VOL. 29 ISSUE 41 ISSUE #1292
VOICES / 4 NEWS / 6 ARTS / 9 SCREENS / 14 FOOD / 16 NYE / 18 MUSIC / 20 // SOCIAL
Candice Gary
Brandon Holman
Bobby Lee Jones
Sexual predators being put on full blast and ACTUALLY facing consequences.
Roy Moore lost in Alabama. That’s pretty wonderful.
‘President Donald Trump’ is still something that you would be hard pressed to explain to anyone even 5 years ago.
9
Year in arts
16
Dan Grossman
Cavan McGinsie
Brian Weiss
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Snorkeling through the remains of a 1867 shipwreck
Seeing James Dean’s hometown with my daughter
Winning flights to Ireland from Indy Irish Fest
I didn’t throw my computer across the office while reading Facebook comments.
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Year in food
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COVER IZZIE, THE BULLDOG Photo by: Haley Ward
THE LAST JEDI ISN’T THE FULL JOHNSON By: Kristian Lin
NOTHING! By: No One
NYE EVENTS .............................................. 18 BARFLY ....................................................... 18 FREE WILL ASTROLOGY.................... 23
Katherine Coplen
GADFLY
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Assassin’s Fate publication in May
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House FINALLY painted after restoration/ renovation.
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FILM EDITOR: Ed Johnson-Ott, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: David Hoppe, CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Wayne Bertsch, Mark Sheldon, Mark A. Lee, CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Rita Kohn, Kyle Long, Dan Savage, Renee Sweany, Mark A. Lee, Alan Sculley DISTRIBUTION SUPPORT: Mel Baird, Lawrence Casey, Jr., Bob Covert, Mike Floyd, Zach Miles, Steve Reyes, Harold Smith, Bob Soots, Ron Whitsit, Dick Powell and Terry Whitthorne WANT A PRINT SUBSCRIPTION IN YOUR MAILBOX EVERY WEEK? Mailed subscriptions are available at $129/year or $70/6 months and may be obtained by emailing kfahavin@nuvo.net. // The current issue of NUVO is free and available every Wednesday. Past issues are at the NUVO office for $3 if you come in, $4.50 mailed. MAILING ADDRESS: 3951 N. Meridian St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46208 TELEPHONE: (317) 254-2400 FAX: (317)254-2405 WEB: nuvo.net
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JOHN KRULL is a veteran Indiana journalist and educator.
CHRISTMAS COURAGE BY JOHN KRULL // VOICES@NUVO.NET
U
.S. Rep. Todd Rokita, R-Indiana, has decided to man the barricades in the war on Christmas. In a bold, bold move, Rokita, flanked by his family, summons up the courage to confront “the liberal elites” and champions of “political correctness” by wishing everyone a merry Christmas in a digital campaign commercial. Oh, the courage of the man. The way he talks, we just know that within minutes, the storm troopers of the anti-Christmas regime will come and drag poor Rokita away. (What? He hasn’t been dragged away? Doubtless, it will happen any time now. We’ll keep vigil.) Courageous stands like this have become a pattern for Rokita. His campaign slogan, “Defeat the Elite,” makes clear there is no sacrifice – bending the creases of his tailored slacks, mussing up the weave of his cashmere sweater, scuffing his tasseled loafers – that Rokita isn’t willing to make on behalf of the proletariat. He says in the ad that the holiday season is about celebrating the birth of Christ. He doesn’t care that Christian “scholars”– false prophets, every one of them – have established that Jesus’ birth most likely occurred in the summer. See, even in the days of Scripture there was “fake news.” (The anti-Christmas storm troopers still haven’t slapped Rokita in chains? Man, how do those guys ever expect to establish a true tyranny of the “liberal elite” and “political correctness” if they can’t summon the forces of oppression any faster than this?) Some people say that the war on Christmas is either a myth or a scam. These same folks also tell us that “political correctness” used to go by other names. Like manners. Courtesy. Decency. These mean-spirited tyrants in the making try to persuade us that it is in the real spirit of the holiday season to show consideration for the feelings of others. They say that it’s just wrong to try to push people For more opinion pieces visit nuvo.net/voices
who are Jewish or Muslim or of any other religion to honor a faith in which they do not believe. They even have the nerve to say that Jesus likely would be appalled to learn that some people try to make other decent people feel bad in His name. You know, “love thy neighbor as thyself” and other such politically correct propaganda. Thank goodness Todd Rokita and other culture warriors are too smart for them. Rokita and his fellow travelers know that Hoosier hospitality was just a communist plot designed to weaken middle America – and that Jesus commanded us to cast the first stone. These same sinister tyrants dare criticize Rokita for being cynical. They say his campaign slogan and even this new campaign commercial are nothing more than attempts to pander to the voters of the alt-right’s new Santa Claus, President Donald Trump. They say Rokita is desperate to claim those voters in his battle with U.S. Rep. Luke Messer, R-Indiana, for the GOP Senate nomination next year. These critics just don’t know a man of conviction when they see one. Todd Rokita, who once ran three different campaigns in one year, is a man devoid of political ambition. (Still no sign of the storm troopers knocking on Rokita’s door? No one anywhere has been arrested for saying “Merry Christmas?” This is more diabolical than we thought. It must be a form of psychological warfare. They must know the endless waiting – the sheer dread – will wear on us, break us down….) I can’t take it any longer. Sadly, I lack Todd Rokita’s courage, his determination to court the wrath of the forces of oppression who never come knocking on his or anyone else’s door. I’m going to crack. That’s why I’m wishing all my neighbors and fellow citizens – Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, agnostic or undecided – a warm and happy holiday season. That includes Todd Rokita and his family. N
NUVO.NET
YOUR WEIRD THOUGHTS BY BRIAN WEISS // BWEISS@NUVO.NET
T
he Internet can be a weird place. Let me rephrase that, it is a weird place. But many of us wouldn’t be where we are today without it. Hell, my job title didn’t exist 15 years ago. And over the course of the past year or so I’ve integrated different parts of NUVO’s social brand into the weekly print edition. The one you’ve probably noticed the most is “The Q” at the front of every issue. Each week, I posted a question to our social pages to spark a discussion. Generally it was related to the cover story – but sometimes it was just something I wanted to know. The following are a few of the oddest responses I received with my short thoughts on each. Keep your eyes on NUVO’s social pages in 2018 and you could be published in our weekly issue or in next year’s “Year in Review” issue.
BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY? Michael said: Overthrowing the bourgeoisie! It’s love at first revolution.
INDY’S BEST HIDDEN GEM? Will said: Ben Wah Salami’s Secret Garden & Compost The only answer on the list that I hadn’t heard of. I have a mission in 2018.
BEST THING TO BRING TO A FRIENDSGIVING? Raymond said: Magnesium Citrate That’s one party I’d want to leave early.
SPOOKIEST FACT YOU KNOW? Mick said: If you go into a dark Indiana bathroom and say “John Cougar Mellencamp” three times your life will go on long after the thrill of living is gone. I did this in the Melody Inn bathroom so I’m set.
FAVORITE MASCOT? Thought this was made up. It is most certainly real
BEST WAY TO DISTRACT FROM POSSIBLE NUCLEAR WAR?
and it will haunt your dreams.
William said: Now that eclipse glasses are back
Thomas said: The Greendale Human Being
in stock, buy them all to flip for profit. The mush-
UNPOPULAR FOOD OPINION?
room cloud WILL burn your retinas.
Geoff said: Cantaloupe was sent to earth by aliens
See, William this is where you’re wrong. You should
to ruin fruit salads
stash them until 2024 when the total solar eclipse
I think Geoff is on to something here. The Pentagon
will be visible in Indianapolis for the first time in
has been funding a multi-million dollar investiga-
more than eight centuries.
tion into the existence of UFOs and aliens.
WHAT SHOULD INDY’S NEXT FESTIVAL BE? BEST REASON TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA?
Pete said: That thing where one person crouches
Akira said: What better way to get Bill Levin’s face
behind someone and your pal pushes them over you.
on Indiana’s license plate
A table top festival where everyone knows what’s
The First Church of Cannabis founder’s smile would
going on. I predict three viral videos and more than
be a nice thing to stare at while in bumper to
a dozen broken bones.
bumper traffic on 465.
FAVORITE INDY MURAL? WHO WILL WIN THE INDY 500?
Philip said: Is there one of Vice President Pence
Megan said: The male romper
touching Governor Christie’s stomach yet?
They took the Internet by storm at the same time Coke
I’d recommend one of Pence touching the NASA
Lot shenanigans were taking place. How lucky we were.
machine that said “do not touch.”
WHO DESERVES A STATUE IN INDY? Bryan said: John Force
WHAT DOES INDY NEED TO DO TO BECOME A BETTER CITY?
I know the NHRA U.S. Nationals take place in India-
Jenny said: They should copy off of Cleveland, Ohio.
napolis ... but a statue?
