April Abernathy

Roller Derby Offers Easter Weekend Alternative!

March 31, 2015 by April Abernathy

It’s one of the longest-running rivalries in flat-track roller derby and it will renew on April 4th! The Naptown Tornado Sirens and Warning Belles will go against the Ohio Roller Girls out of Columbus.

The action kicks off at the Marsh Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds at 7:00 that evening, with the undefeated Tornado Sirens battling the Ohio All-Stars. The second bout of the night pits the Warning Belles against the Ohio Gang Green.

Both teams met last season, with Naptown bringing home wins for both the Sirens and Belles.

The Tornado Sirens come into this bout undefeated at home.

Tickets are available through BrownPaperTickets.com or through local vendors around the city.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for season ticket holders and 6:00 p.m. for the general public.

“We know it’s going to be a busy weekend in Indy,” says league spokeswoman Devon “Peyton Slamming” Dean. “But, people will be looking for alternatives for affordable family fun outside of downtown Indianapolis.”

14127277623_8232321258_z — Photo by Tom Klubens

Former Roller Derby Teammates Reunite as Foes March 6th

March 1, 2015 by April Abernathy

The Naptown Tornado Sirens are back in action on Friday, March 6th at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum, facing off against the Fort Wayne Derby Girls.

Fort Wayne’s roster is made up of many former members of the Tornado Sirens, including players who were on the team that went to Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) World Championships in 2011 and 2012.

Because skaters pay to play, they can also choose where they play, even if it means a long commute several times a week.

“It’s going to be an emotional night for everyone involved,” says league spokeswoman Devon “Peyton Slamming” Dean. “Naptown fans know most of the players on the track as current or former Tornado Sirens.”

Dean also says she expects some conflicted emotions from the fans.

Fort Wayne is coming off a decisive home opening victory against Bleeding Heartland (Bloomington). The Tornado Sirens are undefeated so far this season.

The night’s featured charity is the ATI Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping children with physical impairments get the resources they need for a better quality of life.

The night will also be part of the on-going celebration of the 25th anniversary of “NUVO,” Indy’s alternative voice and a longtime Naptown sponsor.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, the Indiana Farmers Coliseum box office, or at local vendors around the city. More information is available at Naptownrollergirls.com!

Doors open at 6:30 p.m for the general public, with the first whistle at 7:30 p.m.!

Roller Derby at the Coliseum February 7th

January 29, 2015 by April Abernathy

Celebrate Valentine’s Day Early with the Naptown Roller Girls!

Coming off a decisive victory over Nashville in front of a crowd of more than 3100, the Naptown Roller Girls are back at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum Saturday, February 7th!

The Tornado Sirens will take on the Demolition City Roller Girls from Evansville.

The Sirens come into this bout following a decisive victory over Nashville on January 17th.

Demolition City made their first-ever playoff appearance in the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association Division II tournament last season.

The two teams met up last season at the Naptown practice space for a closed bout, with the Sirens taking the win 221-88.

Doors open at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum at 5:30 p.m. for season ticket holders and 6:00 p.m. for the general public. The bout starts at 7:00 p.m.

This bout’s featured charity is the March of Dimes.

“We hope people want to celebrate Valentine’s Day a week early with us,” says league spokeswoman Devon “Peyton Slamming” Dean.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, the Indiana Farmers Coliseum box office, or at local vendors around the city. More information is available at Naptownrollergirls.com!

Do You Have What it Takes?

January 10, 2015 by April Abernathy

Change Your Life in 2015 and Join the Naptown Roller Girls!

If your New Year’s resolution is to get in shape and change your life, the Naptown Roller Girls want you!

The Naptown Roller Girls will hold a recruitment workshop on Saturday, February 21st, 2015 from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at our private practice space with try-outs immediately following.

It is highly recommended that participants who plan to try out also attend the workshop.

Interested ladies (18 years and older) who want to learn are encouraged to attend.

The workshop will be run by members of Naptown’s world-class training committee.

The workshop is $40. Payments can be made via PayPal at payments@naptownrollergirls.com (please put “Workshop” in the note).

All on-skates participants must provide their own skates, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, helmet, and mouth guard. Gear can be purchased at Vital Skates in Fountain Square (1022 Virginia Avenue).

For more information and to RSVP, email freshmeat@naptownrollergirls.com.

NRG is Back!

January 7, 2015 by April Abernathy

Roller Derby Returns to the Indiana Farmers Coliseum January 17th!

The Naptown Roller Girls make their triumphant return to the Indiana Farmers Coliseum on Saturday, January 17th!

The Tornado Sirens and Warning Belles will take on the Nashville Roller Girls in a fast-paced, hard-hitting roller derby double header.

The two teams have a long history, with Nashville being the Tornado Sirens’ first-ever opponent in 2007.

