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Colts Training Camp at Grand Park
2024 Colts Training Camp, presented by Koorsen Fire & Security, kicked off on Wednesday, July 25 at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield and runs through Thursday, Aug. 15.
Be a part of the action this summer at practices with free and open bleacher seating, a wide-range of family-friendly activities and the chance to get up close and personal with the players.
JULY 25
Camp Kickoff, presented by Koorsen Fire & Security
JULY 27-28
Back Together Weekend
JULY 30
Open Practice + Colts City
JULY 31
Open Practice + Colts City
AUG. 2
Family Day
AUG. 4
Give Back Sunday
AUG. 5
Back to School
AUG. 7
Salute to Service Day
AUG. 9
Kicking the Stigma
AUG. 14
Fan Appreciation Day*
AUG. 15
Thirsty Thursday*
*indicates joint practice with Arizona Cardinals
Admission is free, but a ticket is required. Get your free tickets at VisitHamiltonCounty. com/Colts. Claim your free tickets and bring the whole family to Colts Training Camp.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
• Parking is available at Grand Park Sports Campus for $5 in advance and $10 day of. Fan parking will be available in Lots E and G. ADA parking will be available in all lots. View parking map.
• Admission is free, but a ticket is required to attend all Training Camp practices.
• NFL’s “Clear Bag Policy” is in effect in all areas that require a ticket. Check that your bag or purse meets the requirements.
• No water bottles or outside food is permitted.
• Pets are not permitted.
If you are looking for a place to eat before or after Colts Training Camp, there are many local dining options. Check out Westfield restaurants including Restaurant Row on Park Street and nearby Carmel restaurants at VisitHamiltonCounty.com/Restaurants.
Find more fun things to do in Hamilton County at VisitHamiltonCounty.com, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
SWEET FREEDOM
FREEDOMDOC AT WESTFIELD PREMIER PROVIDES QUALITY AND PATIENT-FOCUSED CARE
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
Photographer / Sarah Browning
Dr. Robert Habig and Dr. Mary Pat Forkin, board-certified family physicians, and Dr. Elaine Habig, board-certified internal/adult medicine physician, have been providing health care for families in Carmel and surrounding communities for many years. They are among the original founders of American Health Network (AHN) as a group of physicians delivering high-quality, low-cost health care as independent practices.
In 2016, AHN was bought and managed by Optum (UnitedHealthcare). At the time the three doctors were discouraged with what health care had become. They began considering how great it would be if doctors could work for patients, rather than corporations.
“We thought, ‘What if doctors could spend as much time as needed with patients, be available 24 hours a day, promise same-day or next-day visits, have a no-wait policy in the waiting room, be free from insurance and billing, and offer care not just in Carmel, but wherever a patient travels, coordinating care with specialists?’” says Dr. Elaine Habig. “And what if we made it an annual membership with unlimited visits and care?”
In 2016 the trio launched a Direct Primary Care practice, now known as Westfield Premier Physicians (WPP).
“We are dedicated to delivering health care as we had been trained - a direct
relationship between physician and patient without the government and insurance companies in the exam room,” says Forkin.
Because Habig and Forkin want their core values and ethics to be carried on for many years, they welcome dedicated primary care physicians to their practice, like Dr. Mazhar (Mo) Khan, who is board certified in family medicine and a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
“Primary care is basically the same thing as concierge medicine, but at a more affordable price point that makes it accessible to so many more people,” says Khan. “That’s essentially what FreedomDoc at Westfield Premier is.”
According to Khan, the average family doctor has between 2,500 and 3,000 people on their panels. This volume of patients oftendoes not optimize one-on-one time between patient and doctor, which is why wait times often stretch out for weeks. This is precisely why people have lost favor with the traditional health care system and feel a disconnection with their primary doctors.
“People feel rushed and discarded, and often like doctors are trying to shove pills down their throats,” says Khan, who notes that at FreedomDoc, they take a more holistic approach to care by addressing changes in behaviors and lifestyles.
