SPRING NIGHTLIFE • CITYGUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS NIGHT OUT WITH NUVO
CALENDARS MUSIC ............................................. 38 A&E .................................................. 42
BREWS ............................................. 04 VENUES ........................................... 10
FARMERS’ MARKETS................... 44 INDEX ............................................ 46
DANCE PARTIES ............................. 18 PARTY FUEL .................................... 24 RIDES ............................................... 30 RECOVERY....................................... 32
PUBLISHER: Kevin McKinney // kmckinney@nuvo.net MANAGING EDITOR: Ed Wenck // ewenck@nuvo.net
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SUMMER CITYGUIDE: MAY 21, 2014
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Hello!
Remember that really terrible time in pop culture when it seemed like the only song on the radio was Pink demanding that everyone “get this party started?” That was 2001, when Indy had no craft breweries operating on a large scale food trucks prowling the streets, only a handful of art galleries and a few decent music venues; back when we were all still calling apologies to our similarly sized coastal neighbors for lagging behind here in the center. Now? Well, we kindly invite those coastal crusties to kiss our artsyfartsy butts, then offer to buy them a great 317-brewed pint. We’re comin’ up, y’all, and NUVO is helping to get the party started. We always aim to make our guides as user-friendly as possible, so our music editor Katherine Coplen interviewed every variety of character you’ll meet during a night out in Indy, from your pre-party brew, to the club DJ, to the Uber driver taking you home and the waitress bringing the eggs and coffee in the morning. This guide will help you track down late night food, all the best craft beer in town, music venues large and small, farm-fresh produce, transportation, a great date spot and the bass-bouncing dancefloor of your dreams. In other words, it’s broken down to be a roadmap through the perfect night, all the way through the perfect recovery brunch the next day. We also put together a couple of different calendars (so you can pencil in a budget that includes concert and performance tickets) with some of the bigger events on the horizon. One of the more fun parts of getting to edit these guides is getting to see the enormous variety of events available to enjoy in town. Perhaps the most fun thing about guide time, though, is all the talking we at NUVO HQ get to do about food. We love chatting about it, trading books about it and gawking at it online, so we’ve included in the guide a couple of pages dedicated to all the farmers’ markets in town, so you can get some real, organic fuel onboard before you go about destroying any semblance of well-being. The upside? We also dedicated a whole section to hangover-minded locales, where no one will blink if you’re wearing last night’s outfit. No matter what, you’ll find something good to eat and a great place to hang out, relax and enjoy the city. Get out there and enjoy it, because you made it. We made it.
Cheers!
SARAH MURRELL
LISTINGS EDITOR
100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2014 // SPRING CITYGUIDE 3
BREWS
GET A BEER WHAT: TRITON TAP TRY: RAILSPLITTER IPA
S
Michael Chevigny 4 SPRING CITYGUIDE // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER
PHOTO BY MARK A. LEE
o you’re heading out for a night on the town. What’s the first thing you do? No, not pick out your shoes. The first thing you do when you’re actually out of the house. All right, we’ll tell you. You get a beer. A tall, cold beer – ideally, one made in Indianapolis. We’ve got no shortage of local brews and places to drink them, but our current favorite might be the new Triton Tap, sitting high on Broad Ripple Avenue. It’s not a huge place – it can be downright cozy, in fact. But it’s a beautiful room with comfortable enough for a large group to settle in, or a party of one to while away the hours. And, of course, the Tap fills growlers for those on the run. “The craft beer market is growing at a faster pace then any other [market] in the alcohol business,” says Tap owner and operating partner Michael Chevigny. “It’s exciting for us as well as all our friends in the business.” Triton’s full brewery operates out of the Fort Benjamin Harrison area, where they also have a tap room. But the cozier spot is the Broad Ripple location, which opened last May, partially because of “the strong relationships and friends [Chevigny has] made in the Village over the years.” Triton pays extra special attention to their ingredients, as do most craft breweries. But one of the ingredients they pay the most attention to may surprise you. “We use a Reverse Osmosis System in our brewing process that charcoal-filters and softens water to make it of exceptional quality. Since beer is made up of 94 percent to 96 percent water, it’s a very important ingredient to have at its finest.” We’ll take the word for it. So what’s an average night at the Tap like? “We have been blessed that we
have a lot of regulars supporting local craft beer,” he answers. “They come in for their favorite pint and usually stick around to try our newest specialty. We also get a lot of people in from out of town who are here to try the local craft scene. It’s always the right crowd who are all there for the same reason — passion for good beer.” He describes Indianapolis’ nightlife scene as more relaxed, perhaps more spontaneous than other cities. “You don’t have to get all dressed up to go to a certain establishment,” he says. “You can put jeans and a polo and hit a craft beer bar and end up dancing a club ‘til close.” And when Chevigny’s looking for a cold one? “I am a ‘hop head,’ so I usually grab a pint of the hoppiest beer they have on draft,” he says, of his current favorite. “Lucky for me, it’s usually my Railsplitter IPA.” The Railsplitter is one of the brewery’s most successful creations. “Our Railsplitter IPA has had phenomenal success with many establishments claiming it’s their top-selling IPA,” Chevigny says. “It just had a nice mention in Sports Illustrated from a writer who was in town for the NFL combine.” Those looking for something a bit more niche can look forward to one of Triton’s many barrel-aged brews. “Anything that we are currently barrel aging. As of now we have many different styles of beers aging in 32 bourbon barrels, two chardonnay barrels and two Merlot barrels.” — KATHERINE COPLEN
Our first section travels through our favorite places to get a cold brew. We’ve got many more listings available on NUVO.net, along with our weekly Beer Buzz column, written by head hop head Rita Kohn.
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BIG SHOW COMING UP: SATURDAY, APRIL 26 @10PM - ROD TUFFCURLS & THE BENCH PRESS! NEW DRINK SPECIALS: MONDAY $2 Well Drinks $3 Bud/Bud light Pints $4 Ketel One & Flavors
TUESDAY $3 Corona, Dos Equis, Negra Modelo Bottles $4 Indiana Pints $5 Patron Shots/$6 Patron Margaritas
WEDNESDAY $3 Any Bottle Beer $3 Any Pints $3 Well Drinks
THURSDAY $2 Miller/Coors Bottles $4 Jack Daniels 1/2 Price Bottles of Wine
FRIDAY $3 Miller/Coors Pints $4 Captain Morgan $5 Crown Royal (Reg.Maple,Black)
SATURDAY $4 Sunking Pints $4 Jim Beam $5 Grey Goose
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BREWS
Indiana City Brewing
PHOTO BY MARK A. LEE
Bier Brewery & Tap Room Winner of the Indiana State Fair’s Champion Brewery award in 2011 and 2012, Bier Brewery produces up to ten new beers every week, roughly enough to fill five hundred growlers. Offerings range from Witt and Kolsch in the summer, through IPAs of varying intensity, to barley wine in the holiday season. The quality is seldom less than excellent: Bier Brewery proves itself impressively adept in a wide range of styles. Tasting is free and the staff effusively knowledgeable and friendly. Best get there early in the release cycle (ideally on Wednesday or Thursday) to ensure a growler or two.
Black Swan Brewpub Ignore the decor at this Plainfield-based brewpub; it’s about the beer, and at $3.75 a pint, brewer D.J. McCallister offers excellent quality and a clear understanding of what he’s doing. Much kudos to the man for using Fuggles hops and Ringwood yeast, two seldom-seen ingredients which elevate this brewery way above the commonplace. The food, though offering a refreshing departure from typical brewpub fare, needs a lighter touch; missteps are common, though the grilled eggplant rolls could’ve come out of Indy’s better Italian kitchens.
5133 E. 65th St., 253-2437; bierbrewery.com
2067 E. Hadley Rd. (Plainfield), 838-7444; blackswanbrewpub.com
Black Acre Brewing Co. The great thing about nano-breweries (another way of saying “homebrewer that really, really wanted to share”) is that they’re so darn nimble. The offerings in this Irvington artisanal shop run the gamut from regular to revolutionary: They’ve poured everything from a peanut butter porter (Elvis shoulda been alive for this) to a take on German rauchbier (‘smoke beer’) to an utterly terrifying Hop Pun Double IPA that packs an unbelievable 251 International Bitterness Units (IBUs) and an alcohol content of nearly 10 percent. After a blast of this you might not taste anything but hops for 48 hours. Not that that’s a bad thing.
Broad Ripple Brewpub Not only does Broad Ripple Brewpub deliver some great beer, the food matches the quality, making for a great experience. Try the traditional, English-style cask ales for the real pub experience. Or maybe the Lawn Mower Pale Ale, a draft that is sure to quench your thirst during the hot summer months. After a few pints, the Drunken Tortelloni will satisfy your hunger with its five-cheese tortellini covered in spicy vodka cream sauce. Its great location by the Monon Trail means you can while away the time peoplewatching as they bicycle, roller-blade, saunter and walk their dogs up and down the trail.
5632 E. Washington St., 207-6266; blackacrebrewing.com
840 E. 65th St., 253-2739; broadripplebrewpub.com
BIER BREWERY
Award Winning Beers 5133 E 65th St Indianapolis, IN 46220 317.253.BIER • BIERBREWERY.com @THEBIERBREWERY 6 SPRING CITYGUIDE // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER
The Bier Brewery
BREWS Flat 12 Bierwerks Located in Indy’s next culinary hotspot on Dorman Street, Flat 12 Bierwerks crafts an impressive lineup of regular brews, interspersed with specials and seasonal offerings. Although its inspiration may lie in Europe, the execution is allAmerican, with modern, freewheeling ales like the Nunemore Black and the Tangerine Porter playfully challenging traditional and established styles. Outstanding recently have been the LactoMatic Stout and the Pogue’s Run Porter, either of which could hold their own against some of the nation’s best. A place to find the perfect gift for the connoisseur on your list. 414 Dorman St., 635-2337; flat12.me Fountain Square Brewing Co. One was a chemist. One was a microbiologist. One was an automation specialist. Put ’em all together, and they’re beermakers now. Justin Brown, Jeff Gibson and Bill Webster created a business that continues to make terrific brews (if only the average macro could be as tasty as their accessible pilsner) served up in a taproom that gives a brilliant architectural nod to the industrial-looking building that houses the vats. Add to that some creative names (Hop for Teacher, Preacher’s Daughter Amber) and inclusion in the taps of all the Fountain Square watering holes, and you’ve got the formula for success. Science! 1301 Barth Ave., 493-1410; fountainsquarebrewery.com Indiana City Brewing Ray Kamstra found the old Home City Brewing bottling building — a brewery shuttered during Prohibition — and opened his microbrewery with over 35 grand in Kickstarter cash. Kamstra, along with wife, Leslie, and brewing partner, Dustin Dahl, soon found what trouble an historic building could be — plumbing troubles put a wrinkle in things early on. The brewery has recovered, offering three regular and six seasonal brews — in addition to a taproom that features works by local artists. That flair for the aesthetic is communicated in Indiana City’s labels — and even the tap handles, too. 24 Shelby St., 643-1103; indianacitybeer.com New Day Meadery Located in the heart of Fountain Square, New Day Meadery continues to offer an interesting and fun combination of meads, hard ciders and cocktails. The hard ciders are good (especially the seasonal hot mulled hard cider), but New Day really shines with its meads, including the nicely tart Shelby Blue Ribbon, flavored with rhubarb and strawberry. Ingredients are locally sourced, including honey from the Andersonbased Wildflower Ridge and apples grown in 100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2014 // SPRING CITYGUIDE 7
BREWS
Scotty’s Wabash. The food here is a nice complement to the drinks, including meats and cheeses from Goose the Market and truffles from the Best Chocolate in Town.
on the menu (yet). Beer nerds take note: the beer menu also features recommendations, and you can read up on the beers’ Untappd profiles on the restaurant’s website.
1102 Prospect St., 632-3379; newdaymeadery.com
140 S. Illinois St., 955-9900; theram.com
Outliers Brewing Company Outliers Brewing had a successful launch party, but they’re not quite open for retail — just trying to make everything perfect when they eventually open their storefront. Legendary Hoosier emcee Rusty Redenbacher is one of the “beer dudes” slinging Outliers brew, so you know they’re going to have a great social media presence. Keep your eyes on their Twitter to know when the new brew is available on Mass Ave. 534 E. North St.; outliersbrewing.com Ram Restaurant & Brewery The Ram’s got it covered as far as a hugely varied menu, from seafood and tacos (or seafood tacos) to steak, burgers and desserts. Good thing, too, because you’ll want to hang around to try all of the Ram’s regularly changing seasonal menu. The Downtown location is a little more regularly hoppin’ than its Fishers cousin further north, but both occasionally bring in live acts to perform in the bar area. If you’re going gluten-free, the Ram has a menu of dishes to suit you, but sadly, there aren’t any gluten-free beers 8 SPRING CITYGUIDE // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER
PHOTO BY MARK A. LEE
Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery Award-winning local brewery Rock Bottom offers big food and great beer in a Downtown or Northside setting. Be sure to check for special brews on tap. Not only do they have a wide variety of beer selections, but they also prepare food with fresh ingredients, homemade bread and buns, and homemade desserts. Try the barbecue ribs or the famous Bourbonzola Burger, featuring a Jim Beam Bourbon glaze, Gorgonzola cheese, smoked peppercorn, onion straws, lettuce and tomato on an onion roll. 10 W. Washington St., 681-8180; rockbottom.com Scotty’s Brewhouse Scotty’s Brewhouse poses the question: How many sporting events can a person watch at the same time? While, of course, eating from an encyclopedic menu of quality pub food. And quaffing from an epic selection of draft and bottled beers, with plenty of wines and cocktails near at hand by way of back-up. Scotty’s is a convivial place; you can find it packed on even a weeknight. They draw a lot of regulars
BREWS who know exactly what they want from the extensive menu, and one taste of their “Mo’ Fo’ Mustard Sauce” tells you Scotty’s has figured out its customers’ taste buds. Multiple locations; scottysbrewhouse.com Sun King Brewing Co. Sun King is one of the best-known and loved local breweries in Central Indiana, and NUVO readers know that, because Sun King is consistently anointed “best” locally made beer. Creations like Osiris Pale Ale, which is dry-hopped toward the end of fermentation to capture the lovely floral aroma and flavor, Sunlight Cream Ale and Wee Mac Scottish Ale (four-pack cans $10-11, growlers $4, $6.50 fill) put Sun King on the map — and keeps them there. If you need a gift for a friend (over the legal age, please!), consider a growler of beer or a selection of beer swag. 135 N. College Ave., 602-3702; sunkingbrewing.com Thr3e Wise Men Another project by Scott Wise (Scotty’s Brewhouse and Scotty’s Lakehouse), Thr3e Wise Men brings together a back-to-basics approach to both food and decor. The interior is mostly varnished unstained wood and concrete, with buckets of popcorn on each table and growlers available at the
bar. They brew in-house, so everything off the tap is crisp, fresh, and always full of both flavor and innovation. Everything that comes out of their ovens is delicious, but pay special attention to the sandwiches and pizzas. Heads-up to those who want beer and a growler but don’t want to put on real pants: TWM delivers both food and fresh beer right to your door. Yes, heaven is a place on Earth, and it’s the radius of the Thr3e Wise Men delivery zone.
Indiana Ice mascot on the label. They have a tasting room perched above Broad Ripple’s main drag where you can watch Other People’s Drunken Dramas unfold — across a large, beautiful wooden table, natch. They’re picky about their water, filtering the stuff via reverse osmosis for ultimate quality control. And their logo is the thing Brick Tamland used to kill a guy in Anchorman. Did we mention the beer’s really good? The beer’s really good.
1021 Broad Ripple Ave., 255-5151; thr3ewisemen.com
5764 Wheeler Road (Fort Ben), 735-2706; 915 Broad Ripple Ave. (Triton Tap), 500-5074; tritonbrewing.com
Tow Yard Brewing We don’t know much about Tow Yard, but their website indicates they’re hiring. Consider this less of blurb about breweries and more about helping you find work in the ever-expanding Indy brewing business. They’ve tweeted about “maple syrup soaked whiskey barrels” which is a combination of words that brings tears of unfettered joy to our eyes. They’re letting you in on the ground floor, inviting folks to submit t-shirt ideas and help them build the brewery of their (and your) dreams. 501 Madison Ave.; towyardbrewing.com Triton Brewing They sponsor Punk Rock Night at the Melody Inn (along with NUVO, thankyouverymuch). They have a Belgian pale named “Sin Bin” (a nod to hockey’s penalty box) that features the
Artisan house ale.
Upland Brewing Company Upland’s unfiltered, delicately spiced and eminently drinkable Wheat Ale (technically a Belgian witbier) is the most popular beer brewed in Indiana. Yep — it’s Hoosier craft brewing’s gateway drug. Kidding aside, Upland cranks out numerous brews in large quantities, expanding its ops without stomping all over the environment. In fact, one of the hallmarks of this Bloomington-based company is its commitment to community partnerships: They use resources in a sustainable manner and help local charities when they open up a shop in a new neighborhood. Tasting rooms can be found in Bloomington, Carmel and SoBro, bro. 350 W. 11th St., (Bloomington), 812-336-2337; 4842 N. College Ave., 602-3931; and 820 E. 116th St. (Carmel), 564-3400; uplandbeer.com
EVEN MORE BEER! 450 North 8111 E. 450 North (Columbus), 812-546-0091; 450northbrewing.com Barley Island 639 Conner St., (Noblesville); barleyisland.com Big Woods Brewing Company 60 Molly Ln. (Nashville); bigwoodsbeer.com Cutters Brewing Company 9973 U.S. 36 (Avon), 203-9675; cuttersbrewing.com Daredevil Brewing Company 7205 E. Short Blue Road (Shelbyville), 765-602-1067; daredevilbeer.com Lafayette Brewing Company 622 Main St. (Lafayette); lafayettebrewingco.com Oaken Barrel Brewing Co 50 Airport Pkwy (Greenwood), 887-2287; oakenbarrel.com Quaff On! Brewing Company 1934 Indiana 135 (Nashville), 812-988-6006; quaffonbrewing.com
Free Wine Tastings with Hors d’oeuvres
Every Friday 5:30-7pm
Wide variety of guest taps. No bear attacks to date. Indy A- List best brewpub award for 2012 and 2013 5632 E. Washington St. blackacrebrewing.com | 317.207.6266
Mix & Match Imports & Microbrews! OVER 200 TO CHOOSE FROM!