The Colts got a head start. N
NUVO.NET // 12.20.17 - 01.03.18 // VOICES // 5
THE #METOO MOMENT
How to halt sexual assault and harassment of young Hoosiers BY KATJA KRASNOVSKY // NEWS@NUVO.NET
#
metoo, right? “I know few women who weren’t [sexually assaulted],” Kerry Bennett, legal counsel for the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said after I shared my personal experience of being assaulted. “And we don’t report it because we’re embarrassed, we’re humiliated.” She hit the nail on its head. “Instead of victim-blaming, let’s hold the perpetrators accountable,” Bennett said. “Instead of talking about what we were doing at the time, can we talk about why somebody took advantage of us, can we talk about appropriate behavior?” Lindsay Hill Stawick, Director of Programs for the Domestic Violence Network, seemed to echo Bennett, saying that it’s an ongoing issue encompassing ignorance regarding healthy relationship behaviors. In addition to overseeing DVN’s Youth Network, Stawick is invited into Indianapolis classrooms to educate students around healthy dating and relationship behaviors. She discusses empathy, kindness and compassion, along with what makes a relationship healthy, and warning signs of an unhealthy relationship. She informs the teachers and students about community resources that will provide them with support. After Stawick’s best friend was murdered, she felt motivated to learn more about dating violence and, eventually, dedicate her career to calling attention to the issue. “I do it for her and I do it, especially, now meeting so many students and hearing their stories and knowing that it happens,” Stawick said. With what seems to be a constant stream of violence filling our newsfeeds every day from lyrics to videos, public figures to viral threads, violent behavior and hurtful words make an overwhelming
statement: this behavior is tolerable. “When we’re young, we’re just starting out, we’re trying to figure it all out,” Stawick said. “A lot of times, because there’s not proper education or because there aren’t people in their lives that are modeling healthy relationships, they go to other means to learn about relationships.” Kids learn from their parents. They watch them treat the people they love a certain way. Through that observation, they begin to believe that it’s okay to be treated a certain way and it’s okay to treat others a certain way. I mean, aren’t we all products of our own specific upbringings? I dated a guy very seriously for nearly a year who emotionally obliterated me. His undervaluing of me feels related to his upbringing, in which he watched his father constantly undervalue his mother. It’s kind of a cycle, taking you all the way back to the playground with the boy throwing rocks at you because he likes you. Young people don’t necessarily know how to communicate their feelings so they often communicate inappropriately. But how do we as a society even begin to address an issue as cyclical as the undermining of an entire gender? “The way that this is going to work and make a difference is to change the culture in the school and in our community,” Stawick said. According to the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior survey, Indiana ranked third out of 30 states for sexual dating violence among high school students. “I really want young people to feel safe and supported,” Stawick said. “And anyway I can do that, I’m going to try and do that.” Stawick shared that because of her presence in the school and education on healthy behaviors, a student felt com-
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fortable to disclose the abuse she was enduring, as well as share that her mother was in an abusive relationship. “All that work really did help and make someone feel safe and supported,” Stawick said. It’s also important to ensure that there are people within schools that students are able to connect with,
whether that be counselors, social workers or teachers. But another issue presents itself when you involve teachers in the equation: what happens if the teacher is contributing to the harassment? I spoke with the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Youth Advisory Council, a group of high schoolers — whose names we’ve redacted for privacy — from across the state who meet to discuss cultural competencies, public policy advocacy, and teen dating violence prevention. In addition to the catcalling they hear on a daily basis in school, the Youth Advisory Council also shared multiple examples of male teachers looking down girls’ shirts in both middle and high schools. One of the teenagers said she feels as though both the boys she goes to school with and the educators have a mindset of wanting to push the limits until they get caught. “I’m trying to come to school to get an education, not be harassed,” one student said. “I used to be one of those girls who loved going to school and now I don’t even want to go to school because of the perverse things that boys will do.” Another student chimed in saying that boys in her school would bump into girls in the hallway and “dry hump” them. She also said that teachers excused this behavior, chalking the incidents up to them “just being boys.” “The power complex I think also stems from not only a lack of knowledge but a lack of respect for the opposite sex,” one of the teenagers said. “I think the lack of respect that stems from this power complex is what allows people to justify their behavior.” But in addition to the ignorance,
NUVO.NET/NEWS another student feels like the boys at her school don’t understand the consequences because they continually get away with bad behavior. “The reason I feel that people don’t understand is...because it’s not enforced,” she said. “If something is not enforced and they feel like they’re not going to get in trouble for it, then it’s just a game...If it’s not enforced by teachers or principals or supervisors, then we can’t expect for high schoolers to enact it.” This lack of consequences seems to send a loud message: our society has undervalued victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment so much, that victims feel embarrassed and ashamed of themselves and the incident. And that shame prevents them from reporting the event. In fact, according to the 2016 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Task Force Report on sexual harassment, approximately 70 percent of people who are sexually harassed never report it. According to Stawick, teen dating violence and sexual assault have shame and embarrassment behind it. Kids are afraid people won’t believe them. “I feel like the fear is what is holding a lot of people back,” another council member said. She shared that she thought women have fear, feeling as though if they try to use their voice it won’t make a difference. One council member in particular shared her experience with sexual assault, saying that no one believed her when she spoke up. She even lost friends in the process of sharing her story. “No one believed me,” she said. “That person didn’t get in trouble at all...It’s like I’m being punished for being raped.” Enter the #metoo movement, a platform for victims all over the world to share their stories, or just mention they’ve been impacted by sexual harassment and/or assault. “I think it’s important to create a safe space where people are able to share their stories and also recognize that sometimes people aren’t looking for vengeance as much as they’re looking to spread awareness,” a Youth Awareness Council member said.
Stawick said that the kids she interacts with thought it was empowering to see other people come forward. However, for some students, it was an eye-opening movement. Stawick said that depending on the district, some kids may not be exposed to harassment and find the number of people coming forward surprising. That’s because kids in urban, low-income settings and racial minorities are at the greatest risk to experience sexual harassment and/or assault. “I think the majority of students feel empowered to see that people are speaking out, speaking up and I hope that it continues to empower them to do the work...that they’re doing,” Stawick said. “When someone shares their story of sexual assault, I don’t think they need you to believe them as much as they need you to recognize what happened, does happen...I don’t think it’s something that people should try to convince other people of,” a Youth Awareness Council member said. In a study that was sent to randomly selected public high schools across the United States, researchers asked high school principals their knowledge of teen dating violence and their schools policies around prevention and assisting victims. While a large majority responded that they had assisted a teenager after dating violence occurred, an overwhelming number reported that they lacked professional training around the subject, as did the teachers in their schools. Stawick implores educators to call her and use her as an ally in the process of educating kids about proper dating behavior. “I’m happy to help any school or any teacher or any principal administrator to be equipped with the tools and the knowledge to help kids feel safer,” Stawick said. “I just want people to know that there are resources out there.” Among the many resources that exist for those experiencing sexual harassment and/or assault, call the Connect2Help hotline or visit loveisrespect.org to find tools and resources. “I really want young people to know that relationships don’t have to be that way,” Stawick said. N NUVO.NET // 12.20.17 - 01.03.18 // NEWS // 7
NOW — 1.7
@ INDIANA STATE FAIRGROUNDS
NUVO.NET/NEWS
A YEAR OF TRUMP TWEETS
5:30PM – 10PM • indianalanternfest.com
Cringing at the commander-in-chief ’s social media presence
W
BY BRIAN WEISS // BWEISS@NUVO.NET
hat a year. We thought 2016 was rough and then 2017 was like “hold my beer.” As NUVO’s social media editor, I spend a lot of time on Twitter. It can be a great place. It can be a terrible place. Donald Trump’s account is the latter. President Trump’s Twitter is the flaming dumpster fire that you can’t turn away from. It’s like a reality TV show. You know it’s terrible, but you keep coming back anyways. It’s why in January I made the decision to turn on notifications for new tweets from Trump. Was it the best decision for my mental health? Probably not. Do I regret doing it? Not at all. The amount of times I caught the president deleting tweets before reposting them with the same errors was, in itself, enough for me to say it was worth it. Trump loves Twitter. You know it. I know it. The entire world knows it. As he says, it’s his way of “getting the truth out.” While many of the things he tweets are false, it’s hard to disagree with him on the fact that it is a great way to get a message to the masses. Were some of his tweets written and sent by his team? No doubt. But a majority of them were thoughts straight from Trump himself, unfiltered, uncensored thoughts from a man that has no moral low ground. Now, if you’ve been an avid NUVO reader over the past year, you’ve surely noticed the “Best Tweet/Worst Tweet” section in the front half of each issue. You’ve also probably noticed the fact that a Trump tweet was featured each and every week as the worst tweet. Make no mistake, that was on purpose. That’s because I’d categorize a majority of Trump’s tweets as terrible. And so each week I picked the most terrible, which was harder than it sounds, and published it.
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Here’s a snapshot of what those tweets included: terrible grammar, frequent misspellings, incoherent rambling, retweeting bots, screaming “Fake News,” repeatedly calling out the Failing New York Times, possibly obstructing justice, announcing unconstitutional travel bans, banning transgender individuals from serving in the military, attacking a mayor in a U.S territory after a natural disaster, condemning terror attacks in other countries while staying silent about ones in the U.S, lies about the amount of TV he watches, sarcastic responses to other world leaders, throwing a hissy fit because NFL players were kneeling during the National Anthem, calling out his Attorney General on numerous occasions, using derogatory nicknames like Pocahontas, Little Rocket Man, Crooked Hillary and Al Frankenstein, saying he should’ve left U.S citizens in a Chinese jail, whining about unfair treatment from the media, endorsing losing candidates, and, of course, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Whew. Catch your breath, I’ve got lists on lists on lists waiting in the wings. While I’m only half joking, I won’t make you endure anymore of that. That is, unless you really want to. In that case, head to NUVO.net for a complete list of Trump’s tweets that were listed as the Worst Tweet of the Week. And since Twitter decided to give everyone — including the Tweeter in Chief — 280 characters to spout their daily nonsense, this will serve as the final installment in this year-long project. Maybe now I can turn off Trump’s notifications and not have to fear waking up to war being declared via Twitter. Here’s to the Twitter Police enforcing their own rules and shutting down Trump’s account in 2018. N
“YES OR NO, MIKE?” BY MARTIN KUNTZ //
“DER DONALD” BY LOBYN HAMILTON //
happened to be the day Trump unveiled the executive order prohibiting immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the U.S. On that day, in that space, you could have checked out landscapes in traditional Chinese style and traditional Senegalese batiks while patrons sampled food supplied by local Indian and Middle Eastern restaurants opened by recent immigrants that have helped turn the Lafayette Square area into a mecca of fine dining. Among the shows Del Real curated in February this year is Herencia: Latin American Influence in Art at the University of Indianapolis. The group exhibition features painting, photography, and installations from 13 Latinx artists from across Indianapolis — and from farther afield. The pièce de résistance was “Really Safe in America,” the work of Chicago-based artist Yvette Mayorga. It was an installation in the shape of a giant cake, decorated with cake frosting that spells out “Go Back Home, Illegals!!” Near Fountain Square (specifically, at 1315 Shelby St.), at the Circle South Gallery, La Sardina hosted a show in September entitled Lienzos Americanos, which highlighted the work of local Latinx artists in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Some of the
A BANNER ARTS YEAR IN A TIME OF DREAD Five developments in the Indy visual art scene
Y
perils of immigration. La Sardina held another show in the space highlighting the work of Mexican artist Sergio Sanchez Santamaria in December.
2 // TOWARD A GENTRIFICATION-LESS CREATIVE PLACEMAKING? The nonprofits Big Car Collaborative — based at Tube Factory artspace in Garfield Park — and Harrison Center were heavily involved this year in what can loosely defined as creative placemaking. (That is, improving neighborhoods through various artistic
BY DAN GROSSMAN // DGROSSMAN@NUVO.NET
es, 2017 has been an exciting year for the visual arts in Indianapolis. But, in order to appreciate the art scene, a lot of us have had to compartmentalize (I certainly have). That is because of anxiety Donald Trump has generated in the arts community — and beyond. But enough of politics, at least for now. This year end list goes beyond just visual arts to incorporate the businesses and nonprofits that house exhibitions and employ artists. It mentions some of the people behind the scenes making it possible for Indy to have such a rich and diverse arts culture. That is, I
artwork, including work by Valadezza, dealt with the
and cultural initiatives.) Big Car’s Artist and Public Life Residency Program
wanted to talk about Daniel Del Real — who is an accomplished visual artist — but whose work as a curator, and event planner has done so much to move the city forward, and I wanted to talk about what Big Car Collaborative is doing, outside its exhibition spaces, in the Garfield Park neighborhood restoring houses in order to create an inclusive and vital neighborhood. Is that not also the realm of visual art?