In recent years there has been a cultural shift, and many people want to learn to eat
“People have a thirst for knowledge, and that’s what a doctor is supposed to do - share knowledge - as real treatment begins with patient education.”
— Dr. Mazhar Khan
better, cook right and do more to promote a healthy lifestyle, rather than simply requesting a prescription medication.
“People have a thirst for knowledge, and that’s what a doctor is supposed to doshare knowledge - as real treatment begins with patient education,” says Khan. “How many people have heart failure but don’t know what that is? How many people have diabetes and think it’s because they’ve eaten too many jelly doughnuts? How many people are morbidly obese and have been told all their life that they eat too many calories?”
At FreedomDoc at Westfield Premier, doctors ideally take care of between 300 and 400 patients, which ensures that at a minimum, patients get a 30-minute appointment. If they need more time, however, that’s no problem.
“Having more patients at the cost of not being able to provide the best quality care doesn’t sit well with me,” says Khan, who vows that he’ll never go back to working in a hospital-based practice that values quantity over quality. “It’s so important to build relationships with patients. Getting to know their backgrounds is not only helpful when it comes to treatment, but that personal touch also makes people feel more comfortable.”
With a Direct Primary Care doc, patients can contact their doctor through a secure portal, even during off hours.
“Say you just start a new medication and feel a weird sensation in your stomach,” Khan says. “I’d rather you call and ask the doctor who prescribed it than wait until morning or have to see the nurse practitioner. We pride ourselves on having that intimate connection with our patients.”
Many people get frustrated getting bounced around from doctor to doctor, perhaps seeing physicians’ assistants and nurse practitioners rather than their primary care doc. When this happens, continuity of care is lost, and so is trust.
“People trust us with their most valuable
asset - their health,” says Khan. “We’re the answer to all the people who are frustrated with the existing medical system, insurance, deductibles and all that jazz.”
Traditional systems often might not enable doctors to take the time to look at the person as a whole. They might not consider age, socioeconomic status, culture, religion and other variables when managing care. For example, Khan has some Hispanic patients who have their own cultural and religious dispositions that affect their care. Khan takes all of that into account.
“I have the time to get to know them and see what will work for them,” says Khan. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all. I truly feel like if everybody had access to this type of care, we could get people out of hospitals and give them a good quality of life.”
Before anyone is able to become a member, they are encouraged to sit down and talk with Dr. Khan during a Meet and Greet. Dr.
Khan wants to make sure his patients are a good fit and understand how his care can benefit them.
FreedomDoc at Westfield Premier provides care for patients for a clear, flat monthly fee of $200 or less. Pricing varies by age group as follows:
$50 per month for ages birth to 22 years, $100 per month for ages 23-39, $150 per month for ages 40-49 and $200 per month for ages 50 and up.
For more information, call 317-763-2131 or visit wpp.freedomdoc.care.
CARMELFEST 2024 RECAP
Not many people realize that CarmelFest is an enormous undertaking that the members of the Rotary Club of Carmel present, in cooperation with the City of Carmel and major donor partners like Merchants Bank, Allied Solutions, Napleton Auto Group and Everwise Credit Union.
Over 200 volunteers work multiple shifts over the course of the two days the festival is officially open, while numerous other volunteers work tirelessly setting up the day before CarmelFest opens and the day after it closes.
According to CarmelFest Co-Chair Steve Krusie, the debut of the Rotary Ferris Wheel was a grand slam, as long lines and nonstop riding occurred during festival hours on both days. And even though it rained during the parade, thousands of people were undeterred from enjoying the floats and marching bands along the 2.5mile parade route.
While one of the primary goals is to present a family-friendly festival that celebrates the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, an equally important goal is
to raise funds for reinvesting in the city, and throughout Hamilton and Marion counties, to support local organizations like Merciful HELP Center, Crooked Creek Food Panty, Meals on Wheels, Carmel Summer Meals Program, Trinity Free Clinic and the Leadership Connection Academy, to name just a few.