Doors open at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum at 6:30 p.m. The night will kick off with the internationally-ranked Tornado Sirens battling the Music City All-Stars at 7:00 p.m.

The second bout will pit the Warning Belles against the Music City Brawl Stars.

Partial proceeds from this bout will benefit the Hoosier Environmental Council.

“We’ve been waiting for this day for a long time,” says league spokeswoman Devon “Peyton Slamming” Dean. “We’ve made so many great memories already in the Coliseum and this should be our most competitive season yet!”

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, the Indiana Farmers Coliseum box office, or at local vendors around the city. More information is available at Naptownrollergirls.com!

Elf the Musical

November 28, 2014 by April Abernathy

Discover Your Inner Elf!

Elf the Musical will be spreading warmth to foster families in Indianapolis this holiday season!

Broadway in Indianapolis announces ELF THE MUSICAL’s “Spreading Warmth” donation drive from November 17-December 20. In a partnership with Indy’s Child Magazine and Old National Bank, donations for The Villages of Indiana, Indiana’s largest not-for-profit child and family services agency, will be accepted to keep a foster child warm this winter. Donations of new items such as winter hats, scarves, gloves and even socks can be made at any of the 27 Greater Indianapolis Old National Bank branches, at the Old National Centre (502 N New Jersey Street) and at the Broadway in Indianapolis office (342 Massachusetts Avenue).

Wednesday, December 17 is Indy’s Child Night at the Theatre. Join Indy’s Child Magazine, and our other local family-friendly partners, for fun and festivities in the lobby from 6:30-7:30 pm. Indy’s Child will host a photo shoot where kids can get their very own Indy’s Child mock cover!

ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy- making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF.

NETworks Presentations, LLC, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Unique Features are thrilled to bring the Broadway musical, ELF, to the Old National Centre in Indianapolis from December 16 to 20. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $28, and available in person at the Broadway in Indianapolis Box Office downtown at 342 Massachusetts Avenue, The Old National Centre Ticket Office, Clowes Memorial Hall, online at BroadwayinIndianapolis.com, or by phone at 1-800-982-2787. Groups of 10 or more can book now by calling 317-632-7469 x103.

Additional information about ELF is available at www.ElfTheMusicalOnTour.com.

Naptown Roller Girls Return to TV this Winter

November 28, 2014 by April Abernathy

The Naptown Roller Girls will be back on HTSN (Channel 6.2) this winter, as well as streaming via naptownrollergirls.com!

Indianapolis’ premiere roller derby league made the jump to television two seasons ago, with bouts shown on tape delay.

Each bout will air a handful of times the week before the next home bout, as well as in real time on the league’s website.

The season kicks off Saturday, January 17th, 2015 against the Nashville Roller Girls.

Season dates are:
Saturday, January 17th
Saturday, February 7th
Friday, March 6th
Saturday, April 4th (at the Marsh Blue Ribbon Pavilion)
Saturday, May 23rd
Saturday, June 20th

A Bit of Magic for the Holidays

November 28, 2014 by April Abernathy

936845_10151656113127008_1471662425_n — Taylor Martin, Producer

Taylor Martin’s Indy Magic Monthly Show #80

What do you get when you put a doctor, a NerdGician, a local conjuring legend, and a whacky producer together on one bill? You get a holiday show that is like no other in Indianapolis: Taylor Martin’s Indy Magic Monthly #80. Yes, the whacky producer himself, Taylor Martin, will do a full set for this long-running show. Come hear him sing “The Chipmunk Song” while doing a bit of rope magic.

Then see first-time performer Mark Presley,from Illinois, present his take on magic as “The NerdGician.” Mark will also do his award winning thimble magic act.

Next you’ll see Corbett Troyer, local closeup magic legend, make coins dance on his fingertips as he amazes you with his closeup wonders.

And finally, Aaron Kalinowski, a doctor who will move you with an amazing performance of the classic “Gypsy Thread” while showing how magic can put lives back together after trauma and addiction.

All of this will happen at Theatre On The Square, who is doing its run of “THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK CHRISTMAS MUSICAL,” which will provide the backdrop for the magic. Maybe the trailers will open up with surprises. Or maybe a visit from a bearded celebrity will happen. Who knows? During the holidays, nothing is impossible at Indy Magic Monthly.

Tickets: $20 Adults, $12 seniors, full time students, and active military personnel. $50 family ticket for up to 5, at least 2 children, please!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indyMagicMonthly

Twitter: @kazoo232

2015 IMA Winter Nights Film Series

October 30, 2014 by April Abernathy

IMA announces lineup for 2015 Winter Nights Film Series
Season debuts unconventional spaces, interactive programming, to complement films

The rekindling of long lost love, odysseys across wild landscapes and adventures to uncover hidden treasures are a few of the incredible journeys found in the IMA’s sixth annual Winter Nights Film Series, themed Lost and Found for the 2015 season.

