UNITE INDY APRIL-MAY

INDIANAPOLIS April/May 2015

Ricky Martin BEYOND THE BON-BON

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LETTER FROM THE

PUBLISHER

Joey Amato creative director Blake Kniffin MANAGING EDITOR Joseph Brownell Publisher

We proved the naysayers wrong; or just the one at least.

It’s been almost a year since we decided to launch UNITE in Indianapolis and we can’t be more pleased with the results. The entire community has welcomed us with open arms and has made us feel like part of the family. Our next issue will be our Anniversary Issue since we launched at Pride last year. This year, we are a proud sponsor of Circle City IN Pride and have committed to becoming not only a sponsor of that particular event but a supporter of the organization throughout the year.

We know there are many LGBT organizations in Indy that are in need of assistance and UNITE is proud to say that in our first year, we have donated close to $10,000 in advertising space to almost a dozen organizations throughout the city. When I first launched UNITE in Nashville, I said my goal was to unite the LGBT community through a publication that can be read in an office or a gay bar.

We hope the Indy LGBT community is as proud of this publication as we are.

Speaking of pride. In our next issue, we will be unveiling the UNITE Man and Woman of the Year, which is an award bestowed upon two exemplary individuals striving to make a difference in the fight for equality in Indianapolis. Please email me at joey@unitemag.com or leave a comment on our Facebook page with your nomination.

-Joey

Norman R. Brandenstein, L.M.H.C. Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Serving the Central Indiana GLBTQ community for over 14 years.

9135 N. Meridian Street, Suite A-9 Indianapolis, IN 46260

Confidential Voice Mail: (317) 767-0273

Tom Alvarez, Jesse Walker Book Reviewer Sebastian Fortino Business CorrespondentS Norman Brandenstein, Michael Burcham, PhD. entertainment contributor Chris Azzopardi fitness Editor Stacy McCloud Food & Wine Editor Karen Kennedy HEALTH EDITOR Matthew Grant PsyD, HSPP Legal Writer Barbara Baird life & style Writer Albert Winks Arts & entertainment editors

Photographer

Mark A. Lee

Rivendell Media (908) 232-2021 Unite Magazine (615) 852-6660 joey@unitemag.com

national advertising Contact

cover photo by Nino Muñoz visit www.unitemag.com @UNITELGBTMAG UNITELGBTMAG

N NOW

ANNOUNCES 2015 BOARD APPOINTMENTS

by Dan Groover The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association announced the appointments for its new board of directors, a group that includes three tourism professionals who will serve the association membership for the first time and a returning industry leader who last served on the board in 2001:

photos courtesy of IGLTA

• Jody Cole, founder/owner of the tour company Wild Rainbow African Safaris • Norma Dean, Director-National Specialty Sales, Delta Air Lines

Richard Gray

• Richard Gray, Managing Director LGBT Market, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, who previously served on the board from 1993-2001 • Jon Munoz, Senior Director, Diversity and Inclusion, Hilton Worldwide Rika Jean-Francois, Commissioner of Corporate Social Responsibility at ITB Berlin/ LGBT segment for ITB; Tom Jenkins, Executive Director, European Tour Operators Association (ETOA); Juan Julia, president of Axel hotels; Dan Melesurgo, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, American Society of Association Executives (ASAE); and Ed Salvato, editor in chief of ManAboutWorld, were re-appointed for additional two-year terms.

The new board takes effect at the end of the board meeting prior to IGLTA’s 32nd Annual Global Convention, in Los Angeles, April 8-11. These nine appointees will join Marta Dalla Chiesa, co-owner/managing director of Brazil Ecojourneys; Tanya Churchmuch, founder of MuchPR; Michael McDowell, Vice President for Arts & Culture and Affinity Markets for the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board; Andy Mosetti, founder of the travel agency NEXTSKY; Chris Stanley, Corporate and Incentive Sales Account Director for Silversea Cruises; and John Tanzella, IGLTA President/CEO (ex officio) on the 20152016 IGLTA board of directors.

Jon Munoz

UNITE MAGAZINE | 5

table of contents FEATURE RICKY MARTIN NOW IGLTA ANNOUNCES BOARD ART GREG POWERS FIRST FRIDAY HATS OFF TO DR. SEUSS HILLARY ERIN RUSSELL

20 5 7 26 29

COMMUNITY CIRCLE CITY IN PRIDE 8 DISCOVERING IRVINGTON 32 CULTURE YOU ARE THERE: THAT AYRES LOOK 10 ALL CITY CHOIR 12 IRT: WHAT I LEARNED IN PARIS 30

www.twomenandatruck.com

Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

USDOT: 1374693

MC: 639429

DINING REVIEW GOOD TASTE IN SOBRO INDIE INDY FOODIE TOUR

14 28

LOCAL STAR JAMES SOLOMON BENN

16

ON THE AISLE IRT ARTIST DIRECTOR JANET ALLEN 18 HEALTH TIPS FOR EVERYDAY LIFE

24

BUSINESS BECOMING A LEADER, BECOMING YOURSELF

34

FITNESS QUEEN OF THE QUICKIE

36

OUTREACH MOVERS FOR MOMS

38

GRAND OPENING

ART

OF THE GREG POWERS FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY

by Joey Amato On Friday, April 3 (6 p.m. – 9 p.m.), Gregs Our Place will presented the debut exhibition of The Greg Powers First Friday Gallery featuring paintings from local artist Jeffrey Sperber.

Since First Friday in Indianapolis has become extremely popular and brings many art enthusiasts downtown for this monthly event, Gregs wants to highlight members of the LGBT art community by opening its own gallery the first Friday of every month.

The Greg Powers First Friday Gallery will feature LGBT artists of Indianapolis. The gallery’s namesake, Greg Powers, was instrumental in giving an early voice to the LGBT community in Indianapolis.

The gallery will be presented on the Gregs dance floor, which will be directly accessible from 16th Street for this occasion each month. A new artist (or artists) will be featured each month and will be available to discuss his/her art. Gregs will, of course, feature wine and a full bar. As such Gregs, must retain its 21 and over policy for the gallery.

Artist Jeffrey Sperber

The first artist, which debuted April 3, is Jeffrey Sperber, a local painter and hair stylist at Salon Lofts. Sperber’s style is slightly risqué, comic book pop art and stems from his childhood love of Wonder Woman and Aqua Man. He also takes pride in painting portraits of both two and fourlegged subjects.

All artists who consider themselves part of the LGBT community and would like to be featured or anyone with questions regarding the gallery are encouraged to contact Zac Hart at zac.hart@icloud.com.

images courtesy of Gregs Our Place

UNITE MAGAZINE | 7

community

Indy Pride Reveals NEW LOGO & PRESENTING SPONSOR

by Joey Amato Earlier this year, Circle City IN Pride announced Pinnacle® Vodka as the Presenting Sponsor for the 2015 Circle City IN Pride week of events.

Established in 2002, the award-winning Pinnacle® Vodka quickly established deep connections with LGBT communities, nationwide. One of their familiar slogans — “Everyone is invited, and your name is always on the list!” — aligns perfectly with Indy Pride, Inc.’s beliefs on inter-connectivity among and within communities. This year marks the first for Pinnacle® Vodka as the presenting sponsor for Circle City IN Pride.

“We are working hard to bring new energy to our Pride week programming,” says Chris

8 | UNITE MAGAZINE

Morehead, Indy Pride, Inc. President. “We truly feel that Pinnacle® Vodka is a great fit to help us do just that!”

Indy Pride Vice-President of Festival Operations, Cortney Thompson agrees: “Diversity is one thing we all have in common. It’s what makes our community strong and makes Pinnacle ® Vodka such a great company to work with and help us capture these ideals.”

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Indy Pride has set ambitious goals for this year and moving forward. To help realize these goals, Indy Pride has partnered with Ayokay Creative to engineer the complete rebranding of this LGBT community organization.

The process continues with the

announcement of a new logo for Circle City IN Pride.

Last year, Ayokay completely revamped and modernized the Indy Pride logo, with a well-thought-out motif. That same brand standard was used to engineer a new logo that is instantly recognizable and enduringly memorable.

logos. With the CCINP logo, however, the rainbow elements are merged with familiar buildings from downtown Indy’s skyline, which for Ayokay Creative’s Jack Shepler, represents a city that celebrates diversity.