To learn more about the Rotary Club of Carmel, Indiana, and all the ways you can join us to serve our community, visit carmelrotary.com.
AUGU S T P ROGR AMS
ADULT & PEDIATRIC FIRST AID/CPR/AED
Monday, Aug. 12 | Ages 15+ | Monon Community Center | $85
Earn an American Red Cross certification in First Aid, CPR and AED. Led by our experience staff, this American Red Cross course teaches you how to recognize and care for life-threatening respiratory or cardiac emergencies in adults, children and infants.
INTERMEDIATE PICKLEBALL
Mondays, Aug. 5-26 | Ages 15+ | Monon Community Center | $58
Think you know your way around a pickleball paddle? In Intermediate Pickleball, our instructors will help you fine-tune your pickleball skills, as well as share inside tips and tricks to help you dominate on the court. Participants must have previously completed Beginner Pickleball or have 25-30 hours of court time. Loaner paddles and pickleballs are provided.
LUNCH & LEARN
Wednesday, Aug. 14 | Ages 15+ | Monon Community Center | $5
Enjoy a light lunch as you gain knowledge about fitness and health! Once a month, a CCPR specialist will present trending topics regarding health and nutrition. Every session includes lunch, a take-home outline of topics, and a Q&A. Registration is required. Space is limited.
PRESCHOOL SPLASH BASH
Monday, Aug. 5 | Ages 6 and under | The Waterpark | $15
Splish, splash, we're having a bash – you and your preschooler are invited for a morning of fun at The Waterpark! Enjoy the kiddie pool, activity pool and lazy river while the big kids are back in school. $15 per child; adults are free.
SKATEBOARDING II
Saturdays, Aug. 3-31 | Ages 6-13 | The Skatepark at Central Park $60
Take your skateboarding skills up a notch! Learn advanced skateboarding techniques such as flips, nose grinds and more in these group lessons. Skaters must provide their own skateboard and safety equipment. Helmets required; pads encouraged.
YOUTH ARCHERY
Wednesdays, Aug. 7-28 | Ages 8-14 | Perelman Pavilion Lawn | $38
Bullseye! In this class you will get hands-on experience with a bow and arrow alongside our experienced archery instructors. Participants will learn archery commands, proper stance, safety and technique. Beginners will be trained using a recurve bow. Please wear closed-toe shoes.
T E S T IMONI AL S
Marina N., Monon Community Center Member Services Associate
Marina N. loves connecting with Monon Community Center (MCC) members as a member services associate! She enjoys talking to members and learning about their day-to-day lives. Marina’s role has helped her improve her English, learn vital customer service skills, and spread her infectious positive attitude.
"One morning I was walking into the MCC when a member stopped me and told me that I have the brightest smile. She said, 'Your smile made my day!' I think that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me – I love that I made a positive difference to her day."
ammy R., Monon Community Center Group Fitness Instructor
Monon Community Center (MCC) group fitness instructor Tammy R. is known for her tough classes and kind, supportive attitude. Tammy goes the extra mile to ensure her participants feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. She believes that success is a community affair!
“As an instructor, my hope is to always leave participants feeling inspired, challenged, motivated and successful. I want them to leave class feeling empowered and capable of overcoming anything they might face in their daily life, knowing they have a community of friends waiting to celebrate their successes.”
“active adult” to an exciting place along the way. Our goal is to provide residents with maintenance-free living in premium apartment homes, while creating endless activities. Our purpose built 1- and 2-bedroom apartment homes unite
Thursday, August 15th | 5pm — 7pm Birdies Grill House and Sports Bar 632 E State Rd 32, Westfield, IN 46074
RSVP’s are required.
residents and promote social experiences. Amenities like pedestrian trails, two pickleball courts, and a fitness center invite you to stay active with others. The bistro lounge, outdoor fire pits, and clubhouse offer cozy spaces to create memories with newfound friends.
