Indianapolis Monthly The Ticket Fall Arts Guide 2025

—Fall A t G — '

Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael

Tuesday, October 21

Join Indianapolis Monthly at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael for dinner and a show! Enjoy passed appetizers and two drink tickets during cocktail hour, then enter the luxurious Feinstein’s for dinner and an evening of entertainment featuring Casey Abrams and Friends.

featuring Casey Abrams

With five studio albums, two EPs, and an American Idol finalist finish under his belt, Casey Abrams is a distinguished upright bass player and singer who takes his audiences through 60 years of iconic music, blending jazz, blues, pop, Americana, and more, along with friends, guitarist Dylan Chambers and soulful vocalist Hunter

10 ALL THAT JAZZ

When it comes to showcasing the styles and sounds of jazz music, Indianapolis can certainly toot its own horn.

BY MARC ALLAN

INSIDE INDY

7

LINER NOTES

Butter Fine Art Fair spreads its offerings in 2025; Fox59’s Ryan Ahlwardt releases a new album; and IF Theatre’s mobile performance venue is on a roll.

Entertainers scheduled to dazzle Indy audiences during the fall arts season. Photos courtesy the artists and venues.

Marc Allan, Caiden Cawthon

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Dance Kaleidoscope

CALENDARS

19

THEATER & DANCE

Take in all the best stage performances this fall.

23

POP, ROCK & MORE

Enjoy hits by musicians from a wide range of genres.

29

CLASSICAL MUSIC

Delight your ears with opera and orchestral performances.

35

VISUAL ARTS

Support creativity at exhibits, art fairs, and seasonal events.

41

SCREEN & CINEMA

View films on the big screen.

45

LECTURES, COMEDY & SPOKEN WORD

Get inspired and amused by public speakers and comics.

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PALLADIUM FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS:

ON THE MOON TOUR WED, AUG 6 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM HERB ALPERT & THE TIJUANA BRASS & OTHER DELIGHTS THU, AUG 7 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

BURTON CUMMINGS OF THE GUESS WHO A FEW GOOD MOMENTS TOUR

VIENNA BOYS CHOIR SUN, OCT 19 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

U.S. NAVY BAND COMMODORES

THU, OCT 23 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS: JAZZ FROM THE BACK O’ TOWN FRI, OCT 24 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

JESSE COOK: LIVE IN CONCERT

SUN, OCT 26 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON

BUGS BUNNY AT THE SYMPHONY

SAT, NOV 1 AT 8PM & SUN, NOV 2 AT 2PM

PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

HEATHER LAND LIVE

SAT, NOV 1 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

JON SCHMIDT OF THE PIANO GUYS

SONGBOOK FOUNDATION HOLIDAY SCREENING

THU, DEC 4 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

FRI, DEC 5 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND

CREOLE CHRISTMAS MON, DEC 8 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS FRI, DEC 12 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

CHRIS ISAAK SAT, DEC 13 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

LET’S SING TAYLOR:

AN UNOFFICIAL LIVE TRIBUTE SHOW SAT JAN 17 AT 2PM & 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

ORPHEUS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA & MARCANDRÉ HAMELIN SAT, MAR 7 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

GOITSE SUN, MAR 8 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

JOSHUA HENRY: GET UP STAND UP FRI, MAR 13 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

GREGORIAN: PURE CHANTS WORLD TOUR FEATURING SONGS OF ENIGMA SAT, MAR 14 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

STEP AFRIKA! THE EVOLUTION TOUR SUN, MAR 15 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

SEP 13 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON THE CENTER CELEBR ATION 2025

PRESENTED BY ICE MILLER

SAT, SEP 20 AT 5PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

AN EVENING WITH BRIAN MCKNIGHT

FRI, SEP 26 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

JAY LENO

SAT, SEP 27 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! WE WILL CHOIR

YOU! AN EPIC QUEEN SINGALONG

THU, OCT 2 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

RICK BRAUN & MINDI ABAIR

SAT, OCT 4 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

IL DIVO BY CANDLELIGHT

THU, OCT 9 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

AIDA CUEVAS:

50 YEARS SINGING TO MEXICO

FRI, OCT 10 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

MATTHEW MORRISON: RHYTHMS & REVELATIONS

FRI, OCT 17 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

AN EVENING WITH TOMMY EMMANUEL, CGP SAT, OCT 18 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