1 // LATINX ART EXPLOSION This year there was something of an explosion of Latinx art in Indianapolis. You certainly didn’t have to
wait until the various Day of the Dead celebrations
started taking applications April 14, using 10 homes
around town to see work by Hispanic artists.
purchased by the arts organization to house artists.
Two people who can certainly take some of the
The artists co-own a home with Big Car and if they
credit for this are Daniel Del Real — based on the
leave, Big Car buys back the artist’s stake and returns
Westside of town — and Big Car staff artist Eduardo
the house to the residency program. The idea is to
Luna, based on the Southeastside. Luna is one of the
keep housing in the area affordable.
founders of the Nopal Cultural organization, which
Affordable housing was also a concern of the
runs the annual Day of the Dead celebration in the Ei-
Harrison Center’s biggest venture yet into creative
teljorg, among many other activities. He also runs La
placemaking, PreEnact Indy, which turned the entire
Sardina Gallery (which is not based in any particular
three blocks of Andrew J. Brown to the Monon Trail
venue, but partners with other galleries).
into a stage along 16th Street on October 7, 2017.
Del Real curated An International Art Show at the
The day’s programming involved 13 professional
International Marketplace Headquarters, a day-long
theater groups and a dozen or so stages and venues.
exhibition that opened on January 27, 2017. It just so
The idea was to “pre-enact” what an ideal day
NUVO.NET // 12.20.17 - 01.03.18 // VISUAL // 9
NUVO.NET/VISUAL could be in an area underserved by cultural organizations, and with more than its share of vacant lots, any number of which might be developed in the next couple of years into high-priced condos. The festival there seemed to be people of all races and backgrounds participating, and there seemed to be buy-in at the local level, and a possible first step in making the community a better place to live. But festivals like this probably won’t keep longtime residents from being priced out of their homes when and if property taxes go up. One of the participants at PreEnact Indy who addressed this question was Democratic City Councillor Vop Osili. A proponent of Indiana State House Bill 1056 that would provide tax relief for longtime residents in areas under threat of gentrification. He addressed this issue in a Q&A session at PreEnact.
3 // OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS The Raymond James Stutz Arts Gallery, in the Stutz Business & Arts Center, closed in March. The gallery had a number of stellar group shows and
PREENACT ASANTE CHILDREN’S THEATRE PERFORMANCE //
some that weren’t so stellar. Although there were and are many great artists at the Stutz, I thought this
see this as shutting down something that’s fulfilled
gallery was at its best when it opened itself up to
its purpose. But in another way it’s turning the guard
non-Stutz artists as well.
over to the next generation of artists.”
Later on in the year the space was spruced up, some
eral Public Collective, a storefront gallery facing the
10th West opened to the public in that space on No-
Murphy Art Center that had shows covering the whole
vember 30, 2017. The artists known as The Collective,
range of contemporary art from WTF to inspired/mu-
who’ve shown before in various pop-up venues in that
seum-worthy, sometimes in the same show.
space — now inhabit 10th West as permanent exhibi-
In the wake of said closing and even before, a
tors (Fortunately, they will also have rotating exhibits
narrative began to emerge that much of the Fountain
featuring guest artists so things don’t get stale.) They
Square art scene was relocating elsewhere. It’s
plan to have monthly openings on Thursdays, deviating
certainly true that some artists moved to Circle City
from the First Friday schedule of gallery receptions and
Industrial Complex (CCIC). And it’s true that there was
openings highlighted every month by the Indianapolis
a lot of great art to see this year in CCIC’s plethora of
Downtown Artists and Dealers Association (IDADA).
galleries and artists’ studios, partly because the CCIC
Speaking of IDADA, the group voted to dissolve in August. Board members cited troubles in attracting
has absorbed some of Fountain Square artists. But, contrary to this narrative, there are still
volunteers to carry out essential duties, and their set
artists, and art galleries in Fountain Square. Take the
up as a trade association, rather than as a tax-exempt
“Still Here” Bridge Collective retrospective show at
501(c)(3) nonprofit.
the Murphy on Dec. 1, hosted by Mike Graves, as just
But the Indy arts landscape has also changed; it’s more spread out than it was 15 years ago. Also,
one example. And it’s not only in the Murphy Art Center but in
social media wasn’t as big of a thing when they
other venues in Fountain Square to find art, includ-
formed in 2003.
ing the aforementioned Circle South Gallery. There’s
“There seems to be a whole new guard out there,”
10 // VISUAL // 12.20.17 - 01.03.18 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
Another closing that occurred this year was Gen-
walls knocked down, and a totally new gallery entitled
also rotating art exhibitions at Pioneer Gallery, Foun-
said longtime IDADA board member and Indiana
tain Square Brewery, and New Day Meadery. And
State Museum curator Mark Ruschman. “And they
there is Fountain Square Clay Center that operates
are interested in learning from what IDADA has done,
out of an industrial building that once made packing
certainly learning from our mistakes, and hopefully
peanuts, but now is a fully-equipped clay studio that
benefiting from our successes... In some respects we
offers classes and exhibitions.
NUVO.NET/VISUAL 4 // REBRANDINGS The Harrison Center for the Arts shortened its name to the Harrison Center last month. The
But Newfields/IMA still is a draw for anyone who loves art.
City as Canvas, on display at Newfields until Jan.
move hardly seemed to warrant a press release.
28, 2018, is a lot of fun and contains some great
The Indianapolis Museum of Art’s rebranding of
graffiti-inspired art and style writing.
itself as Newfields in August, on the other hand,
(After checking out this exhibit, head up to the
probably warrants several dozen museum man-
Asian art collection in the third floor to see stellar ex-
agement case studies.
amples of Chinese and Japanese calligraphy — a dif-
Concurrent with that announcement was the
enjoy a sunny day while ignoring a dozen torna-
bly didn’t advertise, for obvious reasons, in the
dos on the horizon. So it’s not at all surprising
local phonebook.)
that politics has reared its head in a number of Indy exhibitions this year. Two of the exhibitions were by artists using
Martin Kuntz’s August show High Times/Low
Life, also at Gallery 924 also delved into the realm of politics. Kuntz displayed not only paintings, but
their dead-on portraiture skills to address the
also sculptures — using high density foam to create
world of politics.
a crucified Mickey Mouse. It should be noted that
In April, vinyl record artist Lobyn Hamilton had
this is the same high density foam he used in his
ferent kind of style writing — along with the exhibition
a solo show at Gallery 924. While Hamilton’s work,
work with sculptor Ryan Feeney on the Peyton
unveiling of Winterlights at Newfields. This is a type
of large Hiroshige woodblock prints Famous Views of
shall we say, embraces political controversy with
Manning sculpture that now stands in front of
of Christmas full-immersion, outdoor experience
the 60-Odd Provinces, up through April, 2018.)
open arms, a bare chest, and banshee enthusiasm,
Lucas Oil Stadium.
that has caught on in other cities in the U.S. and in
City as Canvas contains video presentations
his is a meticulous art. It consists of creating as-
Kuntz’s work reflects an America dominated
Europe like Colt 45 malt liquor in 7-11 stores. Based
about the work of a number of Indiana artists includ-
toundingly realistic portraiture in mosaics (of sorts)
by a dispirited body politic, Trumpian tweets, and
in the Lilly Garden, at the IMA/Newfields campus, it
ing sculptor Malcolm Mobutu Smith and painter Sam
with bits and pieces of shattered vinyl records.
racially-tinged controversies — on and off the
opened Nov. 17 and runs through Jan. 7.
Vázquez, attempting to draw connections to the lo-
African-American icons of the 20th century are his
football field — from sea to shining sea.
cal community. This gesture is somewhat heartening
subject matter (but not exclusive subject matter).
It’s fun enough to walk around at night and see
(especially considering that the museum basically
watching the strips of landscaped lights blink on
took Indianapolis out of their branding.) But it would
Donald Trump entitled, “Der Donald” fashioned
and off, choreographed to the Nutcracker.
have been an even better exhibit if it contained
out of vinyl and various bits of vintage WW II
some actual examples of their work.
era Nazi propaganda pressed into Plexiglas.
says Kuntz. “This title is in reference to the
And side by side with this portraiture is a book
George Stephanopoulos interview in which
entitled Organizationsbuch der NSDAP, a.k.a the
Pence was unable to simply answer yes or no,
official Nazi Party Guidebook. (He obtained the
as to whether or not it was okay to discriminate
Nazi material in a store in Germany that proba-
against the LGBTQ community in Indiana.” N
But the $20 online for adult nonmember adult/$15 for members pricing might prove to be a tough sell. Especially when similar winter outdoor activities are free or lower cost in Indy (Indiana Chinese Lantern Festival, Christkindlmarkt)
5 // TRUMP ENCORE I suppose not talking about Trump while talking about the arts these days is like trying to
The most visually arresting was his portrait of
And, perhaps not wanting to be outdone by
the 1.2 million twinkling lights on the trees. It’s fun
Lobyn Hamilton, Kuntz has a portrait of vice president Mike Pence in heavy leather. “The title of the painting is ‘Yes or No, Mike?’”
NUVO.NET // 12.20.17 - 01.03.18 // VISUAL // 11
CLASSICAL GEMS
THE NOT-QUITE CLOSINGS, THE NOT-QUITE OPEN YET, AND THE CAT!