The emphasis at GrandView is fostering an environment where residents enjoy the opportunity and freedom to live well and enjoy the lifestyle that best suits their interests, passions and needs. Family members will rest easy knowing their loved ones are benefiting from various activity options orchestrated by experienced and caring team members.
GrandView is now leasing and would be happy to provide you with more information on available apartment homes that would be move-in ready Fall 2024. Whether you are considering downsizing yourself or have a loved one far away that you want close, GrandView is an exciting option right here in Westfield.
GAME TIME
THE CARMEL DADS’ CLUB HAS BEEN SUPPORTING LOCAL YOUTH ATHLETICS FOR 65 YEARS
In the heart of our bustling town, where the landscape of the community is continually evolving, there exists a place of consistent support and community spirit: the Carmel Dads’ Club.
It’s located at 5459 East Main Street, once known as the Blue Farm off of 131st Street, consisting of 39 acres of farmland. Through the hard work and dedication of volunteers, it was transformed to host the growing leagues of today’s youth athletes.
The Carmel Dads’ Club started in 1959, originating from a handful of fathers from the community getting together with administrators of the Carmel Clay school system. They made up a passionate group of individuals intent on providing a resource for young athletes. Today, the club offers programs for youth athletes ranging from preschool to high school seniors.
As a club environment, it offers 13 different sports, hosts over 4,000 volunteers and draws in nearly 15,000 participants. The mission is to foster the development of youth in sports-related programs, and to build self-esteem, physical fitness, respect and achievement.
As a multigenerational organization, many of these young athletes are children or grandchildren of participates from years
past. A unique program for participants with special needs is available within the programs offered. Over 100 participants have joined this program in the 2024 season. In an effort to provide opportunities to all children, the Carmel Dads’ Club has formed the KAP (Kids All Play) Scholarship, where over 500 children participate in the programs. Children who qualify for assistance through Carmel Clay Schools are eligible for this scholarship program, which extends the opportunity to play one sport per year as part of the program.
Both recreation and travel teams are offered through the extensive list of programs. Although primarily a recreational sports organization, the group does offer travel teams for several sports. At all levels, children are offered the option to participate in organized sports. High school programs are advanced enough to be considered intramural and provide a competitive edge.
Golf has been added most recently to the programing. In partnership with the Brookshire Golf Course, Brian Ballard leads a group of spring (girls) and fall (boys) golf programs.
As a volunteer-based organization, coaches are welcome from the community and team parents are encouraged to volunteer. “As long as we have coaches, we won’t turn away a participant,” says President Jack Beery.
“We want to try and place everybody on a team, because we believe that a youth sports experience at any level is important, teaching them things they can use for the rest of their lives.”
The long-standing, close relationship with the Carmel school system has provided the Carmel Dads’ club the space and facilities to host programs, allowing them to remove the cost of spectatorship to team supporters. In addition, the club owns three facilities, and partners closely with Hamilton County Parks and Recreation.
“One of the unique things about Carmel Dads’ Club is, as we stretch east to west and north to south, athletes can play in our programs as pre-K and kindergartners where your teammates might live across town, and then these students get to high school and they have relationships that have been built over the years,” says Beery. “It’s a unique foundation for many of the kids who participate in our programs.”
As one of the largest youth sports organizations in the country, the club still maintains all of their programs under one organization. Although the club works closely with the Carmel Clay Schools, the existence of alternative outlets for athletic involvement is important, Beery says.
Fall brings flag football for kids in ages pre-K to second grade. A third- and fourth-grade league as well as a fifth- and sixth-grade league complete the fall lineup. The spring season offers an aerial league, intended to be an entry experience for participants to learn fundamentals of the game. Registration for spring aerial football is open January 1 through late February.