THU, NOV 6 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

LISA LOEB & JOAN OSBORNE

FRI, NOV 7 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

TITO PUENTE JR. AND HIS LATIN JAZZ ENSEMBLE

SAT, NOV 8 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

THE VOICE OF WHITNEY: A SYMPHONIC CELEBRATION

SAT, NOV 8 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

BRANDON WOODY’S UPENDO

SUN, NOV 9 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON

SAMARA JOY

FRI, NOV 14 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

PEABO BRYSON

FRI, NOV 21 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

WISH YOU WERE HERE: THE SIGHT AND SOUND OF PINK FLOYD

SAT, NOV 22 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

LES ARTS FLORISSANTS

VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS AT 300

SUN, NOV 23 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH DAVID FOSTER & KATHARINE MCPHEE

TUE, DEC 2 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA WITH RAY CHEN FRI, JAN 30 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

CECE TENEAL’S DIVAS OF SOUL SAT, JAN 31 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

WAYNE NEWTON: UP CLOSE & PERSONAL SAT, FEB 14 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

MARIACHI HERENCIA DE MÉXICO LA NUEVA GENERACIÓN TOUR FRI, FEB 20 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

GREAT AMERICAN CROONERS:

A JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER PRESENTS PRODUCTION

WED, FEB 25 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

PEKING ACROBATS THU, FEB 26 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE SUN, MAR 1 AT 3PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM CHRIS BOTTI FRI, MAR 6 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

JEROME COLLINS: REWIND

A JOURNEY TO MOTOWN AND BEYOND SAT, MAR 7 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

ONE NIGHT IN MEMPHIS: THE NUMBER ONE TRIBUTE TO PRESLEY, PERKINS, LEWIS AND CASH THU, MAR 19 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

BRANFORD MARSALIS QUARTET FRI, MAR 20 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

DIRECT FROM ROME: THE THREE ITALIAN TENORS SUN, MAR 29 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

ILLUSIONIST RICK THOMAS SAT, APR 4 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

MANDY PATINKIN IN CONCERT: BEING ALIVE THU, APR 9 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

CHRIS THILE FRI, APR 10 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN FRI, APR 17 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

JOSHUA BELL THU, APR 23 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA EXPERIENCE SAT, MAY 2 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

AN EVENING WITH JAKE SHIMABUKURO FRI, MAY 8 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

Expansion Pack

Butter Fine Art Fair spreads its mission of celebrating talented Black artists with enhanced features and new locations in 2025.

( CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 )

AFTER THE FIRST four successful years of Butter, GangGang’s equitable fine art festival held each Labor Day weekend at The Stutz, organizers raise the bar in 2025 with a host of new offerings and an expanded geographical reach.

The four-day Indianapolis festival, which runs August 28–31, includes an expanded lineup of activations like a new exhibiting gallery, Art Melanated, led by Los Angeles filmmaker Sol Aponte and his wife, director and actor Jennia Fredrique. On the eve of Butter, August 27, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema screens the premiere of docuseries Naptown Narratives: Season 5 Starring 4200Kory, which amplifies the voices of Black storytellers. Throughout the weekend, Sampson Levingston of Through2Eyes Indiana takes attendees on a series of free Indiana

Avenue Walk & Talk Tours focused on the history of the neighborhood between Crispus Attucks High School and The Stutz. In partnership with WNBA legend and owner of Tea’s Me Cafe, Tamika Catchings, Butter hosts a Collector’s Club Tea Party on Sunday, August 31, featuring a selection of specialty teas and biscuits prepared by culinary artist Samuel Trotter. And a special pop-up event at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis celebrates both Butter’s fiveyear anniversary and the museum’s 100th birthday.

In 2025, GangGang serves up a taste of Butter to more locales across the country. In July, cultural collective Context Projects debuted a collaborative exhibition in Los Angeles, which included artwork created by Indianapolis- and LAbased artists. Chicago prepares to host a Butter pop-up as part of Pigment International’s Pigmented Black Fine Art Faire from October 30 to November 2 at the Zhou B Art Center. Plans for additional sites were being discussed as of press time. butterartfair.com

Record Time

Indy entertainer and TV personality Ryan Ahlwardt anticipates a new solo album release this fall.