Including: Sun King • Sprecher • Point • Schlafly Three Floyd’s Gumballhead & Alpha King
947 North Alabama St. 317-634-8792 100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2014 // SPRING CITYGUIDE 9
VENUES
SEE A SHOW WHO: CAM O’CONNOR TRY: COMEDY IN NEW PLACES
W
Cam O’Connor
PHOTO BY MARK A. LEE
10 SPRING CITYGUIDE // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER
hen it’s all said and done, it all comes back to Lazy Daze Cafe, says comic Cam O’Connor. That’s where he plugged into the Indianapolis comedy community at the Monday night open mic, put together by Matt Clemens. “At the time, with Crackers and Morty’s, you could only open mic at one or the other. [So comics] didn’t know each other; there were these two cultures,” O’Connor says. And out of those conversations and sets at Lazy Daze came O’Connor’s next venture, a weekly show at the Sinking Ship, which started not so long after the punk bar opened its doors a few years ago. At SoBro’s Ship, national touring alt comics shared the stage with locals in a carefully curated show that was almost always free, and always funny. Then he ended up with an open mic at Earth House, and all of a sudden, “I ended up as ‘that’ guy” — the guy to go to find comedy outside of the comedy clubs in Indianapolis. So what’s comedy like outside the clubs? “The clubs have a difficult spot because they have to pay rent, they have to buy food, they have to pay a staff, they have to pack seats,” O’Connor says. “So they don’t care how funny you are — they do, but that’s not the first thing. It’s how many asses you’ll bring. But I know who’s funny. And regardless of what they’re known for, [I bring them].” O’Connor packed his weekly at the Ship with shows featuring Kyle Kinane (who told NUVO the Ship was “my kind of bar, my kind of crowd), Doug Stanhope, Mo Alexander, Kris Shaw, Geoff Tate and many others as headliners. Jared Harris and Ryan Singer filmed part of their documentary Organic at the Ship, and liked O’Connor so much they picked him up for a slew of dates after they left. And what’s appealing about alt comedy in alt rooms? “You don’t have to go and spend 10 dollars for a ticket and then five dollars on a drink, where it’s pressure the whole time,” O’Connor says, of traditional comedy clubs. “When you work for the club, you’re pleasing the club. Take Jared Harris. That man is a brilliant, mad man artist. And his club set, he has to hone it in a little and be, like, accessible. But at my show, I’m not going to light you. You do as
long as you want, if you want! That’s the deal. That’s what my [shows] are like.” But, alas. Not all good things can last. Because of zoning difficulties, the Ship had to shut down its live shows late last year. (And Earth House, of course, is no more as well.) But O’Connor’s reputation for booking and hosting a solid night preceded him, and Sabbatical reached out right away to take him in. So now, he hosts Sunday night comedy in Broad Ripple, and is working all the time to bring the crowd that so loyally followed his shows at the Ship 10 blocks north to the Strip. He’s also working on a new monthly in Fountain Square, which is currently booked in the Fountain Square Theatre Building. Underscoring it all is his new venture Rocketship Comedy, a collective that will envelop the hard-working comics striving to make Indianapolis a better place to laugh and help mobilize them as one entity. “It’s all of ours,” he says of Rocketship. “It’s the [comics] that will come to shows they’re not on; the people that will give you a ride. Whoever is established as a guy in the scene at one point wasn’t. So you remember how they were when they started. [The Rocketship] is the people that lead, that do it right, that are fucking funny, the people that get the big picture.” Emphasis on the funny. You’ve got to be funny. “I’m not putting on bullshit,” he says emphatically. “I don’t want to have to answer for a bad show. I hate that. I want to bring the best guys I can.” He set off on tour with Bloomington-turnedChicago comic Tom Brady and fellow Indianapolis comic Dwight Simmons for a mid-March tour that’ll conclude with a show March 26 in the Fountain Square Theatre Building at End of the Line. He hopes the tour and homecoming show will serve as an official launching of the rocketship, of his new shows around the city, of a fertile time for local comedy. “I don’t know how it all ends up,” he says, “But I know I’m going to try. I’m going to work real hard.” — KATHERINE COPLEN
Our venues section rounds up small and large places to see comedy, music, theatre and all other manner of live performance. This is merely a sampling of our vast location guide, available in full on NUVO.net.
as well the biggest and best annual battle of the bands in Indy. If you like live music, sooner or later you’ll end up at Birdy’s.
VENUES
SMALL VENUES
2131 E. 71st St., 254-8971; birdyslive.com
5th Quarter Lounge Would a Fifth Quarter Lounge by any other name rock as hard? This isn’t really a thought experiment so much as a question we can easily answer, as the 5QL has had many names over the years (Indy’s Jukebox most recently), and they’re back to help keep our hard rock and metal scene alive. Most shows are on the weekends, and the ticketing situation varies from show to show — some are ticketed online and others are just cash-at-the-door. As with most of the smaller venues in town, the best way to keep updated on their calendar is through social media. 306 Prospect St., 636-6628; /FifthQuarterIndy Birdy’s Bar and Grill Tucked away amidst the never-ending row of chain stores and fast fooderies along Keystone Avenue, Birdy’s is one of the premier live music venues in the city. Boasting an excellent sound system and a room that holds a goodsized crowd, Birdy’s has been hosting live music weekend in and weekend out for as long as most scenesters can remember. The venue hosts both national acts and emerging local artists,
The Chatterbox The Chatterbox, a live jazz staple for more than 25 years in the Mass Ave Cultural District, is one of the city’s smallest and hottest nightspots. You’re never going to get anything less than a great set from whomever is performing, especially if that’s Chatterbox regular Cynthia Layne, or any number of headliners who seem to wind up here after playing one of the nearby bigger venues. The Chatterbox is a rarefied breed in Indy’s nightlife scene: thoroughly sophisticated, yet entirely proletarian. Not coincidentally, it’s also a regular NUVO Best of Indy winner. 435 Massachusetts Ave., 636-0584; chatterboxjazz.com Do317 Lounge Located in the Murphy Arts Center, the DO317 Lounge highlights bands and acts brought by MOKB Presents in a small, intimate environment. Upland is on deck to serve at most shows, which vary across all genres. An offshoot of its Do512 parentage out of Austin, the good folks at Do317 find small but up-andcoming acts that wouldn’t quite fill out bigger places like Radio Radio or the White Rabbit. In the life cycle of bands who tour Indianapolis
Lily and Madeleine at DO317 Lounge
PHOTO BY KRISTEN PUGH
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4915 N College
{Located in SoBro}
(317) 965-6629 lavalipsindy.com
Hours:
Tues - Fri: 1pm - 8pm •Saturday 11am - 8pm Sunday 1pm - 6pm • Monday Closed
100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2014 // SPRING CITYGUIDE 11
VENUES
Broad Ripple
Vintage
824 E. 64th St. • 317-255-4135
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880 MASS AVE. 317.636.2800 BESTCHOCOLATEINTOWN.COM
NUVO FILE PHOTO
Melody Inn
MARIAN MIDWEST CYCLING CLASSIC
MAY 30 ................... Fast Friday #1
multiple times, this is usually the first stop before moving into the aforementioned larger stages in Fountain Square. It’s the best place to see bands up close and personal before they blow up. Example: Reignwolf, who packed the Lounge for a free show last year and is now on a major venue tour across the whole US.
JUNE 13-14 ............. MIDWEST CHALLENGE: National Track Calendar event
1043 Virginia Ave. #215, 493-1209; do317.com
JUNE 27.................. Fast Friday #2
General Public Collective
JULY 11 .................... Friday Night Time Trials under the lights
To call this spot a “venue” belies its namesake versatility and flexibility. The GPC is probably best described as a “performance space,” and the performances have varied in the past from video release parties and performance art, to gallery art shows and music performances. Just across the street from the dizzying maze of the Murphy building, the Fountain Square space has been immediately enveloped in the buzzing arts and music scene on the city’s Southeastside. They also set themselves up with a pretty spiffy and inventive website, but the best way to keep up with the schedule is through social media. Check it out during the next First Friday.
SATURDAY, APRIL 19 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
JULY 18 ................... Fast Friday #3 AUG. 1 ..................... Fast Friday #4 AUG. 14-16 ............. IN/KY State Championships SEPT. 25-28 ........... USA Cycling Collegiate Track National Championships CHECK OUT FULL SCHEDULE AND MORE AT: INDYCYCLOPLEX.COM
12 SPRING CITYGUIDE // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER
1060 Virginia Ave., no phone; general-public.us Hoosier Dome The Hoosier Dome is an all-ages venue run by Piradical Productions. They host around 14-15 concerts a month, including various festivals. Piradical has grown from moshing around in church basements to running their own unique space. They strive to be a positive place for people of all ages to see their favorite national and local bands. Located in Fountain Square, this venue is a few blocks away from most of the surrounding established clubs located at State and Prospect. They have managed to stay open after hosting a Dude Fest and have had little to no problems with their neighbors, unlike the now defunct ES Jungle. Volunteer run, and full of heart. 1627 Prospect St., 289-4293; piradicalproductions.com The Jazz Kitchen The Jazz Kitchen is a quintessential jazz supper club in the heart of Meridian-Kessler; it’s a muststop spot for national and local acts, voted one
VENUES of the city’s best live music venues every year by NUVO readers. Any night with Frank Glover or Rob Dixon on the marquee is a guaranteed winner. Enjoy excellent food and service during the show in the main room or at the bar. The outdoor patio deck is a particularly nice spot to watch the 54th and College world go by. The cuisine has a distinctly New Orleans emphasis with a focus on fresh ingredients; the crab cakes are terrific and the cocktails are sincere. 5377 N. College Ave., 253-4900; thejazzkitchen.com
1119 Prospect St., 955-0995; futureshock.net
2014 WINE FAIR
Sabbatical The new venture of the now-closed Locals Only features a menu of small plates and strong drinks, plenty of local beer included. There’s also ample porch space outside and cozy nooks inside. Comic Cam O’Conner hosts free weekly comedy showcases on Sundays, and there’s plenty of hip-hop — including the very cool regular event Writers Block by Bringing Down the Band — and folk and rock booked at the space regularly.
Melody Inn The walls are chock full of rock memorabilia, and the seats are full of rock fans of all stripes. Yes, the historic Melody Inn is the place for punk, metal, indie, and even EDM and freestyle. It features live local music most nights, including its notorious Punk Rock Night every Saturday, and has racked up more NUVO Best of Indy awards than any other club in recent years. When the hardcore gets a little much and you need something quieter, retreat to the PBR lounge in the back or the outdoor garden for a breath of fresh air. There’s usually a small cover charge, parking is free (and everywhere), and you simply can’t beat the super cheap PBR tallboys every night.
921 Broad Ripple Ave., 253-5252; sabbaticalindy.com
3826 N. Illinois St., 923-4707; melodyindy.com
372 S. Meridian St., 631-6974; slipperynoodle.com
Mousetrap If you want to hear live music in an unpretentious venue, with everyone from hippies to frat boys to bikers, the Mousetrap is your place. Entry is usually free, although a charge of $3 or $5 is sometimes imposed depending on the show. Renovations over the last few years have yielded an increase in the size of the dance floor, yet the space is always packed with the Trap’s diverse and uninhibited clientele. The EDMthemed Altered Thurzdaze draws those who are seeking heavy bass and industrial groove music, while jam bands on Fridays and Saturdays draw, well, everyone else.
White Rabbit Cabaret This is one of the best places in town to catch a small act, with lots of room to sit and relax for the show, and room to cuddle up next to the band up front. The bar serves all manner of local brews on draft, and they serve a full bar’s worth of craft cocktails, plus bottles of craft beers and ciders from all over the region and the nation. Make sure you bring some cash and enjoy the photo booth in the back, or crash out on one of the cabaret’s many luxurious back couches. The White Rabbit hosts all kinds of events, from burlesque to DJ dance nights as well as the regular live concert fare.
5565 N. Keystone Ave., 255-3189; themousetrapbar.com
1116 Prospect St., 686-9550; whiterabbitcabaret.com
Radio Radio Thanks to the experience and expertise of owner and Zero Boy David “Tufty” Clough, Radio Radio in Fountain Square is consistently one of the best live music venues in the city. The club not only gives local acts the chance to play on a regular basis, but it also features great national acts — often booked by MOKB Presents — working their way up the ladder of success as they crisscross the country in search of new fans. Hang out here and you’re bound to see the “next big thing” while enjoying great music, great drinks and great people — all in a smoke-free atmosphere. Plus, there’s marquee
INDIANA 12th annual
events like the Cash Bash and other local tributes sprinkled throughout the year.
Slippery Noodle Inn Though it may look like just another two-story Downtown watering hole, Slippery Noodle is actually one of the top blues clubs in the country, if not the world. There you can find live blues seven nights a week, featuring a mixture of local, regional and national acts. The city’s oldest bar (rumor has it those holes in the brick were made by the guns of notorious Hoosier henchman John Dillinger and his boys), it was also one of the city’s first and most successful houses of ill-repute. Soak up the legend and believe the hype about the music.
AP APRIL PRIL 2 26th 6 6th th 12 30 7 00 pm 12:30-7:00 THE OLD BARN
at STORY INN 6404 S. STATE ROAD 135 13 MILES SOUTH OF NASHVILLE
don’t tempt the local
constabulary: take the shuttle from nashville! For ticket information
please visit 16th and Penn
www.storyinn.com
www.indianawinefair.com must be 21 years of age
LARGE VENUES Bankers Life Fieldhouse The former Conseco Fieldhouse is now Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Home of the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever, Bankers Life also hosts select home games of the Indiana Ice. Musical acts including Guns ‘N Roses as well as more exotic entertainment such as Cirque du Soleil have appeared at Bankers Life. This is where you go to see the big national touring acts and Top 40 artists and spectacles like WWE. It’s a 100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2014 // SPRING CITYGUIDE 13
Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros to Bassnectar have made the Egyptian Room their preferred performing venue.
VENUES
502 N. New Jersey St., 231-0000; oldnationalcentre.com The Vogue Last fall, The Vogue became affiliated with the House of Blues clubs and began bringing in even more show-stopping performances like Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings. The place is always a good bet for solid concerts for bands that are not quite able to sell out Banker’s Life or Klipsch, which means that the house is packed for the good ones and tickets go fast. The Vogue is an obvious Indianapolis icon for live music, and it’s also become a staple for lovers of great cover bands, which come through the venue often. Tickets to a show sell out? You can always grab a latte from Hubbard and Cravens across the street and listen to what comes out the stage doors, or meet up with the band afterward at Vogue performer favorite, the Alley Cat.
Nicky ’s Veranda Outdoor Patio Opening At Nicky Blaine’s! A
6259 N. College Ave., 259-7029; thevogue.com Amo Joy at Radio Radio
PHOTO BY TJ FOREMAN
great spot in town, surrounded on all sides by restaurants and hotels.
When Au Bon Pain closes for the day, Nicky’s will open on their patio starting April 1st! ❈
VERANDA HOURS
❈
Monday- Friday 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. Saturday and Sunday 5 p.m. - 1 a.m.
The bar that looks amazing before you’ve even had drinks!
Nicky Blaine’s Cocktail Lounge
Martinis
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Cigars
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Scotch
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Wine
125 S. Pennsylvania St., 917-2500; bankerslifefieldhouse.com Klipsch Music Center The former Verizon Wireless Music Center is now Klipsch Music Center providing the largest outdoor music amphitheater for Central Indiana. Klipsch can pack in more than 20,000 for a variety of acts ranging from the Dave Matthews Band to Toby Keith. Klipsch is also the home of the Van’s Warped Tour. This is the place to go for viewing some of the most creative, varied forms of drunken debauchery. We highly, highly recommend you bring a designated driver to this venue. 12880 E. 146th St. (Noblesville), 776-8181; klipschmusiccenter.org Old National Centre Murat Theatre & Egyptian Room
Kitchen open until 2 a.m. • Open Sundays
Located on the Circle, Downtown Indianapolis 20 N. Meridian St.