“Circle City IN Pride needs a logo that reflects its adaptability and willingness to embrace new ideas,” says Thompson. “We knew that Ayokay best understood this need.”

“The new CCINP logo exemplifies this celebration,” Shepler explains, “and highlights our fine city as one with a flourishing LGBT community. The logo maintains not only the color scheme of the new Indy Pride brand, it represents the same love for our city and community.”

The focal point of the logo remains the red star of the Indianapolis flag, same as the Indy Pride logo, which adds to the connection between the two

Morehead adds: “We knew that re-branding Circle City IN Pride would be daunting, but we couldn’t be happier with the results!”

Chely Wright TO ROCK GIRL PRIDE

by Joey Amato

Recently, Indy Pride, Inc. announced the first of many headliners for this year’s Girl Pride and Circle City IN Pride Festival, none other than country music sensation, Chely Wright.

Wright released her debut album, Woman in the Moon, in 1994 and went on to claim the Academy of Country Music Award for Best New Female Vocalist for that year. Though a darling with the critics and industry insiders, Wright wouldn’t start to enjoy commercial success until her release “Shut Up and Drive,” from her third album Let Me In. She continued along her successful arc with her follow-up up, 1999’s Single White Female, which scored her first Number #1 for the eponymous single.

Wright would continue to make her name not only as a commercial country singer, recording songs from some of Nashville’s top writers, but also as an indie star, releasing the highly successful single “Bumper of My SUV” on her own label, Painted Red Music Group, shortly after leaving MCA Nashville in 2003.

After struggling with her own sexuality for years, Wright publicly came out in 2007, becoming one of the first openly gay performers in country music, after the likes of K.D. Lang and Kristen Hall. Wright spent the next three years writing her autobiography, “Like Me (Confessions of a Heartland Country Singer),” which charted her life from being crowned homecoming queen, to working with some of the biggest names in country music, to fully coming

photo courtesy of Indy Pride, Inc.

out in the public eye. It was around this time that the film Wish Me Away, chronicling Wright’s extended coming out, was released to stellar reviews.

Wright performs with the same warmth and intimate energy that she puts into her songwriting. Her hybrid style of melodic, catchy, contemporary country is mixed effortlessly with the gutsy spirit of such ‘70s trailblazers as Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton.

She has found the precise blend of personal and universal, country and pop, that continues to resonate with fans throughout North America and beyond.

Indy Pride, Inc., is proud to bring her to the Girl Pride stage for her first performance in Indianapolis in four years.

Girl Pride, a community favorite, will take place on Thursday, June 11, during the Circle City IN Pride week of events (June 5 - 13).

The Circle City IN Pride Week begins on Friday, June 5, and culminates with the Cadillac Barbie IN Pride Parade and Circle City IN Pride Fest on Saturday, June 13. Visit www.CircleCityINPride.org for a complete list of events.

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Culture

Indiana Historical Society PRESENTS YOU ARE THERE: THAT AYRES LOOK

by Blake Kniffin

Exhibit photos appear courtesy of the Indiana Historical Society.

The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) recently debuted a new concept in its storytelling with You Are There: That Ayres Look, stretching the interpretation of its popular You Are There format. The exhibit opened March 14 and will be available through Aug. 6, 2016 as part of the Indiana Experience at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center.

The IHS exhibitions team knew it had a winning story on its hands following the success of its book L.S. Ayres & Company: The Store at the Crossroads of America, written by Kenneth L. Turchi. The business spent more than a century catering to the needs of Hoosiers and captured their hearts along the way.

Rather than centering on the story told through a single photograph, That Ayres Look highlights many stories from more than a century of the company’s history and intermingles traditional techniques and emerging technology.

As with past You Are There spaces, the journey still begins with a walk through a fog screen, as guests step through an image of the iconic Ayres department store clock. On the other side is a half-scale, blank replica of the downtown landmark. By pointing a provided iPad at the clock, an augmented reality experience will begin—creating the illusion, complete with sound, of two workers cleaning the icon in the late 1930s.

The use of new technology doesn’t end with the entrance of the space. Guests will encounter virtual “dress” display mannequins on monitors, allowing them to witness ever-changing fashion, patterns, colors, hemlines and silhouettes of the decades that comprised what became known as “That Ayres Look.”

Guests can also interact with costumed actors representing historical real-life characters from 1959, such as

10 | UNITE MAGAZINE

owner Lyman Ayres II, Ayres Fashion Bureau director Elizabeth Patrick and Ayres model Bea Fatout. IHS has also created videos that celebrate different facets of the Ayres story including the business, family, fashions and shopping experience.

As visitors continue through the gallery, they will encounter historical photographs, documents, artifacts and videos to provide a multi-faceted illustration of the company, its people and its innovations. IHS will also display original items borrowed or donated from individuals. Additional textiles and other artifacts are on loan from the Indiana State Museum.

Guests will learn about the early growth of the company, the family behind it, the company culture that fostered a high level of customer service, innovation and respect for its employees, the dynamic environment where cutting-edge ideas were developed, the lasting memories L.S. Ayres made for people during the holidays, and the Ayr-Way off-shoot that was a forerunner of future discount retailers.

Another Ayres treasure is one of Indianapolis’ most cherished and famous seasonal residents. The Ayres cherub, which has never been on view outside of its resting place atop the downtown clock, is on loan from Downtown Indy and will reside inside the exhibit when she’s not performing her holiday duties.

You Are There: That Ayres Look is presented by Ayres Foundation Inc. and Nancy Ayres, with support from Nicholas H. Noyes, Jr., Memorial Foundation, Inc. and Lisa Carrington Bohn; Ruth Lilly Philanthropic Foundation and Mr. and Mrs. Peter Nicholas; and Griffith Family Foundation, Inc. You Are There: That Ayres Look is included with Indiana Experience admission. For more information about this and other IHS programs, call (317) 232-1882 or visit www.indianahistory.org.

PAPARAZZI

HIV ENDS WITH ME UNITE MAGAZINE | 11

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photo courtesy of the All City Honor Choir

The Indianapolis Public Schools All-City Honor Choir returns in 2015 through a partnership with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, the state’s largest chorus. Following auditions in late 2014, the All-City Honor Choir includes a roster of 46 high school students representing Arsenal Technical High School, Broad Ripple Magnet High School for the Arts and Humanities, Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School, Gambold Preparatory Magnet High School, John Marshall Community High School, and Northwest Community High School.

Discontinued in 2009 due to a loss of funding, the IPS All-City Honor Choir served the students of IPS as both an educational opportunity and musical ambassador for the school system. Now, in conjunction with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir partnership, the choir’s return will again address the educational and arts-related needs of its students and provide an alternative voice for IPS throughout Indianapolis.

“The Symphonic Choir has been the official choral partner with IPS for six years, and this idea to re-imagine the Honor Choir has been on our collective radar screens for at least the past two years,” says Michael Pettry, Executive Director of the Symphonic Choir. “It just always comes down to funding, doesn’t it? Finally, the Symphonic Choir was able to help launch this refreshed educational opportunity thanks to some very generous people. What better way to add to the well-rounded education of the students than through an art form like singing?”

Directed by IPS Gambold Preparatory Magnet High School music teacher Terion Cooper, weekly rehearsals began in January at Crispus Attucks High School. IPS provides transportation for All-City Honor Choir members to and from rehearsals in addition to use of the rehearsal space. The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, now in its sixth year as the official choral partner of IPS, underwrites remaining expenses for the director, accompanist, printed music and folders, and food for weekly rehearsals. It is intended that the All-City Honor Choir will continue forward beyond the 2014/2015 academic calendar.

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The All-City Honor Choir will present public performances in Indianapolis this spring. For more information, visit www.indychoir.org.

DINING REVIEW

Fried Green Tomato Salad photos by Abby David

EAT + DRINK = GOOD TASTE IN SOBRO

by Karen Kennedy

Many people might look at an old shipping container, some reclaimed school desks, some George Jetson chairs, used spray paint cans and plexiglas and think, #TripToTheDumpster.

Deidra Henry and Marc Urwand looked at those things and thought, “This is our bar.”

Karen Kennedy is an Indianapolis-based food writer with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She is the owner of Small Potatoes, a catering and event planning company, and the creator of the Indie Indy Foodie Tours.

