Naptown Buzz

Indy Talks Event Emphasizes Benefits of Walking and Biking to School

September 10, 2013 by Naptown Buzz

Families are invited to attend a free event to learn about safe ways to walk and bike to school at Saturday morning’s Indy Talks event.

IMPD officers will give hands-on demonstrations, and representatives from the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will talk about programs to make neighborhoods friendlier for walking and biking.

Only 13 percent of children walk or bike to school, and health leaders and community partners are working to change that.

“Half of all students walked or biked to school in 1969,” said Joan Cook, who works with Health by Design and the Indiana Safe Routes to School Partnership, which are hosting the event. “We’d like to see more children safely walking or biking to school again. It’s such an easy way to increase physical activity and nurture community.”

The Indiana Safe Routes to School Partnership works to increase the number of children safely walking and biking to school throughout the state by sharing information, resources, technical assistance, and ideas. It is a collaborative effort spearheaded by Health by Design and comprised of government, community, health and education organizations. For more information, visit www.healthbydesignonline.org.

IndyTalks is a grassroots, city wide collaboration that fosters a sense of community through respectful and creative civic dialogue. For more information, visit www.indytalks.info.

Let’s Walk and Roll to School, an IndyTalks event takes place Sat., Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to noon at IMPD North District, 3120 E. 30th St. Admission is free.

Engledow Group to Distribute 2,000 Plants on Monument Circle September 17

September 10, 2013 by Naptown Buzz

In celebration of National Indoor Plant Week (September 15 – 21, 2013), Engledow Group is giving away 2,000 interior plants Tuesday, September 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis.

Engledow employees will be handing out Parlor Palms, a plant that is very easy to maintain and that does well in a variety of indoor lighting conditions, on the south steps of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument. The plants will be available up to 2 p.m., or until 2,000 plants have been distributed.

Golden tickets will be randomly hidden in 10 plants and will give lucky event patrons a chance to win additional prizes beyond a free plant.

“Indoor plants have lots of documented benefits for office environments,” said Lael George, Director of Interior Plants for Engledow Group. “Not only do they add warmth and beauty, studies have shown they can also actually improve employee health and morale.”

In addition to the plant giveaway, Engledow will be joined on the Circle by several food trucks, including Spice Box, The NY Slice, and Mac Genie.

Engledow will also be hosting a photo contest on their Facebook page. The grand prize is a $100 gift card to St. Elmo’s Steak House. For more details about the contest and to enter your photo, visit Engledow’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/EngledowGroup.

Indianapolis Indians 1st Round Home Playoff Schedule

September 6, 2013 by Naptown Buzz

First Round Home Playoff Games

TONIGHT – 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 7* – 7:05 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 8* – 7:05 p.m.

*best-of-five series began with two games in Durham, so Sept. 7 & 8 games will only be played if necessary

Dollar Menu

The popular Dollar Menu will be available for all home playoff games!

Wear Red + FREE PLAYOFF T-SHIRT

Fans are encouraged to WEAR RED to support the Tribe! In that spirit, the first 2,500 fans to arrive for tonight’s 7:05 p.m. game will receive a red playoff T-shirt!

2013 Flex Plan vouchers and Knot Hole Kids Club

2013 Flex Plan vouchers and Knot Hole Kids Club membership cards will be accepted for home playoff games. Tickets to unplayed playoff games can be used as rain checks for the 2014 season, excluding July 4.

For more information about playoffs, visit IndyIndians.com/2013playoffs

HOT ROD Drag Week Coming to Lucas Oil Raceway

September 6, 2013 by Naptown Buzz

Beginning September 9, 2013, HOT ROD Drag Week competitors will be put to a grueling test over five days of drag racing at four different tracks and four days on the road with more than 1,000 miles covered in the same car, with the same engine – all with the goal of becoming HOT ROD’s Fastest Street Car in America. Some of the most amazing vehicles in the world will be on display as a few will even be able to run more than 200 mph in the quarter-mile in less than 7 seconds. Come check out run after run by the most competitive machines around during Day Two of HOT ROD Drag Week taking place at Lucas Oil Raceway.

To learn more, check out www.hotrod.com.

Indy Jazz Fest 2013 takes place September 12-21

September 5, 2013 by Naptown Buzz

Ramsey Lewis - © Mark Sheldon — Ramsey Lewis – © Mark Sheldon

The 15th annual Indy Jazz Fest returns in 2013 with a 10-day lineup in venues “All Around Town” September 12-21, a celebration of its year-round dedication to strengthening the Indianapolis jazz and arts scene. This year’s Festival will feature headliners Allen Toussaint, Ramsey Lewis, Eddie Palmieri, Diane Schuur, Ravi Coltrane, Jeff Coffin and Aaron Diehl. Full lineup, venue information and tickets are available at indyjazzfest.net.