❈
317-638-5588
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NickyBlaines.com
14 SPRING CITYGUIDE // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER
The long-standing, beloved Murat Theatre is home to numerous Broadway Across America shows and an eclectic bill of touring musicians and entertainers. Everyone from the Black Crowes to comedian Kathy Griffin has visited this grand location. An all-encompassing venue including the legendary Egyptian Room, which regularly hosts all-ages shows featuring upand-coming national acts, as well as established bands. The uniquely decorated Egyptian Room with hand carved murals at the Old National center boasts live music from acts traveling the country. Bands ranging from Edward
DANCE CLUBS 247 Sky Bar Cool drinks. Intoxicating views. So says the tagline on the website of Sky Bar’s website, skybar.com. Sky Bar is always looking for new DJ talent. Their music ranges from banging progressive trance til deep and groovy electro and house. The are various special nights, from Halloween to White Party to Sweetest Day, Sky Bar is not a club to miss. 247 S. Meridian St., 701-3849; 247skybar.com 8 Seconds Saloon This is the country bar in Indianapolis -- the place to line dance your way right to your next sweetie. There’s plenty of up-and-coming country acts and older favorites who stop by. The dance floor is absolutely huge at this Nashvilleaway-from-Nashville club. Acts booked for this month include Phil Vassar, Midwest Fight Series, Josh Gracin, Faster PussyCat and Jason Michael Carroll. (Psst. There’s a mechanical bull, too.) 111 N. Lynhurst; 486-1569; 8secondssaloon.com Blu Lounge Keeping Downtown dancing into the wee hours, Blu is one of Indy’s hottest dance clubs, thanks, in no small part, to the great lineup of talent they’ve got providing the grooves every weekend. Check out the legendary DJ Lockstar each Friday for mashups, remixes, Top 40 and electro house. Saturday nights it’s DJ Slater Hogan doing the R&B, Dance, and Top 40 thing. And then there’s Sunday Funday with where not only is the music good, there’s also no cover. 240 S. Meridian St., 955-8585; bluindy.com
CIRCUS
Champions Pavilion, Indiana State Fairground
APRIL 10 - APRIL 13 Thur. April 10th - 7p • Fri. April 11th 7p Sat. April 12th 10a, 2p & 7p Sun. April 13th -11:30a & 3:30p Tickets range from $10 - $24. General Admission & Reserved. www.muratshrinecircus.com 317-635-2433
PROCEEDS BENEFIT MURAT SHRINERS. PAYMENTS ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE AS CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
VENUES Casba Casba isn’t a place you’ll just stumble across, which could make you feel just a little bit hipper when you do happen to find it. A basement club below Usual Suspects in the heart of Broad Ripple, the reggae mix every Sunday and a regular schedule of events. Drink specials are the cherry on top of this dance club. 6319 Guilford Ave., 251-3138; usualsuspectsindy.com Ike & Jonesy’s The married couple who owns the restaurant met at DePauw University as a frat boy bartender and sorority girl waitress, and they’ve kept the party going by opening their own place, named after themselves, of course. The menu is pretty typical of a bar — wings, nachos, etc. — but they also have wraps and salads if you’re looking to eat a little healthier. On Sundays, since they’re only open during Colts home games, you know everyone there will be all about the football. 17 W. Jackson Place, 632-4553; ikeandjonesys.com The Metro With a prime location on Mass Ave, Metro is a high-end pub with the hippest clientele and
best ambience in the city and a favorite of NUVO readers having the best karaoke in the city. The competition is stiff and so are the drinks, but no matter how good a crooner you are or aren’t it’s a friendly place to hang out and enjoy yourself. Pool tables, bar-top video games are other options, as is a good dose of people watching. The clientele is mostly gay, but everyone is welcome and everyone should try this place at least once. 707 Massachusetts Ave., 639-6022; metro-indy.com Mineshaft Saloon Mineshaft Saloon is 20 years old and still going strong. It may only be open on the weekends, but that hasn’t stopped the oldest of three bars owned by the Shaft’s proprietors (the other two are Rock Lobster and Average Joe’s Sports Pub). There are new drink specials every week, and the music is always loud. Complete with the sounds of ‘70s and ‘80s retro hits and today’s hottest dance and college radio tunes, the Mineshaft is always rockin’. 812 Broad Ripple Ave., 253-5844; mineshaftsaloon.ws The Red Room Passion rules at this Broad Ripple hotspot, particularly on Wednesdays when DJ Philipp eats up Pure Salsa Night. $5 cover and hottest salsa, merengue, bachata and cha cha cha
16 SPRING CITYGUIDE // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER
you’re likely to find in these parts. Wanna pick up some moves? Come early for salsa lessons from 7-9 p.m. We’re also big fans of Industry Monday with DJ AP, dedicated to service industry workers. 6335 Guilford Ave., 257-1344; theredroomindy.com Subterra This place is the embodiment of the word “swanky,” what with its short list of pretty little appetizers and its long list of martinis (typical mixes and otherwise), cognac, scotch and champagne. It’s the kind of place that makes you think that anyone who’s anyone would want to be there. 250 S. Meridian St., 472-8600; sc8202.wix.com/subterra Talbott St. The headquarters for the best drag in town, an amazing place to go dancing and great bartenders? Why would you ever go anywhere except Talbott St? We jest (but only kind of). They’ve won plenty of our Best of Indy readers choice awards for both Best Gay Bar and various dancing categories. We love the myriad of DJs (including one of our favorites, DJ Deanne) who have kept Talbott St. bumpin’ over the years. Their Saturday night weekly is one of the best places to mix and mingle and groove in the city, too. 2145 N. Talbott St., 931-1343; talbottstreet.com
COMEDY CLUBS Crackers Comedy Club With two prime locations in downtown and Broad Ripple, Crackers is the 300-pound gorilla of Indianapolis comedy clubs. Look for touring comics with feature film experience (Harland Williams, Brad Garrett, Kevin Pollak) alongside local pros. All shows are 18+, with a two-drink minimum in the show room. Four-week comedy classes are available for aspiring funny people. 247 S. Meridian St., 631-3536; 6281 N. College Ave., 255-4211; crackerscomedy.com Comedy Sportz For those not in the know, Comedy Sportz is competitive, interactive improv, and because this is Indiana, there must be a winner to celebrate and a loser to publicly shame. Fouls are called and points are tallied and the Meaningless Trophy is awarded at the end of it all. Because the shows are all-ages, one of the fouls that can be called is a “Brown Bag Foul,” when someone says something that shouldn’t be said at an all-ages event. The offenders, either the actors or the audience members, must then wear a brown paper bag over their heads. If it’s an actor, he loses points, (audience members just give up their dignity). Also beware the “Groaner Foul,” which is called when one of the “Actletes” tells the audience a joke so corny and obvious, it gets an audible groan. The
VENUES Actlete must then apologize to the entire audience. Midwestern tradition at its finest. 721 Massachusetts Ave., 951-8499; indycomedysportz.com Morty’s Comedy Joint It’s pretty a much a draw between Morty’s and Crackers — both host high-quality headliners (including Jeffrey Ross, D.L. Hughley and Robert Klein at Morty’s in the not-so-distant past); both are 18+; both keep cover charges reasonable, with a two-drink minimum. Morty’s open-mic nights — known as the Great Indiana Mic-Off — are a bit more exciting than Crackers’; structured as an ongoing battle between comics, they offer competitors the chance to win $500 (at the end of a three-month round of competitions), and even more in the annual Mic-Off finals. The Joint is going strong after re-opening in 2010; the original owners had closed the club after a rocky initial three-plus-year run. 3625 E. 96th St., 848-5500; mortyscomedy.com
SPORTS BARS Chatham Tap A great hangout for the Downtown crowd, and an ideal spot for a beer and a snack after the theater, Chatham Tap offers great drinks and nightly specials, as well as two taps always dedicated to local brews. The menu is fantastic as well — and by that we mean the garlic cheese
Chatham Tap
fries are worth the trip. Outdoor seating and dedicated soccer fans round out the attraction. There’s also a location on 116th Street in Fishers 719 Massachusetts Ave., 917-8425; chathamtap.com Ram Restaurant & Brewery The Ram’s got it covered as far as a hugely varied menu, from seafood and tacos (or seafood tacos) to steak, burgers, and desserts. Good thing, too, because you’ll want to hang around to try all of the Ram’s regularly-changing seasonal menu. The Downtown location is a little more regularly hoppin’ than its Fishers cousin further north, but both occasionally bring in live acts to perform in the bar area. If you’re going gluten-free, the Ram has a menu of dishes to suit you, but sadly, there aren’t any gluten-free beers on the menu (yet). Beer nerds take note: the beer menu also features recommendations, and you can read up on the beers’ Untappd profiles on the restaurant’s website.
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140 S. Illinois St., 955-9900; theram.com Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery Award-winning local brewery Rock Bottom offers big food and great beer in a downtown or Northside setting. Be sure to check for special brews on tap. Not only do they have a wide variety of beer selections, but they also prepare food with fresh ingredients, homemade bread and buns, and homemade desserts. Try the barbecue ribs or the famous Bourbonzola Burger, featuring a Jim Beam Bourbon glaze, Gorgonzola cheese, smoked peppercorn, onion straws, lettuce and tomato on an onion roll. 10 W. Washington St., 681-8180; rockbottom.com
PHOTO BY MATT LOUDEN
100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2014 // SPRING CITYGUIDE 17
DANCE PARTIES
GO DANCING WHO: COOL HAND LEX TRY: TO DANCE ALL NIGHT IN HIGH HEELS
C
Cool Hand Lex
SUBMITTED PHOTO
ool Hand Lex may have stumbled onto a magical piece of DJ equipment in a pawn shop 14 years ago. “It was an old, 19-inch rack mount Radio Shack mixer that I got as a gift for my birthday from my dad,” Lex, full name Alex Edgecombe, says. “We were in a pawn shop, and I saw it – I didn’t know anything about DJing – and he said, that can be your birthday present if you want. I had a tape deck and a VCR – so for the first month I had a mixer, I mixed whatever videos I had on VHS tape with, like, Fresh Prince. From humble beginnings, for sure!” And did he hang on to the piece that launched his full time DJ career? “That mixer has actually propelled the careers of three other DJs,” he says. I posit that the mixer could be magical. Lex counters, “Maybe it was just a stepping stone to say, ‘This sucks, but I can do better!’ “ Lex assists fledgling DJs not just through equipment lending – he’s now an instructor at Deckademics, the new Broad Ripple DJ school, alongside DJ Metrognome (who owns the joint), DJ Chase and DJ TopSpeed. “The rewards have been really cool, to have students who have never touched turntables and to have kids now who are beat-matching records,” he says. I ask about growing as a DJ in Indianapolis and who he aspired to be. “I remember there used to be a team, and I would pine to be a part of this team, the Hot 96 mixers,” Lex says. “I remember those dudes were running Indianapolis clubs. You had a small group of people who basically ran the clubs at that point, playing that type of music. Now, it’s kind of opened itself up a little more, the DJ community has. But every one of those dudes [who mixed on Hot 96.3] is still active. You still have that master class, and now you’ve got what I consider ‘my’ class, which includes Limelight, Metrognome, Action Jackson and another five or six people that have been doing it for around ten years. And we’re vinyl dudes. “Then, you’ve got Slater Hogan, John Larner, Adam Jay and DJ Shiva — these are pinnacles in Indianapolis electronic music who were throwing parties and bringing all these Chicago DJs down where nobody here cared. Before they were names, they were throwing these parties off Mass Ave in the late ‘90s, legitimate, wild, wacky-ass raves as people want to think that the ‘90s were about.” And what’s Indy’s DJ landscape look like now? “At the end of our group comes a newer class of DJ, who are sort of vinyl dudes, and then the rest of them
18 SPRING CITYGUIDE // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER
are more ushered into the digital age,” Lex says. “[Indy] once felt very closed off, with very specific markets for DJs, and that was kind of the lane they stuck in. The community is certainly more open with each other.” And as far as the actual nightlife scene goes? “Indianapolis had an incredible run, where they were really trying to roll with a newer trend,” he says. “I remember playing spots like Subterra and Blu Martini and places like that, playing all electronic music. I could play a full hour or two of electro house, just bang it out for two hours, and people would ride with me.” But Lex notes that a certain level of bottle service and ultra lounge vibe crashed with the rest of the economy in 2008, and now Indy nightlife has taken a different turn. “Most people don’t want that anymore, the hoitytoity ‘look at me sitting in the leather couch while you’re out on the floor,’ ” he says. “The closer, house party vibe – like at Casba, which on a Wednesday during the summer? Get out of here. There’s not a better party in town. Action Jackson runs that party because it’s people that want to have fun. “The Mel has an awesome Tuesday party with Broke(n) Tuesdays. Coaches is a really cool spot on Tuesdays for DJ Metrognome. I definitely ride for the Vogue, places like Sensu and Blu are fantastic for types of parties that I’m most typically booked for – open format, big club environment. Those three are my favorite for that kind of experience.” Outside of live performance and teaching, Lex has recently revived a production project, called Bangs Nicely, which features slower, spacier stuff to “think or emote to.” Lex hopes to transition more towards that sound, marking the another sonic transition in a near-15-year spinning career. “If I could pick [a perfect scenario], I would be in small, 100-person venues playing stuff that people actually have an emotional attachment to, more so than an elevated heart rate and a sweaty glass in their hand,” he says. Cool Hand Lex performs all over Indy. — KATHERINE COPLEN
In this section, we’ve picked a pack of our favorite weeklies and monthlies in Indy, including tried-and-true favorites and rising newbies. Remember, these listings are subject to the whims of DJs and venue owners, who may change names, times or locations without notice. Keep your eye on NUVO.net and check out Soundcheck every week in the music section for the most accurate listings.
DANCE PARTIES The wettest, the wildest, the grooviest places to get down, take selfies in the bathroom, take shots of Fireball and appreciate the wide array of DJs working their magic in this city. We started our dance night listings on Wednesday, because, duh, NUVO comes out on Wednesdays, guys. Don’t forget to buy the DJ a drink.
WEDNESDAYS OMG! with Action Jackson Cool Hand Lex said it right when he called out OMG! as one of the best dance parties in town. Every Wednesday, this underground bar is transformed into a writhing pit, under the reins of DJ Action Jackson. Specializing in genre-bending mixes that span multiple styles, Jackson is equally comfortable spinning hiphop, Baltimore club, electro, old school classics, dance hall, rock and everything in between.The event is hosted by J Moore. Casba, 6319 Guilford Ave. Retro Rewind The Vogue had jettisoned Retro Rewind in exchange for Glow Wednesdays, a black light party soundtracked with retro jams, but the people
want those good all retro jams, and the people don’t want black lights. One could even say ... they rewinded back to Retro Rewind. (We’ll pause for laughs here.) Retro Rewind is always full of beautiful young people who will definitely be late to their Thursday morning classes. In the past, the night has consistently draws some of the biggest weeknight crowds, who are there for the cheap drinks and to find other like-minded grinders. Grab your friends (and possibly a nap after work) and hit the club for fun, sing-alongable music at this always packed event. Sometimes, Retro Rewind even celebrates hump day with seasonal themes featuring special contests, games, and party favors. DJ Steady B is the man on the decks holding it down currently.
THURSDAYS Altered Thurzdaze
Bringing Down the Band, DJ MetroGnome and Lonegevity present this monthly producer’s showcase, which highlights local and national talent. Attendees are encouraged to mix, mingle and network — all while enjoying the dope beats, of course. This year’s featured producers have included DMA, Tyler Knapp, Fresh Kils and Mad Dukez. Keep your eyes open for April’s announcement — and don’t forget to read all about local producers in the cover story of this issue of NUVO.
As jam and electronica’s musical boundaries continue to dissolve into each other, Altered’s bass-heavy offerings are effortlessly appealing to EDM fans and Mousetrap regulars alike. Originating as a “dubstep and broken beats” event, Altered Thurzdaze has evolved to include drum-and-bass, glitchhop, house, and many other EDM subgenres. Wild laser shows, abundant hoop and poi spinners, cheap craft beer, fog effects and no reservations on the dance floor create an addictive dancing environment you won’t find anywhere else in the city. The Mousetrap was featured as 2013’s Best Place for Hippies in NUVO’s Best of Indy reader competition (and some years before that, too). Get a healthy dose of EDM every Thursday night. Both Mousetrap regulars and electronic music fans will find something to like about this weekly event, especially as genres like dubstep, EDM and house music gain a greater share of pop culture attention. This is a great way to kick the weekend off early, and get a little of practice dancing before you shake your groove thing in nearby Broad Ripple on the weekend. There’s a different lineup of songs every weekend, but one thing remains the same: this is an EDM dream and an all-around blast of a dance party.
Sabbatical, 921 Broad Ripple Ave.
The Mousetrap, 5565 N. Keystone Ave.
The Vogue, 6259 N. College Ave. Writer’s Block
Bootleg DJs rotate weekly at the Biscuit for a laid-back night of jams and ... Prohibition-era cocktails? It works more smoothly than one may expect. Currently DJs Rasul, Paren, Stroble and MetroGnome take turns at the decks. The Ball and Biscuit can get crowded, but it’s worth the wait for a seat on the low leather seats — and even more worth it if a talented local DJ programming the evening’s soundtrack. Ball & Biscuit, 331 Massachusetts Ave. DJ Rican at Sensu DJ Rican holds it down at Sensu with Latin and Top 40 hits. Haven’t hit up Sensu lately? It’s a swanky combo sushi and dance bar. Get bottle service or get roll service – whatever your heart desires. Sensu is one of the clubs that gets the swanky post-game parties, and so on, so you can go here to feel fancy. Go on, get that Grey Goose bottle. You deserve it. Sensu, 225 S. Meridian St. Keepin’ It Deep Featured by NUVO as Indy’s best weekly house event in 2010, this event continues to provide regular opportunities for house fans to experience the classier side of Downtown Indy. The Keepin’ It Deep guys have a special talent for snagging huge national acts as they ping-pong from coast to coast — probably because John Larner and Slater Hogan are legends themselves. And don’t forget the lo-
ARTISAN-CRAFTED FOODS, RETAIL SHOPS & HOME OF THE ONLY ALL-INDIANA CRAFT BEER BAR! Mon - Thursday 2-9p Friday - Sat Noon - 9p
Monday & Tuesday $3.50 Select Drafts
Thursday $10 Growler Fills
THE ORIGINAL FARMERS’ MARKET STARTS MAY 7. FRESH INDIANA-GROWN PRODUCTS.
Dinner Service . thursday - Friday . Provided by Circle City Soups Saturday Brunch with Circle City tap list posted daily Soups 11a - 2p 100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2014 // SPRING CITYGUIDE 19
cal support; Manic, Adam Jay, John Larner, Tyler Stewart, Ashley Ross, Clay Collier, Deanne and Grenadine have all taken over the stacks at Blu.
