April Abernathy

Civic Theatre Welcomes “Golda’s Balcony”

October 30, 2014 by April Abernathy

Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre presents Broadway’s longest running one-woman show, “Golda’s Balcony” as this season’s second production. The show will run from Friday, October 24 through Saturday, November 8.

Indianapolis actress, Miki Mathioudakis, will take the stage as Israeli Prime Minister, Golda Meir, for the second time in her stage career.

“From my prior experience, I hope to bring a well-rounded understanding of Jewish traditions and the situation in the Middle East to the role,” said Mathioudakis. “Being an ordained minister in the Christian Church, I have observed similarities in the Jewish faith that are helping me relate to Golda Meir and her religion.”

William Gibson’s “Golda’s Balcony,” follows the life of Golda Meir from her impoverished childhood in Russia to her time as the fourth Prime Minister of Israel. The play examines Meir’s personal and public life and provides intimate insight into the power, strength and idealism which caused many to regard her as a legendary world leader during a time of great conflict.

“In relation to recent events in Israel, this story is a reminder that war is without end,” said Mathioudakis. “’Golda’s Balcony’ shows that war is not a one-sided story, and it strengthens the notion that everybody, regardless of their nationality, just wants a place to call their own.”

This production offers full-length school matinee performances that provide high school students with a unique educational theatre experience. Specifically, “Golda’s Balcony” examines topics such as leadership, breaking gender roles and the on-going conflict in Israel.

“Golda’s Balcony” will run from October 24 through November 8. Showtimes are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., Saturday, November 8 at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Matinee performances are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit CivicTheatre.org or call (317) 843-3800.

RED by John Logan

October 30, 2014 by April Abernathy

Now Playing at the IRT

It’s 1958 and abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko had just landed the biggest commission in the history of modern art. With the help of his assistant, Rothko frantically struggles against his insecurities while trying to create a definitive and moving body of work. Electrifying and captivating, this winner of the Drama Desk Award and Tony for best play investigates the conflicts inherent in the tension between a great artist’s desire to be understood and respected.

October 14 – November 9
IRT Upperstage
Tickets, Dates & Times
Adult tickets: $25 – $59
Student tickets: $20
317-635-5252

Burgerhaus Now Open on the Canal Walk

October 28, 2014 by April Abernathy

The Canal Walk in downtown Indianapolis now has a new dining option with the opening of Burgerhaus in the ground level of the Nine on Canal high-rise community. Opening as the second location for the Valparaiso-based eatery, the menu showcases the concept of what happens when International tastes meet an American tradition including salads, sandwiches and burgers.

“We have food that is the finest in the known world and our Haus fries are so good they are accepted as currency,” said Evan Costas, co-owner and founder of Burgerhaus. “Our succulent beef patties are a fresh-never-frozen custom blend of the finest meat cuts, infused with savory seasonings from around the Earth.”

In a long-term partnership with nonprofit Kids Alive, Burgerhaus contributes 38 cents for every burger sold each month, helping to provide a balanced meal for a hungry child. Currently, the focus is in the Karundas-area of central-Kenya where Kids Alive has a school and provides meals as part of the school day. For many of these children, ages 4 to 14, this is the only full meal they get each day. To date, the partnership has resulted in 25,257 meals served, a number the Burgerhaus team hopes continues to grow.

“Giving back is an important part of our mission,” said Matthew Kennedy, general manager of Burgerhaus. “We’ve chosen to make caring a part of our business and helping to feed a child in need only makes sense.”

Located at 335 W. 9^th St., Suite D, Indianapolis, Ind. 46202, parking is available in the Nine on Canal garage with direct access to the restaurant in addition to on Senate Avenue or 9^th Street.

Hours of operation are 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit Indy.BurgerhausRestaurants.com.

Naptown Roller Girls Make History January 25th!

January 22, 2014 by April Abernathy

It will be a family affair when the Naptown Roller Girls take to the track on Saturday, January 25th at the Indiana Convention Center. For the first time in NRG’s history, a mother and daughter will play on the same team.

