Naptown Buzz

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April Abernathy

Tickets going fast for Indy Symphonic Choir’s signature holiday event

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(Photo/Tom Russo)
(Photo/Tom Russo)

Annual Festival of Carols December 8 and 22

Festival of Carols, the annual holiday show from the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, returns for the season following a sell-out run in 2012. Performances will feature arrangements of holiday favorites including “Joy to the World, “O Holy Night,” the “Hallelujah Chorus” and more. Festival of Carols is sponsored by Simon Property Group. Tickets are still available for the Sunday, December 22 performances at the Palladium in Carmel beginning at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Sunday, December 8 show at the Scottish Rite Cathedral is now sold out.

The 150-voice Indianapolis Symphonic Choir will be joined by special guests including soprano Maria Jette (as heard on NPR’s Prairie Home Companion), Butler University’s all-male a cappella group Out of the Dawg House and the city’s finest bell choir, the Circle City Ringers. As part of the Choir’s educational initiatives, students from the choirs at Franklin Central High School and Fishers High School will join for the December 8 and 22 performances respectively.

Tickets range from $20-$38 and can be purchased online at www.indychoir.org. There may be a limited number of tickets available at the door. Group sales and student discounts are available. For performance details, audio preview links and ticket information, visit www.indychoir.org or call 317-940-9057.

First Friday at the Stutz to feature open studios and more

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Sidewalk Symphony by Julia Wickes
Sidewalk Symphony by Julia Wickes

The Stutz Artists Association is offering a holiday version of its annual open house on Dec. 6 with 30 open artists’ studios, an exhibition featuring art for gift-giving and the second annual bicycle selection for artists participating in an upcoming competition.

For the first time ever on a First Friday in the evening, visitors will be able to roam the massive building to find approximately 30 studios in which artists will be hosting receptions from 6 to 9 p.m.

The “Splendid Menagerie” exhibition will be in part of the Raymond James Stutz Art Gallery on the first floor. It will feature small and large works created with gift giving in mind. Art will include paintings and graphics, jewelry of many different styles and materials, greeting cards, photography, and fabric arts including quilting and hand-dyed wall art.

Another part of the gallery will feature the “IDADA First in Line” show featuring snapshots of the people who bought artwork. IDADA will hold a reception and sale on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. Visit www.idada.org for more details.

Finally, the evening will be complete with the second annual bicycle selection for reCYCLE pARTS II, a juried art exhibit and competition in May 2014. One by one, participating artists will pick an entire bike starting at 7 p.m. Artists will draw a number at registration that determines the order of bicycle selection. All art in the show will be created using at least three pieces of the selected bicycle.

WHAT: First Friday at the Stutz featuring 30 open studios, “Splendid Menagerie” exhibition and artists’ bicycle selection for the second annual show featuring bicycle parts
WHERE: The Stutz Business Center, 212 W. 10th St. (Enter from 10th Street via alley)
WHEN:   Dec. 6, 5-9 p.m.
COST: Free and open to the public
INFO: www.stutzartists.com or (317) 503-6420

New ECHL team to play in renovated Coliseum beginning in 2014

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image002Professional hockey is coming back to the Indiana State Fairgrounds!  The Indiana State Fair Commission has approved an agreement with Indiana Hockey Club, LLC, an ECHL expansion franchise that will become an anchor tenant for the fairgrounds’ newly renovated Coliseum and begin playing its home games there in October 2014.  The two organizations have signed a five-year deal that also calls for the team to house its administrative offices at the fairgrounds.

Carmel businessman Jim Hallett, the chief executive officer and director of KAR Auction Services, one of North America’s largest automotive remarketing companies, is the chairman of Indiana Hockey Club, LLC and no stranger to hockey.  He is a lifelong fan, former player and former team owner.