A rundown of 2017’s classical news and best performances BY CHANTAL INCADELA // ARTS@NUVO.NET
1 // THEATRE ON THE SQUARE RENOVATIONS No, folks, this Mass Ave theater isn’t closed forever! It’s just undergoing much-needed renovations and repairs. In August, TOTS announced that it is partnering with the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) and other community partners to update the venue. The work is underway, the most recent being structural. The theater is slated to reopen early in 2018. 2 // THE PHOENIX THEATRE’S BRAND-NEW HOME IS ALMOST DONE This has been a much-anticipated, multi-million dollar investment, the planning of which began back in 2016. The move has been backed by a rainbow of donors, only a few of which include the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Frank and Katrina Basile, the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation and Lilly Endowment. Demolition of the old Auto Vault building, located at the intersec-
T
here’s no doubt that much of 2017, in general, was a bit of a trash fire. From politics to hurricanes and all manner of injustices, it was not the greatest of years for progressively minded people. However, not everything was terrible, and a shining gem can be found in 2017 in the form of the bustling classical music scene here in Indianapolis and the surrounding area. In the theaters, we could escape the horrible daily news, even if just for a few hours, and enjoy fantastic symphonic literature, chamber concerts, and solo recitals. There was celebration to be had over being considered for and winning major awards, and seeing orchestras grow, thrive, and be a part of great collaborations. So, in the spirit of celebration, here’s a grab-bag of notable classical music events and memorable performances for the year.
tion of North Illinois Street and South Walnut
3 // EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL, BASILE THEATER,
DREW PETERSON //
GLICK INDIANA HISTORY CENTER, JUNE 23 – JULY 16 Stellar ensembles such as Hesperus, Piffaro, The Peabody Consort, REBEL Baroque Music Ensemble, and La Nef with rising star tenor Michael Slattery brought their A game (along with their viols and lutes) to share music from before 1750. 4 // DON GIOVANNI, INDIANA UNIVERSITY OPERA AND BALLET THEATER, SEPT. 15 - 23 This year’s season opener, Mozart’s Don Giovanni was the whole package deal for opera lovers — the wonderful story of a bad guy getting his comeuppance, with an orchestra dedicated to precision, and vocalists with the most stunning of voices. Hearing IU professor of voice Peter Volpe sing the part of the
for orchestra, adult and children’s choirs, narrator,
ghostly Commendatore was an absolute treat.
vocal soloists, sitar, electronic musical media and video imagery richly deserved it.
5 // DREW PETERSEN RECITAL, CHRISTEL DEHAAN FINE ARTS CENTER,
3 // INDIANAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
RUTH LILLY PERFORMANCE HALL, SEPT. 25
ANNOUNCES NEW HIRES
Street downtown, began in February 2017
FIVE GREAT PERFORMANCES
Drew Petersen, winner of the American Pianists
After a few retirements and open seats, the ISO
with a groundbreaking ceremony May 2.
1 // ISO MUSIC OF THE EARTH FESTIVAL AT
Award, has a musical maturity far beyond his years,
held auditions and as a result, there are six new fac-
HILBERT CIRCLE THEATRE, JANUARY 12 – 22, 2017
and a nearly full hall was fortunate enough to hear
es in the violin and viola sections. Musicians on the
the quality of shows and experiences for all
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Music Director
that in September. Focusing on music of the 20th
audition circuit are often at the peak of their game,
involved. The 20,000-square-foot new building
Krzysztof Urbanski’s Music of the Earth Festival was
and 21st centuries, Petersen’s intensity and virtuosi-
and often bring with them a new sense of musical
will be the first new freestanding theater built in
two weeks dedicated to things terrestial, and the
ty made for an exciting evening.
dedication, passion and growth.
Indianapolis in the last 100 years. Spaces include
ISO was firing on all pistons throughout this festival
a proscenium theater and a configurable black-
of smash hits like Richard Strauss’ Alpine Sympho-
FIVE BITS OF CLASSICAL NEWS
4 // GRAMMY CONSIDERATION FOR ISO/ISC
box theater. New amenities include a grand lob-
ny and Gustav Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde, and
I // CARMEL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis
by that opens onto the Indianapolis Cultural Trail
some new music, like Max Richter’s Recomposed:
ANNOUNCES A NEW DIRECTOR
Symphonic Choir, and Indianapolis Children’s Choir
and free parking. The new location will open in
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
The Carmel Symphony Orchestra, made of profes-
under the director of Eric Stark, recorded Moham-
sional and volunteer musicians has a new director
med Fairouz’s oratorio “Zabur” (Arabic for Psalms)
2 // INDIANAPOLIS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA/
at the helm, Janna Hymes. Hymes might be familiar
for Naxos Records in 2016, and in 2017 it was under
GARY KARR, DOUBLE BASS,
to many, as she was Associate Conductor of the
consideration for a Grammy. The recording itself was
SCHROTT CENTER FOR THE ARTS, APRIL 2
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra from 1997-2000.
exciting, and the consideration was icing on the cake.
pose venue in Carmel, took over the now-
The double bass world will forever be grateful to
She was one of three finalists chosen out of 130 ap-
closed live-music venue The Warehouse in
Gary Karr for bringing the instrument in to better
plicants, and was well supported by both audience
5 // FOOD MEETS MUSIC
February of this year, and its first performance
prominence as a solo instrument. He’s largely been
and CSO members at her performance as a finalist.
Twelve Stars Media produced the coolest music
was in May. The theater has seven resident
in retirement as of late, but came out to join his
theater companies, including five brand-new
former student and gem to the bass world as well,
2 // PEACEMAKERS DOCUMENTARY WINS AN EMMY
chef Jonathan Brooks and a quartet of members of
ones, and rents out the space for others
David Murray, professor of double bass at Butler
WFYI television produced and aired a documentary
the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Chef Brooks
performers. The theater’s focus is to serve the
University, to play some Bottesini with the India-
concert video of Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra’s
was creating delicious dishes to a soundtrack of
greater Indianapolis area.
napolis Chamber Orchestra.
Composer in Residence James Aikman’s Peace-
Shostakovich String Quartet no. 8, an intense and
makers, and won an Emmy. This remarkable work
meaty work that fit perfectly. N
The new building promises to increase
April 2018 with expanded programming. 3 // THE CAT OPENED IN CARMEL The Cat, the newest theater and multipur-
— LISA GAUTHIER MITCHISON
12 // STAGE // 12.20.17 - 01.03.18 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
video entitled Play with Food featuring Milktooth
NUVO.NET/STAGE
NO-HOLDS-BARRED A roundup of gut-busting moments and theater news bits BY LISA GAUTHIER MITCHISON // ARTS@NUVO.NET
2
017 has been an exciting year in the local theater community. New faces, familiar faces, new spaces, and a slew of fantastic shows — from tear inducing, to cerebrally challenging, to rib cracking — have made this year’s journey in stories exceptional. Indianapolis’s theater scene is thriving, so go ahead and chew off a piece of it. 2018 looks to be even better. New and improved locations and innovative productions — from both established and new companies — are only the beginning. Below is just a tiny glimpse of what has kept audiences engaged and involved this past year.
3 // THE GREAT BIKE RACE, THEATRE ON THE SQUARE Writer-director Zack Neiditch expanded the 40-minute IndyFringe version. Overall, its comedic ride was
1 // MAD MAD HERCULES, NOEXIT
well worth taking. It’s a story about bicyclists racing
PERFORMANCE IN ASSOCIATION
the Tour de France in 1904, but I assure you, this
WITH ZACH ROSING PRODUCTIONS
wasn’t the stage version of a historical documentary.
My frequent theater companion Katrina comment-
The show was full of dirty tricks and sexual innuen-
ed, “The number of shows we’ve been to where
do. Plus, there was a stuffed cat à la the Killer Rabbit
people either end up in their underwear or doing
of Caerbannog. And a cow. And an angry mob of
weird things with puppets is amazing.” And Mad
French hicks. The stage was full of crazy-funny
Mad Hercules not only added to that list, in both
insanity. And ah-maze-balls victory dances.
respects, but also has the distinction of being the funniest effing thing I have seen in years. Years.
4 // THE GAB PRODUCED BY
Local playwright Bennett Ayres crafted one of the
ZACH & ZACK, INDYFRINGE
filthiest scripts I know of in a way that approached
Chat show-cum-cat fight The Gab features a gaggle
a work of art. The crassness and degradation was
of crazy women (and one gay male assistant who
no-holds-barred.
keeps talking about makeup sex). These women know how to stir some shit. The show was packed
2 // BOEING BOEING,
with laughs, low verbal blows, and physical smack-
INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE
downs that kept it rolling until the cameras cut off
The show is full of excruciatingly funny lines,
for the final time. Lots of silly fun.
most of which were delivered by housekeeper Berthe, played by Elizabeth Ledo (who, in looks
5 // A VERY PHOENIX XMAS 12:
and attitude, reminded me of Edna from The
UP TO SNOW GOOD, PHOENIX THEATRE
Incredibles) and the show’s standout, Chris
I lost all coherent thought when the cast did “Les
Klopatek. Klopatek, as the nerdy, nervous, clumsy
Miserabelves.” I think I got disruptive because
Robert, stole every single scene he was in. But
I was in the back cackling so much. Cackling.
Ledo was right behind him, delivering her charac-
At one point, I think my BFF who was with me
ter’s own brand of snarky shtick. Greta Wohlra-
was considering CPR. I can’t even explain the
be, as the “aggressive German” Gretchen, was
experience; it was something you had to witness
alternately endearing and side-splitting.
for yourself. N
OUR BEST STUFF, IN YOUR EMAIL. Get Slash daily. nuvo.net/newsletters
NUVO.NET // 12.20.17 - 01.03.18 // STAGE // 13
TOP 20 FILMS OF 2017 And five most annoying movies, too
GET OUT //
I
f my annual list seems less enthusiastic than normal, that’s because I’ve seen a lot of good movies this year, but only a few great ones. In other words, I saw a lot of “fresh” movies this year, they just weren’t very fresh. Which illustrates a point: For what it’s worth, most people read Rotten Tomatoes wrong. All the percentage tells us is how many of this group of critics liked this movie at all, not how well they liked it. The number that matters is the overall score, which is always available there. On the top of each Rotten Tomatoes page, off to the right, right beneath the name, it will show, on a 1-10 basis, the average of how the critics rated the film. Try it; it’s useful. On to my favorites:
WONDER WOMAN //
BY ED JOHNSON-OTT // SCREENS@NUVO.NET that much about its characters. One of them died in
6 // LOGAN (SPOILERS)
11 // XXX: THE RETURN OF XANDER CAGE
the first movie, but him, or his offspring — whatev-
I was dreading this film, and I still, even after having
Watch the mega action! Watch Vin Diesel & co. take
er it is, is great fun to watch. It creates several new
seen it, and appreciating its quality, I still don’t like
a franchise and move it around, sometimes tortur-
worlds, but never feels like, “Okay, we’ve used blue,
watching bummers. Of course we know how great
ously so, in their quest to turn this into Fast & the
so let’s throw a few green ones in.” Nothing feels
Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart are, but I don’t
Furious 9! People who like that sort of thing, like
forced. Familiar faces (and voices): Chris Pratt, Zoe
want to watch them croak. Regardless of my knee-
this sort of thing. Beyond illogical, it’s just silly, but
Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper,
jerk reaction, it’s another example of a great cast,
the crashes are fun. You knew what this was when
Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Sylvester Stallone and
touching story, moving story.
you bought your ticket.
