot of dog bite wounds or hit by cars — my job is coming up with a plan,” she said. “From there, the vet team transfers to the rehab team, and their job is the nursing care.”
The nonprofit will help any wild animal, from hawks and owls to bats, raccoons and reptiles. Lennox said she had recently helped an opossum with head trauma — probably from a car — and one of their rehabilitators was caring for a bald eagle.
Before becoming a full-time veterinarian, Lennox volunteered as a wildlife rehabilitator. She said it started when she came
across a mother opossum that had been hit by a car, and her babies were scattered across the road. She stopped and gathered them up, she said, and called a wildlife rehabilitator she knew.
“She said, ‘No, I’m overwhelmed. You’re going to be my assistant. I’m going to teach you,’” Lennox said. “She started to teach me some very basic things and then I ended up with my own license.”
She said although many of the wild animals she cares for are not endangered, the work is still important.
“It’s just heartbreaking for members of the public to leave an animal like that,
because we know they suffer like anything else does and they feel pain and they’re cold, and sometimes it’s kind of a brutal, long end,” she said. “Members of the public feel so much better to have someone take care of these (animals), even if they’re so injured they can’t be fixed, then we can humanely euthanize them.”
Matt added that most of the wild animals she sees are injured because of direct human interaction — when they are hit by a car, for example.
”It’s really nice for me to feel like I can mitigate that just a little bit,” she said. “We can’t save them all, obviously, but to be
KEEP WILD ANIMALS WILD
able to make a little bit of a difference — I have hit a bird with my car in the past. It happens — but if I can do a little bit to help out these other animals, it’s really, really fulfilling for me and that’s why most of us do it.”
For more about the new ReWilding Indiana nonprofit, visit rewildingindiana.org.
Wildlife and exotic pet veterinarian Dr. Angela Lennox said the new ReWilding Indiana nonprofit needs volunteers.
“That could be driving to pick up injured wildlife, releasing, even day-to-day nursing care,” she said, stressing that “nowhere does it ever involve petting animals. People feel like, you know, ‘I’m going to be able to pet wildlife,’ Well, no — you have to be very, very careful not getting these things to be not fearful of humans.”
Because a wild animal that is not
scared of people is no longer suitable for life in the wild. The dedicated volunteers who are licensed to rehabilitate wild animals care for those animals in a way that minimizes contact.
Lennox added that sometimes well-meaning people “rescue” animals that don’t need rescuing.
“A nest of baby bunnies does not need human help,” she said. “Mom only comes to visit them morning and night, so (people) may think they’re abandoned and need help, and they don’t. And the birds
that have jumped out of the nest that are learning to fly, but they can’t quite fly away, but you can catch them? They don’t need help.”
Baby deer that appear abandoned also don’t need help — mom is browsing nearby and will come back.
ReWilding Indiana has a Frequently Asked Questions section on its website to help people with questions about when and when not to help a wild animal. For more, visit rewildingindiana. org/faqs.
ON THE COVER: From left, wildlife veterinarians Dr. Crystal Matt and Dr. Angela Lennox, and ReWilding Indiana Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation Jen Hancock at a recent event introducing the nonprofit to the public. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
Wildlife veterinarian Dr. Crystal Matt with a friendly ratsnake. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
ReWilding Indiana helps rehabilitate injured and sick wildlife throughout the state. (Photo courtesy of Katie Lennox)
Blueprint for Improvement: Kitchen refresh in Fishers
Commentary by Larry Greene
Sometimes, all a space needs is a little refreshing to feel modern and on-trend. This Fishers home, built in 2004 near Hawthorn Country Club, featured a kitchen with great bones. However, the owners wanted to brighten the space and infuse it with contemporary style. Our team designed a transformation that elevated the kitchen without requiring a major renovation.
• Adding a fresh coat of white paint on the perimeter cabinets brightened the room, giving it a light, clean and timeless look.
• New quartz countertops, paired with the shimmering white tile in the room’s existing backsplash, elevated the space, adding sophistication and modern appeal.
• A bold navy hue on the island, complemented by the quartz counters, contributed a pop of color. This balanced the lighter palette and created a unique focal point perfect for meal prep, entertaining and gathering.
• Matte black hardware and pendant lights provided contrast, while champagne bronze faucets and accents introduced warmth and a touch of elegance.
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.