“Professional hockey is back in Indy, and we can’t wait to drop the puck,” Hallett said.  “We have a great partnership with the Indiana State Fair Commission and a beautiful new arena that will be one of the premier hockey venues in the Midwest.  We’ll offer affordable family fun and a competitive brand of hockey that hasn’t been seen here since the Indianapolis IHL team that played in Market Square Arena in the 1990s. We are already busy assembling a first class organization, and look forward to sharing our progress as we build toward the 2014 season.”

The Coliseum Complex is in the final months of a $63 million renovation that will modernize the entire arena with new lighting, a two-tiered seating bowl, a digital overhead scoreboard, state of the art sound equipment and ample ADA seating.  It will accommodate about 6,200 fans for hockey and is scheduled to reopen in April, 2014.

“This deal makes perfect sense for us and we’re happy to have it done before the building opens next spring,” said Indiana State Fair Commission Chairman Andre Lacy.  “I remember going to Capitals games in the Coliseum as a boy eager for a puck to come my way, so bringing pro hockey back to the fairgrounds is especially gratifying to me personally.”

The State Fairgrounds has been the hub of Indianapolis’ long hockey history dating back to 1939 when the Coliseum first opened and the Indianapolis Capitals began the first of their 13 seasons in the International American Hockey League.  The building subsequently housed the Indianapolis Chiefs, Racers, Checkers and Ice for various durations in a variety of professional leagues from 1955 – 2004.  The Indiana Ice, an amateur team playing in the United States Hockey League, called the Coliseum home from 2004 – 2012 when the renovation began but ultimately decided not to return to the Coliseum after the renovation is completed.

That decision eventually led the commission to Hallett and the ECHL.  Hockey’s premier “AA” league, the ECHL not only offers Ft. Wayne as a natural regional rival, but it also has franchises in nearby Evansville, Cincinnati and Toledo.  Overall, it currently has 22 teams located throughout the country and is responsible for sending more than 500 players to the National Hockey League since its inception in 1988.

 “Indianapolis has an international reputation as a great sports town, and we’re confident it will once again be a great hockey town,” said ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna.  “With an exceptional ownership group led by Jim Hallett, a brand new venue and a proud hockey tradition, we couldn’t be happier to expand the ECHL to Central Indiana.”

 The ECHL has long been known for its high quality hockey that is also an affordable family experience.  A recent survey commissioned by the State Fairgrounds indicates great public support for affordable, family friendly pro sports events in the new Coliseum, which has everyone involved excited about the new team’s long term outlook.

“I spent many years watching my son’s hockey games in the Coliseum and know what a devoted fan base there is for hockey and the Coliseum,” said State Fairgrounds Executive Director Cindy Hoye. “To have a brand new professional team ready to reenergize these fans inside a first-class facility that is still connected to its 75-year history is going to be fun.”

The hockey club is the second team to announce a deal to play in the renovated Coliseum.  Earlier this year, the IUPUI Jaguars announced a five-year agreement to play all its men’s and selected women’s basketball games in the arena.  The hockey team will unveil additional details at a press conference on November 26 at 11 a.m., including information on the lottery process for selecting season tickets for the club’s inaugural season.

Taylor Martin’s Indy Magic Monthly Show #68, Future Stars

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Sir Pat-Trick
Sir Pat-Trick

At a recent magic convention in Las Vegas, a performer stepped on stage, and a legend was born.

Imagine a man who’d never been on a plane before and never had been in Las Vegas. He had worked many long hours with Joanie Spina, former director for David Copperfield, to create a world class show. His act had been reborn. And when Patrick Thernes from Cincinnati, finished his show, he got standing ovations, praise from Lance Burton and Mac King, and ended up getting an engagement at the world famous Magic Castle. 

This is Sir Pat-Trick, and his last stop before Hollywood is Indiana at Indy Magic Monthly on Dec. 3rd. Don’t miss it!