Kurt Russell.
7 // GET OUT
12 // BLADE RUNNER 2049
3 // THE POST
There are so many ways to approach this film. You
Gorgeous art. The bleakness is fascinating and
Back in the Watergate days, the Washington Post
can philosophize; watch and be bowled over by the
enervating. I didn’t feel engaged, but I greatly
suffered from insecurity in the shadow of the
tragedy of it all; savor in the kickass moments, and
admired the film. Familiar faces: Ryan Gosling, Dave
mighty New York Times. Sure, Katherine Graham
for Pete’s sake, how many there are. Jordan Peele
Bautista, Robin Wright and Harrison Ford.
was the first female publisher of a major American
took two genres, mixed them, and knocked it out of
newspaper, but that wasn’t enough. The film, with
the ballpark. Familiar faces: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison
13 // WONDER WOMAN
a massive cast including Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks,
Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford and
I’m not a fan of the sub-subgenre of superheroes
Sarah Paulson, Bob Odenkirk, Tracy Letts, Bradley
Stephen Root.
where the hero is out of our time, and out of our
1 // FACES PLACES
Whitford, Bruce Greenwood, Alison Brie, Jesse
Director Agnes Varda and photographer/muralist
Plemons and David Cross, should satisfy political
8 // WIND RIVER
were the two that did that, and I didn’t read them,
JR travel through rural France working on her new
thriller buffs. The story feels specific, while man-
Taylor Sheridan, who wrote Hell or High Water,
because I don’t like going back to WWII, or any
project, and a friendship blooms. There is no sense
aging to speak to our times. Familiar faces: Steven
wrote and directed Wind River. His gift is his ability
historical event, in comic book form. That said,
of romance there, but no avoiding of it either.
Spielberg, behind the camera.
to take a relatively difficult activity and make it
Captain America showed that people like it, and
seem larger than life without ever cheating to
Wonder Woman showed that she had a massive
It’s billed as a documentary, plays like a regular
space. Captain America and Wonder Woman
movie, and I never thought about the differences.
4 // THE LOST CITY OF Z
get there. Familiar faces: Elizabeth Olsen, Jeremy
audience that they didn’t know about. They were
This was the film I liked best for 2017. I watched a
Based on David Grann’s non-fiction bestseller,
Renner, Kelsey Chow, Jon Bernthal.
really worried about this movie, because Wonder
screener of it six times. I can’t recommend this any
and fronted by Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson,
higher. It’s all charming and entertaining, the two
Sienna Miller and Tom Holland, The Lost City of Z
9 // BABY DRIVER
audience came out. Oh — they also cast the perfect
main participants, the people they meet, and the
follows an expedition into the Amazon in search
What makes it so fun is that when Baby Driver is
Wonder Woman. Familiar faces: Gal Gadot (she’s
lovely murals they create. With this film you can
of the title town. It’s an adventure story that feels
out doing his business, you find yourself cheering
certainly familiar now!), Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen,
take a mini-vacation in France. They’re having a
genuine.
for him, and cheering for the law enforcement
Robin Wright, Danny Huston and David Thewlis.
wonderful time, and so are we. Written, directed by
Woman was a “girl,” but they did it right, and the
trying to catch him. Pretty mean trick! Action and
and starring JR and Agnès Varda. Although both
5 // LADY BIRD
style galore, it’s nihilistic, but he likes being the
14 // DADDY’S HOME 2
are respected artists, neither is within 6 degrees of
We’ve seen stories like this before, but the cast is
baddest ass on the street, and the others like his
It was funny! My son loves this movie, and I love
Kevin Bacon. Makes you think, doesn’t it?
wonderful, and even the most familiar story can
work. It turns out to be a lot of fun to watch. Famil-
the times when Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell
work if it’s got the right people, behind the camera
iar faces: Ansel Elgor, Jon Bernthal and Jon Hamm.
demonstrate what an effective comic team they
2 // GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 Guardians does an amazing job of not falling into
and in front. And hey, folks, look at that cast: Saoirse Ronan, Timothée Chalamet, Odeya Rush, Laurie
10 // WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES
sequel-itis. It does everything right that you can do
Metcalf and Lucas Hedges! This film demands to
It was exactly what I thought it would be, darker
with a group of superheroes. I loved it. Too often,
be watched if for no other reason — just because of
and more dramatic than the first films in the series,
15 // DUNKIRK
sequels — especially superhero sequels — try to
that cast. Lady Bird deals with dynamics between
but we’re used to that by now. It’s touching, heart-
All the right elements are there. The battle scenes
keep their audiences enthralled by setting the
parents and children, along with other family-sized
breaking, and angering, plus the cast is terrific.
are expertly done in this oft beautiful movie, but
controls on overkill. G2 is touching, funny, dazzling,
conflicts. Its draw is the interaction between the
Familiar faces: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson and
I’m at the point where I don’t want to watch people
and feels like it was written about real people. It
actors, and the emphasis on the fact that a solid
Steve Zahn.
get blown up or mutilated. I include this at this
makes the strange look normal, because it cares
family can get through everything.
14 // SCREENS // 12.20.17 - 01.03.18 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
can be. Familiar faces: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Mel Gibson, John Lithgow and Linda Cardellini.
point in the list to acknowledge the fine work done
NUVO.NET/SCREENS with the film, and I’m glad I had this paragraph to express my distaste for war battle scenes. They did a very good job of making a movie I didn’t want to see. Familiar faces: Mark Rylance, Cillian Murphy, Harry Styles and Tom Hardy.
16 // COCO
THE FIVE MOST ANNOYING MOVIES OF 2017
Deals with its themes well. Any trepidation people have over Day Of The Dead will be cleared up
1 // THE COMEDIAN
within five minutes for anyone with a lick of sense.
Robert DeNiro plays a celebrated stand-up co-
Familiar voices: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García
median. Why he was celebrated, I have no idea,
Bernal, Benjamin Bratt.
because the character isn’t funny. I can go along with filmmakers on any cinematic voyage they
17 // THE HERO
want to send me on, but within the trip, there are
Lee Hayden is this film’s personification of the
going to be rules, and I want to see them in play.
great, glorious Sam Elliot. He was dashing back
One cardinal rule is if you present me a legendary
then, and his voice was magnificent. Today, the
comedian, he has to be funny. Even if I personally
voice is still there (even more gravelly), but he’s
find his routine offensive, I’ll stay on board if it’s
sick and on his way to dying, until life provides him
done credibly. They didn’t do that, and this movie
ample reason to move forward. Look at the cast.
was torturous. It’s not a great latter day film from
How can you not see this movie? It’s a pleasure to
DeNiro, just another let down.
watch Elliot in the lead role of a film like this. Familiar faces: Sam Elliot, Laura Prepon, Nick Offerman,
2 // THE DISASTER ARTIST
Krysten Ritter.
In one of Tim Burton’s best movies, he chronicled the career of Ed Wood, a prolific director of films
18 // SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING
like Plan 9 From Outer Space. That left us with a
In our cinemas and our home libraries, we have had
bad director, maybe the worst, and a great movie
far too many first Spider-man movies, but when
about him. Now we have a movie focusing on the
they get it right, they get it right. This one got it
horrifically bad director of The Room, and a not so
right. Familiar faces: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton,
great film made about him. The Disaster Artist is
Robert Downey Jr., Marisa Tomei, Jon Favreau,
essentially Ed Wood Jr. Ladies and gentlemen, I
Gwyneth Paltrow and Donald Glover.
beseech you, if you have the need to watch a good
19 // MEYEROWITZ STORIES (NEW & SELECTED) The movie is comparable to Punch Drunk Love and
Wood, and skip this fluff.
the acting is very smooth. With this film a strong
Everything it purported to be, it wasn’t, I mean
movie about a bad filmmaker, go check out Ed
3 // FIFTY SHADES DARKER
cast with familiar faces — Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller,
every single thing. 50 Shades More Tedious. 50
and Dustin Hoffman — and an effective writer/
Shades Less Sexy. You get the idea. From the
director produced a fascinating tale of inter-family
director of Glengarry Glen Ross? Watch that. It’s
relationships.
more sexy.
20 // THE FLORIDA PROJECT
4 // FLATLINERS (2017)
This movie looks at poverty and at poor families
Remember how intriguing the idea of Flatliners
living close to Disney World and Epcot Center in a
(1990) was? Remember how lousy Flatliners was?
dilapidated motel. The little girl who plays the six-
They didn’t just do a remake, they did a devoted
year-old Moonee, Brooklyn Prince is the breakout
remake. This is just as pretentious, and just as silly.
star. It’s a fascinating film because the director Sean Baker managed to get his actors — Willem Dafoe among them — acting like people, not like symbols. I love this movie.
5 // ALIEN: COVENANT Because it’s Alien. I saw the original Alien. I saw it burst out of John Hurt’s stomach, and you, Alien Covenant, are NO Alien.
NUVO.NET // 12.20.17 - 01.03.18 // SCREENS // 15
NOODLES, MEATS AND EXCITING TREATS Best bites and new spots around Indy in 2017 BY CAVAN McGINSIE // CMCGINSIE@NUVO.NET
2
017 has been a rough year for so many reasons. But for Indianapolis’s food and drink scene that shittiness has hit home many times over. We’ve lost many amazing food and drink establishments, many before we got the opportunity to recognize how spectacular they were. Beloved restaurateur Artie Stevens unexpectedly passed away, leaving a void in the lives of everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. And, well, I could go on, but there’s enough bile spewing all around. So instead, out of all of this negativity, we’re looking at that certain beacon that continues to shine and that is the quality cuisine being dished out all around town. Whether it be at new restaurants that are bringing us joy through their exciting menus down to a singular dish that we can’t get out of our minds, the dining scene is still thriving and that’s something to be excited by. Because, as long as we can sit down and share a meal and some kind conversation, there’s still hope in the world. I’ll keep telling myself that.