14 | UNITE MAGAZINE

While most in-the-know Circle City diners are intimately familiar with Taste Café, which has been turning out innovative, casual breakfast and lunch fare for the last eleven years, many may not yet have tried its hip, nextdoor younger sibling, Eat+Drink. Culinary dynamic duo Henry and Urwand, partners in both life and work for the last fourteen years, have created a comfortable, retro vibe at Eat+Drink, which succeeds on both levels of its name.

EAT: The “eat” is small plates and sandwiches.

Reasonably priced, the menu offers an assort-

ment of snacks that could readily make a meal.

Of note are the intensely flavorful, house-made Chicken Liver Paté, warm house-made Boursin and killer Truffle Frites. Fans of charcuterie will appreciate the high quality imported Lardo served simply with arugula, parmigiano reggiano and reduced balsamic, and Speck accompanied by capers, kale, dijon and EVOO. DRINK: Gin lovers could toss back more than one Fitzgerald, comprised of Hendrick’s, simple syrup, lemon and orange bitters, while those with a taste for something with a little more zing will enjoy a cardamom liqueur-based Rattle and Hum, finished with blood orange syrup, lemon juice, bitters and soda.

The wine list offers a broad selection of fairly priced, food-friendly wines from around the world. The beer list, while making the requisite nod to local microbreweries, also offers a refreshingly diverse selec-

Eat+Drink

5168 N. College, Indianapolis Lunch daily Dinner: Wed. – Sat. (317) 925-2233 www.eatplusdrink.net

Taste Café

5164 N. College, Indianapolis Breakfast & Lunch, seven days Dinner: Wed. & Thurs.

(317) 925-2233 www.tastecafeandmarketplace.com Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with House-Made Pickles

tion of rarely seen brews such as Kona Big Wave from Hawaii and Green Flash “Le Freak” from San Diego.

If you’ve been thinking about throwing a little soiree, this is the place to do it.

There’s an amazing room downstairs with cozy banquettes, a television and a fireplace (perfect for a gathering of 20 or so). If your group is larger, you could fill the whole place, upstairs and down with a group of up to 50, or you could take both places together for groups of 100 or more.

Eat+Drink shares a kitchen with Taste Café, which also serves dinner on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Delicious nightly dinner specials are available, and allow Henry, who oversees the kitchen, to reach beyond the daytime offerings of Hubbard and Cravens coffee, eggs, sandwiches and salads with such dishes as a grilled Filet Mignon with caramelized onions, house-made Boursin and Bordelaise sauce.

Both Henry and Urwand are established chefs in their own rights. Urwand hails from New York City, where he worked with Tom Colicchio and came up

through the hallowed kitchens of Sign of the Dove, Jean-Georges and Gramercy Tavern, where he met his future partner in love and work. Henry, originally from the Indianapolis area, studied at Johnson and Wales. Luckily for Indianapolis, they decided to build their lives and businesses here; Taste Café celebrated its eleventh anniversary in May. Through the Taste Café kitchen, Henry and Urwand also do a great deal of catering, drawing from the diverse menus of both places. They’re also looking at opportunities to sell their culinary creations at local Farmer’s Markets this year. Pastries at Taste Café are worth a stop any day; the case is filled to the brim with goodies like pot de crème, panna cotta, almond fruit tarts, hummingbird cake, cinnamon buns, scones, lemon bars, various brownies, biscotti and homemade marshmallows.

Eat+Drink and Taste Café are ideal meeting spots for breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails for northsiders and downtowners alike, especially in the warmer months, when Taste’s outdoor patio offers some of Broad Ripple’s best people-watching.

local star

When James Solomon Benn created, directed and performed in a recent holiday program entitled, Coming Home to Allen Chapel: A Christmas Celebration, it marked a turning point for him with respect to his formative, teen and young-adult life growing up in Indianapolis. Benn is a gay African-American man that happens to be the son of a prominent minister of the local Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church.

HOOSIER H O M EC O M I N G

by Norman R. Brandenstein

Early influences for Benn include his parents (the Rev. and Mrs. James Solomon Benn III) as well as the Allen Chapel congregation where he thrived as a performer.

He also had a passion for the arts even as a student at Shortridge High School where he honed his craft under the tutelage of the schools spectacular fine arts instructor, A. Ian Fraser.

Subsequent formal training took him to the Herron School of Art where he focused on graphic design as a means for future career stability. Throughout and following his training at Herron, Benn established his performing arts talents as a “triple-threat� singer, actor and dancer in

16 | UNITE MAGAZINE

photo by Mark A. Lee of Great Exposures

Furthering his step into the national arena, Benn performed at the Charlotte and Nebraska Repertory Theatres, and then moved to New York City. A highlight of his career was joining the Rev. Billy Talen’s Church of Stop Shopping, a musical/political-activist theatre troupe, where he remains recognized as Emeritus Gospel Choir Director. Benn states, “Rev. Billy’s work presented an edgy, fun-filled parody of the black church where I could get in touch with my fractured youthful experiences as a fat, black and gay preacher’s kid growing up in the Bible belt, and be able to use my skills to make a difference.” The troupe performed throughout the United States and Europe.

SPECIAL EVENT photo by Mark A. Lee of Great Exposures

the local community and professional theatre arena. He made regular appearances in some of the city’s most respected groups including the Indianapolis Civic Theatre, Footlight Musicals, Phoenix Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Indianapolis Opera and New Artists Productions Inc. Benn also honed his skills as a director and choreographer.

AUDRA MCDONALD WITH THE ISO SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 8PM HILBERT CIRCLE THEATRE Six-time Tony Award-winner, Grammy Award-winning artist, Broadway legend and Live From Lincoln Center host, Audra McDonald, dazzles audiences with songs from the musical theater and her latest album, Go Back Home - her most personal record to date.

Benn recognizes the disparity that remains between the white and the black LGBT community. Having been teased and ostracized for being too “white-ified” among his peers, he also received a clear, yet unspoken, message from his family and spiritual community that he was not accepted.

“Everybody knew, but no one wanted to talk about it.”

Benn continues, “If we can put aside our long-held, race-based fears and mistrust, and focus on our shared humanity and orientation, we can make strides in building bridges for acceptance and healing with each other and within the mainstream community.”

Since returning to Indianapolis, Benn has resumed his local performance career, in addition to expanded his design artistry. Citing the influence the late cabaret artist Bobby Short, “Little” Jimmie Scott, Johnny Mathis, and Stoughton A. “Bruz” Fletcher III, Benn states, “I want to create a cabaret setting on Mass. Avenue where I can entertain as an ole black sissy.”

For more information on James, his performances, and spring collection of graphic T-shirts and accessories, visit www.cafepress.com/JSBDesignerTees.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: Autumn de Wilde

BUY NOW AT 317.639.4300 OR VISIT INDIANAPOLISSYMPHONY.ORG.

ON THE AISLE

photo by Mark A. Lee of Great Exposures

IRT Artistic Director is a Longtime LGBT Ally

by Tom Alvarez

Tom Alvarez is a longtime journalist, reviewer and Emmy Award-winning television producer & director. He covers the performing arts in Central Indiana for Examiner.com and is also a regular contributor on WISH-Channel 8’s Indy Style.

18 | UNITE MAGAZINE

The Indiana Repertory Theatre, more commonly known as the IRT, is the state’s premier professional theater company. At its helm is Janet Allen, who has been with the theater since 1980 and its artistic director since 1995. During Allen’s tenure, the IRT has strengthened its education programs, nurtured playwrights, developed new plays and raised its profile as one of the top regional theaters in the country. Recently UNITE sat down with Allen to chat about the IRT and its spirit of inclusiveness.

Would you agree that LGBT people have always been integral to the theater?

I think the theater has always been a haven for many people who identify as outsiders, and that is true of the arts in general—not just theater (although the theatre has been a magnet in the United States). Its been a place where thinkers and those who identify differently can safely

congregate and move that sense of difference into a generative art. I always joke that at any given moment when creating art that we are employing as many gay people as straight people, but that is not of issue. The issue is quality art making.

You have always had LGBT people working on your staff in all capacities— management and otherwise, right?

Always. It was a cause of great joy and excitement when several of them could get married last year.

Theater has always been in the vanguard of acceptance for those who are different, hasn’t it?

I think that in American culture, artists are regarded as outsiders. There is a very Puritan society that still exists in this country, so artists are always categorized as “others.” I think in earlier generations, it was an acceptable means of gath-

ering and communing for many gay people. Thank goodness.

are doing unless we lead them to it.