The show will also feature Cody Comet, an up and coming magician from Louisville. Comet, ajunior at U of Louisville, has a story to tell and magic to tell it with.
As an autistic person, he’s used magic to help him achieve what others only wish they could. With bookings in comedy clubs, magic shows in Chicago, Louisville and Indy, and doing benefits for The Special Olympics, Comet has received standing ovations wherever he plays.
 
Indianapolis’ own master of sleight of hand, Corbett Troyer joins the show as well. Troyer has been a fixture on the Indiana magic scene for many years, and he always shows his audiences his mastery of the impossible.
The entire evening will be emceed by Taylor Martin as Rodney The Elder, Escamoteur and Conjurer. As usual, the evening of entertainment, known as Indy Magic Monthly, will again leave you astonished.

 

Tickets:  $20 Adults, $12 seniors, full time students, and active military personnel. $50 family ticket for up to 5, at least 2 children, please!
When: Tuesday, December 3,  2013 @ 7:30, Lobby opens at 7 PM, Doors at 7:15 PM
Where: Theatre On The Square, 627 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, IN

 

 

Make Holiday Memories at the Indianapolis Zoo

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The 45th year of Christmas at the Zoo presented by Donatos and Teachers Credit Union begins Nov. 29

Photo from Indianapoliszoo.com
Photo from Indyzoo.com

A generous sprinkling of twinkling lights, a cup of hot cocoa and just a dash of snow — it’s the recipe for a wonderful holiday experience. Add in some fascinating animals and you have Christmas at the Zoo presented by Donatos and Teachers Credit Union.

This holiday tradition began in 1967 when then-director Earl Woodard wanted to decorate the Zoo with lights. That year, the Indianapolis Zoo became the first zoo in the United States to host a holiday lights event, and ever since, guests have come year after year to make holiday memories at the Zoo. Now entering its 45th year, visitors can experience the beauty and magic of the Zoo at Christmastime Wednesdays through Sundays from Nov. 29-Dec. 29, plus Dec. 23 and Dec. 30. The Zoo is open noon-9pm and festivities begin at 5pm. The Zoo is closed on Christmas Eve and Day.

Each year, Christmas at the Zoo brings together the best of the holiday season with a “wild” twist! Many of the Zoo’s more robust animals will be out late to enjoy the cooler weather, including the polar bear, tigers, red panda, brown bears, walrus and many others. Holiday-themed dolphin shows and special animal keeper chats will help guests get into the Christmas spirit. When visitors’ cheeks start to get rosy, they can dash inside to enjoy the animals in the Dolphin Dome and Oceans exhibit or the beautiful scenery inside the Hilbert Conservatory in White River Gardens.

As the sun sets, the Zoo will be covered in the colorful glow of twinkling lights. From the fun animal displays to the festive We Three Trees presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers, all of the Zoo’s holiday lights are LED energy efficient for the first time thanks to Damar Services. While taking in the displays, guests can sip a cup of hot cocoa, sample delicious holiday treats and enjoy carolers singing near the fireside. Additional activities await in White River Gardens inside Santa’s Workshop presented by Chick-fil-A, where the little ones will love decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus, writing letters to Santa and meeting Chris Cringle himself! Guests can also register to win one of two Dolphin In-Water Adventures by finding the mistletoe hidden around grounds.

Christmas at the Zoo is free for Zoo members and included with regular admission. Discount tickets are available at participating Donatos and Teachers Credit Union locations, and guests can also always save when they purchase tickets in advance at indianapoliszoo.com.

Join Arts Council of Indianapolis and Shawn Causey for Bright City Mural Celebration

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Artist Shawn Causey working on Bright City. Photo from shawncausey.com
Artist Shawn Causey working on Bright City. Photo from shawncausey.com

The Arts Council of Indianapolis and artist Shawn Causey will host a talk and casual reception in celebration of the completion of the Bright City mural.