Michell “Woe Mamma” Kyger and 18-year-old Katie “McFly” Kyger will both be on the track as part of the Naptown Warning Belles. Kate recently joined the league after aging out of Indianapolis Junior Roller Derby (IJRD). Her mother is in her second season with Naptown.

“I am thrilled to be able to realize the dream of skating alongside my daughter,” Michell says.
The Warning Belles will be part of a derby double-header, taking on the Twin City Derby Girls (Champaign/Urbana, IL). The bout starts at 6:00 p.m.

The second bout of the evening features the internationally-ranked Tornado Sirens battling Ka-Boom, a regional all-star team. This is the last home bout before the Tornado Sirens enter WFTDA (Women’s Flat Track Derby Association) – sanctioned play for playoff consideration this fall.

Tickets are on-sale at Ticketmaster outlets, the Lucas Oil Stadium box office, and local vendors.

Partial proceeds will go to benefit Special Olympics Indiana.

Briar Rabbit’s From Your Bones: Live!

January 22, 2014 by April Abernathy

Briar Rabbit kicked off the tour for his new album, From Your Bones, last week . The 27-year-old singer/songwriter from Metro Detroit fills the album with lyrics that tell a young man’s coming of age. The emotion paints a picture of the heartache from a broken relationship and the growing pains of finding a place in the world without compromising the things he has a passion for. Easy on the ears, the stripped down album puts Briar Rabbit’s voice and lyrics front and center.

Naptown Buzz got a chance to chat with Briar about his album and tour:

How is this album different from the others?
I’ve been writing for 13 to 14 years. To finally hit that point where I am expressing what I want how I want feels great.

I recorded all the songs acoustic then built the arrangements around that. It was a different approach. My producer wanted to put emphasis on the fact that I am a singer and songwriter. This record really highlights my vocals and guitar playing. I’d call it lyrically driven folk pop.

What was your goal for this album?
I wanted to make a record that people could listen to and get a good vibe off of. My producer called it minimalism. Some songs really are so simple like Lock Up Before You Leave.

There’s a lot of emotion in this album. What’s that about?
I was seeing someone and we split half way through the album. I also reached a point where my peers where getting married and started having families — being in a band just wasn’t cute anymore. I showed them (my peers) a different path. There is something inside of me that wants to play music. The lyrics are vulnerable and honest, but there is a fine line with being honest. They are extrememly vulnerable without being a scapegoat. I wanted to give a more honest version and didn’t want it to be tacky and accusatory. It’s basically the Gospel according to Briar Rabbit.

You mentioned that even the album cover was intentionally planned…
People’s attention will go where you tell it to go. The album art sort of says, ‘Who is Briar Rabbit?’ Well, he’s a thoughtful gentleman. From the typewriter to the coffee — it just says to listen to the lyrics.

The tour just started. How has it gone so far?
The tour has gone really well. I think wotking with a publicist really helped. I am going to cities where people are coming to shows to see me and listen to what I have to say instead of just being there. This isn’t always the case when you tour. It’s great to get the word out so I can take people on a little tour during the show.

You’ve been hands on with this tour. Can you explain a little?
I’ve hand picked the bands that will perform with me. I want people to like who they are listening to and not have a show that’s a hodge podge. I want to give three great acts that will knock the audiences soks off. I just like to provide that experience for people.

————————————————————————-

Check Briar Rabbit out Friday at the Foundry in Indianapolis!

Complete Winter Tour Dates:

Thursday January 16th | Milwaukee, WI @ Yield Bar w/ St James | 9 pm | Free

Friday, January 17th | Madison, WI @ Redamte w/ Todd Kessler | 7pm | $8 | All Ages

Wednesday, January 22nd | Des Moines, IA @ Gas Lamp w/ Ryne Doughtry, Milk & Eggs| 7pm |$8

Thursday January 23rd | Iowa City @ The Mill w/ Milk & Eggs | 7pm | $8

Friday, January 24th | Indianapolis, IN @ The Foundry | 7pm | $8

Saturday, January 25th | Chicago, IL @ Martyrs w/ Julia Klee & The Dirty Pigeons | 7pm | $10