Attendees are invited to experience films about losing your way and discovering what’s truly important in life. All films, unless otherwise noted, are screened in 35mm. Before the show, guests can enjoy special programming in The Sutphin Fountain Room beginning at 6 p.m. Films begin at 8 p.m. in The Toby, unless otherwise noted.

The 2015 season lineup includes:

January 2
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000, dirs. Joel and Ethan Coen, 106 mins., PG-13)
In this visually stunning, comedic retelling of Homer’s Odyssey, three prisoners escape from a Mississippi chain gang and embark on an adventure to reclaim a buried treasure. Come early to enjoy a pre-show bluegrass performance in The Sutphin Fountain Room.

January 9
The Wizard of Oz (1939, dir. Victor Flemming, 102 mins., PG)
Join Dorothy and Toto in search of the Wizard—and the way back to Kansas— in this Technicolor gem. Before the film, sync up this classic to Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon.

January 16
Spirited Away (2001, dir. Hayao Miyazaki, 125 mins., PG)
In this Oscar-winning Miyazaki masterpiece, a young girl must rescue her parents and find a way home after they become trapped in a magical world. This film is in Japanese with English subtitles. Before the film, join a session of the IMA Drawing Club.

January 23
Fargo (1996, dirs. Joel and Ethan Coen, 98 mins., R)
Bundle up for this special outdoor screening in the IMA Amphitheater! In deep financial trouble, Jerry plots to have his wife kidnapped and ransomed to her wealthy father. Jerry’s situation goes from bad to worse as the inept criminals he hires make mistake after mistake. Show proof you have lived in Minnesota or North Dakota and receive half price admission and VIP seating to the show. This film will be shown in Blu-ray.

January 30
A Hard Day’s Night (1964, dir. Richard Lester, 87 mins., NR)
Filmed just one month after the Beatles exploded into the U.S. on The Ed Sullivan Show, A Hard Day’s Night reconceives the movie musical and captures the moment when John, Paul, George and Ringo became icons of their generation. This 50^th anniversary restoration will be screened in Blu-ray. Before the film, test your music knowledge with a round of trivia.

February 6
Bringing Up Baby (1938, dir. Howard Hawks, 102 mins., G)
Mild-mannered paleontologist Dr. David Huxley’s life is turned upside down when he meets Susan, the niece of a prospective museum donor. To secure his funding, David must help Susan find her aunt’s missing leopard, Baby. Hilarity ensues in this fast-paced, slap-stick comedy. Enjoy film trivia before the show.

February 13
An Affair to Remember (1957, dir. Leo McCarey, 119 mins., NR)
In this iconic and inspiring love story, playboy Nickie and singer Terry fall in love aboard a cruise. Already engaged to other people, the lovers decide to meet six months later at the Empire State Building. Capture the aura of romance with a love letter workshop before the film.

February 20
Peter Pan (1924, dir. Herbert Brenon, 105 mins., NR)
Peter Pan chases his shadow into the Darling children’s bedroom and sweeps them off to Never Never Land where they face off with Captain Hook and his pirates. The orchestral score by Dr. Phillip Carli will be expanded in this premiere performance with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. Tickets for this special screening are $30 for the public and $25 for IMA members.

February 27
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975, dirs. Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam, 91 mins., PG)
King Arthur and his knights have been tasked by God to find the Holy Grail; however, they struggle to fulfill the mission as they encounter obstacles ranging from a cow-tossing Frenchman to a killer rabbit. Create your own chalice, shield or wooden rabbit before the show.

Tickets and Parking
Tickets for the 2015 Winter Nights Film Series are $9 for public and $6 for members, unless otherwise noted. Season packages are available for $71 for the public and $51 for IMA members.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the IMA Welcome Center, online or by calling 317-955-2339. Tickets are also available at the door, but are not guaranteed, as some films may sell out before the day of showing. Tickets go on sale Nov. 1. All tickets are non-refundable.

Parking in the main lot and underground garage is free for IMA members and $5 for the public. Outlying parking spots are free to everyone.

The Wild Feathers at Old National Centre

October 30, 2014 by April Abernathy

The Nashville five-piece, The Wild Feathers, will be at Deluxe at Old National Centre on November 4. The group has played more than 300 shows with names such as Gary Clark Jr, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Dawes, Dwight Yoakam and ZZ Ward. The Wild Feathers recently stopped at the Austin City Limits festival, San Francisco’s Outside Lands, Sasquatch and Hangout Festivals, Milwaukee’s Summerfest, Louisville’s Forecastle Festival, Nashville’s Live on the Green, SXSW, Stagecoach and killed it at this year’s Bonnaroo Festival.

Ticket Information:
Old National Centre
502 North New Jersey St
Indianapolis, IN, 46204
http://oldnationalcentre.com/