Would you say that the IRT has been a major force of social change in this community?

What are some of your other challenges?

I would love to think so. Not just in who we employ but the stories we tell. I’ve never really thought through the number of gay plays we’ve done, but in 1986 we did the first production of Torch Song Trilogy in Indiana. In 2008 we did James Still’s Iron Kisses long before gay marriage was recognized here.

Iron Kisses is a coming out story for a man that wants to get married. The play focuses on his parents’ lack of understanding. We’ve done a number of plays that ask these questions and promote acceptance because we believe in it.

Do you have any knowledge of how large your LGBT audience is, and what appeals to them?

We have no hard figures but, sure, anecdotally. As far as what appeals to the LGBT community (like those in the black, Jewish and female communities) they are not monolithic.

There are democrats, republicans, and conservatives.

Speaking of monolithic, it seems that there are many young LGBTs that favor pop culture rather than the arts.

I live in a neighborhood that has a pretty big gay population, and a lot of them are not interested in the arts. They may be interested in pockets of art, but they are not universally interested in art. I know a lot of gay people who are interested in going to the Broadway series, but they don’t want to see Shakespeare. They are not interested in what we

We cater to a broad age range, which can be difficult to gauge interest when it comes to programming. I get disappointed when I hear feedback that people assume we don’t do anything edgy or controversial.

That is simply not true. We can be edgy and controversial, but that’s not the only thing we do.

Why should those who have never been exposed to the theater give IRT a try?

We create the highest quality theater that you are going to find in the State of Indiana. It’s pretty simple. Every play may not be to your taste, but I will bet money that anyone can find two or three things in any given season that will be of interest.

We are great at what we do.

In our elegant and historical venue, guests will experience a well-crafted show created by some of the greatest American theatre artists.

What should they know about seeing live theater in general?

Theatre is about unleashing curiosity for something you haven’t experienced, whether it’s a subject-specific play or Shakespeare. Then there is the risk—the fact that anything could happen—that no two nights are alike. An audience can entirely transform a production by the way they receive it; the communal aspect is paramount.

For tickets and information about the remainder of the Indiana Repertory Theatre 2014-2015 season, call (317) 635-5252 or visit irtlive.com

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feature

Beyond

THE BON-BON

by Chris Azzopardi

photo by Nino Muñoz

A single tweet changed Ricky Martin’s life, and then it changed the world.

When the internationally famed Puerto Rican heartthrob came out in 2010, declaring himself on Twitter “a fortunate homosexual man” who’s “very blessed to be who I am,” Martin, 43, stepped out of the closet and into himself. Reflecting the free life he’s currently basking in are the raw sounds and personal soliloquies on the singer’s 10th studio album, A Quien Quiera Escuchar (To Whomever Wants to Listen).

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In conversation, Martin is notably laid-back, sincere and personal as he opens up about how his six-year-long relationship with Carlos Gonzalez Abella inspired his latest music (“I love being in love”), what he’s really trying to convey with all his shirtless selfies and the “powerful” coming out stories the LGBT community shares with him. And whether he’s ruminating on his two sons or anticipating shaking his bon-bon with _more_ male dancers onstage, his smile radiates even on the phone.

This is a new, happier Ricky Martin, and yes, we’re listening.

On behalf of the gay community, thank you for all you do.The world is a better place because of your shirtless selfies.

(Laughs) Oh, man – thank you very much. I laugh so much at the reaction of the people; it’s so funny. It really is amazing.

I get a kick out of it too. Are you more comfortable without clothes?

Or do you feel it’s just your responsibility as a celebrated sex symbol?

I just want to let people know how normal my life is, and I try to do it with a simple picture – that’s what Instagram is about.

So the other day I was laying in the sun and I was like, “Hey everyone, I’m here. I’m in a good place.” You know, I’m a little bit obsessed with social media, to be honest. That’s the first thing I do in the morning. I check out my Twitter, my HeyHey account, Facebook and Instagram, and I read what people have to say and what they need from me as an artist. It’s fun, man.

You’ve always been a sex symbol, but how does it feel being a sex symbol for a community of gay men who know you’re playing on their team? Is it different when there’s that mutual attraction?

Listen, for me, it’s about liberty and it’s about being you – me, in this case – and living life with transparency and just being.

It’s so amazing to know that you have nothing to hide, man.

What you see is what you get.

And this is me. And I don’t wear a mask to go onstage, and the support that I’ve received from my community since I came out has been amazing. It’s one of those things that (makes) you say, “Oh my god, why didn’t I do this before?” But then again, Chris, you know how it goes – everybody accepts who they are at their own time. When I sent that tweet a few years ago just letting people know that I am gay it was the most amazing day of my life after the birth of my kids. And it is what it is. Now my life is simple and honest and transparent, and this is me. And that’s what my social media’s about – being yourself.

first realize that LGBT fans enjoyed you as well?

It’s always been there. Before I came out the love was there and I was very thankful. Now, when I got to work directly with the community once I came out, it went to another level and it’s felt amazing, but once again, just being able to talk to the media about who we are and what we want and what we need, it’s just so powerful. The equality slogan translates so easily in any language.

A Quien Quiera Escuchar sounds like you at your most authentic. I hear your essence, your spirit, your zest for life.

How does it feel to be able to be yourself musically?

When I started recording this album I had no idea what I wanted to talk about, which is completely different to what it was like in the past, when I said, “OK, I think I wanna get into the studio,” and I had a blank canvas in front of me and all I did was throw colors and started working with amazing producers, and they helped me. It was the most amazing psychoanalysis, to be honest, to work with other writers and co-producers who helped me to put myself in order.

I started recording this album exactly a year ago in Australia and then we went to Los Angeles and we recorded in Miami. I also recorded in Puerto Rico. What I’m trying to say is that everything about this creative process was so organic and so relaxed, and I didn’t have pressure from anybody. I just allowed myself to open my book and I started reminiscing, remembering different

experiences that I had in my personal life and being able to point out specific emotions that I’ve been through – not necessarily this year, but through my life. And then, I think, A Quien Quiera Escuchar was born, you know? I listened to it today and I’m like, “Wow – there is poetry and there is honesty in these lyrics.” And there are some powerful slogans that people are quoting through social media. People are gravitating to (these lyrics) and using them and turning them into their own slogans. Once again, it’s about honesty. It’s about vulnerability.

How much of the music on this album was inspired by your own personal love life, particularly your time with ex-partner Carlos Gonzalez Abella?

After six years of being in a very steady relationship with him, yes, we have a lot of stories and we have a lot of moments of love and lots of light and yes, he is part of this album. It’s not about what I’ve lived (through) this year that we broke up or even the last five years. It’s decades of allowing myself to really go back and remember specific relationships that really (affected) me in many ways.

And it became music. It’s never too late.

You’ll be touring all year across the world.

I’m addicted!

Live, do you still even perform “She Bangs”?

If people ask for it, I will perform it. I would become the character in the video and I would perform it. photo by Nino Muñoz

The ladies have obviously been infatuated with you since the beginning of your career – since you were in Menudo. But when did you

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feature

You’ve always been flanked by female dancers.

Now that you’re out and proud, does that mean that more male dancers get in on the mix?

don’t want to be in a relationship – I would be lying to you. I love being in love.

Hey, let’s be fair: Come on, it’s about equality, you know?

And when I walk onstage I present different scenarios of life and, yes, I do have more one-on-one dancing with male dancers, but when you’re at a party, you just dance.

It doesn’t matter who’s next to you, you grab a guy’s or a girl’s hand and you just go for it. And that’s what my show is about. It’s about freedom.

And it’s about being comfortable in your own skin.

I am, I am, I am! You’re damn right about that.

That must be a great feeling for you to be comfortable enough to dance with a guy in front of millions of people.

It’s greaaaaat! And the reaction of the audience is even better!

(Laughs) Now that you’re back on the market, what is dating like for someone as widely known as Ricky Martin?

(Laughs) Mmmm. To be honest, I love being in a relationship, Chris. I love waking up in the morning and, if you’re not with your boyfriend, (sending) that first message or text in the morning: “Hey baby, how ya doing? I hope you’re fine. I just woke up. I’m doing this and this and this today.” I loooove that. I really do. And I love picking up my phone and waiting for that reply from that text – it’s great. But at the same time, right now, I’m enjoying being single. I’m enjoying this process. I’m not saying that I

22 | UNITE MAGAZINE

You strike me as the hopeless romantic type.

