A popular event is returning to Thursday nights this summer—and it is only getting better. From May 26 through July 28, the Indiana Historical Society (IHS) is bringing back its Concerts on the Canal series and introducing Free Admission Thursdays, which includes extended hours on concert dates. The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of IHS and the Indiana Experience, is located at 450 W. Ohio St., downtown along the canal.
The musical entertainment will begin at 6 p.m. on concert Thursdays and will feature a variety of styles, from jazz, blues and swing to rock, R&B and pop favorites. This year’s lineup includes popular area performers such as The Cool City Band, Flying Toasters, Indy Nile, Brenda Williams and The Bishops.
Free seating is available on the grassy knoll, which is across the canal from the History Center. Guests can also purchase seating on the History Center’s Kruse Family Stardust Terrace in tables of eight ($50/$40 IHS members) or tables of four ($40/$30 IHS members), and single-seats at the community table ($10/$8 for IHS members). No pets or smoking are allowed on the Terrace.
When it comes to refreshments, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. All alcohol must be purchased on-site, and a cash bar will be offered. Guests can also purchase food from Hoaglin To Go, available through the History Center’s Stardust Terrace Café and at an outdoor grill.
The History Center will offer free admission and extended hours on concert dates, staying open until 8 p.m. Concertgoers are encouraged to take full advantage of access to the Indiana Experience, as well as a weekly selection of IHS’s traveling exhibits. The exhibits explore topics such as Indiana disasters, the state’s rich automotive past, the lives of Hoosiers during Prohibition and more.
In addition, IHS is making it possible for guests to enjoy a free day of fun and music leading up to the city’s Fourth of July fireworks. On Monday, July 4, the History Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission. Then from 5 to 9:30 p.m., IHS will offer a special patriotic edition of its Concerts on the Canal series.
The 2016 Concerts on the Canal series is presented by Total Restoration General Contractors, Inc., in partnership with the IUPUI Department of Music and Arts Technology. Free Admission Thursdays are made possible by Franciscan St. Francis Health.
For more information on IHS’s events, programs and resources, call (317) 232-1882 or visit IHS online at www.indianahistory.org.
May 26
Concert: The Cool City Band, featuring Shannon Forsell, Jimmy Guilford and Laney Wilson
(Swingin’ music from the lounge era)
Traveling Exhibition: One Shot: The WWII Photography of John A. Bushemi
June 2
Concert: Flying Toasters (High energy dance favorites)
Traveling Exhibition: Hoosiers and Their Hooch: Perspectives on Prohibition
June 9
Concert: Actors Theatre of Indiana (Cole Porter Birthday Celebration)
Traveling Exhibition: A Visual Journey: From AIDS to Marriage Equality by Mark A. Lee
June 16
Concert: Indy Nile (Eclectic mix of classic rock, funk and blues)
Traveling Exhibition: The Great War: From Ration Lines to the Front Lines
June 23
Concert: The Funk Quarter (New Orleans Rhythm and Blues)
Traveling Exhibition: Steamboats a Comin’ The Legacy of the New Orleans
June 30
Concert: Everett Greene (Love songs and jazz standards)
Traveling Exhibition: Auto Indiana
July 4
Concert: Indianapolis Municipal Band (5 to 6 p.m.) (Patriotic tunes and marches)
The Tad Robinson Band (7:30 to 9:30 p.m.) (Americana, soul and roots)
Traveling Exhibition: Faces in the Crowd: Indiana and the Political Process
July 7
Concert: Greta Speaks (Rock and pop classics)
Traveling Exhibition: Who is a Hoosier?
July 14
Concert: Brenda Williams (Classic R&B hits from the ’60s and ’70s)
Traveling Exhibition: The Golden Age: Indiana Literature (1880-1920)
July 21
Concert: IUPUI: David Mannell featuring Laura Hammer-Erhart, Becky Barton and Heather Hinton
(Bicentennial tribute and nostalgic favorites)
Traveling Exhibition: Auto Indiana
July 28
Concert: The Bishops (Party songs you love to dance to)
Traveling Exhibition: Indiana Disasters
SOURCE: Indiana Historical Society