RYAN AHLWARDT is no stranger to the art of singing. The Emmy-nominated co-host of Fox 59’s Indy Now morning show and Straight No Chaser alumnus keeps his vocal cords sharp, frequently putting on shows at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael and other upscale local venues. Offering audiences a host of classics that herald back to his time sharing the stage with the likes of The Beach Boys and The Temptations, Ahlwardt imbues his performances with a laid-back and self-assured enthusiasm. Now, with a new album scheduled for release next month, he seeks to blend his nostalgic, oldschool American charm with even more Southern style. Titled Crying in the Canyon, Ahlwardt’s latest work features 10 songs, including his first bilingual ballad, “Tu Vaquero (Your Cowboy).”

Available online initially (visit ryanahlwardt.komi.io for details and upcoming events), the album is comprised of the same sentimental storytelling and heartfelt inspiration his fans have grown to love.

—CAIDEN CAWTHON

TAKE THE STAGE Arts organization IF Theatre takes shows on the road with Fringe on Wheels. Customers rent a van that doubles as a performance venue, choosing from a catalog of local performers—or they can use it themselves to entertain. “We think that a performance needs to be on a stage, and the truth is it can happen anywhere, anytime with the use of Fringe on Wheels,” says executive director Paul Daily. —JACK

International Violin Competition of Indianapolis 2025-2026

Laureate Series

Saturday, September 20 | 2:30 PM | Madam Walker Theatre FREE JAZZ CONCERT! THE SARA CASWELL QUARTET

GRAMMY®-nominated violinist Sara Caswell returns home to lead her quartet in a thrilling afternoon of jazz and improvisation at the historic Madam Walker Theatre—free admission!

Tuesday, October 21 | 7:30 PM | Indiana Landmarks Center ROSAMUNDE QUARTET

In this collaboration with Ensemble Music, the all-star members of the Rosamunde Quartet feature a recital of Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Pulitzer Prize winning composer George Walker.

Tuesday, January 27 | 7:30 PM | Indiana History Center

1982 GOLD MEDALIST MIHAELA MARTIN & CHIH-YI CHEN, PIANO

As the first Gold Medalist in IVCI history, Mihaela Martin holds a special place in the organization’s legacy. She joins pianist Chih-Yi Chen in a recital entitled Dances and Romances.

Thursday, February 19 | 7:30 PM | Indiana Landmarks Center

2022 GOLD MEDALIST SIRENA HUANG & DREW PETERSEN, PIANO

2022 Gold Medalist Sirena Huang and 2017 APA Winner Drew Petersen unite for a thrilling recital in this collaboration with the American Piano Awards!

Tuesday, March 24 | 7:30 PM | Indiana History Center

2018 LAUREATE SHANNON LEE & ARSENIY GUSEV, PIANO

In her highly anticipated Indianapolis recital debut, 2018 Laureate Shannon Lee pairs with acclaimed pianist/composer Arseniy Gusev in a captivating 20th-century program.

Tuesday, April 14 | 7:30 PM | The Cabaret AN EVENINGWITH TESSA LARK, CHARLES YANG & PETER DUGAN

Join 2014 Silver Medalist Tessa Lark, violinist Charles Yang (Time for Three) and pianist Peter Dugan (From The Top) at The Cabaret in an evening of classical, jazz and pop fusion.

all that

When it comes to showcasing the styles and sounds of jazz music, Indianapolis can certainly toot its own horn. From the instrumentalists who pioneered the genre locally in the 1950s to the lineup of this year’s all-star Indy Jazz Fest in September, we count off the hoppin’ venues and accomplished artists hitting the Circle City’s highest notes.

c R

I T I C ' S P I C

SKJay Harvey has reviewed jazz in Indianapolis for nearly 40 years, first for The Indianapolis Star and lately as a blogger at Jay Harvey Upstage. We're sharing some local acts he recommends:

cRITIC'S PICK:

Sean Imboden Large Ensemble

Hit Makers

How’s the jazz scene in Indianapolis? To borrow a word from Wes Montgomery, it’s bumpin’. We asked five musicians for their assessment.