2 // THE OCTO AT OCA
get to drink some Black Circle beer along with it,
Octopus is one of my favorite foods of the sea,
which is pretty damn fantastic.
especially in sashimi form. So when I saw octopus and berkshire pork sausage on the menu at this
7 // SALAMI DASHI RAMEN AT COMMON HOUSE
new Smoking Goose and Sun King collab, I was
Jeezy-creezy, this was the craziest dish I’ve had in a
beyond excited. While you lose a lot of the flavor of
long time. When this came to the table during one
the octopus with the combination of pork, rapini,
of Alan Sternberg’s pop-up dinners, Common House,
fennel seed and more, the additional toppings of
I was beyond excited. The stock for the ramen was
spicy arrabbiata sauce and orecchiette alongside a
made using Turchetti Salumeria’s pepperone, which
sampler of Sun King brews made me love this even
was made using Becker Farms red wattle pork, and it
more than fresh slices of octopus.
was pure magic. The outcome was a bowl of ramen that tastes like liquid charcuterie with perfectly
3 // CACIO DE PEPE AT NICOLE-TAYLOR’S PASTA
textured noodles. I doubt this will ever be made again,
Indy has a serious lack of quality Italian food. But
even once Common House opens as a restaurant
Nicole-Taylor’s is an oasis of perfect, al dente pasta.
sometime next year, and for that reason, and so many
Sure, you can go into this market and get all your
more, I feel beyond lucky to have tasted this dish.
Italian bits and bites to take home and cook yourself. But, you should stay and enjoy their version of the
8 // ORECCHIETTE AT PIONEER
Italian classic cacio de pepe; it’s bellisimo. Cacio de
Pioneer is killing the game when it comes to unique
pepe literally means cheese and pepper and that’s pretty much all the dish is, pasta with heaps of cheese, some butter and a healthy dose of crushed
and interesting pasta dishes. While I could have put DAN DAN MIAN AT ROOK SO SPICY, SO GOOD //
black peppercorns. The simplicity of the dish allows
nearly anything in this place on this list, I had to go with the one I fell in love with. The fennel sausage in this dish really pulled me in. I almost put their house
the ingredients to shine through. It’s truly mesmeriz-
5 // TAMALES ELOTES AT LA MESTIZA
sausage plate on here because they make some
ing how much flavor is packed into each bite.
Some people love tamales, can’t get enough of
pretty fantastic sausage, but you add the pasta,
‘em; I am not on that list of people. For me tamales
rapini, capers and garlic to the mix and it quickly
4 // DAN DAN MIAN AT ROOK
typically are too much bland masa and not enough
becomes a dish you won’t soon forget.
BEST BITES OF THE YEAR
I fucking love this dish. So much so that I literally
flavorful filler. But these aren’t your typical tamales,
1 // PORK BELLY WITH JELLIED EGG AND TOAST
made the sojourn from Broad Ripple to Fletcher
these use a sweet corn outside and it makes all the
8 EXCITING NEW RESTAURANTS
AT LOVE HANDLE
Place two days in a row just because I needed
difference. Add to that the spices and seasonings
1 // PROVISION/RIZE
It’s hard to pick just one dish as my favorite at Love
more. For my flavor profile, it is perfection in a
and the unbelievably tender pork inside and you’ve
Both housed in the new Ironworks Hotel, Provision
Handle since all of them are delicious. But, this was
bowl. What is it? It’s a Sichuan dish that consists
got a dish that I think about often.
and Rize are exactly what we’ve come to expect
the last bite I had before they went on hiatus during
of noodles, preserved veggies, minced pork,
their transition from their original location to the new
Sichuan peppers, and the kicker, chili oil … so much
6 // APP SAMPLER AT ELENA RUZ
one of the most high-class restaurants to hit the Indy
spot on Mass Ave. Few things are as heart-stoppingly
tongue-tingling, mouth-scorching chili oil. If I had
Here’s a little secret: Some of the best Cuban food
food scene in quite a while. The ambience itself pulls
yummy as Chris Benedyk’s masterful approach to
the money I would personally pay Carlos Salazar
in the city is coming out of Black Circle Brewing
you in and it is easy to see no expenses were spared
pork belly. Add to that the weirdly wonderful jellied
to make this for me for every dinner. It’s savory, vin-
and this sampler is the best way to get a taste
in creating the space. The menu is seasonal so it will
egg (you gotta try it), the sweet and spicy honey
egary and oh-so-spicy. It also pairs pretty perfectly
of a lot of it. The platter features empanadas,
be continuously changing, but each dish is meticu-
drizzled on the thick and airy Amelia’s toast, a Tinker
with a jaunt next door for an evening of light beers
croquettes, black beans and my favorite part, crispy
lously thought out and beautifully plated. Rize is a
cold brew and some lovely conversation with Ally, and
and gaming at Tappers.
plantains with a garlicky dipping sauce. This dish is
little less formal as a breakfast and lunch spot, but it
the equivalent of a little taste around Cuba and you
is no less exciting when it comes to the menu. While
you’ve got a nearly perfect meal.
16 // FOOD+DRINK // 12.20.17 - 01.03.18 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
from the Cunningham Restaurant Group. Provision is
NUVO.NET/FOOD+DRINK it’s easy to be pulled in by the healthier options like
are currently operated by the duo behind the sadly
a buzz pretty quickly based solely around its food.
and many of them get passed over for the more
the pumpkin smoothie bowl, the Miller Farm chicken
closed LongBranch, Adam Ditter and Steve Simon
While it may be a surprising thing for many people,
popular foodie destinations, so when Txuleta
hash is spectacular and still not terribly unhealthy.
and they have elevated it to a higher standard than
the truly authentic food here is nothing like what
opened and decided to highlight the cuisine of the
is seen pretty much anywhere else in Broad Ripple. If
many Midwesterners have been raised to believe
Basque region of Spain, near the French border, it
2 // FESTIVA
you haven’t made your way there yet, get there now
Mexican food should be. The tacos come on corn
was an exciting moment for Indy. From the people
When Tinker Street announced this Mexican
and be ready for a wonderful meal.
tortillas with meat, onion, cilantro and you can add
behind Brugge Brasserie, and situated in the up-
some salsa if you choose. They do have familiar
stairs area of Brugge, the menu consists of dishes
restaurant, we couldn’t have been more excited and after multiple visits we’re still pumped about this
4 // UKIYO
options, like, nachos and guacamole, but it’s a place
like ribeye with matchstick fries and a Basque fish
place. The food is fantastic and more high-minded
Few places in this city have been more hyped than
to branch out and fall in love with something new.
stew called Ttoro along with sides for the table like
than your average Mexican restaurant, especially
this new sushi restaurant from Neal Brown, who cur-
the pozole, a classic, hearty warming soup (there’s
rently owns Stella, Pizzology and Libertine. Opening
6 // WEST FORK WHISKEY
truly a singular space in the city and the cidery is
nothing wrong with arroz con pollo and texas fajitas,
this month in the former space that held Recess, it
While this isn’t a restaurant, it’s one of the most ex-
one of less than a handful to open in Indy.
though). The space is welcoming, the patio a nice
promises sushi unlike anything we’ve seen in India-
citing spots to open this year because the whiskey
spot to find yourself during the warmer months, and
napolis. It will have seafood offerings from produc-
is so good. The team behind West Fork Whiskey
8 // CRISPY BIRD
to top it all off, the bar program is stellar with Jason
ers who focus on sustainable practices. Brown is also
opened this space in Downtown Indy’s Kennedy
You can’t go wrong with fried chicken and that’s
Foust heading it all up and doling out some of the
doing his best to source as much locally as possible
King neighborhood after years of producing near
most likely what you’ll be ordering at the newest
best tequila and mezcal cocktails around.
including using Indiana soy for the miso products.
Zionsville. Chin up at cozy bar and order an $8
spot under the Patachou Inc. umbrella.. And while
Finally, it will have an omakase option which allows
cocktail that uses only 100% Indiana-made whiskey.
that’s all fine and dandy, there is so much more
3 // THE VANGUARD
the sushi chef to curate and prepare a tasting menu
And if you’re feeling hungry, you can order some
here for diners to love, from the oh-so-yummy mac
When the popular Broad Ripple spot Usual Suspects
for the guest. Reservations are available now.
food from Erin Kem across the street at Cannon
n’ cheese to the crispy chicken skins with meyer
Ball Brewing, and it doesn’t get better than that.
lemon aioli, everything on the menu deserves some
closed, no one quite knew what would take over its
a salt cod omelette and sardines a la plancha. It’s
space. Then The Vanguard opened and surprised us
5 // IXCA
all with a greater focus on quality food while keep-
This authentic Mexican spot snuck into Irvington
7 // TXULETA BASQUE CIDER HOUSE
up on the cocktail menu which will undoubtedly
ing a top-notch bar program. The bar and kitchen
right on Washington Street and started to create
There are amazing cuisines all around the world
tantalize your tastebuds. N
of the spotlight. If you’re in for dinner, don’t pass
NUVO.NET // 12.20.17 - 01.03.18 // FOOD+DRINK // 17
31 BEST PLACES TO PARTY ON NYE BY KATHERINE COPLEN // KCOPLEN@NUVO.NET
Editor’s note: Your regularly scheduled Soundcheck is available online at nuvo.net/calendar; all events listed are for December 31, and all prices are available via individual venue websites. Honestly, these changin’ early bird and bottle specials are too hard to keep track of.
explanation: DJs Cleopa-
the same locals that were
RICHARD EDWARDS AND HIS NUCLEAR SO AND SO’S, 8 P.M., THE HI-FI, 21+
“Weezer” last year.)
This star-studded show is
Doug and Iron Lion will spin
sadly sold out, but on the
in three separate parties
off chance you can swindle
you can pick from on your
a ticket from some poor sap,
headphones. Dance away –
you’ll see Jomberfox and
silently, kind of.
through all of Is This It and Room On Fire. (Members of “The Strokes” include
CIROC THE NEW YEAR CARNIVAL 2018 8 P.M., REGIONS TOWER, 21+
trah, Stylistic, Sounds by
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 11 A.M., SINKING SHIP, 21+
NEW YEAR’S EVE, 4 P.M., GREG’S, 21+
Todd, Echo Dub, Ras Tuli,
On deck: Free champagne,
The best bar on 16th Street
A NIGHT AT THE MOULIN ROUGE 9 P.M., THE PAVILION, 21+
Rasul, Dezzy Dezz, Sir
and some “fancy-ass beers.”
is also the best place on the
This party — featuring Las
Old Northside to celebrate
Vegas’ DJ Shai Peri, Sinclar
New Year’s Eve.
Wheeler and others — sounds dope.