DANCE PARTIES
Blu Lounge, 240 S. Meridian St.
FRIDAYS
Social, 245 McCrea St.
Sin:ergy
SATURDAYS
There’s nothing sinful about dancing your night away on the floor at Talbott, one of our absolute favorite dance clubs in town. Different DJs take the decks at this weekly; March’s lineup includes DJ Knayte (house and remixed Top 40), DJ EZM and DJ and producer Mike CRuz. There’s drag shows in the adjoining room, so you can hit up both for a well-rounded, sexy night out. Talbott Street, 2145 N. Talbott St. Night Moves DJs Action Jackson and Megatone hold down this Rad Summer event, which has creeped its way around town (starting at the now-gone Night Porter, we believe.) Metro’s the best for dancing, and this one? It’s totally, 100 percent free. Metro, 707 Massachusetts Ave. WTFridays Real Talk
PHOTO BY BRYAN MOORE
maybe even shower? – and then get yourself Downtown for DJ Gabby Love and DJ Helicon’s WTFridays, an open-format dance night featuring, in Gabby’s words, “a variety of past, present and future jams.” It’s free and jumps off every Friday at 10 p.m.
It’s Friday, you’re tired, we get it. But we insist you come home from work, take a little nap –
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Jacked From the brains at 317Techno comes a new bimonthly showcase at the White Rabbit. Next month’s edition features Keith Kemp, Adam Jay and DJ Shiva. Other members of 317Techno include Taylor Norris, Justin Haus, Rebecca Ciaglia,David Hodnik, and Andrew Hizer. It’s new, it’s innovative, it’s continuing this city’s tradition of boundary-pushing electronic DJ performance. White Rabbit Cabaret, 1116 E. Prospect St. Prime Another 317Techno joint, this one longerrunning and in a slightly weirder location. PRIME distinguishes itself from the plethora of electronic music nights currently en vogue in clubs throughout the city by focusing on the underground roots of house and techno music. Chachi Guerrero, one of the orga-
nizers, says of Prime, “ The venue offers a very intimate surrounding, which allows the speakers to hug you in a different way. People come to our parties for the music, not just to show off. During the warmer times, we host the party on the rooftop of the venue, where you can dance and let go while enjoying the city’s skyline.We have had the opportunity to bring amazing DJs from all over the country, like Nigel Richards from Philadelphia and Audio Injection from L.A. We also showcase Indy’s own talent too.” Prime is a monthly. March’s event features Will Azaba, Grey People and Joe Tyra. Dunaway’s, 351 S. East St. Real Talk with DJ Action Jackson & ASquared Industries A line stretches out from the White Rabbit every time the A-Squared DJs and DJ Action Jackson roll into Effin’ Square for their second Saturday dance night Real Talk. Get there early – we promise the dance floor will fill up – for the chance to see even the most reluctant dancers boogie on the dance floor. Guest DJs are joined by featured dancers and a videographer. Get down to Effin’ Square for a new take on dance nights in a smoke-free bar. Real talk: this is a great event. White Rabbit Cabaret, 1116 E. Prospect St.
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SUNDAYS
DANCE PARTIES
Dynamite! Day of rest? We don’t think so. Head out on Sunday to the Mass Avenue Pub for an all-vinyl funk and soul party anchored by DJs Salazar and Topspeed. Special guests will join on occasion. Keep the Naptown funk alive by gettin’ down at this dance event. The party starts at 10. There is no cover. Mass Avenue Pub, 745 Massachusetts Ave. Reggae Revolution More than 16 years later, Danger and DJ Indiana Jones are still spinning reggae and reggaeinfused beats at Casba. We’ve been dancing our asses off to their carefully chosen beats for almost as long. Reggae Revolution is not only Indy’s longest-running dance night, but one of the only places to be still dancing all night as the weekend winds down. If you’ve got any energy after a long weekend, head over to Casba. Maybe the $2.50 Red Stripe and Casba shots will help get you out on a Sunday. Casba, 6319 Guilford Ave.
MONDAYS PHOTO BY MELISSA LAMBINO
DJ Metrognome holds down Take That!
Industry Mondays Servers, bartenders, promoters, DJs, security
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workers, this one’s for you. Monday has long been known as the service industry night to party – because, come on, the people that work so hard to make our weekends awesome need some awesome time for themselves, too. DJ AP and guests bump the tracks that keep this night runnin’. No cover. Red Room, 6335 Guilford Ave.
of the nation and world’s biggest drum and bass acts, IQ Entertainment’s Broke(n) Tuesdays are back at the Melody Inn. Organizer Jay-P Gold says this time around he wants to widen the sonic range with as much “weird shit” as possible, ranging from footwork and jungle, to broken beat techno, and of course no small amount of drum and bass. Melody Inn, 3826 N. Illinois St.
TUESDAYS Broke(n) Though it’s gone through more changes than any reasonable human could probably count, Tuesday night at the Melody Inn has a long tradition of hosting some of the best electronic music in the city. After an original run between 2005 and 2007 during which they hosted some
Take That! Tuesdays DJ MetroGnome can be found at Coaches Tavern every Tuesday for his massive Take That! Tuesdays party. MetroGnome’s musical selection ranges from classic hip-hop to soul and funk. He always turns the otherwise small bar into a sea of dancing music fans. MetroGnome says we can expect more of the same, danceable nights with new guests thrown in now and then. Coaches Tavern, 28 S. Pennsylvania St.
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EAT & DRINK LATE WHAT: PEPPY’S GRILL TRY: A GIANT SLICE OF PIE
W
hen I step into Peppy Grill around 8 a.m. in the morning, I see the typical diner scene – a couple of tables filled with low-talking pairs digging into eggs. A large table in the back spread out with a young group leisurely enjoying their toast and hash browns. And a couple of regulars posted up at the bar, drinking coffee and chatting with the cooks. And when I get stop back in later that night? A couple of those regulars are still there. Still drinking coffee. That’s how it is at Peppy’s. People stick to it. Some regulars, I hear, have been returning almost daily for more than 50 years. And plenty of newbies get in on the late night tradition, too, especially now as Fountain Square has blossomed as a musical hotspot. Surprisingly, it’s one of the only places to get food super late in the Square. Plus, who can say no to those hamburgs? But there have been no changes to Peppy’s in the last 80-something years. A sign posted front and center touts their new management, and the menu shows a some changes, both in offerings and in price. Perhaps the most surprising thing? The Grill has wi-fi now. And, of course, the whole area has changed around Peppy’s. “The past seven years, I’ve seen a lot of changes. A lot better business. A lot of new businesses,” says Joe Wilkins, a cook and manager who has worked at Peppy’s for 20 years. And inside Peppy’s: “[After the management change] we lost a lot of items, we gained new items, there were price drops.” But the late night crowds still return to fill up on Peppy’s old school diner grub. “After the bars close, there’s a lot of wild people in here,” says server Tangie Wilde, who has worked at Peppy’s for 18 years. “[It’s] loud, but the guys tolerate it! Most days everybody gets along.” “Every Friday night is pretty constant, pretty busy. Good people,” Wilkins says. “We sell the most breakfast at night. Bacon and eggs. Hotcakes. On night shift, we probably go through ten pots of coffee.” Peppy Grill is the natural cheeseburger choice in the Square, just a few steps away from swankier places like Pure, La Margarita and Siam Square. But can you beat a ‘50s-style diner with bacon always on the grill? We tend to take the Ron Swanson approach to life. As in, why would anybody ever eat anything except breakfast? Also, give us all the eggs and bacon you can. Plus, Peppy’s is always, always, always open. Well, almost. “We close on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and once a month we’ll close a few hours for a deep cleaning,” Wilde says. “But that’s it.” Peppy Grill is a sweet, historic spot to eat during the wee hours of any night of the week, or, hell, a regular daylight hour, too. And make sure you chat up the regulars. They’ve got the good stories. — KATHERINE COPLEN
Joe Wilkins
PHOTO BY KATHERINE COPLEN
In this section, we’ve made a big list of all the places where you can either eat late or drink late. Diners and dives, one might say. (Guy Fieri, please don’t sue us for copyright infringement.)
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DIVE BARS The Alley Cat Ah, our beloved Alley Cat. What can we say about an establishment that won the “best dive bar” award from NUVO readers so many years in a row, we finally just retired the jersey? A hole-in-the-wall to beat all hole-in-thewalls, you can’t even get here without threading through Broad Ripple’s back alleys. Cheap drinks, good music and lots of pool playing, the Cat is the best place in the city to be at last call for a variety of reasons-not the least of which is you usually don’t have to go home alone. 6267 Carrollton Ave., 257-4036 Connor’s Pub One of NUVO’s editors has a particularly fold memory of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at Connor’s Pub and being introduced to the concept of the bartender pouring liquor directly in a patron’s mouth (just one of the many ways Connor’s helps keep Indy green by saving water on glassware). Most of the year, though, Connors is a relatively quiet dive, inviting patrons to indulge in more budget-friendly pours than some of its swankier Broad Ripple neighbors. 6331 Ferguson St., 255-5039 Dorman Street Saloon Dorman Street is the bar version of that guy in the leather jacket who’s so cool because he just doesn’t care what you think of him, man. This bar has some of the best and most inventive cocktails in the city, with house-made infusions and syrups, and inventive ingredients like spicy peppers and fresh ginger. Everything comes served ice cold and without pretension, with sweet drinks that are balanced without making your molars hurt, and savory bloody marys that hit that perfect trifecta of tangy, spicy, and salty. With an old jukebox, more shadows than light and seating that appears borrowed from a defunct bowling alley, this is not the place to take a first date. It’s made for a night out with friends when you just want to have great craft drinks without necessarily having to put on a shirt with buttons. 901 Dorman St., 237-9008; dormanstreet.com Melody Inn The walls are chock full of rock memorabilia, and the seats are full of rock fans of all stripes. Yes, the historic Melody Inn is the place for punk, metal, indie, and even EDM and freestyle. It features live local music most nights, including its notorious Punk Rock Night every Saturday, and has racked up more NUVO Best of Indy awards than any other club in recent years. When the hardcore gets a little much and you need something quieter, retreat to the
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PHOTO BY MARK A. LEE
1913 Restaurant PBR lounge in the back or the outdoor garden for a breath of fresh air. There’s usually a small cover charge, parking is free (and everywhere), and you simply can’t beat the $3 PBR tallboys every night. 3826 N. Illinois St., 923-4707; melodyindy.com Red Key Tavern What? What do you mean you’ve never walked under that neon sign whose musical notes carry the tune to “How Dry I Am?” What do you mean you’ve never imbibed beneath those model aircraft suspended from the ceiling? Studied the jukebox? Traded stories about how you got yelled at by Russ Settle for hanging your coat on your stool and not the rack? Even though Russ has passed, his spirit — and his infamous list of rules — lives on in this throwback to a time when every American neighborhood seemed to have a corner bar that served beer, burgers and the occasional shot of bourbon. Settle’s joint, in addition to honoring Russ’s time as a WW II flier, also served as backdrop for Dan Wakefield’s novel Going All the Way. Don’t curse, don’t argue with the barkeep, just take off your hat, order a cold beer and a hamburg or a tenderloin. You won’t be disappointed. 5170 N. College Ave., 283-4601 Slippery Noodle Inn Though it may look like just another two-story Downtown watering hole, Slippery Noodle is actually one of the top blues clubs in the country, if not the world. There you can find live blues seven nights a week, featuring a mixture of local, regional and national acts. The city’s oldest bar (rumor has it those holes in the brick were made by the guns of notorious Hoosier henchman John Dillinger and his boys), it was also one of the city’s first and most successful houses of ill-repute. Soak up the legend and believe the hype about the music. 372 S. Meridian St., 631-6974; slipperynoodle.com
FANCY DRINKIN’ 1913 Restaurant This farm-to-fork Downtown location is new on the scene, but boasts and impressive lineup of small plates and larger entrees. Appetizers include a strikingly good Indiana Onion Pie ($10), the rich custard perfectly set inside an elegant and perilously short pastry case, the kind of dish which tells you that someone in the kitchen knows their way around patisserie. Another option is the Local Indiana Board ($15), consisting of various cheeses and pickles with meats from Smoking Goose. Main courses at lunch consist mostly of burgers and sandwiches, expertly prepared and full of meaty, pasture-raised flavor. Particularly impressive were the BBQ Burger and the Fischer Farm steak sandwich for $14. The latter was fork tender and deeply flavored. 40 W. Jackson Place, 396-3623 Ambrosia The new location on College may be spiffy, but the quality of the fare here is consistently wonderful. Thoughtfully prepared and smartly presented for a reasonable price, Ravioli della Mamma is composed of large squares of fresh spinach and cheese ravioli served with a pesto cream sauce. Rich yet delicate, creamy but never cloying, it is certainly one of the top vegetarian entrees in the city. 5903 N. College Ave., 255-3096; ambrosiaitalian.com Ball & Biscuit The Ball & Biscuit’s name signifies some old time voice transmitting device; you’ll see it as that diminutive artifact that sits atop the bar, like a vintage diving helmet, with a long black tube attached. An old-fashioned backlit sign — ”on the air” — adds to the nostalgic charm. The drinks also harken to another time, in more ways 100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2014 // SPRING CITYGUIDE 25
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PHOTO BY MARK A. LEE
Bluebeard than one. Hamhattan, Silver Gin Fizz, Sidecar and Aviation are all classic cocktails with small twists. But you’ve also seen them at Euphoria, the Indianapolis haunt where chef Brad Gates and mixologist Zach Wilks formerly held court. You can always count on top-shelf, small-batch alcohol at The Ball & Biscuit and a solid lineup of choice cheeses for noshing. As with any good speakeasy, there’s good contraband off the menu — if you know to ask. 331 Massachusetts Ave., 636-0539; ballandbiscuit.com Black Market Making the most of locally-sourced ingredients, Black Market offers a concise and exciting menu at reasonable prices in a cool and contemporary setting. Choosing from a dozen or so dishes in all, diners can sit at one of a handful of booths, or join other gastronauts at a large communal table, bringing to mind feasting of old. The wineand-beer list is as succinct as the menu and well chosen, with the emphasis on food-friendly wines at again very fair prices. 922 Massachusetts Ave., 822-6757; blackmarketindy.net Bluebeard Its name derived from a Vonnegut novel, Bluebeard is bedecked with antique typewriters, including one that is reputed to be a replica of the machine Vonnegut used to write his book. 26 SPRING CITYGUIDE // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER
But the restaurant is really like a museum of found objects, including a rail from the old Virginia Avenue trolley line that co-owner Tom Battista has managed to incorporate into the design of the bar. Its offerings include an impressive variety of locally sourced dishes, including (depending on the day’s offerings) a rabbit loin roulade sourced from Meat the Rabbit and all manner of yeast-based goods baked up at its neighbor (the similarly Battistaowned) Amelia’s Bakery. 653 Virginia Ave., 686-1580; bluebeardindy.com Forty Five Degrees Sitting at the far end of Massachusetts Avenue, right where it meets College, this triangleshaped venue offers swanky indoor seating and a cool patio on the fringe of your favorite cultural district. There’s plenty of neon and pulsating beats, as well as fancy drinks and a host of beautiful people, not to mention some of our favorite wait staff in the city! Not too swanky to be accessible. We recommend half-price martini night every Thursday when DJ Cool Hand Lex provides the beats. 765 Massachusetts Ave., 634-4545; fortyfiveindy.com The Libertine An elegant brick building from the 1820s, the facade painted a muted dove grey. This is not
PARTY FUEL your father’s cocktail bar; Everything here is measured, from the agreeable volume of the music to the meticulous proportions of the drinks prepared by stylishly-clad mixologists. The drinks are second to none, easily as imaginative as almost any to be found in major cities, the The ingredients exclusively from small producers: Cocchi and Dolin Vermouth, Blue Coat gin, Death’s Door vodka. The food menu is short and expertly executed. The Libertine, owned by longtime local restauranteur Neil Brown, is exactly the kind of place that deserves support from anyone who puts value on independence, local produce and creativity. 38 E. Washington St., 631-3333; libertineindy.com The Northside Social The new Northside Social has a very particular allure: comfort-chic. The place goes beyond yesterday’s craft beer flights and gourmet burgers to new terrain like aromatherapeutic aperitifs. Social sources locally made infusions — scents like Thai basil, lemon and cucumber — to impart strong smells and a hint of flavor to some of their more choice cocktails. Everything on the beer list is priced around $5, which helps to counteract the sticker shock of the $10-plus martinis. In the latter’s defense, some libations boast acai, matcha and other healthful additions, so they’re clearly looking to carve out a niche with these premium offerings. 6525 N. College Ave., 253-0111; northsidesocial.com Plat 99 Driving by the new CityWay complex on South and Delaware streets, it is impossible not to notice the 99 colorful hanging lanterns on the second floor of The Alexander hotel’s bar, Plat 99. Though the bar is connected with the hotel, this is no hotel bar stereotype. Designed by internationally acclaimed designer Jorge Pardo, the space establishes a stylish and vibrant ’60s vibe that transports one into a land where the mixologist reigns supreme. The seasonal drink menu offers local brews and an ample wine list, but cocktails are the main attraction. Presented in a timeline format, each cocktail highlights a moment in mixology history dating from the 1850s to now. Try the tiki style “Jasper’s Jamaica” cocktail with rum, lemon and nutmeg, or the “Definition of Insanity,” a fresno pepper-infused rye bourbon drink that is just as tingly as it is refreshing. Truffled popcorn is served as a bar snack, and artisanal sandwiches, raw oysters and Smoking Goose charcuterie boards are also available for sharing. 333 S. Delaware St., 624-8200; thealexander.com/dining/lounge.asp St. Elmo’s & 1933 Lounge Even though it’s THE place that gets mentioned by sportscasters gunning for a free steak, THE place where the older glitterati gather when