How often have men used a pickup line on you that references your bon-bon?

Ohh, man. If someone goes there I’d be like, “Dude, you gotta start again. I’ll give you another chance because of your pretty face.” (Laughs) Considering your own coming out experience, what would you tell your 6-year-old twin sons, Matteo and Valentino, if one or both were to come out to you one day?

You know what, for us, at least in my family, that’s not an issue because that is the normal in my house. So if my kids ever tell me that they’re gay, I’ll be like, “Yeah? OK, cool! Brilliant! Bring it on.”

But it all starts from the day that we’re born, and every time they ask me questions about anything – Who’s your boyfriend? How come I had two daddies? – the important thing is to answer with honesty and transparency. And it doesn’t matter how old your kids are.

If they are capable of formulating a question, it’s because they are capable of receiving the answer.

photo by Nino Muñoz

As an out gay man with an enormous platform, what do you hope you’ve contributed to the LGBT community?

I had the opportunity to write a book that is called Me and I’m very proud to say that it is a New York Times best-selling book.

There have been people who’ve come to me and said, “Because of you and because of that book I know my father better, I know my grandmother, I know my uncle, my aunt, my sister, my brother.” And that’s it. I mean, I will always keep on talking about the importance of equality and basic human rights that we as members of the LGBT community are longing for, but to this day, and every day – the book was released about four years ago – I get a tweet or a Facebook post from someone saying, “Ricky, thank you so much for that book; it changed my life.”

What do those stories mean to you?

Have you taught them the famous Ricky hip swivel yet?

It tells me that my fears were just in my head and that I feel nothing but gratitude. And I get goose bumps, man, when I get these stories and these testimonies from people from all walks of life coming to me to say, “Listen, I was homophobic until I read your book.” It’s very powerful, and I’m very pleased.

Oh, it’s in their blood, buddy.

There’s nothing I can do about it. It’s there. (Laughs)

Chris Azzopardi is the editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBT wire service. Reach him via his website at www.chris-azzopardi.com.

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health

HEALTH & WELLNESS: TIPS FOR EVERYDAY LIFE

by Matt Grant, Psy.D., HSPP

Brrr is a common expression this winter! Although we haven’t had a lot of snowfall, it’s been brutally cold in Indianapolis, and we’ve reached record low temperatures this winter. What does this mean for Hoosiers? It means we’re in a state of emergency for health and wellness!

before they go awry. With this in mind, below is a list of health and wellness tips to keep in mind when considering preventative maintenance.

Remember that you’re responsible for your own health and wellness, and that you have the ability to affect change in your life.

It’s likely you’ve neglected your health and wellness on some level this winter, and it’s time to get it back on track with spring and summer just around the corner. Due to the cold temperatures, many of you have likely found yourselves spending more time indoors parked on the couch eating your favorite snacks while watching television. It’s also likely that you’ve spent enough time with Netflix and Amazon Prime that you’ve forgotten you were even in a relationship; I promise I won’t tell...your secret is safe with me!

1. If you don’t already have a primary care physician, find one. You’d be surprised how many people don’t have a primary care physician.

This is imperative for preventative maintenance. See your doctor on a regular basis, especially for physical examinations, and to have your blood work, thyroid and hormones checked yearly.

If you’ve found yourself neglecting your health and wellness this winter, then I encourage you to heed the tips below concerning your health and wellness.

By the end, you will have some tools on how to recognize health and wellness pitfalls and how to solve them.

Health and wellness are multidimensional. When I think of these concepts, I think of the whole person encompassing the physical, mental, social, behavioral, sexual, intellectual, occupational, and spiritual. Because health and wellness are multidimensional, your’s can easily become neglected if you aren’t careful.

To avoid neglecting your health and wellness, think of prevention. What is prevention? Prevention is the idea that you can address issues with your physical, mental, social, behavioral, sexual, intellectual, occupational, and spiritual health

24 | UNITE MAGAZINE

Building a relationship with your doctor means your doctor gets to know you, your body, and your health, which makes it easier for both you and your doctor to realize when any part of your health and wellness is at risk. These simple tests can make your life more manageable and can even save your life. I typically recommend my patients get an updated physical examination etc., when I see them to ensure their psychiatric symptoms aren’t part of a larger medical problem. Evaluate behaviors that take a toll on your life such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

2. Manage your stress and emotional health. I can’t say this enough: Stress will wreak havoc on your life if it isn’t managed appropriately.

Stress can be confusing because sometimes it can affect the multidimensional aspects of your health and wellness. If you’re used to being under high levels of stress, or you often overlook how your body feels, you could be in trouble. One way to decrease stress is

Prevention is the idea that you can address issues with your physical, mental, social, behavioral, sexual, intellectual, occupational, and spiritual health before they go awry.

About the author: Matt Grant, Psy.D., HSPP is a clinical psychologist and sole proprietor of NorthStar Psychological + Consultation Services, LLC, located in the heart of downtown, Indianapolis. He is a psychotherapist, entrepreneur, consultant, educator, mentor, blogger, and public speaker.

to perceive the stressful situations in your life differently. If this is easier said than done for you, please take note of the following health and wellness tips. These can all help reduce the stress you experience.

3. Maintain a healthy diet. Make sure your food choices are healthy. If you’re unsure what this means, seek a referral from your doctor to a registered dietitian or take a look at the USDA Food Pyramid. Eating throughout the day will sustain your energy and will keep your metabolism active. One way to destress is to take the time throughout the day to eat something healthy and tasty. Your body and mind will thank you. Don’t forget to stay hydrated with water; forgo the soda and caffeinated beverages when possible.

4. Exercise on a regular basis. If you haven’t exercised in a year or longer, talk with your doctor and make sure you’re cleared to begin an regular regimen. Begin with small steps. It’s usually recommended to exercise from 30 to 60 minutes three to six days per week; make sure it fits within your lifestyle. If it doesn’t, your chances of maintaining your regimen will be low. Exercise has many benefits; it can help prevent a variety of medical conditions as well as alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression.

5. Make sure to get enough sleep. Everyone requires their own amount of sleep to feel refreshed, restored and ready to face the day. Usually six to eight hours per night is sufficient, but this depends on factors such as age, dietary and alcohol intake, and physical activity. Determine a strict bedtime, and stick to it.

Make sure to use your bed only for sleep and sexual intimacy.

This means no television in bed! Although a difficult rule to follow, it prevents confusion for the body and mind on the purpose of the bed.

6. Take time out for yourself, and stay involved in things that make you feel happy and fulfilled. Find hobbies, reach out to family and friends, volunteer, or participate in faith-related activities that lift your spirit. Indianapolis offers to many different recreational activities, so do yourself a favor and get connected.

Finding recreational time is crucial in renewing yourself and decreasing stress.

7. Do some deep breathing. Find a relaxing place free of distractions, and get into a comfortable position. Once you’re ready, inhale through your nose for four to six counts, pause, and then release the air through your mouth for four to six counts.

Rinse, lather, and repeat. Doing so for 10 to 30 minutes each day decreases stress, anxiety, and tension. It also relieves pain, decreases blood pressure, and re-centers your mind. Deep breathing exercises are restorative for the mind and body.

Check it out and see for yourself!

Health and wellness is an intricate network of layers consisting of the physical, mental, social, behavioral, sexual, intellectual, occupational, and spiritual dimensions. It can be difficult to strike a balance and take care of yourself, but it’s necessary. Take some time to re-evaluate these dimensions, and get yourself back on track.

ART

Theodore Seuss Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss

™ & © 2014 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All Rights Reserved

Hats Here, Hats There, Hats Everywhere!

by Jesse Walker

Few authors are better known than Theodor Seuss Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, yet, to this day, his Secret Art and his fantastical Hat Collection are virtually unknown to the general public. Throughout his lifetime, Ted Geisel created paintings and collected hats which he secreted away in a hidden closet at the Dr. Seuss Estate. This is the first time ever that Dr. Seuss’s hats have ever traveled outside his home.

In honor of the 75th anniversary of Dr. Seuss’s second book, The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins, a special Hats Off to Dr. Seuss! Exhibition has been mounted that combines these two secret collections. Audrey S. Geisel, the widow of Dr. Seuss, has generously opened up the Estate’s legendary “hat closet” to allow the public a peek at Dr. Seuss’s hat collection. These hats, along with the Secret Art, will travel the country and visit select venues throughout the next year.