The Punter Who Went Fun-
HYRYDER’S GRATEFUL NEW YEAR PT. 2 9 P.M., MOUSETRAP, 21+
AUDIODACITY 10 P.M., UNION 50, 21+
A PUNK ROCK NEW YEAR’S EVE 8:30 P.M. MELODY INN, 21+
ny does another standup
Dead your way all the way
One of Indy’s favorite bands
sesh at ONC.
into 2018.
plays one of Mass Ave’s
Nobody parties harder
NEW YEAR’S EVE 9 P.M., STATE STREET PUB, 21+
Heidi Lynne Gluck open.
Party on top of a very
PAT MCAFEE AND FRIENDS 8:30 P.M., OLD NATIONAL CENTRE, ALL-AGES
with sultry sounds from
NEW YEAR’S EVE MASQUERADE BALL 9 P.M., UNION STATION, 21+
DJs Action Jackson, Indiana
Grab those masks, friends,
and more consistently
A huge happy anniversary
Jones and Gabby Love, plus
cause it’s time to go Phan-
than the PBR-fueled
TINI NEW YEAR’S BASH 4 P.M., TINI, 21+
to the Vogue, which is mark-
carnival dancers.
tom of the Opera up in this
punks at the Mel every
KLAXON, KLAXON: It’s
Michael Raintree, Total
high-class event.
Saturday night.
black tie optional free party
Disgust, Sirius Blvck and DJ
NEW YEAR’S EVE EXTRAVAGANZA 9 P.M., THE PALLADIUM, 21+
with DJ Knayte. Black. Tie.
1790, plus $7 sake shots.
This multi-venue party
Optional. Free.
Yum-o!
features lots of spaces and
Band are always a great op-
IKE AND JONESY’S NYE 6:30 P.M., IKE AND JONESY’S, 21+
tion for a holiday hoe-down
It’s $50 - $100 entry for
PETER WHITE 6 P.M., 9:45 P.M., THE JAZZ KITCHEN, 21+
– even one that necessitate
dinner and drinking all the
NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH MAX ALLEN BAND AND THE TRIP 8:30 P.M., FOUNTAIN SQUARE BREWING CO., 21+
a trip down to B-Town.
way until 1 a.m.
We’ll take a Hop for Teacher,
acoustic guitarist White at
please.
this NYE show.
A NEW ANGLE ON NEW YEAR’S 10 P.M., FORTY FIVE DEGREES, ALL-AGES
tall building at one of the
VOGUE 40TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY 9 P.M., VOGUE, 21+
swankier spots in town,
ing 40 years as a live music
every decade, tunes from DJ
DOWNTOWN INDY INC.’S NEW YEAR’S EVE 9 P.M., GEORGIA STREET, ALL-AGES
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 7 P.M., INDIANA ROOF BALLROOM, 21+
REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND 7 P.M., THE BLUEBIRD, 21+
Marcus and pyrotechnics.
This all-ages, totally free
Roof party! Roof party!
The Rev and his Big Damn
venue this year. Their party features a cash balloon drop, drink specials from
party features DJ GNO,
BIG-ASS BURLESQUE BINGO BANGO SHOW 9 P.M., WHITE RABBIT CABARET, 21+
trucks, and a hoisted Indy-
THE FOUNTAIN SQUARE NYE SILENT PARTY 9 P.M., PIONEER, 21+
Car and fireworks.
Okay, this one needs a little
Hugh Jeffner and Slater Hogan, plus full bars, food
largest live music venue, with delicious foods to boot.
places to hang, chat and sip.
There’s two shows for
You can play bingo on any
The Rathskeller’s perfect
THE WHY STORE, DOUG HENTHORN, TRAVIS FEASTER 7 P.M., SLIPPERY NOODLE INN, 21+
NEW YEAR’S EVE YOGA 10:30 P.M., INVOKE DOWNTOWN, 21+
twinkly lights, huge steins
Get some nachos, watch
and preponderance of
one of Indy’s longest-run-
mounted trophy heads are
ning rock bands.
Just 20 bucks gets you a
the perfect NYE comple-
slot at the most zen way to
ment.
day of the year, but boobalicious burlesque bingo as the ball(s) drop is our favorite pick.
NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH THE DOO 8 P.M., THE RATHSKELLER, 21+
ring in the New Year in 2017, plus some champagne and light snacks.
THE STROKES TRIBUTE 8 P.M., RADIO RADIO, 21+
MARDI GRAS NYE 9 P.M., TIKI BOB’S CANTINA, 21+ Oh, you can bet there will be beads.
The “Strokes” will play
18 // MUSIC // 12.20.17 - 01.03.18 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
BARFLY
BY WAYNE BERTSCH
No cover, babes.
YOUR HOUSE YOUR TIME, YOUR COUCH, ALL-AGES
SOCIAL’S BANGIN’ NEW YEAR’S 9 P.M., SOCIAL, 21+
Just stay home and snuggle
DJ John Larner anchors this
MY HOUSE MY TIME, MY COUCH, ALL-AGES
Miller High Life-toasting party, with a $20 cover.
a dog, why don’t you?
We’ve got eggnog and a bulldog.
KYLE LONG is a longtime NUVO columnist and host of WFYI’s A Cultural Manifesto.
NUVO.NET/MUSIC
2017’S BIGGEST LOSS WAS MARI EVANS
Remembering the writer’s contribution to music is key BY KYLE LONG // KLONG@NUVO.NET
S
ome people measure a year by the high points. Say what you will about my psychological profile, but I tend to focus my assessment on the sorrows and regrets. But looking back on the year in local music, there was no shortage of positives for me. The first ever anthology compilation of the beloved Indianapolis vocal group The Vanguards was released this summer, and it dominated my car’s CD player like no other compact disc has ever done. The album, Private Collection, was released through the family of Vanguards’ founder James Davis. I highly recommend all soul music fans track down a copy. In the realm of live music, the 2017 edition of Bloomington’s Lotus Fest was unforgettable. This year’s highlights included a virtuoso performance from Mali’s highly-touted Trio Da Kali, and a blistering, high-octane set from the Afro-Venezuelan ensemble of Betsayda Machado y La Parranda El Clavo. But as I look back on the last 12 months, my thoughts are imbued with sadness for the Indianapolis musical giants we lost. That list includes Amnesty bassist James “Red” Massie, Manchild vocalist/keyboard player Chuckie Bush, pioneering jazz organist/vocalist Sarah McLawler, jazz bass maestro Mingo Jones, drummer “Mad” Harold Cardwell and saxophonist extraordinaire Tommy Wills. One of the losses that weighs heaviest on my mind is an artist that very few would consider an active participant in the music scene. When Mari Evans passed on March 10 of 2017, most obituaries and remembrances
MARI EVANS, MARI EVANS MURAL ON MASS AVE. (RIGHT) //
used the term “poet” as a descriptor in their headlines. “Funeral arrangements scheduled for Indianapolis poet,” read one. “Indianapolis poet dies at age 93,” read another. “Poet” was a title Evans bristled at when I spoke to her in 2015. “I stay away from saying I’m a poet,” Evans told me, adding, “I don’t call myself a poet because I hope I can do more than be a poet.” There’s no question that Evans was a powerful poet, but she certainly could do more. Evans distinguished herself as an activist, playwright, television producer, educator, essayist, and editor. But there’s one specific branch of the arts that Evans seemed to particularly relish her association with: music. That’s evident on the back cover bio of
20 // MUSIC // 12.20.17 - 01.03.18 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
Evans’ extremely rare 1968 debut volume of verse Where is all the music? Evans prominently lists “choir director” among her career accomplishments. The bio continues in that vein, proclaiming “Her main interest is music. She writes songs, plays both the piano and organ.” Evans was an avid fan of jazz and classical
music and maintained a serious involvement with music throughout her career. Evans penned multiple musical theater pieces, including River of My Song (1977), New World (1984), and Eye (1979) a musical adaption of Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God. Evans also worked with composers to set her verse to music, including a collaboration with Indianapolis jazz legend David Baker. Baker composed symphonic music settings for several classic Evans’ poems, including Alabama Landscape and The Rebel. In 2002 Evans was even nominated for a Grammy, not for a musical performance or composition, but for her liner notes to the Buddha Records box set The Long Road Back To Freedom: An Anthology of Black Music. Evans certainly made significant contributions to music during her lifetime, but I always wished she released a recording of her own performances of her compositions. So in late 2016, I conspired with one of Evans’ friends to approach her about making such a recording to be broadcast on my Cultural Manifesto radio program. Evans’ friend was so confident she’d be amenable to the idea, that I was shocked when the answer came back negative. I now understand Evans was probably too ill to commit, as she passed soon after the invitation was issued. Mari Evans has been such a transformative influence on my life and work. It would’ve been unthinkable for me to allow this year to pass without acknowledging her in this column. So I want to end 2017 by honoring the unique musical legacy of the late, great Mari Evans. N
NUVO.NET/MUSIC
3826 N. Illinois 317-923-4707
BEST TOURING ACTS
I
WITH LOCAL DJ AND
NUVO COLUMNIST
KyleLong
BY MATT CONNER // MUSIC@NUVO.NET
f you keep a musical bucket list, you’ll likely remember 2017 as a great year. Indy’s growing list of venues allowed music’s biggest and brightest to appear alongside younger, burgeoning artists all year long. With no slight intended for Norah Jones or U2 or Garth Brooks or Alt-J or … you get the idea, here’s a look at the best touring acts that came through Naptown this year.
Thurs 12/21
Fri 12/22
the years, but at least we have some of rock’s finest melodies to keep us company moving forward.
WEDNESDAY PM
NIGHTS 8
DIARRHEA PLANET & WHITE REAPER AT WHITE RABBIT CABARET, MAY 25
SATURDAY
NIGHTS 10 PM
The future of rock music is fine hands if these two mid-South bands are any indication of what’s to
ON
come. Diarrhea Planet (Nashville) delivered songs from their kaleidoscopic hard rock release, Turn to
Gold, while the guys in White Reaper are always
MARGO PRICE AT THE HI-FI, APRIL 5
arena-ready — even at the White Rabbit. Both are
Margo Price became an instant critical darling with
also loud, confident and earnest as hell. Rock and
her riveting retro country sound, drawing serious
roll will be just fine.
A Cultural
MANIFESTO
attention and accolades in both the U.S. and U.K. ance at the Hi-Fi with Colter Wall a sold out affair,
SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS AT MELODY INN, JULY 10
which will hopefully bring her back soon to support
If you’ve ever seen Squirrel Nut Zippers, think less
her latest autumn release, All American Made.
performance and more parade. The jazzy swing
Plenty of clued-in locals made her stunning appear-
UPCOMING SHOWS
band arrives like the sort of random outburst
SOUNDGARDEN AT FARM BUREAU INSURANCE LAWN AT WHITE RIVER STATE PARK, MAY 10
that erupts in the French Quarter’s finer musical
Eight days before Chris Cornell was found dead in
even the most resistant in the room to dance along.
his hotel room at the MGM Grand in Detroit, he and
It’s sheer, unadulterated fun, and the sold-out show
his Soundgarden band mates delivered a stellar live
at the Melody Inn shows that at least some Hoosiers
set majoring on the pioneering band’s most popular
knew exactly what to expect.