SAXOPHONIST and Indianapolis

Jazz Hall of Famer ROB DIXON , “the musical mayor of Indianapolis,” has performed with the likes of Tony Bennett, the Count Basie Orchestra, Slide Hampton, and many more. He notes that in previous years, a lot of Indianapolis performers migrated either to Chicago or New York. “What I'm seeing now is that a lot of musicians are staying here in Indianapolis and deciding to make this their home, which is a great thing for the scene.” In late summer and early fall, Dixon plans to release a new jazzfusion record, From the 317 to the 615, featuring himself and Indianapolis-based musicians Richard “Sleepy” Floyd and Shawn McGowan partnering with

a Nashville-based lineup that includes Viktor Krauss (brother and collaborator of the famed bluegrass-county singer and fiddler, Alison) and Dave Matthews Band saxophonist Jeff Coffin. Dixon also fronts The Mayor’s Ball on Tuesday nights at the Mousetrap.

Vocalist and composer MINA KEOHANE has written music for films and commercials; played keyboards and accordion with numerous bands, including her own “proggy-jazzy project,” Mina & the Wondrous Flying Machine; and opened for Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Blues Traveler, and Reba McEntire, among others. “Indy has a lot of exciting, creative, and gifted

“Complex arrangements and compositions, but it never seems cluttered. In a big band, solos have to be concise, and the soloists in this band are good and concise.”

musicians. We are starting to have more venues [and events] to play—Richard ‘Sleepy’ Floyd’s Inspire Music Collective, Rob Dixon’s Mayor’s Ball at the Mousetrap, and the all-ages jam at Chilly Water—and we have opportunities for young talent to grow,” says Keohane. “But we need places where we can play with folks better than us to get better ourselves, to connect with musicians from diverse backgrounds, to connect with more seasoned musicians for mentorship, and for the older generation to connect with younger musicians with new outlooks and approaches.” On October 26, Keohane performs at The Jazz Kitchen with guitarist Charlie Ballantine, and she sings

every third Tuesday of the month at the Chatterbox. She and her band will release a new EP in the fall.

MARK O’CONNOR , an assistant professor of music who runs the jazz studies program at the University of Indianapolis, spent two decades in Chicago. “The quality of the jazz musicians and the artists here is equal, if not better. There's no shortage of players to get together with and play, and the creative scene is alive and thriving. The Jazz Kitchen is better than any of their venues—the programming is excellent—and the Chatterbox is a great place to play, too. I wish there were more places to play, but people are constantly

working on that,” he says. You can hear O’Connor, who plays sax, on the Sean Imboden Large Ensemble’s newest record, Communal Heart, and see him and the group November 7 at The Jazz Kitchen.

Drummer and Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Famer KENNY PHELPS has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Slide Hampton, and Eartha Kitt, among others. He says what’s impressive about the Indianapolis jazz scene now is the number of players and music styles performers are infusing into their work. He reels off a dozen names, including saxophonist Brandon Douthitt (“coming out of the Kenny Garrett songbook, but with his own sound”), guitarist Graham Helft (“straight ahead but with a rock background”), and drummer/producer Carrington “Clint Breeze” Clinton (“a hip-hop kind of thing”). “They’re bringing different sounds to the scene, which is healthy and broadens the perspective musically,” says Phelps. You can hear Smooth Jazz With Kenny Phelps weekdays from noon to 1 p.m. on WICR-FM (88.7), and this fall he’ll introduce his new band, KPQ.

Saxophonist MATT PIVEC knows the jazz scene as a performer and educator. His full-time gig is director of jazz studies at Butler University. He’s also a member of the Steve Allee Big Band and the Sean Imboden Large Ensemble, and he’s played with Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and The Temptations. “I hear some very creative and high-level music coming from many folks in town,” he says.

“There’s no shortage of talent in any generation.” He hosts the Benny Golson Jazz Festival with clinics and performances by Kenny Phelps, Emma Hedrick, and others on December 8 at the Schrott Center for the Arts.

CENTER STAGE

Bir th of the Cool

WFYI host Kyle Long provides a history of Circle City jazz pioneers whose names may or may not ring a bell.

TO KNOW THE basic history of Indy jazz is to know Wes Montgomery, the inventive and influential guitarist; Freddie Hubbard, the trumpeter who some think was technically superior to Miles Davis; J.J. Johnson, who showed how bebop could be played on the trombone; Slide Hampton, who made his name as a trombonist, bandleader, and arranger; and David Baker, who taught at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music for 50 years and authored 70 books on jazz and African American music.