The Hats Off to Dr. Seuss! Indianapolis exhibition will feature Dr. Seuss’s never-before-seen hat collection alongside his little-known Secret Art, a series of Estate authorized works adapted and reproduced from Ted Geisel’s original drawings, paintings, and sculpture. Indy’s J.S. Yopp Gallery will present this historic collection which has opened the world’s eyes to the extraordinary artistic talent of Dr. Seuss and will be available for viewing and purchase through the run of the exhibition.

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In his artwork, as in his personal life, Dr. Seuss saw hats as transformational. And from the time he was a small boy in Springfield, Massachusetts, he was aware of their inherent magic.

Far beyond their functionality, hats were the accent—the exclamation point—on a person’s behavior. They could entertain, delight and embellish, even tease and taunt, but most of all, hats helped Dr. Seuss deliver a world of life-changing inspiration.

The first recorded mention of Dr. Seuss’s hat collection came from his sister, Marnie, who visited Ted in New York in the autumn of 1937. She reported in the Springfield Union-News, November 28, 1937, “Ted has another peculiar hobby—that of collecting hats of every description. Why, he must have several hundred and he is using them as the foundation of his next book. I have seen him put on

an impromptu show for guests, using the hats as costumes. He has kept a whole party in stitches just by making up a play with kitchen knives and spoons for the actors.”

That “next book”—Dr. Seuss’s second of 44—became The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins.

Hats Off to Dr. Seuss! delivers a unique opportunity to view Dr. Seuss’s superb hat collection and view their direct impact on his works of art. Traveling in a specially retrofitted old fashioned steamer trunk, this exhibition premiered at the New York Public Library, and was the first of a handful of stops across the country. This is a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to see a selection of hats from Dr. Seuss’s private collection.

May 15th - June 1st J.S.Yopp Gallery 8701 Keystone Crossing Indianapolis, Indiana 46240 (866) 997-3877

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BEATS BY JIMMY BUZZ

D DINING

photo courtesy of Karen Kennedy

Indie Indy Foodie Tours:

A CULINARY ADVENTURE AWAITS

by Blake Kniffin Even the most dedicated foodies cannot keep up with the rate at which the astonishing array of unique, inventive, and adventurous locally owned restaurants grows in our city. With every passing month the question, “Where should we eat tonight?” becomes more difficult to answer as the list of options has become endless. Multitasking is a great way to tackle that endless list. By multitasking, I mean tackling up to four restaurants in one night.

The Indie Indy Foodie Tour makes that possible.

The Indie Indy Foodie tours are the creation of Small Potatoes, an Indianapolis area event planning company that specializes in creating out-ofthe-box experiences for small groups, both private and corporate.

The tours take up to sixteen guests on a culinary adventure through a given neighborhood or town on a luxury limo coach, which stops at four diverse, independently owned restaurants. At each stop, guests enjoy shareable samplings of the restaurant’s best offerings, meet the chefs, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and get to know fellow foodies who share their passion for supporting the culinary arts. Guests also have the opportunity to meet restaurant owners who have dedicated their lives to making Indianapolis a dining shining star.

“Our mission is to support local, independently owned restaurants by encouraging people to burst out of their culinary bubbles and try new restaurants,” said Katherine Segal, Small Potatoes Vice President of Sales.

The tours are generally on Tuesday or Thursday nights. Guests park at the first stop at 6:00 p.m. and the limo coach chauffeurs

28 | UNITE MAGAZINE

everyone to the next three stops, returning them to their cars just after 9:00 p.m.

Current tours include: • Broad Ripple/Midtown: (a rotating roster of Eat+Drink, Mama Carolla’s, SoBro Café, Oh Yumm Bistro, and Brics Ice Cream; restaurants added regularly) • Carmel: (J. Razzo’s Italian, Upland Brewing Company, Peace Water Winery, and Chocolate for the Spirit) • Fishers: (Books N Brews, Peterson’s Steakhouse, Prairie Guest House, and Harmony Winery) • Zionsville: (Trader’s Point Creamery, Carolina Grill, Patrick’s Kitchen, and Ganache) Tours are currently being built for 86th Street (Oakley’s Bistro, Late Harvest Kitchen, and Gigi’s Cupcakes), Mass. Ave. and Fountain Square.

Master chef cooking class experiences are also available.

Through a partnership with Circle City Game Shows, the group is also now offering a “Dine and Play” package, which is a private foodie tour that ends in a customized game show experience, ideal for corporate team building, client and employee appreciation events, wedding rehearsal dinners, and receptions.

Tours start at $75 per person, which includes food, transportation, tax and gratuity.

Tour schedules and more information can be found at www.smallpotatoesindy.com or by calling (317) 863-8257.

Hillary Erin Russell Exhibit OPENS AT GALLERY 924

by Joey Amato Hillary Erin Russell uses text, video, audio, sculpture, and photography to explore issues of trust.

She is interested in what we as a society have come to trust; what we believe deserves to be given our confidence and what we deem to be inherently untrustworthy. In her current work, pornography is used as a basis for this exploration.

The artist holds that because pornography reveals its intention up front, she can trust pornography more than other forms of film (e.g. romantic comedies). Because porn does not attempt to pretend to be realistic or a truth, Russell is able to juxtapose personal and romantic symbols with the pornographic images creating an interesting and unexpected visual relationship. She folds the sincere into the manufactured - fusing her imagery with audio and video appropriated from pornography giving each piece of art a unique duality. Her exploration of pornography and the representation of women becomes more complicated as she is viewing the imagery through the lens of a lesbian.

“Russell’s work is timely and thoughtful. Her exploration of subjects typically thought of as inappropriate or unworthy of deeper discussion results in an almost humanizing of the subject.

She has the insightful ability to simplify the visuals in order to bring out the core needs, desires, and fears of those living in today’s society,” said Shannon Linker, Vice President and Director of Gallery 924.

Russell received a BFA in Photography and Computer Digital Imagery from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV. Her undergraduate studies were primarily composed of photography with some influence of performance and video/sound. She pushed performance and sound into her primary mode of production while attending Herron School of Art and Design where she received a MFA in Photography and Intermedia; Russell currently teaches at Herron School of Art and Design. Her primary art practice revolves around her emphatic relationship to sound

YOU ARE

THERE

image courtesy of Gallery 924

and its intimate interaction with the audience.

Gallery 924 at the Arts Council of Indianapolis provides a mixture of programming that highlights central Indiana contemporary artists in curated solo and group shows.

Gallery 924 is a member of IDADA and holds opening receptions on IDADA First Fridays (6 p.m. - 9 pm.).

THAT

AYRES LOOK NOW OPEN PRESENTED BY

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CULTURE

IRT PRESENTS:

WHAT I LEARNED IN PARIS

by Joey Amato

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“1973 was a big year in this country and it was also a big year in Atlanta,” said Cleage during a recent interview with Alliance Theatre. “There were many transitions taking place and the people were going through these changes in a very public way.”

During a year of momentous change in America, Pearl Cleage, nationally recognized author and playwright, was at its center as Maynard Jackson was elected Atlanta’s first African-American mayor. As Jackson’s press secretary and speechwriter, Cleage’s experiences on his campaign serve as the inspiration for her play What I Learned in Paris, a romantic comedy that makes its Midwest premiere on the Upperstage at the Indiana

Repertory Theatre (IRT) through April 12.

What I Learned in Paris follows five friends and colleagues who have tirelessly worked on Jackson’s campaign and now, in the wake of his election are faced with determining how their lives will change in the days to come. From competing for potential positions on the new mayor’s staff to discovering their true calling, this play follows these individuals as they realize their destinies.

Although What I Learned in Paris at first appears to be political, it is actually a story of the human condition: a love story that’s much deeper than audiences may expect. “What Cleage does is bring together multiple issues taking place in 1973—new opportunities for African-Americans, and new horizons in women’s rights—and brings them together in a really delightful way,” said Janet Allen, IRT’s Executive Artistic Director. “It’s always a privilege to experience the inside world of a culture—the ‘behind closed doors’ revelations—and she invites audiences to do just that. When I talk to our regional peers about What I Learned in Paris, we all agree that audiences will be surprised and moved by it.”