Indy hosts a big event, THE place that was featured as the eatery of choice for a fictional bachelor party in the sitcom Parks and Recreation, St. Elmo’s has an almost homey feel. The bar is woody and loud, adorned with photos of patrons who run the gamut from A-list celebs to Z-list wannabes, and the staff exudes the best kind of midwestern charm. You can order a pricey signature cocktail (like the Elmo Cola or the French 75) or pick out a super pricey bottle of cab from the expansive wine list, sure. But if you ask for a cold macro-brew, they don’t judge. After all, Peyton Manning made it a habit to venture into Elmo’s and order a New York Strip and a Bud Light after every Colts home game and ... and ... erp ... (sniffle) ... sorry, got a little misty there. Oh, and if you’re trying to torch all the hair out of your nasal cavities, order up a shrimp cocktail. It’s painfully delicious. 127 S. Illinois St., #2, 635-0636; stelmos.com Tastings Tastings takes the stress out of choosing the perfect wine by offering 108 self-serve samples. Located in the Conrad, it has a down-to-earth feel with a helpful wait staff to inform you on great wine choices. The wine sampling process involves loading a card with a certain amount of money ($20 will get you about three or four 2 ounce “tastes” of wine, depending on the wine.) You can also order by the glass or bottle. The food menu has a great selection of flatbread pizzas like the crisp filet mignon with gorgonzola and caramelized onions, small plates, desserts and a choose-your-own cheese plate served with fruit and mini toast. Overall, it’s a great way to try a variety of wines from different regions and price points, but it can get a little pricey. 50 W. Washington St., 423-2400; awineexperience.com
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Tini For some of the most creative cocktails and martinis in the city, you can’t go wrong with a stop at Tini. The seasonal Pumpkin Spice martini is in high demand again as we move into fall, but the Chocolate Thundertini, tiniRITA and the ever-popular Sex on the Ave are just some of the choices for local martini enthusiasts. Be sure to try the signature cocktails as well, such as the vodka-based Moscow Mule. The food, catered in from Hoaglin’s, includes offerings such as hummus, gourmet mac and cheese and the antipasto platter. 717 Massachusetts Ave., 384-1313; tiniontheave.com The Wellington This is the little-known sibling of the Corner Wine Bar in Broad Ripple. Attached to the restaurant, this little cubbie of a bar is every barfly’s paradise—so under-the-radar, they don’t even have a sign out front. There’s a toasty fireplace in the back and lots of little nooks around the bar where you can either hide out or hide away with a date. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, most draft pints go for $3, and there’s always
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PARTY FUEL the option of asking the bartender for a Manager’s Bin bottle of wine, all of which are $20. Take advantage of The Wellington’s knowledgeable bartenders, too: they can recommend just the right bottle for your dinner (the bar serves much of the same menu as Corner Wine Bar) or to get you to try something that could easily become your new favorite. 6331 Guilford Ave., 255-5159; cornerwinebar.com
OPEN LATER Bakersfield The “street Mexican” lineup at Bakersfield typically consists of eight tacos — including the fan favorite fish (crispy mahi) and Pastor (marinated pork and pickled red onions) — two tortas, two salads and chips with dips, including vegetarian options. Bakersfield’s guac — hand-cut with chunks of avocado, lime-forward and punchy — won a “Best Guacamole in Cincinnati” award from three publications last year. If guests waver on a decision between the more than 50 varieties each of bourbon and tequila available, a large poster of Johnny Cash holding a glass of whiskey might push them away from the tequila menu. Also served each night are rotating $3 shots of both liquors, along with $2 glass boots of PBR. A full bar is available for those who prefer other liquors, and rotating drafts will offer selections of local and national craft beers. 334 Massachusetts Ave., 635-6962; bakersfieldmassave.com Brass Ring Although the interior evokes the famous bar scene from Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, this lounge is hardly all work and no play. The menu is full of the usual bar staples, but the ingredients aim to elevate the cuisine, with offerings such as Asian-style quesadillas and the ambitious extra-extra-thin crust pizza. The full bar, off-the-menu specialty drink, “Love,” along with the weather-permitting street-front seating are a few reasons to add the Brass Ring to your list of watering holes. 1245 Shelby St., 635-7464; thebrassringlounge.com MacNiven’s This addition to the Mass. Ave. pub scene offers some of the best pub food around, including great fish and chips, authentic neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes), mince (well-braised beef) and one of the best burgers in the city--a huge, crisp disc you have to fold over to get on the bun. With an impressive selection of imported beers, including over 15 Scottish beers (many of them on tap), MacNiven’s atmospheric sound of clinking mugs raised in toasts sets 28 SPRING CITYGUIDE // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER
the mood in this loud, raucous, and fun place to watch the game — even if it’s not soccer. 339 Massachusetts Ave., 632-7268; macnivens.com Old Point Tavern The Old Point Tavern, where Julian Opie’s electronic go-go dancer does her thing at the corner of Massachusetts and Alabama, is a time-tested place to start the evening- or finish it off. Great chili and well-packed sandwiches made with top-notch ingredients have made this a Mass Ave institution. Is there a better spot to sit and watch the Mass Ave world go by? Not according to NUVO readers who voted it best bar for people watching. This pivotal intersection features theatergoers, music revelers and just plain big-city revelers. Sit outside and enjoy the good life whenever weather permits. 401 Massachusetts Ave., 634-8943 Peppy Grill Open 24 hours, you can’t go wrong popping into Peppy any time of day or night. Located in the Fountain Square area, a diverse crowd has been known to frequent the intimate dining room to order some classic, greasy diner food. The food is cheap and quick, but don’t get too full on the thick French fries and cheeseburgers and forget about the giant slices of pie. Friendly cooks and servers make Peppy a regular haunt for the Fountain Square crowd. Breakfast is a must, and don’t forget to pop a dollar into the jukebox. 1004 Virginia Ave., 637-1158 Pure Eatery Pure Eatery is located smack-dab in the middle of historic Fountain Square. All the sauces and dressings are made in-house (definitely try the aioli) and all the produce is bought from local farms — the whole place is really conscious of its environmental impact. What’s unique about Pure Eatery is its wine tap — luscious, highquality wine by the glass or carafe! The owners also partner up with several local businesses (like Fountain Square Brewing Co., for example) and participate in First Fridays for some added local artistic flair. Pure Eatery also hosts holidaythemed parties and activities, so stop by to see what’s happening this holiday season. 1043 Virginia Ave., 602-5724; pureeatery.com Ralston’s DraftHouse The food here is bold, the portions are generous and the prices almost unbelievably reasonable. Owned by the folks who brought us the excellent Chatham Tap(s), there’s no doubt that a lot of thought went into the menu and its pricing. Judging from the speed and efficiency with which the food hits the table, I would take a guess that they are going to make up in volume what they might lack in margin. As for the menu itself, it’s pretty short, with a handful of appetizers, mostly priced in the $12 range
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Thunderbird and intended for sharing, and roughly an equal number of main courses, priced somewhat lower (around $8) and better suited for one. I’m never quite sure what to make of photos of food included in a menu, as they all too often remind me of a Chinese take-away, but here they serve to intrigue, rather than discourage. 635 Massachusetts Ave., 493-1143; ralstonsdrafthouse.com Rook The third offering from Ed Rudisell, who coowns Siam Square and Black Market, is a shotgun-style shop offering (on the cheap) several varieties of Bánh mì, Vietnam’s national sandwich. Standouts include The Rook, which plays chicken liver terrine (made to order from Goose the Market) against Vietnamese pork roll. Nothing overpowers; each ingredient — including proteins like ground chicken or beef peanut curry and toppings like pickled Korean radish and carrots — pops up randomly on your tongue like a whack-a-mole. Simple as its menu and mission may be, Rook is just as important to a strong culinary community as once-amonth or -year fine dining experiences. 719 Virginia Ave., 759-5828; rookindy.com The Sinking Ship The fence enclosed patio out the back door of this sobro bar provides a shady spot to en-
joy lunch under the umbrellas during the day and a nice outdoor dining experience at night. And this punk-owned bar boasts an incredible menu, from slants on classic bar food to specialty dishes. Food specials throughout the week include Burger Mania Mondays, where each burger, including the four different stuffed ones, the black bean and the vegan, is halfprice. Check in each day for a different daily dish and drink deal. 4923 N. College Ave., 920-7999; thesinkingship.com Thunderbird Thunderbird is very literally the new kid on the block in Fountain Square, just south of the namesake fountain. This place is mostly all about the booze, with a small menu of inexpensive plates and sandwiches (most around $10), like a giant grilled cheese or fried chicken sandwich. Servers say that the most popular cocktail is the Slapped Actress, a bright and citrusy mixture that has a ton of bite without the tooth-melting sweetness you might expect of something so heavy on the lemon. Head down there before a nearby show, but expect to throw some ‘bows for a table, because this place has been packed from the day it opened it’s doors this year. 1127 Shelby St., 974-9580; thunderbirdindy.com
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RIDES
GET HOME SAFE WHO: UBERX DRIVER MATT CHANDLER TRY: TO NOT LOSE YOUR SMARTPHONE BEFORE YOU CALL A RIDE
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Matt Chandler
PHOTO BY KATHERINE COPLEN
“ ’ve seen brutal fistfights in Broad Ripple and bouncers roughing up belligerent partiers Downtown,” Matt Chandler, an Indianapolis UberX driver, tells me of the his wild nights out. Chandler has been driving for ride-sharing program since November. But his experience with shuttling people around Indy didn’t start there; he was also a Lyft driver in the very beginning of the rival car sharing program’s existence, too. Lyft and Uber are taxis for the tech-friendly set, an app-based car service that uses the client’s smartphone to send a car right over to the user. UberX and Lyft drivers typically drive their own cars, which for Matt is a 2013 Kia Soul, black with tinted windows and a custom interior light kit, among other amenities. “I have a WiFi hotspot people are free to use, various kinds of phone chargers and four available plugs, candy, and I distribute free condoms which I offer if the situation seems appropriate,” he says. “And of course there’s my dashboard hula girl, Billie Huladay.” Sounds great, right? So how do you Uber? Well, the system presupposes that you or a friend have a smartphone. Download the app, load in your name, number and credit card information, and you’re just seconds away from summoning a car. Lyft works in much the same way. When the ride’s over, your credit card information is already in the system, so a few quick taps on your phone to authorizes the payment (which, on busy nights like New Year’s Eve and St. Paddy’s Day, can be subject to surge prices) and you can hop out of the car and walk — or stumble — to your destination. Chandler thinks services like Lyft and Uber are good for Indy nightlife. “From a pure transit perspective, we’re reducing the sheer number of cars on the road going to concerts, conventions, and sporting events,” Chandler says. “It’s environmentally sound, and it makes Indianapolis even more attractive to people coming into town for events because they know they can get around easily and affordably. Thus far the city seems to be embracing the idea.” So, where are the Uber drivers? Anywhere and everywhere. Lyft drivers mark their cars with a bright pink mustache, but UberX cars can be anything. Of course, the bulk of ride-sharers are using the car services to get home after a wild night out. But their drivers spend plenty of time shuttling Hoosiers in the daylight, too. “Mornings are mostly airport runs or people going to work,” Chandler says. “Afternoons are also
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usually airport runs for consultants and business folks heading to or from work-related functions. Nighttime runs are mostly just going out, whether it’s a dive bar or the Symphony. We always get a lot of Downtown to Broad Ripple action.” To work? To the airport? Come on, Matt, tell us the wild stories. “I’ve been propositioned multiple times by both men and women, which is understandable,” he says. “They’re usually intoxicated and I’m the sober guy with the deep voice getting them home safely. I don’t want anything from them, and they know I’m not going to try anything weird unlike the creepers they meet at the bars. “The single weirdest instance is going to be pretty hard to top. I picked up a 20-something couple on their wedding night. They had all gone out after the reception, and requested rides afterwards. I happened to get the bride and groom, both still in their wedding outfits. “Long story short, when we arrived at their apartment, the man asked if I would like to come upstairs for drinks and fun with them. When I replied that I still had to work and it was probably best if they enjoyed their wedding night just the two of them, the bride said to the groom, ‘Oh, honey, he’s not the one. Let’s just go.’ I felt somewhat honored that I’d been asked to participate in such a special night — let alone on their first night of marriage — but I wasn’t tempted in the least.” But it’s not all tawdry propositions. Chandler, who has driven both full and part time for the car services, met his current boss while giving him a lift. “He was one of my regulars and we got to know each other. After a few conversations about my experience and the company he was working to create, he hired me,” Chandler, now the Director of Digital Marketing for Givelify, a micro-donation smartphone app, says. So, why pick a ride in Matt’s Kia over a traditional taxi? “When you ride with us you can actually have a conversation, maybe listen to some good music,” he says. “It’s more than just a transaction, it’s a community-oriented experience and sometimes a real relationship.” — KATHERINE COPLEN
We’ve rounded up the myriad ways you can get home after a boozy night out. Please be safe, Indianapolis. With newbies like Lyft and Uber, you really have no excuse for driving drunk. We’ll stop acting like your mom now.
RIDES Indy Brew Bus All right, so this one isn’t exactly a ride home from the bars. It’s a ride to them. The Brew Bus picks you up Downtown and then shuffles you from craft brewery to craft brewery, including Sun King, Flat 12, Fountain Square Brewing Co., Bier Brewery and Indiana City Brewing Co. Each tour is about three hours and stops at four of the breweries named above. You can drink beer on the bus! You can bring snacks on the bus! The drivers are also your beer tour guides – believe us, they all really love beer. number unlisted, indybrewbus.com Lyft What is this new-fangled ride sharing service with the pink mustache, you ask me? Well, Grandpa, I’ll tell you. Lyft drivers operate in their own cars – the mustache is provided – and you can call one via their app on your smartphone. Unlike most other car companies, Lyft doesn’t charge “rates” per se; they accept donations (on top of a flat pickup fee and safety fee), which you can increase or decrease based on how much of an angel or an asshole you are. Then, you rate the driver – but wait. The driver rates you, too. So don’t be a buffoon or a cheapskate. Treat the guy or gal giving you a lyft right. download the Lyft app to call a driver Mustache Rides The original mustached cars in Indy? That belonged to Mustache Rides, founded by three ladies with a love of the ‘stache and an equal love of partying responsibly. Mustache Rides offer party buses for rent and have special rates for ferrying you to and from Klipsch concerts, Bloomington, casinos, Oliver Winery and Colts games, among other offers. You can set up a ride via phone, text, web, Twitter or Facebook. Plus, they promise that you get to choose the music. It’s all flat rate – no meters. 674-3376, stacherides.com Uber You heard most of the good stuff from Matt on the other page. Uber is a sleek and simple way to get around. Left your credit card open at the bar? You can still call an Uber, providing you’ve already downloaded the app and synced your payment information (this is true of Lyft as well). Uber is sometimes prone to “surge prices,” which means they jack up their rates during super busy times – think New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day. But users have opt-in on their phones before accepting the rates, so you’ve got control over that. But for a regular Friday night? It’s safer and simpler than standing the street hailing a cab. Please stay out of the street. download the Uber app to call a driver
Yellow Cab There are more than 30 licensed taxicab companies in Indianapolis, but Yellow Cab is the oldest and the largest. They’re fast, too, and have many accessible cabs. And there’s something romantic about riding in that traditional yellow cab, isn’t there? Very New York. Very Sex and The City . 487-7777, ycindy.com
OTHER TAXI OPTIONS: A Best Taxi, 710-3813 A+ Taxi, 443-4710 A&T Cab, 897-2122 AAA Ambassador, 227-9000 Awesome Taxi, 633-9999 AAA Best, 377-0000 AAA Indy Taxi, 261-1111 AAA Hoosier, 888-8888 Airport Express, 701-5933 Airport Taxi, 240-1111 American Taxi, 821-8000 A-Star Taxi, 236-8888 Atlas Cab Co, 710-2477 Baba Cab, 871-2222 Checker Cab, 487-7777 Circle Center Cab, 557-4132 Compass Rose Inc., 590-6699 Crown Cab, 602-0946 Dependable Taxi, 753-6696 Eagle Plus Taxi, 223-9632 Express Taxi, 529-2417 Gold Cab, 248-8888 Guarantee Taxi, 248-2000 Indiana Taxi, 381-0000 Indy Airport Taxi, 381-1111 Indy First Choice, 241-4222 Millennium Taxi, 339-1670 Nationwide Taxi, 293-3333 Prompt Cab, 927-7070 Simon Taxi, 414-8887 Walt’s Taxi, 413-1773 100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2014 // SPRING CITYGUIDE 31
RECOVERY
MORNING AFTER WHAT: THE THIRSTY SCHOLAR TRY: ANYTHING WITH CAFFEINE. ANYTHING.