But that’s only scratching the surface. For a master class in Indianapolis jazz, we turned to Kyle Long, host of Cultural Manifesto on WFYI-FM (90.1).

cRITIC'S PICK:

Richard “Sleepy” Floyd “Excellent, imaginative drummer. Very good funk-oriented drummer who doesn’t just stay with the rhythm.”

1. Bill Jennings,

guitar A godfather of soul-jazz music, his trademark sound involved bending strings on the guitar to add different contours to the notes. In 1959, he recorded an 1800s Russian song called “Dark Eyes” that became a jazz standard. B.B. King cited Jennings as one of his primary influences, and his work with Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five influenced Chuck Berry and a crop of rock ’n’ roll guitarists. He also recorded with Little Willie John on “Fever,” a classic early R&B song.

2. Paul Weeden, guitar

A contemporary of Wes Montgomery and Bill Jennings, Weeden is believed to have hung out and traded musical tricks with Montgomery and Jennings, with legend saying the trio called themselves The Three Musketeers. None of that's been verified, but there is no doubt they influenced each other and pushed one another to be innovative.

3. James Spaulding, saxophone/flute

Spaulding was in The Jazz Contemporaries with Freddie Hubbard in the late 1950s, then moved to Chicago around 1957 to study music theory, joining an early version of the Sun Ra Arkestra while there. From Chicago, he went to New York and began playing with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, also becoming a session musician at Blue Note Records. In the mid-1960s, Impulse Records put out an album called The New Wave in Jazz featuring Spaulding, John Coltrane, Albert Ayler, and Archie Shepp as new voices of the genre.

4.Phil Ranelin, trombone

Ranelin went to Arsenal Tech with Freddie Hubbard and later played on three of Hubbard’s albums. He also played with Wes Montgomery in Indianapolis in the early ’60s at a club called the Hub Bub Lounge. Around the 1970s, he moved to Detroit and cofounded Tribe Records, an

artistic co-op of avant garde, politically engaged jazz musicians. The music he recorded with Tribe continues to fascinate new generations of musicians.

5. Carl Perkins, piano

Not to be confused with the rockabilly pioneer, Perkins was part of the first wave of bebop musicians in Indianapolis. By the 1950s, he moved to the West Coast, where he played with Chet Baker and Quincy Jones, among others. Miles Davis singled out Perkins as someone whose playing he admired. Perkins died tragically in 1958 at age 29.

1

3 2 4 5

Celebration of Sound

Returning for another year of radiant performances, the Indy Jazz Fest is destined to delight.

WITH A SERIES of significant shows on the horizon, the Indy Jazz Foundation’s annual Indy Jazz Fest, which runs September 9–20, is sure to be as hip as ever.

This year’s event continues the fan favorite Sunset Series, a showcase of nighttime concerts hosted in intimate Hoosier hot spots. Swedish sensation and multi-instrumentalist Gunhild Carling takes the stage at The Cabaret on September 17, wowing crowds with her vaudevillian panache and ecstatic showmanship. Audiences will be transported to the Caribbean as Grammy Award–winning vocalist and violinist Mireya Ramos joins Charlie & The Tropicales at The Jazz Kitchen on September 12, adding her flair to their laid-back melodies and intricate, nostalgic, New Orleans–inspired sound. For a more modern feel, fans can kick back with National Endowment for the Arts jazz master Kenny Garrett, whose long and powerful saxophone solos are nothing short of sublime. He kicks off the festival with two nights of shows at The Jazz Kitchen on September 9 and 10.

These performances and more make it clear that the Indy Jazz Fest has something for everyone, but the heart of the festival is its communal focus. A talk and performance hosted by the Center for Africana Studies and Culture at Indiana University Indianapolis highlights the cross-cultural connections of samba and jazz on September 14, while the rambunctious, six-hour Naptown Block Party at The Jazz Kitchen on September 13 shows off the refined skills of Hoosier musicians.

The 2025 Indy Jazz Fest is a great overview of the beauty of the genre. From comfortable piano key caresses, to well-known standards sung with passion and gusto, to harps plucked softly, to a world of innovative new sounds and styles, the event has something for everyone. The annual finale at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park on September 20 welcomes performers—past and present—who have lit up the festival’s stages, including Terence Blanchard, Judith Hill, and more.

For more details about specific shows and venues participating in the 12-day festival, visit indyjazzfest.net.