September 12 – Allen Toussaint, Schrott Center for the Arts at Butler University – 8 p.m. Opening night sponsored by Ameriprise Financial
September 13 – Ramsey Lewis, Madame Walker Theatre – 8 p.m., sponsored by IU Health
September 14 – Diane Schuur, The Cabaret at The Columbia Club – 7 p.m. sponsored by Foley & Abbott
September 15 – Guitarist Brian Nova with special guests Steve Allee and Stan Hillis – The Jazz Kitchen, 7 p.m.
September 16 – Double Bill: Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra Birth of the Cool, and Zach Lapidus Trio, Indiana Landmarks Center, 7:30 p.m., sponsored by National Bank of Indianapolis
September 17 – Eddie Palmieri, Indianapolis Museum of Art Terrace (show will be moved indoors to the Toby in the event of rain), 8 p.m.
September 18 – Indy Jazz Fest Band celebrates Indiana Composers, Christel DeHaan Fine Art Center at the University of Indianapolis, 7 p.m. FREE to the public
September 18 – Ravi Coltrane, The Jazz Kitchen, 7 and 9:30 p.m.
September 19 – Jeff Coffin, Apparatus 1401 N. Meridian, 7:30 p.m.
September 20 – American Pianists Association Cole Porter Fellow in Jazz, Aaron Diehl CD Release Party, The Jazz Kitchen, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., sponsored by REI Real Estate
September 21 – Closing Finale all day with 12 bands on 2 stages, inside and outside The Jazz Kitchen with food, drinks and great music, hosted by The Jazz Kitchen and Yats

The Festival’s mid-way point will feature a Pub Creep September 16-19 at a different Indiana brewery location each evening. Sponsored by the Indiana Brewers Guild, the Pub Creep will meld jazz and brews at Sun King Brewery, Broad Ripple Brew Pub, Flat12 Bierwerks and Brugge Brasserie. More information at indyjazzfest.net.

Tickets are available at indyjazzfest.net. General admission as well as preferred seating will be available by concert and location. A Preferred Seating Package is being offered for the headliner concerts during the 10 day Festival. All concerts will be festival seating. The Preferred Seating Package and Individual Preferred seating tickets will provide a guaranteed seat in a section up front and close to the band.

Celebrate the Next Generation in Motorsports Sept. 14th

September 4, 2013 by Naptown Buzz

Enjoy the season finale of the Lucas Oil/Nexgeneracers (NXG) Youth Motorsports program – a unique initiative that uses performance driving as a tool for life skills development. The free event — including food and refreshments provided by Lucas Oil – is scheduled for Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Gasoline Alley/South RV Lot).

In addition to seeing firsthand the go-kart racing skills of the NXG Grand Prix drivers, boys and girls ages 11 – 15 can sign up for the 2014 NXG season.

Lucas Oil/Nexgeneracers Youth Motorsports is an experiential learning initiative that promotes life skill development. The program teaches the essential aspects of competitive go-kart racing, including proper driving techniques and safety procedures. In addition, NXG exposes participants to the fundamentals of motor racing as a sport, providing the basic training required to pursue a career in the racing industry including engineering, healthcare, logistics and hospitality. NXG programs have introduced Motorsports careers and open-wheel racing to more than 600 youth and their families since its beginning in 2006.

“Racing has a lot to offer our local community. Helping these young kids gain an educational experience in motorsports is what I like about Nexgeneracers,” says Forrest Lucas, President and CEO of Lucas Oil Products Company. “I encourage everybody to come out and take a look at this great program.” Forrest Lucas has personally been involved in the support of NXG as title sponsor from its inception.

Barktember 2013 on Saturday, September 7 at the Monon Community Center Waterpark

September 4, 2013 by Naptown Buzz

Even though The Waterpark officially closes to the public after Labor Day, we have ONE MORE fun-filled day at the pool scheduled! Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation has teamed up once again with the Humane Society of Hamilton County for the annual “Barktember” celebration.

Bring your four-legged friends and join us on Saturday, September 7, from noon – 3 p.m. at the Monon Community Center Waterpark. Live music will be played while pets and their owners socialize and swim throughout the afternoon. Dog vendors will be in the park as well.