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PHOTO BY MARK A. LEE
he appeal, says Thirsty Scholar owner Kevin Schmidlin, was the windows. Those big beautiful windows that line the south side of 16th Street and the east side of Pennsylvania. That’s really what made Schmidlin and co-owner Christopher Piazza dig the available spot in the Penn Arts Building, which was an Obama campaign office until the end of 2012, when he (obviously) no longer needed it. So they leased the place, covered those big beautiful windows and went to work on the inside. When they reopened the doors in July of last year, gone were the campaign handbills, replaced with a long marble bar and a dozen or so small marble-topped tables. The windows are now lined with three long wooden tables, with banquette seating on one side. During the day, the sun fills the space with light, and Old Northside residents post up with mugs of hot coffee. The espresso machine hisses in its place, smack dab in the middle of a ceiling-tall bar, which features a library ladder at one end. It’s one of the many sweet touches to the bar, which features 1920s-tinged pieces by local artist (and Scholar barista) Shannon Stamey and salvaged glass mini chandeliers. “You can sit for hours on end here,” says Heather Bronge, a barista at the shop. “It’s so relaxed and so inviting. We have a lot of regulars, which is always so much fun. People come in for their coffee and a bagel, and then come back later for a glass of wine.” The Scholar serves Intelligentsia coffee, a Chicago export. “On Sunday mornings, people are coming in after their night out and getting coffee and maybe even a beer. There’s some guys from breweries, who usually come in on Sundays, and they come in after
their Saturday night at the breweries and get coffee, then get a beer. I love working Sundays.” But the Scholar isn’t just espresso and bagels – it stays open past midnight, serving local beer and wine, and featuring local musicians on the weekend, like guitarist Joel Tucker and singer-songwriter Sphie. At night, those low-hanging salvaged chandeliers dimly light the bar, which is usually filled with a mix of late night studiers working away on laptops and boozy groups looking to start or end their night with a local beer or glass of wine. “We do all local beer; we have a beer from Cincinnati called Burger Classic. We were trying to find a neat alternative to PBR,” Schmidlin says. “But we mainly have all local beers,” including tap choices from Sun King, Fountain Square Brewing Co., 3 Floyds Brewing Co and Indiana City Brewing Co., and an array of bottles. The Scholar’s wine menu features a few dozen choices, in bottles or glasses. And those looking to add a bite to their coffee or libation can choose from a small but tasty menu of snacks, dips (Schmidlin recommends the guacamole) and sandwiches, along with a couple of shared trays. The menu, like the beer list, leans heavily on the local, too. “I like that our bread is from Amelia’s. We’re always snacking on it,” Carolyn Scott, a barista, says with a laugh. Keep your eye on 16th Street. It’s changing. “[The Old Northside] seemed like an up and coming, neat area,” Schmidlin says, of choosing the location for his joint venture. “I like the feel of how it’s coming together.” — KATHERINE COPLEN
In this section, we’ve combined the best places to caffeinate and rejuvenate after a hard night out on the town.
have trouble finding the place, just look for the giant bagel clock on top of the building. Generally, the Ripple is known for the nearly infinite combinations of bagels and toppings available on their jampacked chalk menu (and their damn-near-perfect Chicago dog.) But they also serve some of the best hot soups in town, with selections like homemade Santa Fe chili and chicken and noodle soup. It’s cold enough outside, we won’t judge if you get a sandwich and bedwetter of soup (Ripple’s name for it’s large-size styrofoam cups). The fridge is full of Ripple’s famous sides to take home to enjoy in the comfort of your own sweatpants.
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850 Broad Ripple Ave., 257-8326; ripplebageldeli.com
Biscuits Cafe Sweet, beautiful, loving and comforting Biscuits food: one part down-home Hoosier breakfast and one part Mexican restaurant. Yes, it is as glorious as it sounds. You can get fluffy buttermilk biscuits topped with spicy chipotle gravy (or the regular sausage variety), a stack of pancakes or waffles, or all manner of Mexican fare (both breakfast and lunch dishes), for under $10. Note to the runny egg lovers: they’re true to textbook form on their egg-cooking game, so over easy comes out pretty wobbly, and over-medium means
PHOTO BY SARAH MURRELL
the whites are just barely set.. They also serve bottled beer for those in need of a little hair of the dog. This place is packed elbow-to-elbow most weekend mornings, but it really fills to the gills on New Year’s morning. Our advice is to sleep in skip the crowds. 1035 Broad Ripple Ave., 202-0410; biscuitscafe.com Broad Ripple Bagel & Deli Right in the dead-center of the Broad Ripple bar scene is the fan favorite Ripple Bagel & Deli. If you
5527 N. Keystone Ave., 255-3836; thedonutshoponline.com
Downtown’s Café Zuppa is a quick-serving, reasonably priced restaurant that is perfect for an appetizing lunch break for office types, as well as a great breakfast option for early birds. Soups, salads and sandwiches are the self-proclaimed specialties of the house. Café Zuppa offers bagels, muffins, pastries and several omelet croissant sandwiches for under six bucks, Try the Classic Italian Panini sandwich, served on grilled flat bread with ham, pepperoni, melted pepper jack cheese and a sliced banana pepper. For soups, the Broccoli Asiago has shredded potato, julienne tomato and ham.
Fat Dan’s Chicago Style Deli As the name suggests, Fat Dan’s cuts right to the chase with their food, not even bothering with plates. The thick, delicious sandwiches and hand-cut, totally irregular fries come served on a square of brown paper: no frills, no apologies. And if you’ve ever had Fat Dan’s, you know that they could probably spike the whole meal on the ground and all hungover patrons would hit the deck face-first after it. Some people really hate that the fries look like misshapen fry factory rejects, but it’s a central part of Fat Dan’s dedication to really delicious handmade food. Everything’s greasy — or medicinal, depending on your chemical state of being — and it all makes you thankful to that first genius who dropped potatoes in hot oil.
320 N. Meridian St., 634-9877; cafezuppaindy.com
815 Broad Ripple Ave., 600-3333; fatdansdeli.com
Cafe Zuppa Broad Ripple Bagel and Deli
The Donut Shop There aren’t a lot of places in Indianapolis that regularly have lines out the door. The Donut Shop is the exception, with an unassuming store front and a few tables lining the walls, and folks queued up all the way to the parking lot on most weekends. Once the crowds die down a little, the donuts become half price as the day gets closer to closing time, and everything in the case is phenomenal. Have a seat inside the basic dining room and enjoy hot plates of eggs, bacon and all the other traditional favorites. Service is always a little slow, but you’ll quickly forgive them after your first of many donuts.
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RECOVERY Good Morning Mama’s Celebration is what you get at Good Morning Mama’s Café. Once again, the Leuers of Mama Carolla’s (the funky, homestyle restaurant next door to the Café) have bucked conventional wisdom. In this case, they’ve taken hold of what used to be a garage for import car repairs and given it a lively makeover. It’s now a fanciful retro-themed joint, employing chrome embellishments, plenty of Fiesta Ware and bright, primary colors. The breakfast menu offers all the traditional dishes — eggs, pancakes, French toast, bacon — but there are also some original combinations, like the 1940s Omelet made with fried Spam, onions and Cheese Whiz with a drizzled marinara sauce.
a sandwich piled with Smoking Goose meats and eat that bad boy in three bites.
downing some truly local joe. Check the website to see all their locations around town.
style, there’s no better way to go than the swankiest brunch buffet in town.
2503 N. Delaware St., 924-4944; goosethemarket.com
hubbardandcravens.com
333 S. Delaware St., 624-8222; thealexander.com/dining/market.asp
Hoaglin To Go Brunch at what in just a few years has become a Mass Ave standard, including omelets dressed with mushroom pate, hash browns sexed up as a wedge of layers and French toast in thick slabs of cakelike fruited bread. The café has an eclectic offering with things like sun-dried tomato pesto torte and countless other creations that will dazzle your dinner parties or wow your brunch guests. Dine in and enjoy or come in and create a menu to go. Confident, creative Hoaglin is sure to please. Great for take-out lunches and dinners too.
1001 E. 54th St., 255-3800; goodmorningmamas.com
448 Massachusetts Ave., 423-0300; hoaglintogo.com
Goose the Market
Hubbard & Cravens With two neighborhood locations in Broad Ripple and Meridian-Kessler and three locations on the Clarian campus in Downtown Indianapolis, H&B serves more than customers — it serves friends and neighbors. Being an around-town staple means you won’t have to totter far to swig some liquid sleep to displace the liquid courage. Their selection of pastries and locally produced food and chocolate will get you fueled for your long ride aboard the Struggle Bus. H&C also sources and roasts its own beans, so you can feel good about
Chef Christopher Ely and his staff have impeccable taste, and you are guaranteed to find a new beer or wine option every visit that pairs well with that sexy charcuterie we love so much. The notorious Bacon of the Month Club is the perfect gift idea (four pounds of bacon in four months for $69) and includes a Tshirt, recipe featuring the month’s bacon and Deli Tales book. We recommend gifting that with a bottle of Stone’s Sublimely Self Righteous (22 ounces, $7.75) or Founder’s Breakfast Stout (four 12-ounce bottles, $12.25). If you’re in recovery mode, order up
Salon Rue 52
Lincoln Pancake A family-owned franchise that has cropped up all over town, Lincoln Pancake serves a multi-page menu full of everyone’s breakfast favorites, from greasy chicken fried steak and eggs to healthier options like fruit — but let’s not waste our time pretending this guide is for helping you make good choices. No, ask for a mercifully huge mug of coffee which always stays topped off and is miles beyond your normal brown diner swill, relax into the padded and welcoming seats and wait for the pain to go away. And no matter what you get, always get a side of pancakes: they’re really that good here. This is another place with many locations in town, so check for the nearest one online. eatatlincolnsquare.com Market Table at The Alexander Look, there are buffets and there are Buffets. Market Table is definitely the latter. With a huge open kitchen, diners get a face-to-face experience with their breakfast and lunch options. It’s the Sunday brunch that makes this much more than a hotel restaurant. Not only can you get pizza, pasta, and a variety of local cheeses during the weekend brunch service, but all the gelato and desserts you could ever want — and enough of it to make you take your belt off. The hook? Unlimited juice, all brunch long, all for less than $20. If you’re looking for recovery gourmet
Maxine’s Chicken & Waffles Occupying what might have once been a gas station, Maxine’s is a hopping place with a festive atmosphere. Health nuts beware: Maxine’s provides a daily dose of salt, sugar and fat in most of their dishes — the perfect prescription for those on the mend from a long night out. But if that’s not something that dissuades your interest, Maxine’s won’t disappoint. The menu offers a broad selection of traditional southern dishes and, of course, the eponymous chicken and waffles. Maxine’s serves as a refreshing reminder that good food doesn’t have to be a plodding, serious affair. 132 N. East St., 423-3300; maxineschicken.com Monon Coffee Company This favorite neighborhood coffeehouse feels like home with its steamy windows, toasty environment and truly friendly service. Order any variety of coffee concoctions, like the signature Choo Choo Brew, from the black chalkboard menus behind the counter. Freshly baked pastries, including an excellent vegan carrot cake, are temptingly displayed on the counter tops. For lunch, try the curry chicken salad sandwich with fresh carrot juice and settle into an overstuffed
“So it goes.” — Kurt Vonnegut
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Get to know the novelist who captured the imagination of his age, Indy native Kurt Vonnegut. See his papers, drawings, Purple Heart, German sword and much more.
THE SOBRO/MERIDIAN-KESSLER HAIR SALON CELEBRATING OUR 4 YEAR ANNIVERSARY THIS SPRING! TEL:
317-283-0090
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The Emelie Building | 340 N. Senate Avenue Open daily 11 am - 6 pm; closed Wed. | Free admission VonnegutLibrary.org 317.652.1954 info@vonnegutlibrary.org
@vonnegutlibrary Facebook.com/VonnegutLibrary pinterest.com/vonnegutlibrary
RECOVERY
NUVO FILE PHOTO
Smoking Goose chair with your computer (they have remote access) or the paper. 920 E. Westfield Blvd., 255-0510; mononcoffee.com Cafe Patachou Still one of the best breakfasts or brunches anywhere in the city is Café Patachou. The restaurant’s original location at the corner of Pennsylvania and 49th Street in the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood has been dishing up carefully sourced and healthy meals for more than two decades. Now with a family of dining establishments, including Napolese and Petit Chou, the original Patachou with an expanded dining room and outdoor patio is a neighborhood kitchen for sophisticated tastes. Take a morning to taste for yourself. Check the website for all the locations. cafepatachou.com Shapiro’s Deli Shapiro’s has been the favorite deli of NUVO readers for at least 20 years, and won this category every single time we’ve taken your votes. According to the folks at Shapiro’s, they’ve only had a few simple goals since the place opened more than a century ago: “Cook good. Serve generously. Price modestly. People will come.” They might be on to something. The food is delicious, the portions are huge, the prices are mostly modest and the place is always packed. You can dine in or carry out, but don’t miss the bakery items either way. Cheesecake is much better for you than corned beef. 808 S. Meridian St., 631-4041; shapiros.com Taste This unique café and marketplace, owned and operated by highly trained and experienced chefs Marc Urwand and Deidra Henry, offers gourmet coffee drinks to perk you up after a long night, a full breakfast menu, a lunch spread of salads and gourmet sandwiches, pantry necessities, and catering services, all housed in a stylish, newly renovated space large enough to accommodate special events.
On Wednesdays and Thursdays between 6-9 p.m. experience “Aftertaste,” where the daytime ordering counter transforms into a bar, which is great since you’ll need something to sip as you wait to sample the dinner menu. The place is low-lit and the seats are comfy, which is key for morning-after recovery. 5164 N. College Ave., 925-2233; tastecafeandmarketplace.com 3 Sisters Cafe There are any number of reasons to love this Broad Ripple staple. The location is great, the staff is friendly and the food is always good. In particular, vegetarians and vegans will find plenty to eat at this charming and affordable Victorian home converted into a restaurant. Known for its fresh and delicious food, 3 Sisters is making a healthy mark on the Broad Ripple area; go for a walk on the canal after your meal for an added perk. 3 Sisters is a great option for breakfast and lunch, offering great vegetarian and vegan alternatives to the classics. Plan to make a day in the Broad Ripple area as meals usually go on for a few hours. 6360 Guilford Ave., 257-5556; 3sisterscafein.com Yats If there is one restaurant readers of NUVO prefer above all others in Indy, it’s gotta be Yats. No doubt that’s because the iconic Joe Vuskovich and his crew love equally and want to make sure everyone gets a chance to eat some of the best creole food anywhere outside of New Orleans. Each day brings a new set of six to ten menu items, including vegetarian options, according to mood and availability. Yats is good before the party, but it’s that much better the next day, when a gigantic plate of Chili Cheese Etouffee and buttered bread only sets you back $5, and has you up and moving again (following a brief nap, of course) in no time. Be aware that the College Avenue location only accepts cash, but they’ll give you an IOU if you need it. See all the locations in town on their website. yatscajuncreole.com 100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2014 // SPRING CITYGUIDE 35
MUSIC CALENDAR
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Grouplove
We’ve selected just a couple of our favorite upcoming concerts. You’ll notice these events tend towards the larger side, because big, sell-out shows are announced much further in advance. Keep your eyes on the weekly print edition of NUVO, which features big blockbuster shows and small, local shows broken down week by week. We’ve got even more packed into our calendar, available at NUVO.net/calendar.
MARCH Rathborne, Streets of Laredo Rathborne, the project of Luke Rathborne, singer and main “personality,” strings together power pop, thoughtful little ditties and odes to late night walks through the deserted streets of NYC. Rathborne’s career started a while ago, when he landed an opening gig for The Strokes at South by Southwest. Streets of Laredo, for their part, were just named by NPR as one of their “must-see” 100 bands of SXSW on their way to the famously (infamously?) packed Austin festival.
DO317 Lounge, 1043 Virginia Ave. #215, Mar. 19, 8:30 p.m., $12 Rage by the Pound with SKisM, Mayhem, CRNKN SKisM, Mayhem and CRNKN will make a stop at the Old National Centre on March 20, 2014 as part of the Rage by the Pound 2014 tour. SKisM is currently one of the biggest names in the dubstep game, remixing the likes of legends Flux Pavilion, Zomboy and Excision. A four-part EP released last year brought SKisM to the forefront of the fast growing genre. Division is a set of four unique 20-minute remixes that provide listeners with a wide range of sounds, all backed by deafening bass. Deluxe at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Mar. 20, 8 p.m., $15-20 Johnny Gill, 112, Dru Hill There are few “reunion” shows that we are NUVO HQ are more excited about than this one. We all have a strong dedication to the art of bump and grind, and nothing will get you on the dancefloor faster than the sweet sounds of Johnny Gill, 112
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and Dru Hill. The R&B of the 90s comes back alive and well at ONC, so if you attended any coed dances from the mid-‘90s on, there will definitely be a song you recognize.
to release an acoustic album this year, a brand new sound in a career full of innovative sonic choices. He’ll be playing solo at this show, but promised to play plenty of classic Melvin favorites.
Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Mar. 21, 9 p.m., $42-52
Radio Radio, 1119 E. Prospect St., Mar. 21, 8 p.m., $12
Grouplove Grouplove has had quite a year or two, with several singles off of their debut album getting choice airplay on radio and TV. Since 2012, they’ve had one single, “Tongue Tied,” go certified platinum in several countries. Not to mention that Grouplove is one of the most fun bands to listen and dance to, with a pervasive, infectious, jump-and-twirl vibe to their upbeat, poppy tracks.
The Ataris, Authority Zero, Drag the River, Versus the World Don’t forget The Ataris are Hoosier dudes — and they’re giving the people what they want, touring Astoria one more time. They’re sharing the stage with punk legends Authority Zero, who have been doing this stuff for more than 20 years. Colorado alt-country outfit Drag the River will join them, along with Versus the World.