—CAIDEN CAWTHON

cRITIC'S PICK:

Tucker Brothers

“Joel and Nick Tucker make the most of their individual virtuosity on guitar and bass, respectively. They have good sidemen, write good pieces, and have real rapport onstage.”

cRITIC'S PICK:

Steve Allee

“Steve is a great arranger and composer. Whether he’s playing with a small group or a big band, he’s worth hearing. I recommend his annual show for the anniversary of The Jazz Kitchen in April.”

S t anding Room Only

Indy’s dedicated jazz clubs host an array of artists for some of the city’s best listening parties.

The Cabaret

“The Midwest’s premier venue for cabaret entertainment” and a supper club that recalls Ricky Ricardo’s Tropicana Club on I Love Lucy, The Cabaret favors vocal performances with its Jazz at the Cabaret and summertime Jazz in the Alley series. “Jazz and cabaret are cousins to each other in many ways,” says artistic director and CEO Shannon Forsell. “One tells stories through instrumentation and the other is vocals, and both are done in intimate spaces.” Artists such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, John

Pizzarelli, and Dianne Schuur have graced The Cabaret’s stage. This fall, the Jazz at the Cabaret Series features Gunhild Carling (September 17), Stella Cole (September 21), and Emmet Cohen with Georgia Heers (October 19). 924 N. Pennsylvania St., 317-275-1169, thecabaret.org

The Jazz Kitchen

Since 1994, The Jazz Kitchen has been Indianapolis’ premier place to catch local, regional, and national jazz artists. “It’s an

atmosphere where everybody feels welcome,” owner and founder David Allee says. “You can be a dyed-in-the-wool jazz fan, but you can also be out on a date night. And we’re diverse on our programming, so you can go from smooth jazz, to big band, to straight-ahead jazz.” Billy Cobham, the Yellowjackets, and Bob James are some of the big names who’ve played the roughly 175-capacity venue. Emmaline (October 4–5) and JoySwing Jazz Orchestra (October 7) are slated to make appearances in the fall. 5377 N. College Ave., 317-2534900, thejazzkitchen.com

Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael

The 132-capacity nightclub’s walls are covered with pictures of Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane, and Billie Holiday. It serves a signature cocktail called the Lady Ella, and its musical lineup pays tribute to the Great American Songbook. “It’s part of our brand’s DNA to try and continue to have jazz through our programming,” says Austin Campagna, Hotel Carmichael director of sales and marketing.

Vocalists Paul Hughes, Deborah Silver, and Ellie Martin have performed in the past, with two nights of Michael Feinstein singing well-known classics (September 20–21) and a tribute to Sinatra (September 27) coming in the fall. 1 Carmichael Squ., Carmel, 317-688-1947, feinsteinshc.com

Chatterbox

For more than 40 years, the Chatterbox has served up what owner David Andrichik calls “jazz up close” in a laid-back and casual atmosphere. No matter where you are in the venue, you’re less than 40 feet from the stage. “We are an authentic jazz dive bar with a very intimate setting. You hear the musicians communicate with sound, and you can also see the subtle nuances [and] body language they employ to make jazz,” says Andrichik. Rob Dixon, the Tucker Brothers, and Steven Jones are regulars on the stage. 435 Massachusetts Ave., 317-6360584, chatterboxjazz.com

Inspire Music Collective

Inspire, which opened in December 2023, is a performance venue, recording studio, co-working space, and classroom where drawings of Indianapolis greats Wes Montgomery, Freddie Hubbard, and the Hampton Sisters adorn the walls. “It’s meant to meet all the needs of the creative economy, and we also do a lot of teaching in schools out of that space,” says founder and executive director Richard “Sleepy” Floyd. The performance space accommodates up to 250 for weekly jam sessions on Wednesdays and concerts on the third Sunday of the month. Unlike other clubs, Inspire is open to all ages, “so kids can learn the culture and the history of the music, because Indianapolis has a huge and rich history as it relates to jazz. We’re preparing them to create the next legacy for the city,” says Floyd. 525 S. Meridian St., 317-426-0103, inspiremusiccollective.org

cRITIC'S PICK:

Pharez Whitted

“Not only a good composer, but he brings a lot of exuberance into his trumpet playing—a lot of power.”

a feast for the

THEATER &DANCE

THE TICKET

The Prom

9/19–10/5 Travel to a conservative small town where a high school student fights for her right to pick a prom date in this Footlite Musicals presentation. footlite.org

Rice & Beans Festival

THEATER & DANCE CALENDAR

CLASSIC TALES AND NEW NARRATIVES COMBINE WITH SONG-AND-DANCE NUMBERS AND FEATS OF PHYSICAL AGILITY IN THIS ARRAY OF STAGE PERFORMANCES.