Beery says the goal of the Carmel Dads’ Club is to keep players safe while enjoying practices and games. Several precautions have been put into practice to maintain the safety of football athletes. As practices take place, coaches have prohibited certain blocking and tackling maneuvers. Teams have a limited amount of time and contact each week, in an effort to provide safer experiences. Investments have been made in certain types of equipment that are safer for the kids to practice on, in an effort to reduce live action during practices. Coaches are required to complete training and take the National Federation of State High School Associations Concussion is Sports course. In additional to recondition or replacement of equipment, the Carmel Dads’ Club requires safety standards on all practice drills.
John Hebert, Carmel High School’s head football coach, hosts a coaches clinic for the Carmel Dads’ Club coaches each year, walking them through each position and teaching different drills. “Coaches education is very important to the overall experience of our kids,” says Beery. “We need to make sure that the message at higher levels is being taught to our younger kids so they are learning things the right way.”
The 2024 season of flag football is currently underway, winter sports evaluations will begin soon, and spring sports leagues will begin forming after January 1.
“We’re trying to create memories for kids and their families for the rest of their lives,” says Beery. “As a kid who experienced that here myself, my kids have experienced that. Some of our best friends and their best friends today are relationships that have been built here at Carmel Dads’ Club.”
As it always has, the Carmel Dads’ Club still
works closely with Carmel Clay Schools to share facilities. With more than 13,000 annual participants, the organization remains focused on honoring the past contributions of Carmel families while looking to the next chapter with eagerness, innovation, and a desire to help all children experience the positive impact of youth sports.
To learn more about the Carmel Dads’ Club, visit carmeldadsclub.org or call 317-846-1663.
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ATTENDING COLTS TRAINING CAMP
Writer / Vince Welch
Just like kids returning to school for a new academic year, summer vacation is over for the Indianapolis Colts. Class is in session. Training camp is in full swing.
The games don’t count until the Houston Texans visit Lucas Oil Stadium September 8 for the regular-season opener, but hope for a run into the postseason has its foundation laid in the preseason at training camp. If the Colts are to improve on last year’s 9-8 record and take the next step into the playoffs, much of that groundwork will be set in
motion during these practices at Grand Park in Westfield.
Grand Park, in its sixth year of being home to the Colts training camp, is scheduled to host a dozen practice sessions, wrapping up August 5 with a joint practice and scrimmage against the visiting Arizona Cardinals.
Training camp is full of opportunity, whether it is quarterback Anthony Richardson showing he’s healthy and sharp
after last year’s season-ending surgery, or first-round draft pick Laiatu Latu giving indication the Colts were spot-on when making the UCLA pass rusher the first defensive player taken in the draft.
But one could argue training camp is as much about the fans as it is the team. The Colts organization recognizes the chance to connect with those buying jerseys, purchasing tickets and living on the edge of every third-and-one scenario.
“We are one of the few teams in the league where training camp is open to fans for every practice,” noted Stephanie Pemberton, Colts vice president of marketing. “It really does allow fans to be part of the players’ journey.”
The practice sessions at Grand Park provide fans their first glimpse of the team they’ll be cheering this season. For the armchair quarterback, it is an opportunity to absorb the detail and intricacies that go into each play. It’s easy to find your favorite player on the field and watch his every move. It is access a fan never gets once training camp concludes.
Of course, what happens on the field is critical for second-year Coach Shane Steichen and his staff, but it’s what happens off the field that makes training camp unique. When practice is over, most players are accessible. In the player interaction, you often see a personality and friendliness typically covered by pads and a helmet.
Yes, NFL players are real people too! Fans have a chance to get close to the players who are usually only seen from the distance of a stadium’s upper deck, or the lens of a television camera - and training camp definitely provides the best chance for an autograph or a much-desired selfie with a favorite player.
Training camp provides something for all ages and levels of fandom. The kids can test their prowess at running, throwing and catching on a special field at Colts City. Even the big kids (yes that’s you, mom and dad) have fun on the turf showing the youngsters some of their old moves from the glory days.
“The expansiveness of Grand Park allows us to build out the fan experience to the fullest,” Pemberton said.