Egyptian Room at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Mar. 21, 8 p.m., $23.50
The Vogue, 6259 N. College Ave., Mar. 22, 8 p.m., $18
King Buzzo (Of The Melvins) Acoustic Show Music editor Kat had a rolicking, hour long interview with Buzz Osborne — better known as King Buzzo to his devoted legions — of legendary sludge band The Melvins. Check for that in this week’s NUVO or online at NUVO.net. Buzz decided
The Mowgli’s, Misterwives, Buried Beds The Mowgli’s are a Southern Californian band with a Southern Californian soul. The eightpiece started in a garage in the San Fernando Valley where many of them grew up. They’ve been here before, and were friends with the recently-passed, local musician Jascha. They’re
MUSIC CALENDAR coming up on their next tour through the Austin South by Southwest jungle. Deluxe at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Mar. 22, 8 p.m., $15 Shawn Colvin And Steve Earle: Songs And Stories, Together Onstage “Songs and Stories, Together Onstage” features Grammy award-winning singer-songwriters Shawn Colvin (if nothing else, you remember her for “Sunny Came Home”) and Steve Earle (no excuses; you should know Earle) as they take the stage for an evening of song swapping, duets, storytelling, and stellar guitar playing. This special event promises to be a rich and inspiring musical experience as these two long-time friends and mutual admirers share music from their extensive catalogs as well as some of their favorite songs by other classic songwriters. Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Mar. 22, 8 p.m., $30 Charlie Patton’s War Charlie Patton’s War is a blues-rock band consisting of four members, hailing from Bloomington. The group released their self-titled debut on April 25, last year. It was recorded, mixed and mastered by the group. The 11-track album includes styles from rock and roll to gospel, a true testament to the wide range of talent the group has. The Bishop, 123 S. Walnut St. (Bloomington), Mar. 25, 9:30 p.m., $7 Juicy J, Travis Scott This show is for bouncing your head to big, fat bass beats. Both Travis Scott and Juicy J are known for that bass-down-low, slow and dirty rap. Juicy has had some blow-up pop hits, adding to the tracks of artists like Katy Perry and 2 Chainz. In other words, this is party-and-bullsh*t hip-hop. It’s all you want to grind to in underground clubs after a few Juicy J’s of your own, though we can only formally encourage the enjoyment of juicy beats. Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Mar. 26, 9 p.m., TBD Shpongle & Desert Dwellers Shpongle plays low-paced beautiful tracks that lull fans into a dream-like state allowing them to open their mind and deeply think about life and it’s truest meanings. A mix of trance and psychedelic themes as well as ambient noise produces a truly original sound; it’s nothing like you’ve heard before. And if for some odd reason you feel like doing hot and sweaty yoga during this concert then you’re in the right place; the Desert Dwellers combine the sounds of yoga with progressive electronic music to form a series of chilled down tunes perfect for a yoga mat or dance floor. Lafayette Theatre, 600 Main St (Lafayette), Mar, 27, 8p.m., $25
Neutral Milk Hotel It finally happened: Neutral Milk Hotel is not only reformed — they’re actually stopping in Indianapolis. This show will almost certainly sell out, if it hasn’t by the time this edition hits print. Take a moment to collect your thoughts and emotions, then begin the frantic search for tickets. We wish you luck. Egyptian Room at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Mar. 27, 8 p.m., Varies. Marsha Ambrosius, Steve James Formerly the melodic half of the English singersongwriter and spoken word duo Floetry, Marsha Ambrosius has busted out on her own. She is currently based in Philly, touring the US with her sensual vocals and piano on offer. Already, she’s collaborated with The Game, Busta Rhymes, Jaimie Foxx and Wale and is touring in support of her second solo studio album, Friends and Lovers. The Vogue, 6259 N. College Ave., Mar. 29, 9 p.m., $20 Punk Rock Night: Necrodemon, Lucifist, Hex Bombs If you’ve never made it to Midtown for a Punk Rock Night, this is your chance to get in on the action. For the low, low price of $6, you can relax in a booth and take in all the local and upstart punk rock you can handle. Hosted by Rich Barker, it’s a weekly showcase of punk talent for a scene that could always use a little more attention. Melody Inn, 3826 N. Illinois St., Mar. 29, 10 p.m., $6
APRIL St. Paul and the Broken Bones We simply cannot urge you more strongly to go see St. Paul and the Broken Bones. They have the funk and soul of a thousand James Browns. They have to go back home to Alabama to get their suits cleaned every three weeks because they sweat so much during the shows. The short little frontman has never drunk a drop of booze in his life, but his stage performance and footwork onstage make him look more like a funktastic preacher drunk on the holy spirit of soul. In other words, get your tickets and dance your face off. Radio Radio, 1119 E. Prospect St., Apr. 2, 9 p.m., $10-12 We the Kings, This Century If the mid-2000s had a soundtrack, it would be the pop-punk sounds of bands like We the Kings. The Florida-based alt rock outfit harkens back to a time when flat-ironed bangs and skinny jeans were more in fashion for young men than women. ‘Twas a glorious time of star tattoos and gauged ears, and We the Kings are bringing it back in 2014 style. This is hardly the band’s first rodeo, with one platinum single (2007’s “Check Yes Juliet”) under studded belt. We won’t tell if
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you always held onto yours; bust that bad boy out and get your teenage thrash on. Deluxe at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Apr. 3, 7:30 p.m., $20 Okkervil River We’re big fans of Okkervil from way back — we dig Black Sheep Boy, the concept pair of album Stage Names and Stand Ins, singer Will Scheff’s literary bent and passionate live performance. They’re like a bunch of super sexy English majors who stumbled into a super cool Austin rock band. They’re currently touring The Silver Gymnasium, a collection of dark tracks inspired by Scheff’s hometown. Deluxe at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Apr. 3, 7:30 p.m., price TBA Jillete Johnson Singer and songwriter Jillette Johnson will perform at Radio Radio in support of her latest album Water in a Whale. Johnson is a strong lyricist and will garner you attention with the first note in a song. She’s been linked to the likes of Adele, Sara Bareilles and Tori Amos. Johnson wrote every song on her debut album and also played at Bonnaroo and Firefly in 2013.The adult alternative pop group Wakey!Wakey! will join the tour, which started on Feb. 28. Radio Radio, 1119 E. Prospect St., Apr. 3, time & price TBA
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Chevelle, Nothing More Life is short and unfair, but nothing makes you forget faster than thrashing along to some hard rock. If you need the release, there’ll be no better option than the hard-crunching Chevelle and Nothing
More concert. Chevelle has enjoyed Top 5 success over the years on alternative stations, and even reaching #68 the Top 100 with their single “Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)” They’ll be joined at this show by Nothing More. Egyptian Room at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Apr. 4, 8 p.m., $25 Papadosio As loyal fans like to call it, electronic spirit music. Papadosio will brighten even the dullest of days with uplifting melodies and heart-warming synths. Unity and peace are the roots of the group and their music resembles that perfectly. Don’t expect to leave this concert in a bad mood, unless you happen to enjoy that kind of thing. Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Apr. 4., 9 p.m., $12-15 Pink Droyd IndyMojo is putting this one on with Pink Floyd cover band Pink Droyd taking the stage at The Vogue. As every proper Pink Floyd tribute band should, Pink Droyd’s show will feature video, lasers and a light show to take you on a fantastic voyage through space and time, or something. The Vogue is known for bringing a regular lineup of great cover artists, and this show follows on the heels of a fantastic Daft Punk tribute and local favorite Hairdbanger’s Ball. Good thing The Vogue hung onto their disco ball. The Vogue, 6259 N. College Ave., Apr. 4, 9 p.m., $10 Excision Make em’ bounce! Excision does it with robotic sounds and heavy bass. Massive drops can’t hurt his cause either. By encompassing a different style
MUSIC CALENDAR of dubstep, one that sounds like a machine trying to speak its language to you, he’s found himself carving a new path through the electronic music trail. A trail ripe with opportunities to move forward, and one that his bouncing fans have followed furiously, anxiously waiting for what’s next. And at the end of the show, he’ll have you volunteering to bounce at his next shows too. Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Apr. 11., 9 p.m., $30 Ledisi with special guest Robert Glasper Ledisi — full name Ledisi Anibade Young — already has eight Grammy noms under her belt, as well as a pretty developed acting career. But beyond all that, she has a voice — this voice, you guys — that is part R&B crooner and swinging jazz singer. She can belt it out Aretha style, and also jump around the scales with delicate precision. She’s every woman. It’s all in Ledisi. Murat Theatre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Apr. 19, 8 p.m., $55.99
years on this earth. He comes from the British school of blues (quite a separation from blues’ American roots) pioneered by guys like Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. Bonamassa puts a sophisticated English spin on the looseness of US blues forefathers like B.B. King and Muddy Waters. The crowd is usually packed with true music lovers and musicians, so guitar aficionados should get tickets early if you want to be close. Murat Theatre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Apr. 23, 8 p.m., $71-91 Say Hi, Big Scary Rock bands from the PNW always have a good sense of humor about the music business. Take this joke from Say Hi’s Facebook page: “Q: What do you use to play the Radiohead app? A: Your Thombs!” With an attitude like that, it’s hard to imagine the show will be anything but fun. They’re bringing with them Australian duo Big Scary, who remind us of a cross between Fleet Foxes and The XX, if you can wrap your mind around it. Radio Radio, 1119 E. Prospect St., Apr. 23, 9 p.m., $10
Twenty One Pilots, NoNoNo, Hunter Hunted TWP is on a meteoric upward rise. They have exploded in popularity in the blogosphere and on the radio, drawing curious attention from places like USA Today, MTV and VH1. A difficult band to pin down stylistically, they cross genres from pop-rock to electronic and borrow a bit from hip-hop, too. Perhaps it is their genre-defying style that makes them so appealing to modern audience — kids raised in a culture of collaboration. For this Ohio duo, that formula seems to be working.
The Hold Steady, Deer Tick One of the most highly anticipated shows of the entire season, The Hold Steady is touring with Deer Tick, and we get to host them for one glorious night in April. Why? There’s no way to dislike bandleader Craig Finn’s wild Catholic scenester story songs. His characters wind through the ‘80s and ‘90s rock club scene, falling one by one to drugs and violence — all with a heaping dose of Catholic guilt. Unfamiliar? Like The Replacements? Then go see this band. They’re touring Teeth Dreams, and Deer Tick has just released their latest, Negativity.
Egyptian Room at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Apr. 19, 8 p.m., $22
The Vogue, 6259 N. College Ave., Apr. 25, 9 p.m., $20
Joe Bonamassa Guitar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa is has already released 10 studio solo albums in his 36 short
Christina Perri, Birdy Christina Perri has been blowing up, with her sweet but powerful voice gaining more and
The Hold Steady
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Fountain Square’s newest addition, brought to you by Joshua Gonzales. Expect expertly-crafted cocktails, a southern-inspired menu, craft beer, and a lively atmosphere. Must be 21+ 1127 Shelby Street. • Indianapolis, IN 46203 thunderbirdindy.com
more traction on the airwaves and charts. Her video for the single “Human” is both simple and artistically complex — a lot like the track itself, which is alternately soft and haunting and a power pop song. Sharing the stage for the night is Birdy, a BRIT Award-nominated singer songwriter who has already passed a million page likes on Facebook. Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Apr. 26., 8 p.m., $23.50
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Daryl Hall & John Oates Whoa, here they come! Prepare your mustache wax and your Member’s Only jacket and fall back in time for pop music’s most glorious comeback tour. The hit-making duo’s tunes are probably best known as clips in movies and samples on Top 40 radio, which only goes to show how timelessly toe-tapping Hall & Oats songs really are. Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., May 8, 7:30 p.m., TBD John Legend One of the smoothest and most gifted singersongwriters and musicians making records, John Legend continues to diversify his collaborations and sound, putting out projects with ev-
eryone. His new album, “All of Me,” finds him back at his stripped-down best, getting back to his roots with simple piano and vocals. Full disclosure: if this event blurb seems fawning, some of the NUVO staff would like to confess to wanting “All of John Legend.” Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., May 9, 8 p.m., $65.50 The Steep Canyon Rangers The Steep Canyon Rangers is fronted by Steve Martin, a lifelong bluegrass and banjo player as well as the legendary actor and comedian. The Steep Canyon Rangers are a truly excellent traditional bluegrass band. Steve Martin is the vocalist and their latest record features The Dixie Chicks and Paul McCartney, former lead singer of The Beatles. This event blurb requires no editorial embellishment, so this is the end of it. Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., May 16, 8 p.m., $20 Bastille Unbelievably, this show was sold out within a couple weeks of tickets going on sale. For some reason, the people can’t get enough of this pop group from the UK. Started as a solo project for lead singer Dan Smith, who later pulled his bandmates in for live shows. The lineup solidified and Bastille has been enjoying tons of success and publicity following the release of their single “Pompeii,” a track which is winkingly optimistic given the song’s namesake. Egyptian Room at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., May 31, 8 p.m., $20
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A&E CALENDAR she has written the popular “Dear Sugar” column since 2010 — and elsewhere. Clowes Memorial Hall, 4602 Sunset Ave., Mar. 31, 7:30 p.m, FREE
APRIL Angela Brown Sings Highlights from Porgy and Bess Metropolitan Opera star and Indianapolis native Angela Brown sings highlights from Porgy and Bess with the Butler Symphony Orchestra and Butler Chorale. Brown’s version if Bess is one of her best known and widely performed roles. Under the baton of Stanley DeRusha, violinist Zach DePue — concertmaster of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra — will be the featured soloist in Rimsky-Korsakov’s orchestral fantasy masterpiece, Scheherazade, also known as the Arabian Nights. Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts, 610 W. 46th St., Apr. 3, 7 p.m., $7.50-30
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MARCH Other Desert Cities They say that good writing comes from moments of conflict and pain. Brooke Wyeth, a promising young writer, aims to take that advice and write a devastating memoir about a tragic piece of family history. Upon her announcement, she heads to spend the holidays with family in Palm Springs. But this not-enough-wine-in-the-world reunion can’t bear the burden of dealing with an ugly past. Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St., Mar. 12-April 6, $25-55 Spring Equinox: The Palace at Night by Project in Motion This event sounds like it’s truly going to be mesmerizing. We’ll let the organizers take it from here: “Suspended from the Palace’s metal structure, five dancers represent themes of birth and transformation, love and loss and hope and strength. The Palace at Night unites visual art, original music and the craft of aerial dance in a unique performance.” Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road, Mar. 22-23, 1-2 p.m., 2:30-3:30 p.m. $10 The Girl of the Golden West Everyone loves a good old-fashioned, mud-caked and be-spurred Western. This one has all the in-
gredients of a dusty classic: a handsome outlaw in disguise, the sheriff on his tail and a whiskeysippin, garter-snappin young woman who can’t be stopped in the quest to save her cowboy. The soaring orchestra provides the burnt orange sunset for the heroes to walk into. Clowes Memorial Hall, 4602 Sunset Ave., March 21, 8 p.m. and March 23, 2 p.m., $35-113 D. Nurkse D. Nurkse is an accomplished poet, the author of collections like The Rules of Paradise (2001), The Fall (2003), and The Border Kingdom (2008). In free-verse, lyric poems, Nurkse explore subjects both intimate and political: children, families, love, and the effects of war. Nurkse has received a Whiting Writers’ Award, the Bess Hokin Prize from Poetry, grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, and a Tanne Foundation Award. He also has been the poet laureate of Brooklyn. Nurkse has taught at colleges and prisons, and was elected to the board of directors of Amnesty International USA. Robertson Hall, 4600 Sunset Ave., Mar. 26, 7:30 p.m., FREE Motionhouse Clowes continues to deliver cutting-edge performances from the world of dance. Motionhouse is a collaborative effort from co-directors Kevin
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Finnan and Louise Richards. They’ve been touring since 1988, layering a variety of dance styles with imagery, theatricality and music. Recently, they’ve incorporated elements of circus performance, with sling and bungee added to the mix. This is just one of many tours the company has done in the US and UK. Clowes Memorial Hall, 4602 Sunset Ave., Mar. 28, 8 p.m, $36-51 Romeo & Juliet In late March, the ISO will take on the work of three composers influenced by tragic Shakespearean work, including West Side Story. British conductor Michael Francis will lead the ISO through works by Delius, Bernstein and Prokofiev. Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Mar. 28 and 29, 8 p.m., $15-80 Cheryl Strayed Cheryl Strayed has scored a bestseller on the coveted New York Times list for her Wild and Tiny Beautiful Things, and her novel Torch. The goddess Oprah also chose Wild as a selection for Oprah’s Book Club 2.0. Jean-Marc Vallée is directing the film adaptation of Wild, starring Reese Witherspoon, with a screenplay by Nick Hornby. Strayed’s writing has appeared in The Best American Essays, The New York Times Magazine, the Washington Post Magazine, Vogue, Salon, The Missouri Review, The Sun, The Rumpus — where
The World on the Moon (Il Mondo Della Luna) A once-in-your-lifetime intimate operatic experience! Haydn’s 1777 science-fiction comic opera specially staged for performance in Butler’s Holcomb Observatory. See the perfect marriage of music and stargazing, but event organizers want you to know that the audience capacity for each 75-minute show is only 40, so get your tickets early. Holcomb Observatory, 4600 Sunset Ave., Apr. 7-9, $25 Jesmyn Ward Jesmyn Ward has some bragging to do. She won the National Book Award in 2011 for her second novel, Salvage the Bones and her debut novel, Where the Line Bleeds, was an Essence Magazine Book Club selection, a Black Caucus of the ALA Honor Award recipient, and a finalist for both the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award and the Hurston-Wright Legacy Award. A Mississippi native, she got her MFA from the University of Michigan, where she won five Hopwood awards for essays, drama, and fiction. Her latest book is a memoir, Men We Reaped. Atherton Union Reilly Room, 4600 Sunset Ave., April 8, 7:30 p.m., FREE Jerry Seinfeld There’s not much we can say that hasn’t already been said. It’s because of him that so many of us delight in jokingly denying soup to our friends. He’s the reason we have Festivus. He perfectly conveyed life’s little victories like great parking spots and leaving the perfect voicemail message. He’s won Emmys, guest writing and acting spots on TV’s biggest shows alongside TV’s biggest stars, and when
The Addams Family A nightmare scenario has befallen Americans ookiest, spookiest family. Young Morticia, who used to spend her youth trying to creatively dispatch of her brother, has fallen in love with her parents’ worst nightmare: a regular high schooler from a respectable American family. Naturally, antics and hilarity ensue. And who doesn’t like a little mid-year Halloween spookiness? Wear some black and lace, mon chere.