Bright City is a 12 foot tall polychromatic artwork painted on panel with mirrored strips. This 171 foot long mural is comprised of mirrored stainless steel lined between color fields painted with marine grade acrylic paint. This mural enlivens the sidewalk beneath it with stripes of reflected light, according to Indy Arts Guide.

Please join the Arts Council and Causey at 6:00 p.m. Friday for the presentation of Bright City  on Delaware Street. There will be a toast afterward at Plat 99, the bar at the Alexander Hotel.

Guests should meet in the lobby of the Alexander Hotel at 6 p.m.  From there, we’ll head one block north to the mural, where Causey will talk about the artwork, her inspiration, and her experience creating it.

Shawn Causey is an Indianapolis-based visual artist and musician with a studio in the Stutz Building. Causey earned degrees in fine arts from Herron School of Art & Design and in music from Butler University. She was assisted on this project by Indianapolis contractor, Mark Daniell.

 

 

 

 

Naptown Roller Girls Head for Roller Derby Playoffs

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Siren co-captain Maiden America (Melissa Smith) Photo by Tom Klubens
Siren co-captain Maiden America (Melissa Smith) Photo by Tom Klubens

Naptown to Compete in Division 1 Tournament in Richmond, VA

The Naptown Roller Girls will be going to Richmond, Virginia September 13th-15th to compete in playoff action as part of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA).  The Tornado Sirens qualified for the 2013 WFTDA Division 1 Playoffs as the No. 13 seed overall (3rd in the division).

“I am looking forward to Division 1 Playoffs this year because for the first time ever we will be playing teams from all of the country in order to qualify for Championships,” says Siren co-captain Maiden America (Melissa Smith). “It’s a wonderful step forward in roller derby, and I am excited and prepared to embrace this opportunity with my team!”

The WFTDA Playoffs and Championships bring together the most talented, highly trained and committed skaters and officials from WFTDA member leagues worldwide.

With a significant shift in the WFTDA competitive structure this year, the 2013 Playoffs will bring a new level of excitement as many teams will meet on the track for the first time in the playoffs.

In prior years, teams were seeded into WFTDA Playoffs based on geographic region. With the introduction of a WFTDA-wide rankings system this year, teams can end up playing opponents from anywhere in the world. There are seven teams that have qualified for Division 1 Playoffs for the first time.

This will be Naptown’s fourth playoff appearance.  Depending on the outcome of the playoffs, the Naptown Tornado Sirens could be headed to their third consecutive Championship appearance (the first and only league in Indianapolis to do so).

Indianapolis Singer-Songwriter Tatu Signed to Round Hill Music

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Tatu (Tatiauna Matthews) Photo from Round Hill Music
Tatu (Tatiauna Matthews) Photo from Round Hill Music

Indianapolis native Tatiauna Matthews lives by the motto: “Stayin’ humble and determined is all I need.” It’s a motto that has earned the 25-year-old success and the respect of not just the music industry but her friends.