With the elevated heart rate from some fun exercise, and the sweat from a hot summer day, Colts City concessions are stocked
and ready to hit the spot. After getting your thirst quenched and your belly full, you’ll want to check out the Pro Shop for the latest gear to make you look and feel like a true Blue fan. All purchases are cashless, so don’t forget your credit card.
While training camp is about the fun and games, there are some important details to note. It is possible for a training-camp session to be sold out, especially during weekend or evening practices. You must have a ticket to attend, and you get your ticket in advance. Tickets are not available via walk-up at Grand Park. Visit colts.com/ camp to get your ticket for the day(s) you want to attend. Generally, tickets are free, but there are some exceptions. In a change from from previous years, five training-camp practices will have a $5 admission for adults 18 and over. The proceeds will benefit the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis flag football program. Tickets for kids 17 and under are always free.
Once you arrive for training camp at Grand Park, plenty of parking is available. You can purchase parking for $5 in advance, or $10 the day-of. ADA-accessible parking and seating are also available.
“Getting your tickets and parking early, and having them in your phone’s mobile wallet, allows us to expedite your entrance into the facility,” Pemberton added.
Keep in mind that a clear-bag policy is in effect at training camp, so do yourself a favor and arrive prepared.
It is always a good idea to check out colts. com/camp to make sure you are aware of the opportunities and requirements for your day at Colts training camp; make sure you don’t get to the goal line only to be intercepted. See, there’s something you and Anthony Richardson have in common! Go Colts!
CARMEL LIBRARY TO HOST LOCAL AUTHOR FAIR
The Carmel Clay Public Library team is excited to announce its upcoming Local Author Fair, a celebration of literary talent and community engagement. This event will take place on Saturday, August 24 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Main Library, at 425 East Main Street. Admission is free.
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to connect with dozens of local authors representing a diverse range of genres. From established writers to emerging voices, the fair will showcase work by authors from Carmel and the surrounding area. Authors will discuss their writing, sell and sign books, and share insights into their creative process.
“We’ve seen an increase in recent years in the number of authors in our community, especially as self-publishing has taken off,” says library Adult Services Assistant Manager Kendall Culbertson. “This event will be a great way to connect those authors with new readers, and for readers to learn about the writing process from the people who do it.”
Local authors interested in being part of the event may apply online through July 26 at carmelclaylibrary.org/local-author-fair.
More details about the event including a list of participating organizations can be found at carmelclaylibrary.org/events.
WORTH THE HYPE
CARMEL CLAY SCHOOLS OFFER FALL FOOTBALL
AND SO MUCH MORE
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
Other than the state championship, Carmel High School’s (CHS) homecoming game is the highestattended and most anticipated football game of the year. In the week leading up to the September 20 game, there’s extra excitement in the air because the school’s homecoming activities don’t solely revolve around football; they celebrate sports, academics, performing arts, clubs and more.
The homecoming parade, which begins Friday at 1 p.m. at Lexington and Main and ends at the Monon on Main, is an opportunity for the school to showcase all the activities at CHS.
“Our parent groups are amazing,” says Amy Skeens-Benton, assistant principal. “We also have an incredible relationship with the fire department, police department, businesses and mayor’s office, all of whom help us continue these traditions that started when we were a small school in the middle of cornfields.”
She has fond memories of when she was a student at CHS. The football players had a “Top Gun” theme for the 1986 season, so the lineman wore “Top Gun” baseball hats around school.
“I was a sophomore and I thought they were giants,” says Skeens-Benton. CHS won the state championship that year, and current CHS Football Coach John Hebert was a player.
Carmel goes above and beyond when it comes to homecoming. For instance, the cheerleaders decorate storefront windows in downtown Carmel with permission. They also hang decorations around the outside of the school, adorn the football players’ cars and post encouraging signs in the locker room. Cheerleaders participate in a pregame family tailgate rally where they walk around to different tailgates dispersing candy, cups and paw-prints tattoos to get everyone fired up.
On September 10 at 7 p.m., CHS
cheerleaders will host “Share the Spirit,” which will showcase routines from the elementary, middle and high school cheer routines. In lieu of an admission fee, they ask for canned-good donations, which they will give to a local Carmel charity.