What I Learned in Paris is a multi-generational romantic comedy that leverages a moment of possibility and illustrates how lives were changed and opportunities were discovered during Atlanta’s historic election. But even more so, it reminds audiences that it is possible to find lasting happiness in a time of tumultuous change.

For More Information, visit www.irtlive.com

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community

Black Sheep

photo by Albert Winks

DISCOVERING IRVINGTON

by Albert Winks

Albert Winks is the founder of Basecamp Business Consulting and staff writer for UNITE Magazine. He consults with business owners and executives in mid-large companies on honing their visions and clearly communicating it to the rest of the team.

32 | UNITE MAGAZINE

Just five short miles east of Monument Circle is an area of Indy that is quickly becoming one of the hottest spots for professionals to spend their time. Irvington is a terrific place to take a leisurely stroll. Walk down E. Washington Street to find whatever you need from delicious pizza, a crazy haunted house tour, amazing beer, bike shops, clothing boutique, a hidden coffee gem, and every nick-nack under the sun. I was fortunate enough to listen to the rumblings around Indy to break myself away from Mass Ave., Fountain Square, and Broad Ripple neighborhoods to head to our not-so-distant cousin.

I have to say, I’m amazingly glad I did. I found some great shops, amazing people and a community that truly understands the word unite.

Each shop in Irvington unique. Each owner told me that the community is the reason they are able to follow their dreams. Scott Irons, owner of Indy Cycle Specialist, told me, “There is just something about walking into a shop and being welcomed by a handshake and a smile.”

Coal Yard Coffee A small coffee shop a few blocks south of Washington Street is where you will see the walls layered with local art, a place where every individual walking in the door seems to be missed since their last visit. Coal Yard offers terrific coffee from places such as Hubbard and Cravens and a skill level to match. Beyond the hot caffeine, Coal

Yard is immersed in the local art scene. They are heavily involved in 1st Friday and have an ongoing onslaught of art and décor that is a must see for all.

Over 22 years in Irvington, Indy Cycle Specialist (ICS) is a 12,500 sq. ft. shop filled with parts, accessories, a variety in bikes, as well as a great staff to deliver the best quality service in the area. ICS is part of Indy COG and frequently works with local boy scouts as well as Irvington Community School to aid in helmet safety education and overall health benefits of riding Indy trails both on and off road.

downtowners as Mass Ave and Fountain Square. As one of the planners for Irvington’s future, Lisa is very pleased to share a smile and great stories on all the activity surrounding Irvington.

Black Sheep is a nick-nack shop that has some great stories to tell.

She has locally made children’s toys that have a heartfelt story that everyone should hear. She wants Black Sheep to be a nostalgic shop that will be here 20 years from now with parents bringing their children to the same shop that the parents once shared candy, played with toys, read books in the Kid’s Corner and so on. Lisa is a real gem and you’ll become a better person just by knowing her.

Jackamo Pizza

James Dant

If you haven’t been to Jackamo’s…make a special trip. You will be glad you did. Most certainly you will be quickly greeted

by General Manager Joe Swan or his great staff and you will be led in the right direction for some of the best pizza in Indy. With fresh ingredients from Papa Roux, Art Bouvier, and Goose the Market, you will be left wondering why you didn’t eat there sooner. The better news is that all beers on tap are locally sourced as well. So, you can calm your nerves with the freshest beer. You may not see the owners around too often since they are occupied by opening their second location in Ft. Ben (early April 2015). Come see this family owned business, grab a slice, have a beer, enjoy your meal, and have a blast with these great people.

Tommy Dant, owner of James Dant, has blown up on the design scene. I’d love to say he specializes in clothes but, as you glance around his shop, you see his brand name on everything from beard oils to organic candles. In speaking with Tommy, I got to hear about his passion to become a global force. To be honest, after seeing what he has done in just one year, I have no doubt that Tommy will be one of Indy’s shining stars. His shop is filled with everything for the modern male. He has designer clothes, shoes, locally made bags, coffee, beard and hair treatments, mustache wax, flasks, and even a few bicycles.

With his connections, Tommy is setting a whole new bar for entrepreneurs. His philosophy is simple yet effective…you have to be seen to be known.

Indy Cycle Specialist

Black Sheep Black Sheep, after 5 years on the main strip, has seen many changes to the area. Owner, Lisa Bennett, also Vice Chairperson for the Irvington Business Association, knows where Irvington is going and how it should quickly become just as familiar to us

Neighbors, come see these, and many more, shops in Irvington.

You’ll walk away feeling better that you’ve either revisited this area or you’ve discovered a great new place to get to know your neighbors. To learn more about Irvington, please visit www.discoverirvington.com

Dinstinctive Custom Framing & Gallery Since 1960

-Don Elliott617 Massachusetts Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46204 317.822.8455 | theframeshopindy@aol.com Onsite Consultations Available

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business

BECOMING A LEADER BECOMING YOURSELF

by Michael R. Burcham, PhD. The older I get, the more I realize that just because someone has an important job or leadership role doesn’t necessarily mean that they do it responsibly, or are even good at it. Integrity and proficiency are not a given. Really exceptional leaders “walk the talk” and let their expertise inspire others to follow their lead.

Leadership success is not due to luck or tenure. Your life is far too valuable

34 | UNITE MAGAZINE

and important, and should not be wasted by leaving it to chance. Your success depends very much on your ability to be consistent in practicing self-discipline and determination, and having the right attitude for leadership. You owe it to yourself to take full responsibility to develop a personal vision for your future success, and be in complete control of your own destiny. Doing so will also give you all the

essential tools to become an inspiring and impactful leader.

“Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.” - Winston Churchill Ultimately, your ability to lead others begins with yourself. But what does it mean to be prepared to lead? Real leadership proficiency is about build-

ing depth and breadth in your field of work or study. It means knowing the finer details of your specialty while also understanding its broader applicability. It means understanding the individuals around you and recognizing their potential. In simple terms, it is earning your master’s degree, and possibly PhD, in what you do.

Here are 6 key things you can do to build your own leadership proficiency: 1. Cultivate an Open Mind: First, being prepared to lead means you must become a leader who is grounded in your values but have an open mind to new models, new ideas, new points of view. An open mind creates phenomenal results. Most people feel respected, honored, and uplifted by an open mind.

A great leader is usually not, and does not want to be, the smartest person in the room. Great leaders surround themselves with individuals that have more experience and ideas in their areas of expertise than the leader.

2. Develop Emotional Maturity: Second, being prepared to lead means being emotionally mature.

Emotionally mature leaders take full responsibility for self - they think without reacting. When a crisis or challenge occurs in a mature leader’s business or family, the leader looks for their own part in it while carefully considering, without accusation, the parts others are playing. Taking responsibility requires exceptional self-awareness. At decision time, mature leaders value principles over feelings and progress over comfort. When they make a mistake, they acknowledge it without fanfare and move on.

3. Become Intellectually Curious: Exceptional leaders are intellectually curious and always alert to opportunities. Curiosity fuels the grand “what if.” By being curious, you are open to new ideas, challenges and ways of doing things. This constant seeking of knowledge and better ways to achieve your goals makes innovation happen. Remember that much of leadership is all about organizing others to achieve a common goal. The curious leader uncovers innovative ways to motivate people, use technology, endure through struggle and learn from others. Being intellectually curious means you seek knowledge of a person, thing or situation at a deeper level.

4. Set Milestones: In order to take a project or organization to success, leaders must break down long-term goals into timely, digestible, and definable segments.

These segments (Milestones) will help create a detailed roadmap that aligns the day-to-day activities of your organization with the overarching mandates of your strategy. Your team must be aware of these milestones and exactly what it takes to make it to each one. Business milestones are like checkpoints

for leaders, signaling that the business is thriving and growing. Milestones are the events that occur on the way toward achieving the desired end results or goals.

Milestones become markers for celebration. They memorialize moments in time that build a sense of teamwork and accomplishment. Achieving and celebrating a milestone makes the work worthwhile. Developing milestones for your business requires some time and effort, but it is an invaluable exercise, especially if your business is new.