PHOTO BY JENN GOODMAN
explores the merging of sounds from around the globe with the history of music from right here at home.
Sat 12/23
Tues 12/26
“C-TAY B-DAY” w/ CHRISTIAN TAYLOR of America Owns The Moon, ANTENNA MAN, LEILAH SMITH. EVAN SNYDER, THE HOLY ECHO, WORSE SQUID, and ILLUMINAUGHTY. Doors @ 8, Show @ 9. $5. THE RUN UP, STEALING VOLUME, HEARTLAND HERETICS, THE PROSTITUTE MOTHERS. Doors @ 9, Show @ 10. $6. HILLBILLY HAPPY HOUR w/ RICK DODD & THE DICKRODS. Doors @ 7, Show @ 7:30. $5. PUNK ROCK NIGHT presents the annual “Holiday Festivus Party”, w/ musical guests LISA FRANK & THE TRAPPER KEEPERS(90’s cover band) and SOME KIND OF NIGHTMARE(San Diego). Seinfeld trivia all night. Doors @ 9, Show @ 10. $6. JOMBERFOX and BLUE MOON REVUE Doors @ 7, Show @ 8. $5.
Wed 12/27
BYBYE, CYRUS YOUNGMAN & THE KING FISHERS, WAR ON T.V. and ADAM KUHN. Doors @ 8, Show @ 8:15. $5.
Thurs 12/28
THE ORCHARD KEEPERS, WHITE OAK. Doors @ 8. Show @ 9. $5.
Fri 12/29
Sat 12/30
TOM PETTY TRIBUTE NIGHT
w/ PHYLLIS and VINYL SHRINER as TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS and special guest THE LEISURE KINGS, hosted by DJ NIGHTMARE. Doors @ 9, Show @ 10. $6.
PUNK ROCK NIGHT presents LIVE BAND PUNK ROCK KARAOKE! You sing with a live punk band! Doors @ 9, show @ 10. $5.
melodyindy.com /melodyinn punkrocknight.com
moments, and the captivating collective can coax
releases: Badmotorfinger and Superunknown. The a memorable opener, and Soundgarden fans not only
LADY GAGA AT BANKERS LIFE FIELDHOUSE, NOVEMBER 5
enjoyed a great night of rock ‘n’ roll but also count
It’s her sensitivity amid the spectacle that brings
themselves lucky to have seen Cornell when they did.
Lady Gaga’s Little Monsters in droves to each and
Pretty Reckless, featuring Taylor Momsen, served as
every show, and her Indy appearance in early No-
TY SEGALL AT IRVING THEATER, MAY 11
vember was no exception. From singing a string of
If your ears are still ringing from this show six months
No. 1 hits to sharing vulnerably about her own health
later, we wouldn’t be surprised. Ty Segall and his Free-
issues, the show might have featured numerous
dom Band filled the Irving with the sort of sonic ca-
costume changes and an elaborate set, but it also
cophony you’d expect from the prolific guitarist earlier
reminded the thousands in attendance that there’s a
this spring, and the accompanying visuals matched
very real (and beautiful) person underneath it all.
the noodling distortion and improvisational genius.
TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS AT RUOFF HOME MORTGAGE MUSIC CENTER, MAY 13
ST. VINCENT AT OLD NATIONAL CENTRE, NOVEMBER 15 Annie Clark’s fans likely questioned St. Vincent’s
We lost a true rock and roll torchbearer this year.
minimal canvas before her show in the Egyptian
Which is why, if you were fortunate enough to land
Room. Instead of the typical accompanying full
tickets to Tom Petty’s final performance in Nobles-
band. Clark performed St. Vincent’s latest album,
ville, you’re likely still talking about the powerful
Masseduction, front to back with only a rotating cast
experience of hearing songs like “I Won’t Back
of electric guitars at her disposal. Even solo, Clark’s
Down” and “Wildflowers” live. The Heartland icon
charisma and brilliant, complex pop structures filled
was good for semi-regular visits to the area over
the surrounding space with ease. N
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NUVO.NET // 12.20.17 - 01.03.18 // MUSIC // 21
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ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your life in the first half of 2018 will be like a psychological boot camp that’s designed to beef up your emotional intelligence. Here’s another way to visualize your oncoming adventures: They will constitute a friendly nudge from the cosmos, pushing you to be energetic and ingenious in creating the kind of partnerships you want for the rest of your long life. As you go through your interesting tests and riddles, be on the lookout for glimpses of what your daily experience could be like in five years if you begin now to deepen your commitment to love and collaboration. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’ll soon have a chance to glide out into the frontier. I suggest you pack your bag of tricks. Bring gifts with you, too, just in case you must curry favor in the frontiers where the rules are a bit loose. How are your improvisational instincts? Be sure they’re in top shape. How willing are you to summon spontaneity and deal with unpredictability and try impromptu experiments? I hope you’re very willing. This may sound like a lot of work, but I swear it’ll be in a good cause. If you’re well-prepared as you wander in the borderlands, you’ll score sweet secrets and magic cookies. Here’s more good news: Your explorations will position you well to take advantage of the opportunities that’ll become available throughout 2018. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): These days it’s not unusual to see male celebrities who shave their heads. Bruce Willis, Dwayne Johnson, Seal, Tyrese Gibson, and Vin Diesel are among them. But in the 20th century, the bare-headed style was rare. One famous case was actor Yul Brynner. By age 30, he’d begun to go bald. In 1951, for his role as the King of Siam in the Broadway play The King and I, he decided to shave off all his hair. From then on, the naked-headed look became his trademark as he plied a successful acting career. So he capitalized on what many in his profession considered a liability. He built his power and success by embracing an apparent disadvantage. I recommend you practice your own version of this strategy in 2018. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to begin. CANCER (June 21-July 22): In the Northern Hemisphere, where 88 percent of the world’s population resides, this is a quiescent time for the natural world. Less sunlight is available, and plants’ metabolisms slow down as photosynthesis diminishes. Deciduous trees lose their leaves, and even many evergreens approach dormancy. And yet in the midst of this stasis, Cancerian, you are beginning to flourish. Gradually at first, but with increasing urgency, you’re embarking on an unprecedented phase of growth. I foresee that 2018 will be your Year of Blossoming. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): If you’ve had an unfulfilled curiosity about genealogy or your ancestors or the riddles of your past, 2018 will be a favorable time to investigate. Out-of-touch relatives will be easier to locate than usual. Lost heirlooms, too. You may be able to track down and make use of a neglected legacy. Even family secrets could leak into view — both the awkward and the charming kinds. If you think you have everything figured out about the people you grew up with and the history of where you came from, you’re in for surprises.
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VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Most of us regard our ring fingers as the least important of our digits. What are they good for? Is there any activity for which they’re useful? But our ancestors had a stronger relationship with their fourth fingers. There was a folk belief that a special vein connected the fourth finger on the left hand directly to the heart. That’s why a tradition arose around the wedding ring being worn there. It may have also been a reason why pharmacists regarded their fourth fingers as having an aptitude for discerning useful blends of herbs. I bring this up, Virgo, because I think it’s an apt metaphor for one of 2018’s important themes: A resource you have underestimated or neglected will be especially valuable — and may even redefine your understanding of what’s truly valuable.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In fairy tales, characters are often rewarded for their acts of kindness. They may be given magical objects that serve as protection, like cloaks of invisibility or shoes that enable them to flee trouble. Or the blessings they receive may be life-enhancing, like enchanted cauldrons that provide a never-ending supply of delicious food or musical instruments that have the power to summon delightful playmates. I bring this up, Libra, because I suspect that a similar principle will be very active in your life during 2018. You’ll find it easier and more natural than usual to express kindness, empathy, and compassion. If you consistently capitalize on this predilection, life will readily provide you with the resources you need. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Like all of us, you go through mediocre phases when you’re not functioning at peak efficiency. But I suspect that in 2018 you will experience fewer of these blah times. We will see a lot of you at your best. Even more than usual, you’ll be an interesting catalyst who energizes and ripens collaborative projects. You’ll demonstrate why the sweet bracing brightness needs the deep dark depths, and vice versa. You’ll help allies open doors that they can’t open by themselves. The rest of us thank you in advance! SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The blunt fact is that you can’t be delivered from the old demoralizing pattern that has repeated and repeated itself -- until you forgive yourself completely. For that matter, you probably can’t move on to the next chapter of your life story until you compensate yourself for at least some of the unnecessary torment you’ve inflicted on yourself. Now here’s the good news: 2018 will be an excellent time to accomplish these healings. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In 2018, one of your primary missions will be to practice what you preach; to walk your talk; to be ambitious and masterful in all the ways a soulful human can and should be ambitious and masterful. Live up to your hype in the coming months, Capricorn! Do what you have promised! Stop postponing your dreams! Fulfill the noble expectations you have for yourself! Don’t be shy about using exclamation points to express your visions of what’s right and good and just! AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Years ago, when I started my career as a horoscope writer, my editor counseled me, “Always give priority to the Big Three. Romance, money, and power are what people care about most.” After a few months, he was disgruntled to realize that I wrote about how to cultivate psychological health and nourish spiritual aspirations as much as his Big Three. He would have replaced me if he could have found another astrology writer whose spelling and grammar were as good as mine. But his edict traumatized me a bit. Even today, I worry that I don’t provide you with enough help concerning the Big Three. Fortunately, that’s not relevant now, since I can sincerely declare that 2018 will bring you chances to become more powerful by working hard on your psychological health . . . and to grow wealthier by cultivating your spiritual aspirations . . . and to generate more love by being wise and ethical in your quest for money and power. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): What binds you? What keeps you closed down and locked up? I urge you to ponder those questions, Pisces. Once you get useful answers, the next step will be to meditate on how you can undo the binds. Fantasize and brainstorm about the specific actions you can take to unlock and unclose yourself. This project will be excellent preparation for the opportunities that the coming months will make available to you. I’m happy to announce that 2018 will be your personal Year of Liberation. GO TO NUVO.NET FOR FREE WILL ASTROLOGY NEXT WEEK
HOMEWORK: Write a parable or fairy tale that captures what your life has been like in 2017.
Freewillastrology.com
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