Sunday, January 26 | St. Louis, MO @ The Gramophone | 8pm | $7

Monday, January 27th | Nashville, TN @ The Basement w/ Kirabella Frabotta | 8pm | $5

Tuesday, January 28th | Nashville, TN @ The Basement – New Faces Night | 8pm | Free

Wednesday, January 29 | Newport, KY @ The Southgate House | 8pm| $8

Thursday January 30th | Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Cafe | 8pm | $8

Friday, January 31st | Columbus, OH @ Kafe Kerouac w/ Ashley Brooke Toussant and Mike Reeb 8pm | $7 | All Ages

Saturday, February 8th | Grand Rapids, MI @ Billy’s Lounge w/ Lucas Wilson | 8pm | $8

Wednesday, February 19th | Boston, MA @ Club Passim w/ Eric Stepanian | 6:30pm | $15

Thursday, February 27 | Kalamazoo, MI @ The Old Dog | 8 pm | $5

*More dates to be confirmed

Naptown Roller Girls Return to the Local Airwaves!

January 15, 2014 by April Abernathy

The internationally-ranked Naptown Roller Girls will return to HTSN (WRTV-Channel 6.2) this season. Fans will be able to watch the league’s home bouts (on delay) and learn more about one of top 20 roller derby leagues in the world!

Our sold-out December 28th bout will be broadcast on January 18th at 10:00 p.m., with encores on January 19th at 8:00 p.m. and January 21st at 7:00 p.m.

Our January 25th bout will be shown on HTSN on February 8th at 5:00 p.m., with encores on February 9th at 8:00 p.m. and February 11th at 7:00 p.m.

Our February 15th bout will be shown on March 9th at 5:00 p.m., with encores on March 10th at 7:00 p.m. and March 11th at 10:00 p.m.

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring the thrill of flat track roller derby to the local airwaves again,” says league spokeswoman “Peyton Slamming” (Devon Dean). “We are so thankful for the love and support Central Indiana shows us each season.”

Tickets for the league’s second home bout of the season (1/25) at the Indiana Convention Center are on-sale at all Ticketmaster outlets

Dave Matthews Band Announces 2014 Summer Tour

January 15, 2014 by April Abernathy

From http://davematthewsband.com — From: davematthewsband.com

In 2013, Rolling Stone put Dave Matthews Band on its list of the “50 Greatest Live Acts Right Now,” observing, “Two decades in, DMB still know how to surprise their fans.” The group’s 2014 North American summer tour may be its most surprising yet.

“A Very Special Evening with Dave Matthews Band” will feature the group delivering two sets per evening, performing songs from throughout its career. Dave Matthews Band will wind through numerous configurations – from electric to acoustic, from full-throttle numbers featuring the entire band to more intimate moments featuring small groups of band members – including a stripped-down pairing of Matthews with guitarist Tim Reynolds, performing as an acoustic duo, as they occasionally do when the band is off the road. A variety of guests will join the band throughout the summer.

“I was talking to Carter about how much I still like just sitting around playing music together. It’s how we started – in the basements of Carter’s and my mom’s houses,” says vocalist/guitarist Dave Matthews. “Our shows are loose, but we started thinking that maybe this summer we should make them looser and bring some of that feeling to the stage. It seems like the opposite of a safe plan, so why not?”

“Everyone was really psyched about the idea, so we’ve been busy figuring out how to turn it into the best possible experience for our fans,” says drummer Carter Beauford.

The extensive North American outing will kick off on May 16 at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Woodlands, TX and include two-night stands in Saratoga Springs, NY, Camden, NJ, Noblesville, IN, Chicago, IL, Hartford, CT and West Palm Beach, FL. Dave Matthews Band will launch the West Coast leg with three consecutive nights at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, CA (August 22-24). The group will headline The Gorge Amphitheatre in George, WA on August 29-31 in its traditional Labor Day weekend stint. This year’s shows at The Gorge will also feature a Caravan stage with performances by additional artists.