ONGOING

IndyFringe Festival

ENDS 8/24 IF Theatre hosts the 20th anniversary of its annual festival with 11 days of performances at six venues in downtown Indy. indyfringe.org

SEPTEMBER

The Rocket Men

9/4–21 The Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre presents Crystal Skillman’s tale of the former Nazis who developed NASA rockets with a female-led cast. phoenixtheatre.org

Heartbreak Hotel

9/4–10/12 You can’t help falling in love with Elvis Presley during this Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre production. beefandboards.com

Beehive: The 1960’s Musical

9/5–21 Travel back to the summer of love with

music by Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, and Janis Joplin at The Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

Equivocation

9/11–21 Playwright Bill Cain’s 1600s political thriller, produced by Southbank Theatre Company, will enthrall audiences at Shelton Auditorium. southbanktheatre.org

Wait Till You See What We Do Now, Volume 1: Launch 9/12–14 The first performance of Dance Kaleidoscope’s 2025–26 season at Schrott Center for the Arts features Cloudline by guest choreographer Robyn Mineko Williams and Quorum by rehearsal director Sean Aaron Carmon. dancekal.org

To Kill a Mockingbird 9/12–21 This adaptation of Harper Lee’s 1960 novel brings characters Scout, Jem, and Atticus Finch to life onstage at The Cat. thecat.biz

Wad 9/12–28 A young woman takes up correspondence with a death row inmate in this American Lives Theatre production at Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre phoenixtheatre.org

The 39 Steps

9/16–10/12 Based on a novel by John Buchan and film by Alfred Hitchcock, this comedic thriller on the One America Financial Stage at Indiana Repertory Theatre is full of plot twists. irtlive.com

The Mountaintop

9/18–28 This Indiana Black Theater Company performance at the District Theatre Mainstage depicts the last night of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life. indydistricttheatre.org

Legacy in Motion

9/19–21 The Indianapolis Ballet celebrates The Four Temperaments and Concerto Barocco by George Balanchine at the Tobias Theater at Newfields. indyballet.org

9/20 Fonseca Theatre Company’s annual community event features live music, entertainment, and food vendors at the Outdoor Stage and the Basile Collaboration Center fonsecatheatre.org

Ranga Shankaraa Dance and Music Festival

9/28 The Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts hosts Kriya Shakti Foundation and Nrithya Bharathi Institute of Dance for a mesmerizing performance. thecenter presents.org

OCTOBER

The Book of Mormon

10/2 Follow missionaries who attempt to spread God’s word to a Ugandan village at Elliott Hall of Music convocations .purdue.edu The play travels to IU Auditorium 10/3–4 . iuauditorium.com

Something Rotten

10/3–18 Two brothers are determined to write the world’s first musical in this Civic Theatre comedy production at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

The Witching Hour

10/10–26 Explore the shadowy chambers of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site to uncover secrets and spirits in this Candlelight Theatre experience. bhpsite.org

The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

10/14 This reinvention of

Shakespeare’s longest play at IU Auditorium was created by Robert Lepage and Guillaume Côté. iuauditorium.com

Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue 10/15 Find out what Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia are up to in this updated comedy based on the 1980s TV series at Clowes Memorial Hall butlerartscenter.org

Tootsie

10/16–11/23 Based on the 1982 film of the same name, this musical comedy at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre tells the story of struggling actor Michael Dorsey and his alter ego, Dorothy Michaels. beefandboards.com

Boo-La-La! 4: An Indianapolis Spooktacular

10/17–11/3 Directed by Charlie Rankin, the Fonseca Theatre Company’s Halloween tradition continues with a series of short plays at the C.H. Douglas & Gray Wealth Management Stage fonseca theatre.org

Late Nite Catechism 10/18 Put on your crested blazer and travel back to Catholic school for the comic teachings of dear “Sister” at Shelton Auditorium. butlerartscenter.org

Disenchanted 10/22 Disney princesses get a reality check at Schrott Center for the Arts when a crew of storybook maidens set the record straight. butlerartscenter.org