A&E CALENDAR the tour is over, he’ll go home and laugh while rolling in big piles of syndication money. Murat Theater at ONC, 502 N. New Jersey St., Apr. 11, 7 and 9:30 p.m., $77-143 Meow Meow: Feline Intimate We heard stories of Meow Meow here at NUVO long before anyone wrote about her. Anecdotal reviews from friends all went along the lines of, “This is nuts and you have to see it!” She’s a bustier-clad singing cabaret performer whose cat-themed act is well worth a look. If nothing else, she’ll provide a hilariously deranged backdrop for any misadventures you might have following the show. The Cabaret at The Columbia Club, 121 Monument Circle, Ste. 516, Apr. 11-12, 8 p.m., $25-55 Ensemble Voltaire: Late Bloomers Indy Baroque’s Ensemble Voltaire is celebrating composers who came to the art later in life. Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764) wrote his first opera only at age 50. Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788) didn’t start composing until he was 43. Taking place in a church, the aural tuning of the sanctuary will be the ideal setting to see them before the performance moves to the Athenaeum. Apr. 11, 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 3243 N. Meridian St. and Apr. 13, 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Athenaeum, 407 E. Michigan St., $10-20 Mandy Patinkin: Dress Casual Before he was an Emmy Award winning TV star, Mandy Patinkin was a Tony Award winning Broadway legend. That’s right, Agent Jason Gideon from Criminal Minds had a long history of singing and dancing for his dinner before ever uttered the words, “My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” From Irving Berlin to Stephen Sondheim, from Cole Porter to Harry Chapin, Patinkin will cover the span of his career in a memorable tribute to Broadway. Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, 355 City Center Drive, Apr. 11, 8 p.m, $15-133 Blind Boys of Alabama and My Brightest Diamond The Blind Boys of Alabama are coming to town for their very first performance in Indianapolis. Since their first rehearsal together at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind in the the 30s, the Blind Boys of Alabama have racked up five Grammys and four Gospel Music Awards. My Brightest Diamond mashes together chamber music, opera, and rock. It’s the solo project of Shara Worden, who sings the title track on the Blind Boys’ latest release. Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts, 610 W. 46th St., Apr. 13, 7 p.m., $15-40
Clowes Memorial Hall, 4602 Sunset Ave., May 13-18, $39-97
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Meow Meow Midori Anyone with a one-word name is going to be awesome. Anything else would make one-word names that also are the names of green melon liqueur almost farcical instead of awe-inspiring, which we’ve heard is all that Midori ever does. The standing ovation that violinist Midori received following her debut with the New York Philharmonic at age 11 set the tone for a career that continues to be impressive—even, intoxicating. Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, 355 City Center Drive, Apr. 13, 7 p.m., $15-115 Spun Molly and Jessie are two twenty-something estranged siblings who find themselves dealing with the wreckage of their father’s death. Their reconnection finds both of them remembering very different versions of their childhood, especially one particular night where life-altering choices changed their paths forever. It’s also a musical, with high-energy rock music as the background.
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra with Edwin Outwater Outwater and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra join together to create a musical experience that combines a little bit of new-world technology with old-world artistry. The performance will take place at Butler’s brand new performing arts center, which we’ve heard is beautifully tuned for smaller, intimate performances like this one. It’s going to be a gorgeous mashup of art and sound. Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts, 610 W. 46th St., Apr. 25 and 26, 7:30 p.m., $10-52
Bless Me, Ultima Based on the best-selling Chicano novel of all time, this magical coming-of-age adventure follows Antonio and his family in 1940s New Mexico. The family’s world is turning upside-down, and his elderly relatives try to impart ancient wisdom to steer him on the right path. The production incorporates elements of music, dance, and brings the source material to life the only way live theatre can. Some performances will be in Spanish. Phoenix Theatre, 749 N. Park Ave., May 15-June 8, $18-28 James Torme James Torme, son of legendary crooner Mel Torme, is touring the classics, infusing standards with his own modern interpretation. He’s also been known to give new songs the jazz standard treatment, throwing a vintage light on Top 40 songs. The Cabaret at the Columbia Club will host Torme for an evening of date night-ready song and piano.
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The Cabaret at the Columbia Club, 121 Monument Circle, Ste. 516, May 15 and 16, $25-55
Nine
Footlight Musicals at Hedback Theater, 1847 N. Alabama St., May 2-18, $10-20
Music of the Masters: Mozart & Beethoven Mozart and Beethoven will illuminate the stage in this Lilly Classical Series performance. Barry Douglas, pianist and conductor, will join the ISO for Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 25, which is widely considered his Mozart’s greatest composition for the instrument. The program will be anchored by Beethoven’s Fourth, a lesser-known but historically admired work of the composer’s.
Black Violin
Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, May 16, 8 p.m. & May 17, 5:30 p.m., $15-80
Cinderella Butler University and Butler Ballet, known for being one of the most selective ballet schools in the nation, will present Cinderella, a three-parter based on the fairy tale. One of the happiest endings to befall a pumpkin-riding country bumpkin with a penchant for really masochistic footwear, the story will be danced to the 20th Century Prokofiev score performed by the Butler Symphony Orchestra. Maestro Stanley DeRusha directs.
Black Violin is one of those acts you put on your calendar a few weeks in advance, filed under “Attendance Mandatory.” Classically trained strings duo Wilner “Wil B” Baptiste and Kevin “Kev Marcus” Sylvester’s music blends hip-hop, rock, classical, r&b, and pop influences in a show that is at times as pensive and enrapturing as a symphony performances, but with the heavy bass bounce of a hip-hop show, but without any lyrics. They layer violin with viola and occasionally cello for depth, and add to that beats and synth for a truly innovative sound. Definitely check these guys out if you can.
Broad Ripple Art Fair For over 40 years, the Broad Ripple Art Fair has brought together more than 200 artisans from throughout North America. The festival features booths from local cultural organizations, as well as a children’s creative area, gourmet food courts, a beer and wine garden and live entertainment on four stages and the Frank M. Basile Auditorium. Head for the ARTSPARK on the grounds of the Indianapolis Art Center for good food and music for a good cause: all proceeds from the Art Fair directly benefit Art Center programs.
Clowes Memorial Hall, 4602 Sunset Ave., Apr. 25-27, $22-29
Warren Performing Arts Center, 9500 E. 16th St., May 4, 4 p.m., $23-25
Phoenix Theatre, 749 N. Park Ave., Apr. 17-May 11, $18-28 Albert Herring Endlessly witty, poignant and beautifully layered, Britten’s comic opera highlights the misadventures of a lonely shop-boy in a small English village teeming with colorful and wickedly amusing characters. Don’t miss this comic romp! Basile Opera Center, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Apr. 25-May 4
Nine revolves around Italian film director, Guido Contini, who is mobbed by nine voracious women as he attempts to come up with the perfect plot line for his next film. Based on Federico Fellini’s autobiographical film 8 ½, Nine won a Tony for Best Musical back in 1982, then another for Best Revival in 2003.
Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67th St., May 17-18, advance: $12 adult, $2 children; gate: $15 adult and $2 children
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FARMERS’ MARKET
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Big beautiful tomatoes 38th & Meridian Farmers’ Market Right in the center of midtown, you can still grab a bountiful selection of locally-grown produce and other farm-fresh goods. The market at 38th & Meridian features a variety of vendors, selling produce, baked goods, honey, beef, pork, eggs and chicken. Some vendors accept WIC vouchers. Pets are welcome. Thursdays, 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., June – October.
gathered around the market every week. Craft lovers take note: the Binford Farmers’ Market welcomes artisans to the market every second Saturday to sell everything from crafts and gifts to home decor items. Keep your eyes on their website for hours and details closer to the opening day in April.
3808 N. Meridian St.
Broad Ripple Farmers Market Broad Ripple has more to offer than just a great location to watch sports and drink a barrel of delicious craft beer. Start your weekend off with a trip to the Broad Ripple Farmers’ Market and shop at over 60 vendors offering everything from fruits, vegetables and prepared food to fresh bison meat and treats for your pets. Miss the early weekend hours? No worries: the market is also open Wednesday evenings for the working set. It’s open May through November in the Broad Ripple Magnet High School parking lot every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and every Wednesday June through September, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Broad Ripple Park parking lot.
Abundant Life Church Farmers’ Market Abundant Life Church hosts this market every Thursday from June to September. Vendors sell produce, honey, baked goods, lamb meat, crafts, household items, and other goods. The church aims to connect with its community and support local farmers. Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., June - September 7606 E. 82nd St.; alcindy.com/ALCfarmersmarket.html Binford Farmers Market This market has just about everything, from farmfresh produce to chicken, meat, lamb, breads and lots of other hot and frozen prepared foods. You can also find some of Indy’s favorite food trucks
6200 Binford Boulevard; binfordfarmersmarket.com
1550 Broad Ripple Ave. (Broad Ripple Park), 1115 Broad Ripple Ave. (Broad Ripple High School); broadripplefarmersmarket.org
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Carmel Farmers Market On Center Green The Carmel Farmers Market, a growers- and producers-only market, is a great place for our Northside neighbors to grab all their produce, eggs, meat and other edibles. And take heed: this is a food-only party, so that means no crafts or artisans like other markets around town. The Carmel market also offers an impressive lineup of prepared foods, like jams, salsas, breakfast sandwiches, Belgian waffles, Danish pastries, cheeses and honey. Cooking demonstrations, children’s activities and live music, all taking place adjacent to Carmel’s Centre for the Performing Arts, make supporting local Indiana growers fun for the entire family. Come visit the Market for breakfast or lunch (or both) every Saturday morning from May through September on Carmel’s Center Green, located adjacent to the Palladium concert hall. Hours are 8 - 11:30 a.m.
organic and locally grown on your way out of town for summer camping. Like the Downtown market, you can go either on Saturday or Tuesday from June through September. Saturdays 8 a.m. - Noon; Tuesdays 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
355 City Center Dr.; carmelfarmersmarket.com
Main Street and Washington (Danville);
Cumberland Farmers Market The Cumberland Market is scant on details, but we do know it’s a good place to find local produce on the far Eastside. Grab something
Cumberland Town Hall, 11501 E. Washington St.; cumberlandfarmersmarket.org Danville Chamber Farmers’ Market The Danville Chamber Farmers’ Market offers a wide variety of products in addition to their locally grown produce. This market features handmade soaps, oils, candles, baked goods, quilts and aprons. Here, vendors are both organic and non-organic producers. The Danville Chamber Farmers’ Market is the largest in Hendricks County. Saturdays, 8 am-12 pm May – Sept.
Morgan County Farmers’ Market: Martinsville Location This farmers’ market competes with larger farmers’ markets, but being smaller allows it to accommodate smaller vendors. This, in turn,
FARMERS’ MARKET allows for a more personable, customer-oriented experience. As far as products are concerned this market offers honey, sweet corn, melons, green beans, non-traditional items such as yard long beans, edamame and other oriental goods. All items sold at this market are produced in Indiana. Occasionally, music is also featured at the market along with various community-based days. Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., season begins in May 180 S. Main St. (Martinsville); The Original Farmers Market at the Indianapolis City Market If you work downtown, make sure you stop by this Downtown market staple and grab a little bit of everything, from honey to bakery items and fresh produce. It’s a midweek market aimed specifically at Downtown employees,, so set aside some time in your day to do a little lunchtime shopping, or stop by if you’re in town for a conference or convention to sample Indiana farm-fresh produce and products. If you’re looking for something already prepared, head inside to sample from one of the many vendors. From May to October, the market sets up shop outside on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. November to April, the market moves indoors and is open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 222 E. Market St.; indywinterfarmersmarket.org Traders Point Green Market Traders Point Creamery is an organic dairy farm on the Northwestside of Indianapolis. This family-owned farm offers several opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy farm-fresh, organic foods from local vendors as well as their own cheeses and other creamery products. The Green Market is open on Friday nights from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. starting the first week of May and lasting until the last week of October. Each week, approximately 25 vendors set up tents on the front lawn of the farm selling everything from handmade wooden works to organic meats and produce. Hang around and have an incredible dinner at the Traders Point restaurant, The Loft, beginning at 5 p.m.
MORE MARKETS: Plainfield Chamber of Commerce Farmers’ Market Wednesdays 4pm – 7pm beginning the first Wednesday of June 105 S. East Street (Plainfield); plainfieldchamber.org Greenwood Farmer’s Market Saturdays, Apr. 26 - October, 8 a.m. - Noon. 525 N. Madison Fortville Farmer’s Market Thursdays, 4 -7 p.m. Fortville Church of the Nazarene, 701 S. Maple St.; /FortvilleFarmersMarket Irvington Farmer’s Market June - October, 2nd Sunday of every month, Noon - 3 p.m. Ellenberger Park, 5301 E. St. Clair St. Hancock County Farmer’s Market Wednesday & Saturday; 8 a.m. - Noon Hancock County Fairgrounds, 620 N. Apple St. (Greenfield) Washington Township Community Park Farmers’ Market Tuesdays 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. June through October 150 N. and CR 475 E. (Avon)
9101 Moore Road; tpforganics.com/farmers-market Zionsville Farmers’ Market The Zionsville Farmers’ Market is impressive in size, including over 35 vendors who participate in the market. The vendors dole out products from local farmers such as: fruits, vegetables, pastries, cheeses, meats and eggs. Not only are a variety of products available, but the market holds special events that include live music. Saturdays, 7:30 am-11am June-September. Main St. and Hawthorne (Zionsville); zionsvillefarmersmarket.org
A rainbow of produce
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INDEX
1913 Restaurant ......................... 25 247 Sky Bar ................................ 14
Black Swan Brewpub .................. 06
Dorman Street Saloon ................. 24
Peppy Grill .................................. 28
Blu Lounge .................................. 14
Dunaway’s .................................. 20
Platt 99 ....................................... 27
Bluebeard ................................... 26
Egyptian Room ........................... 13
Pure Eatery ................................. 28
Brass Ring ................................... 28
Fat Dan’s Chicago Deli ............... 33
450 North ................................... 09
Quaff On! Brewing Company ..... 09
Broad Ripple Brewpub ................ 06
Flat 12 Biewerks ......................... 07
5th Quarter Lounge .................... 11
Radio Radio ................................ 13
Broad Ripple Bagel & Deli .......... 33
Forty Five Degrees ...................... 26
8 Seconds Saloon ........................ 16
Ralston’s DraftHouse .................. 28
Café Patachou ............................ 35
Fountain Square Brewing Co. ..... 07
Alley Cat, The ............................. 00
Ram Restaurant & Brewery ........ 08
Café Zuppa ................................. 33
General Public Collective ............ 11
Ambrosia .................................... 25
Red Key Tavern ........................... 25
Casba .......................................... 14
Good Morning Mama’s ............... 34
Bakersfield .................................. 28
Red Room, The ........................... 16
Chatham Tap .............................. 17
Goose The Market ...................... 34
Ball & Biscuit .............................. 25
Rock Bottom Rest. & Brewery .... 08
Chatterbox, The .......................... 11
Hoaglin To Go ............................. 34
Bankers Life Fieldhouse .............. 13
Rook ........................................... 29
Coaches Tavern .......................... 22
Hoosier Dome ............................. 11
Barley Island ............................... 09
Sabbatical ................................... 13
Comedy Sportz ............................ 16
Hubbard & Cravens ..................... 34
Bier Brewery ............................... 06
Scotty’s Brewhouse ..................... 08
Connor’s Pub .............................. 24
Ike & Jonesy’s ............................. 14
Big Woods Brewing Company .... 09
Crackers Comedy Club ................ 16
Indiana City Brewing .................. 07
Shapiro’s Deli .............................. 35
Birdy’s Bar and Grill .................... 11
Cutters Brewing Company .......... 09
Indy Brew Bus ............................. 31
Biscuits Café ............................... 33
Daredevil Brewing Company ...... 09
Jazz Kitchen, The ........................ 13
Black Acre Brewing Co. .............. 06
DO317 Lounge ............................ 11
Klipsch Music Center .................. 13
Black Market .............................. 26
Donut Shop, The ......................... 33
Lafayette Brewing Company ....... 09 Libertine, The .............................. 26 Lincoln Pancake .......................... 34 MacNiven’s ................................. 28 Market Table .............................. 34 Maxine’s Chicken & Waffles ....... 34 Melody Inn .................................. 13 Metro, The .................................. 14 Mineshaft Saloon ........................ 16 Monon Coffee Company ............. 34 Mousetrap .................................. 13 Morty’s Comedy Joint ................. 17 Murat Theatre ............................. 14 Mustache Rides .......................... 31 New Day Meadery ...................... 07 Northside Social, The .................. 27 Old National Centre .................... 14 Old Point Tavern ......................... 28 Oaken Barrel Brewing Co. .......... 09 Outliers ....................................... 08
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Sinking Ship, The ........................ 29 Slippery Noodle Inn .................... 13 Social .......................................... 20 St. Elmo’s & 1933 Lounge .......... 27 Subterra ...................................... 16 Sun King Brewing Co .................. 09 Talbott Street .............................. 16 Taste ........................................... 35 Tastings ...................................... 27 Thr3e Wise Men .......................... 09 3 Sisters Cafe .............................. 35 Thunderbird ................................ 29 Tini .............................................. 27 Tow Yard Brewing ...................... 09 Triton Brewing ............................ 09 Upland Brewing Company .......... 09 Vogue, The ................................. 14 Wellington, The .......................... 27 White Rabbit Cabaret ................. 13 Yats ............................................. 35 Complete Taxi listings ................ 31
838 Broad Ripple Ave 317-466-1555
SCHOONER NIGHT! EVERY MONDAY & THURSDAY
$2 Domestics w/ 32 oz. refills $5.75 Craft Beers w/ 32 oz. refills (not all beers available in schooners)
50 BEERS ON TAP!!