An online presale for all shows will begin on Thursday, January 16, at 10:00 AM ET at www.warehouse.davematthewsband.com for members of the DMB Warehouse Fan Association. Citi is the official credit card of the Dave Matthews Band Summer 2014 Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets through Citi’s Private Pass Program beginning on Monday, February 3, at 10:00 AM local time for all shows except the August 29-31 dates, which will be available beginning on Monday, February 17, 10:00 AM local time. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, February 7, at 10:00 AM local time for all shows EXCEPT the August 29-31 dates, which go on sale Friday, February 21, at 10:00 AM PT. For further details, see below or visit http://davematthewsband.com.

Last summer’s Dave Matthews Band run topped Billboard’s Hot Tours chart in September 2013. The Dallas News noted, “the band’s musicianship deserves undivided attention…For nearly three hours that organic blend of instruments, voices and songs swept through a crowd eager to spend all night with the Dave Matthews Band.”

“The only reliable Dave Matthews Band set list is a dart board with the group’s entire 22-year-old discography. And that, my friends, is a good thing – for the fans and the band,” said Cleveland’s Plain Dealer. “Each night is a new night, a new beginning for us all…Like life, which really has no straight roads, a DMB show is a journey down twisting and turning byways. The difference is that there are no speed bumps, no orange barrels, but there ARE plenty of fascinating side roads.”

Dave Matthews Band has sold a collective 37 million CDs and DVDs combined. The group has teamed up again with Rob Cavallo, who produced 2009’s Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King, to record a new album that will be released later this year. With Away From The World entering the Billboard 200 at No. 1 in 2012, Dave Matthews Band became the first group in chart history to have six consecutive studio albums debut atop the chart. The band ranked as the biggest ticket seller worldwide of the past decade and has sold over 19 million tickets since its inception.

6/20 Noblesville, IN Klipsch Music Center 2/7, 10 AM local time
6/21 Noblesville, IN Klipsch Music Center 2/7, 10 AM local time

Carmel Clay Parks Winter Events

December 30, 2013 by April Abernathy

Enjoy a Magical Evening at Our Princess Ball

Shower your princess with enchantment and elegance at Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation’s Princess Ball. February 8 is perfect to dance the night away, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and sparkling punch, and cuddle together on a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park. The event will be held in the Banquet Rooms at the Monon Community Center from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and will take you and your princess on a magical princess-themed adventure throughout the night.

The event is not exclusive to daddies and daughters. Uncles, grandpas, and other male role models are also welcome to attend with their little princess. Event is appropriate for princesses 4 years and older.

Cost for this event is $20 per person. Registration is capped due to space availability, so be sure to register in advance, online at www.carmelclayparks.com with activity number 239006-01.

And Not to be Left Out …

A boy’s only evening at the Monon Community Center is on the winter schedule as well, set for Saturday, January 11 from 6 – 10 p.m. Pizza, knock-out basketball, gym games, relays, and a movie to top it off for boys ages 7 – 13. Make this the ultimate night for you and your buddies. Participants should bring pillows or blankets to lay on while watching the movie. Cost is $10 a person.

Winter Kids Koncerts

As the winter progresses, moms are definitely seeking activities that will assist in burning off all that pent-up energy! Our FREE Winter Kids Koncerts allow children ages 2 to 5 years to dance and sing-along to classical hits and kid favorites. Each hour-long performance provides an enriching and engaging experience. Reservations are strongly encouraged due to room capacity limits. The concerts are held at the Monon Community Center Multipurpose Rooms A, B, & C (East Building- 1235 Central Park Drive East). This month, Ruditoonz is set to entertain youngsters on Monday, January 27 from 10 – 11 a.m. Future concerts include:
Island Breeze Duo Monday, Feb. 24 10-11 a.m.
Kid Kazooey Monday, Mar. 31 10-11 a.m.
Mik the Music Man Monday, Apr. 28 10-11 a.m.
All event information is also available online. Or, contact Traci Broman, Event Supervisor, at 317.573.5243 or tbroman@carmelclayparks.com for more information.

America’s Got Talent Holding Audition in Indiana

December 30, 2013 by April Abernathy

The hit NBC show “America’s Got Talent” will be coming to Indianapolis on January 25 and 26 in the hopes to seek contestants for the upcoming season!