Naptown Buzz met up with Matthews, better known as Tatu, to talk about her recent deal with Round Hill Music and her journey to notoriety.
Naptown Buzz: OK, so where did your nickname come from?
Tatu: It’s my industry name. (She giggles and a grin grows across her face.) My publisher gave it to me. It’s just what I go by now.
NB: How long have you been involved with music? What age did it spark your interest?
Tatu: Since I was mmm about 12. I started in the church.
NB: Now you were born and raised in Indianapolis…I hear you have music in your blood.
Tatu: The Hamptons — they were jazz players. My mom is a playwright and choreographer, and my sister is a dancer and choreographer.
NB: You were raised by your mother…How did that shape you into choosing music?
Tatu: Being raised by my mother definitely changed me because my mom kept us singing in church. She kept us on drill team. There was always music in the house, and we were always dancing. If I would’ve been raised by doctors, I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing.
NB: Where did your motto come from?
Tatu: Experience and my grandmother. My grandmother is always telling me, ‘don’t get too big-headed. As fast as God gave it to you, he can take it away. Be patient because everyone has their time. And work hard.’
NB: What came first — singing or song writing?
Tatu: I started in a rap group then ventured out into song writing. I didn’t even know there was money in song writing. I just wanted to do it.
NB: Who are your biggest influences?
Tatu: Missy Elliot — she’s dope and so versatile; Michael jackson, Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill
NB: Who would be your dream artist to work with?
Tatu: My dream, if I could work with any artist, it would be Michael.
NB: How did you get set up with Round Hill Music as a publisher?
Tatu: I didn’t even know to go to a publisher. I met a management group, Game On Ent., and they helped me out.
NB: What made you decide to sign with Round Hill Music?
Tatu: I really like them. They’re close — kind of like a family. I had like six deals on the table. I felt like Round Hill believed in me more and stood behind me more. It’s been great so far.
NB: They helped set you up with Eve, right?
Tatu: Yes. The publishers sent her songs. She liked it. I didn’t even believe it at first.
NB: And Eve kept your vocals?
Tatu: I did three hooks for Eve. I sang them but didn’t intend on her keeping them on the hook. She kept them!
(You can find those tracks on Eve’s current album Liplock (Never Gone, Zero Below, and Keep Me From You).)
NB: She’s not the only artist that kept your vocals for a track, right?
Tatu: The song “Colors” by Headhunterz released this summer. I recorded some vocals. Headhunterz  decided to keep me on it.
NB: Anything else going on right now with your songwriting?
Tatu: The Vamps, a UK boy group like One Direction, recorded my song “Dream Away.”

Naptown Roller Girls battle Arch Rival

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NRG500_medInternationally-Ranked Roller Derby Wraps Up Seventh Regular Season May 18th!

The #16-ranked Naptown Roller Girls will wrap up their seventh successful home season this Saturday night at the Indiana Convention Center with a roller derby double-header against the Arch Rival Roller Girls (St. Louis). The green flag will drop at “NRG 500” at 6:00 P.M.!

The first “race” features the Naptown Warning Belles vs. the St. Lunachix.  These two teams met nearly a year ago, with the Belles winning 150-93.

The second “race” of the night is sure to be one of the most talked-about bouts of the year: coming off back-to-back wins against Detroit and Burning River (Cleveland), the Naptown Tornado Sirens will be looking for payback against ARRG, who handed them one of their few losses last season on the road, 99-115.

“These ladies have worked hard all season,” says league spokeswoman Peyton Slamming (Devon Dean).  “They come from all walks of life to make ‘Naptown’ a great place to see a fast-paced amateur sport where the athletes work just as hard as the pros.”

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, local vendors, and at the Lucas Oil Stadium Box Office.  “We think this is the perfect warm-up for that other race in a couple weeks,” says Dean.

Partial proceeds from this bout will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  More information is available at http://www.cff.org/Chapters/indiana.

Common Thread Collective to Host Benefit Fashion Show

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CTC PosterThe Common Thread Collective (TCTC), an Indianapolis-based not-for-profit, will host “All Stitched Up” on April 4th, 2013 at The White Rabbit Cabaret (1116 Prospect St., Indianapolis, IN 46203).

The show will be a mix of fashion design and music, with proceeds going toward this amazing charity.

The show will feature designs by The Common Thread Collective’s Rachel Lynn, music by DJ Action Jackson and a performance by Eddie Price of Th’Empires.

Doors open at 8:00 PM with an after-party at The White Rabbit.

Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door, and all ticket proceeds go directly to The Common Thread Collective.  Ticket information is available at:  http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/345457

The Common Thread Collective was founded in 2011 by Bargersville native Jessica Wright, who used her training and passion for fashion design as a way to fight poverty-based prostitution and empower women around the world.  The organization currently has one tailoring school and fashion-education based community center in rural northern Uganda and is working on expansion to India in 2014.

More information can be found on The Common Thread Collective at www.thecommonthreadcollective.org.