Cost for this event is $10 per dog, with proceeds benefitting the Humane Society of Hamilton County. Liability waivers must be signed prior to the event. Register in advance, online at www.carmelclayparks.com with activity number 139006-01. And in case your pup needs a bit of shade, our cabanas will be available for rent as well — $135 plus tax for the day.

Selena Gomez Live in Concert @ Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 19

September 4, 2013 by Naptown Buzz

World-wide, multi-platinum-selling singer and actress Selena Gomez will perform live in concert at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, November 19 as part of her 56-city world tour in support of her highly anticipated summer album. Check www.SelenaGomez.com for exact details.

“I couldn’t be more excited to tour again but this time around the world,” said Selena. “This has been such an interesting few months. My music has grown and I want my fans to see a new side of me. Can’t wait to see y’all on the road!”

Selena fans have been in a frenzy since she premiered the single “Come & Get It” from her latest album. The single is available now everywhere. As an artist, Selena has already sold more than 10 million singles in the U.S., along with three RIAA-certified top-ten debuting gold albums, and three #1 Billboard Dance Singles. Her last album, When The Sun Goes Down with Selena Gomez & The Scene was released June 28, 2011 and was certified gold in November of that year.

Tickets are on sale now and available at Livenation.com. Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Ticketmaster, participating Wal-Mart locations or charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000.

COLTS Kickoff Concert this Friday, September 6th w/ GIN BLOSSOMS

September 4, 2013 by Naptown Buzz

Football is Back, and to celebrate, the Colts will host their first ever Kickoff Concert this Friday, September 6, from 6-10 p.m. in Downtown Indianapolis along the west block of Georgia Street. The concert, which is free and open to the public, will feature multi-platinum recording artist Gin Blossoms (bio and photo attached), performers of the smash hits “Hey Jealousy”, “Found Out About You”, “Allison Road”, “Until I Fall Away”, “Til I Hear It From You”, and “Follow You Down.” The concert’s opening act will be the Dane Clark Band, featuring John Mellencamp’s drummer Dane Clark. The event is part of the team’s “Countdown to Kickoff” efforts celebrating their 30^th season in Indianapolis.

The Colts will host the Oakland Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium two days after the concert, on Sunday, September 8, for their regular season home opener. Kickoff is at 1:00 p.m. The Colts Kickoff Concert is made possible through the support of 1070 AM and 107.5 FM The Fan, as well as Downtown Indianapolis Inc. For more information, visit www.colts.com/kickoff.

2013 Colts Kickoff Concert, featuring Gin Blossoms

Opening Act: Dane Clark Band
$4.00 Beer and Wine at the Bud Light Boardwalk Beer Garden
Performances by the Colts Cheerleaders
Blue, the official mascot of the Colts
Register to Win Colts Tickets
Special Edition Colts Kickoff Poster
Food from Colts Grille
Free Ice Cream from Blue Bell
Corn Hole
Colts In Motion, the Colts Traveling Museum
Colts Interactive Inflatables
B105.7 Photo Booth

Indy Labor Fest on Georgia Street on Saturday, Aug. 31

August 29, 2013 by Naptown Buzz

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, Georgia Street will be transformed for Indianapolis Labor Fest, a free-admission street festival with live music, food and beverages and a kids zone. The event will also include hands-on activities from unions across central Indiana.

The family-friendly shows include:

11 a.m. – Noon 2 Taks Backs
12:25 – 1:25 p.m. The Jake Henson Band
1:45 – 2:45 p.m. Standout Story
3:05 – 4:05 p.m. The Cory Williams Band
4:30 – 6 p.m. The Flying Toasters

The premier event is a collaboration between Clear Channel Communications and the Central Indiana Labor Council, which represents nearly 52,000 active and retired members from Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson, Morgan and Hendricks counties.

“Labor Day is really about recognizing the enormous impact of U.S. workers,” said Brett Voorhies, president of the Central Indiana Labor Council. “We couldn’t think of a better way to mark Labor Day than to create a forum to showcase the skills and contributions of Indiana’s union labor force in a fun, family-focused atmosphere.”

Indianapolis Labor Fest also marks the start of a new local annual tradition, replacing the long-standing downtown Labor Day Parade. Labor Fest attendees will be invited to take part in fun activities designed to highlight careers in a variety of industries.

“We think Labor Fest will fast become a new end-of-summer staple for central Indiana families,” Voorhies shared. “We’re bringing together live entertainment, local celebrities, bounce houses and games for kids and throwing a big party in honor of the American worker on the Georgia Street boardwalk. We’re excited to debut this fun event in 2013.”