To schedule an interview or if you’d like me to send you artwork of the season’s celebrity judges, please do let me know. More below; give me a shout if I can be of further assistance. Casting Call Open to All Ages and Talent

ABOUT:

Indiana residents can show off their talents for the chance to compete for the $1 million dollar prize on the upcoming season of NBC’s top-rated summer series America’s Got Talent! NBC’s top-rated series “America’s Got Talent” is the only talent competition show open to any age and any talent, and has been recognized as a “shocking, modern-day variety show”. The auditions are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for performers across the country to showcase their talent in 90 seconds to the series’ producers, in the hopes of being able to take the stage in front of “America’s Got Talent” celebrity judges’: Howie Mandel, Mel B, Heidi Klum and Howard Stern, and host Nick Cannon.

Every type of performer is welcome: Last season’s competitors included musicians, dancers, magicians, contortionists, comedians, singers, jugglers, animal acts, and everything in between. Those interested in auditioning should pre-register at: http://www.americasgottalentauditions.com/

WHEN: Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26 from 8AM – 7PM
WHERE: INDIANA CONVENTION CENTER | 100 SOUTH CAPITOL | INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46225 (Please visit http://www.americasgottalentauditions.com/indianapolis/ for more)

Broadway in Indianapolis Presents: Ghost, Memphis and The Addams Family

December 30, 2013 by April Abernathy

Ghost The Musical, Memphis and The Addams Family are on sale now. Ghost The Musical opens March 4 at the Old National Centre, Memphis opens April 1^st at Clowes Memorial Hall and The Addams Family opens May 13^th at Clowes Memorial Hall. Tickets start at $28 and are available in person at the Broadway Across America Box Office downtown at 342 Massachusetts Avenue, Clowes Memorial Hall, The Old National Centre Ticket Office, online at BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com, or by phone at 1-800-982-2787. Groups of 10 or more can book now by calling 317-632-7469 x103.

GHOST THE MUSICAL
March 4-9, 2014
*Old National Centre

Set in modern day New York City, Ghost The Musical is a timeless fantasy about the power of love. Walking back to their apartment one night after a romantic dinner, Sam and Molly are mugged, leaving Sam dead on a dark street. Sam is trapped as a ghost between this world and the next and unable to leave Molly, who he learns is in grave danger. With the help of a phony storefront psychic, Sam tries to communicate with Molly in the hopes of saving and protecting her.

Ghost The Musical has been enjoyed by over 1 million people worldwide and has been nominated for numerous awards including five Olivier Awards and three Tony Awards. The Associated Press calls Ghost The Musical “Eye-poppingly brilliant” while Variety assures the audience will experience “A limitless array of dazzling effects.” Newsday promises that Ghost The Musical is “Unlike anything seen on stage before” and the Daily Telegraph says that Ghost The Musical “Will keep you gasping!”

MEMPHIS
April 1-6, 2014
*Clowes Hall

TURN UP THAT DIAL… From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, Memphis is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves –

filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll. Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, Memphis, which played pre-Broadway at the La Jolla Playhouse, features a Tony®-winning book by Joe

DiPietro (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change) and a Tony®-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan. Directing is Tony® nominee Christopher Ashley (Xanadu), and choreography is by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys). Get ready to experience Broadway’s most exciting new destination~ what AP calls “The very essence of what a Broadway musical should be.”

THE ADDAMS FAMILY
May 13-18, 2014
*Clowes Hall

The Addams Family is a smash-hit musical comedy that brings the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and, of course, Lurch to spooky and spectacular life. “A visually satisfying, rib-tickling, lunatic musical that will entertain you to death!” according to Toronto Post City, this magnificently macabre new musical comedy is created by Jersey Boys authors Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, Drama Desk-winning composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party), choreographer Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys) and Olivier Award-winning costume and set designers Phelim McDermott & Julian Crouch (Shockheaded Peter) with direction by four-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Zaks.

Come meet the family. We’ll leave the lights off for you.

The performance schedule for Ghost The Musical, Memphis and The Addams Family will be Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm, Saturday matinee at 2:00 pm, Sundaymatinee at 1:00 and Sunday evening at 6:30 pm.