5. Engage in Mentorship: The word mentor literally means “wise advisor” and is taken from Homer’s Odyssey where the character Mentor served as a trusted friend to the story’s protagonist. While some might say great leaders are born leaders, the majority of executives have worked hard to learn the leadership skills that truly empower them. One of the most effective methods of developing leadership skills is through mentoring. A great mentor can give you benefit of his or her perspective and experience, help you look at situations in new ways, and ask the hard questions that help you solve real problems. Finally, a mentor can be a great sounding board for so many issues – from ethical dilemmas to insights on new career opportunities. Be sure to select a mentor who is wise in your chosen area of focus. Schedule mentorship meetings at least once a quarter – you’ll be amazed at how much you will grow!

6. Become a Teacher: Once you have mastered a skill it only makes sense that you would share that knowledge with others. To do so, contact a local school, library, civic or professional organization and offer to share your expertise in a formal setting, free of charge.

Teaching always unearths gaps in your own understanding and knowledge. It also refines your communication skills – it’s one thing for you to understand an objective or task, it’s quite another to be able to explain it to others in a way that fosters engagement and learning.

In life, leaders are not necessarily the highest-ranking person or the one who holds the most impressive job title. A leader is someone whose actions have placed them in a position of trust and authority among their peers. A leader is one whose advice is sought frequently, but never forcefully pushed onto others. A leader is someone whose spirit and desire for excellence eclipses that of everyone else around him. A leader sees the value in others, and inspires each person to perform their best, many times helping them to exceed even their own expectations.

Learning to lead is a lot easier than most of us think – because each of us has the capacity for leadership. Anyone can be a leader – after all, it is all in the commitment to learning, ones emotional maturity, and the attitude with which one chooses to carry him/herself.

UNITE MAGAZINE | 35

fitness

Queen of the Quickie

TIME SAVING TIPS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR WORKOUT

by Stacy McLoud Always rushing, we live in a world with little spare time. We want it and we want it now. We have shortcuts for everything but I hate to be the bearer of bad news, there really are no shortcuts when it comes to building a better body.

Well, not if you want to keep it around for more than Spring Break.

Sure, there are plenty of boxed powders, mass-marketed plans, injections, creams, pills and wraps. There are even a number of trend and fad diets, but none of those things are going to result in a sexy, sculpted body that’s long lasting.

have to spend endless hours in the gym each day to get in a good workout.

When it comes to your time in the gym, a quickie isn’t always a bad thing. Whether you are going in for a marathon lifting session or want to get in and get out, here are a few time saving tips to make the most of your sweat session.

You want it? Well, then you must follow the advice of our beloved Britney...and work, bitch!

Be An Early Bird I don’t necessarily mean this in the literal sense – I hate working out in the morning. I typically like to have several meals before I lift. What I mean by early bird is that you should become familiar with your gym – find out what the peak hours are and avoid them. Going to the gym during slow times can help shave 20-30 minutes from your workout.

That said, quick and fit aren’t complete polar opposites. While it may take time to build a better body, that doesn’t mean you

Superset A superset is two different exercises done back to back with no rest.

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You can do this within the same body group or mix up the muscles you are working. To save time, I try to superset with things that are near each other or performed on the same piece of equipment.

When I work out my shoulders, I may superset wide grip pull downs with narrow grip pull downs. There are so many options, but definitely incorporate supersets into your routine to not only save time but see faster results.

Rest less Speaking of resting, rest times vary depending on if you are doing single sets or supersets and also how hard you are going. But the general rule is don’t rest longer than 30-45 seconds between sets and 60-90 seconds if you are doing supersets.

This isn’t a set time frame. Some people do not rest between sets.

Whatever time you choose, the goal is to make it quick. Not only will this get you in and out of the gym much faster, it keeps your heart rate up, allowing you to burn more calories and make your lifting session double up as a form of cardio as well.

It’s power hour. Not social hour.

For many people, having a workout partner is the only way they will have enough motivation to get up and go. Others need a partner simply because they are working on building strength and need a spotter. Working out with a friend is a great incentive and a great way to spend time together, but it can also tack on time to your workout if you aren’t both serious about getting in and doing work.

Remind yourself and your gym partner that you can catch up later, or in-between sets. If you choose the latter, just make sure you keep an eye on the clock so your daily gossip doesn’t turn into a 5-minute rant. Talk about a waste of energy. #TeamNoSelfie I know, I know. If you don’t take a selfie, it’s like you weren’t even there, right?! But if your goal is to save time you have to put away your phone. If you need it for a stopwatch or music, then make a promise that you won’t open any apps, take any calls, check emails, text, or take any pictures until AFTER your workout is over. Don’t be afraid of the “post gym look,” sweaty is sexy! If you can limit yourself and must use your phone, only do so during your workout’s rest time.

H.I.I.T it and quit it By far the number one mistake people make when it comes to how they spend their time in the gym: If you must choose between the treadmill and the dumbbells, weights win every time.

This isn’t to say you should totally neglect cardio, you just don’t set that timer for any more than 30 minutes. You need to HIIT it … then quit it!

HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training. The idea is to go as hard as you can in bursts of 30 to 60 seconds and then take it down a few notches for a set amount of time.

Remember, cardio is great for your heart and it’s a great fat blaster, but if you aren’t doing it correctly, you will not only waste your time but you’re likely do more harm than good. Too much steady state cardio will potentially eat away the muscle you are working hard to build.

For more fitness tips, visit www.simplystacy.com

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OUTREACH Though Mother’s Day is intended to be a joyous occasion for women across the country, thousands of moms will be overlooked on this special holiday because they are forced to live in shelters as a result of domestic abuse or homelessness.

Heartbreaking statistics from the Domestic Violence Resource Center state that one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, and an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year. According to a national study from the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, approximately 25 percent of homeless women are homeless as a result of violence in the home.

To ensure moms in crisis receive the love and appreciation they deserve this Mother’s Day, Two Men and a Truck® Indianapolis is hosting its annual Movers for Moms® collection drive to provide critical gifts to local women staying in community shelters this spring.

This year, Two Men and a Truck® Indianapolis is working with local businesses and companies to collect essential and comfort items for women staying at The Coburn Place, The Julian Center, and other shelters.

The Julian Center is an emergency shelter for women and their families and is the first step to stopping the cycle of

38 | UNITE MAGAZINE

Two Men And A Truck KICKS OFF MOVERS FOR MOMS

by Jesse Walker

abuse. The Julian Center is the largest domestic violence emergency shelter and family justice center in Indiana.

The Coburn Place is basically phase two with fully-furnished living quarters for families to bring closure and comfort while still in need. The Coburn Place empowers victims of intimate partner abuse to live as survivors.

This spring marks the eighth anniversary of Movers for Moms®. Since its introduction, the program has expanded nationally to more than 295 locations in 38 states. Last year was the program’s most successful year-to-date, with more than 220,000 items collected for donation to hundreds of shelters across the country. This year, Two Men and a Truck® is seeking to collect more than 250,000 items for moms in need across the country.

For more information on Movers for Moms® visit www.twomenandatruck.com/moversformoms

HUNGRY FOR A CULINARY ADVENTURE? Join us for an unforgettable night on the town!

Visit four different, independently owned restaurants in one night, meet the chefs and owners, taste their best dishes and travel in style in a luxury limo coach. Perfect for corporate groups, team building, birthdays, weddings and every special occasion.

Dine and Play Package

Want even more fun?

Book a Dine and Play Package with a foodie tour and customized trivia game show!

317.515.7414 a small potatoes production

SUMMER 2015

Voisin C-25 Aérodyne, 1934. Designed by Gabriel Voisin. Courtesy of Merle and Peter Mullin, Brentwood, California. Photo by Michael Furman.

General Motors Firebird I XP-21, 1953. Designed by Harley J. Earl, Robert F. “Bob” McLean, and GM Styling Section staff. Courtesy General Motors Heritage Center. Photo by Michael Furman.

Lancia (Bertone) Stratos HF Zero, 1970. Designed by Marcello Gandini. Courtesy XJ Wang Collection. Photo by Michael Furman.

Dream Cars: Innovative Design, Visionary Ideas is organized by the Indianapolis Museum of Art in conjunction with the High Museum of Art, Atlanta, Georgia.

imamuseum.org

This exhibition is presented by the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation and Ed Martin Automotive Group, with additional support provided by the Stutz Business Center, ITT Technical Institute, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, Gregory & Appel Insurance, Lake City Bank, Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf, Stephen and Alice Tarr, Fritz in Fishers, Goldman, Sachs & Co., and Harman International. Interpretation materials and content were created with the support of an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.