“It’s a fun night of cheerleaders supporting cheerleaders,” says Brooke Kibler, CHS head coach of competition and football cheer.
As spirit ambassadors for the school, the cheerleaders get fans hyped for the Greyhounds by throwing T-shirts into the crowd, performing short, simple interactive sideline cheers, and collaborating with the DJ at home games to play fun music.
“We run out on the field with the Hounds carrying our Carmel flags,” says Kibler. “We also run them after each touchdown, along with ringing our touchdown bell.”
When they aren’t cheering on Friday nights, they’re practicing for their
own competition season, as the squad participates at both the Indiana Cheer Championship in November and the national level in Orlando in February. The public can see the teams in action when they host a competition at CHS on October 12.
CHS’s marching band is a multifaceted ensemble and six-time national champion that’s been a national finalist for 27 consecutive years. The band has performed all over the world, including the Macy’s parade twice and the Tournament of Roses parade.
According to Chris Kreke, performing arts department chairman and associate director of bands, they’ve got a set routine in the pregame leading up to the national anthem and the teams entering the field; this helps to build excitement with the fans.
“It’s a blast to play the school song each time our awesome team scores,” says Kreke.
CHS’ halftime performances are portions of their
competitive show, so that home crowds can see what the students are working on outside of the game-day experience.
“We’re excited about our upcoming season,” Kreke says. “Our nearly 300
members have been hard at work since June 1, and we can’t wait to show everyone our progress at the first game.”
LISTEN LOCAL
UNION SUIT RALLY
Writer / Devon Dean
Central-Indiana-based band Union Suit Rally (USR) recently put out its second full-length album, “Sin It up Now - Hash It out Later.”
Formed about a decade ago, the band is what happens when you combine seven longtime friends and a shared passion for music.
“Me and Randy Sharkey, USR’s banjo player and sometimes vocalist, have played in a lot of bands and written a lot of songs together,” says singer and guitarist Brad Powers. “We’ve been helping each other musically forever.”
He credits the 2014 release of Bob Dylan’s “The Bootleg Series Vol. 11: The Basement Tapes Complete” as the spark for him and Sharkey to begin writing what would eventually become Union Suit Rally’s first songs.
“We’ve always been huge Dylan fans,” he says. “When ‘The Basement Tapes’ dropped, we got a chance to really dig in. It just seemed like a really cool moment in music where the band was down there jamming, doing their thing, and I just imagined Dylan upstairs, sitting on the couch, typing up lyrics until his fingers hurt, right?”
Powers says they invited friends from Beech Grove, Batesville, Franklin, Greenwood, Lawrence and Fishers over to jam, and flow through music and lyrics.
Those sessions evolved into Union Suit Rally forming and playing their first live shows.
“We were just so damn proud of what we were doing,” says Powers. “I just don’t think we could contain it anymore. So we just
“WE WERE JUST SO DAMN PROUD OF WHAT WE WERE DOING. I JUST DON’T THINK WE COULD CONTAIN IT ANYMORE.”
—BRAD POWERS
started grabbing at any opportunity that came our way to play in front of people, just because you’re so excited about it. And I think that’s kind of how it happened.”
At first they played a couple house parties and opened for the now-defunct Creme de la Femme burlesque troop. Over time, word of mouth spread about the band’s raucous live shows.
“I want to grab your attention,” says Powers. “I want it to be unexpected. I want the first song to make you look and say, ‘OK, these guys aren’t hacks. they’re a tight band and this seems pretty exciting.’”
We try to start big, play a couple of hardstrumming, foot-stomping tunes, and then we give you a break,” he adds. “Then I try to keep that way of going in the set because I know as an original band that you only have people’s attention for 35 to 45 minutes.”
Alongside an EP and their first full-length album, “The Midwest at Its Midbest,” the new album is available by contacting the band through their Facebook page, and streaming digitally in all the usual spots. Their next confirmed live show is September 26 at the historic Melody Inn on Indianapolis’s north side.
“I’m not ashamed to say I think we have chased down and caught that ‘Midwest sound,’” says Powers. “I don’t know who else is doing it quite like us right now. I’m not trying to say that we’re 100% original. We’ve got some sort of Midwest flavor that maybe you’re not getting from a lot of other places.”
Check the band out on Facebook @ unionsuitrally.
THE DAVE BENNETT QUARTET
CARMEL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FEATURING ANTONIA BENNETT
PREMIUM BLEND I WENDY REED BRENDA WILLIAMS BLAIR CLARK I PAVEL POLANCO-SAFADIT
AVERAGE WHITE BAND TIM CUNNINGHAM | DANNY LERMAN FRI. AUG 9TH & SAT. AUG 10TH 2024
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FAIR GAME
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE INDIANA STATE FAIR
Writer / Devon Dean
Gird your loins, grab your sunblock, antacid, and a few friends and head to the Indiana State Fair August 2-18. While there’s plenty to explore, the food competition is always a huge attraction.
This year, the “Taste of the Fair” offers a literal smorgasbord of food and drinks to try out. Definitely bring an empty stomach and an open mind. Fairgoers are encouraged to vote for their favorite new food items by visiting any of the information booths around campus or by scanning the QR code that will be available at the concession stands.
The annual competition is for more than just bragging rights. The winning food stand will receive a $2,500 cash prize, followed by the second place receiving $1,000, and third place receiving $500. In addition, for the first time our partners at the World Food Championships will award the top three winners a Golden Ticket entry to the World Food Championships event taking place in Indianapolis this fall for the first time in history at the State Fairgrounds.
FAIRGOERS CAN HIT UP TO 43 DIFFERENT STOPS ON THEIR TOUR DE EATING. THE EXPANSIVE MENU INCLUDES:
• A Bloody Mary topped with a mini corn on the cob, cheeseburger slider, fried mac and cheese, fried pickles, waffle fries, hotdog slider, and a mini apple pie
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch funnel cake
• Strawberry cheesecake funnel cake
• Pickle-flavored pale ale
• Deep fried golden Oreos
• Amish peanut butter pretzels topped with a peanut butter and marshmallow spread
• Dill pickle Dr. Pepper
• Dill pickle lemon shake-ups
• Peanut butter & jelly chicken wings
• Ultimate steak nachos
Yes, pickles and fried delights once again are playing a large role in this year’s competition.
OTHER STATE FAIR ATTRACTIONS
The State Fair is always held during what is traditionally one of the hottest months of the summer. To offer a respite, the MHS Family Fun Park will include an all-new splash pad for folks of all ages to cool off.
The Olympic Games in Paris are happening at the same time as the State Fair. WTHR will host the Olympic Zone to celebrate the Hoosiers competing for Team USA. This experience promises to capture the spirit of the games even from a continent away.
The Fair is also celebrating a historic moment - 60 years ago, a small group from Liverpool called The Beatles played at Pepsi Coliseum. Fair officials are celebrating the Fab Four’s legendary stop in the Circle City on August 3 with Beatlesthemed entertainment all day, including a performance by tribute band A Hard Day’s
Night and a celebration of the music of Paul McCartney.
If you’re on a budget, you’re in luck. Not only is $2 Tuesday back on the schedule, but the $5 value menu offers a variety of options for everyone in the family.
Finally, the concert line-up for the fair is a mix of all genres of music. Gladys Knight, Buddy Guy, Bell Biv Devoe, Lita Ford, and Dogstar are just a few of the artists playing the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage. If you are not familiar, Dogstar’s bassist is best known for his role as John Wick.
Discounted tickets and the complete schedule are available at IndianaStateFair. com. Don’t forget - the fair folk need their rest too and are closed on Mondays. If you hit up the Indiana State Fair, be sure to share your photos on the Towne Post social media Facebook pages.
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