The Crucible 10/23–11/2 Arthur Miller’s play about witchcraft accusations in Salem, Massachusetts, is presented by Southbank Theatre Company at Shelton Auditorium southbanktheatre.org

The Casket Girls 10/24–25 Described as “a modern rock vampire ballet,” this Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre

production at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts transports audiences to a mythical New Orleans underworld. gregory hancockdancetheatre.org

Young Frankenstein

10/24–11/9 Mel Brooks meets Mary Shelley at The Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts with an amusing take on the story of Frankenstein’s monster. thecenterpresents.org

Marie and Rosetta

10/28–11/23 Indiana Repertory Theatre digs into the roots of rock ’n’ roll with the story of guitarist and gospel singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe and her protégé Marie Knight. irtlive.com

Eclectica!

10/30–11/2 The Indianapolis Ballet demonstrates the evolution from classical to contemporary dance styles through the ages at The District Theatre. indyballet.org

NOVEMBER

Elmo and Friends

Say Hello

11/2 Young audience members at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre can sing and dance with Sesame Street pals Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, Elmo, and more. livenation.com

Les Misérables

11/4–9 The musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel follows Jean Valjean through a life of desperation, incarceration, and ultimate redemption at Clowes Memorial Hall. butlerartscenter.org

OnyxFest

11/7–16 Through its playwriting competition, the Africana Repertory Theatre of IU Indianapolis presents performances by new Black playwrights at multiple venues. artipresents.org

Ninja Kidz Live on Stage: Infinite

Possibilities

11/11 Theater meets the Choose Your Own Adventure series when Ninja Kidz hit the stage at Clowes Memorial Hall and ask the audience to direct their games and challenges. butlerartscenter.org

Swan Lake by International Ballet Stars

11/11 Accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s distinctive score, a cast of dancers from around the world depicts the love story of Prince Siegfried and Odette at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre livenation.com

Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!

11/15 Follow Gabby and her feline friends to the Cat-O-Sphere and Mermaid-Lantis on a mission to repair a magical rainbow at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol 11/15–12/24 This adaptation by Tom Haas and directed by cara hinh brings holiday magic to the Indiana Repertory Theatre OneAmerica Financial Stage. irtlive.com

Grand Kyiv Ballet Presents The Snow Queen

11/21 Drawing from the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale, Grand Kyiv’s winter ballet at Clowes Memorial Hall is accompanied by the music of Massenet, Grieg, Mozart, and Vivaldi. butlerartscenter.org

Newsies

11/21–12/14 New York City newsboys band together to strike against unfair labor practices in this Footlite Musicals production based on the 1992 film of the same name. footlite.org

A Very Phoenix Xmas XVII: Sleigh, Queen, Sleigh!

11/28–12/21 The annual holiday sketch comedy show returns to Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre for its 17th edition. This year, it’s directed by Zack Neiditch with music by Paige Scott phoenixtheatre.org

A Beef and Boards Christmas 11/28–12/31 Santa and company gather together for an evening of song and dance accompanied by a buffet feast at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. beefandboards.com

Making Merry 11/29 Vocalist Staci McCrackin heads up Fonseca Theatre Company’s holiday showcase on the C.H. Douglas & Gray Wealth Management Stage. fonsecatheatre.org

The Nutcracker 11/29–30 The Carmel Symphony Orchestra and Indiana Ballet Conservatory team up to deliver a mesmerizing performance of this winter classic at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

DECEMBER

Winterfest

12/4–14 Celebrate world holidays this season with a showcase of movement by Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre at The Florence. gregory hancockdancetheatre.org

A Christmas Carol 12/5–22 Experience the redemption arc of Ebenezer Scrooge after he is visited onstage by the ghosts of Jacob Marley and Christmases Past, Present, and Future at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. beefand boards.com

A Christmas Story 12/5–27 Civic Theater reimagines the classic story of young Ralphie and his desire to receive a Red Ryder BB gun for

Christmas at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

Sleigh Bells and Snowflakes

12/7 The Indiana Wind Symphony is joined by guest vocalist Cherresa Lawson, as well as Santa and Mrs. Claus, for a sing-along at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

Christmas with Lorie Line 2025

12/9 Lorie Line brings her piano prowess to The Studio Theater stage at

fast-paced seasonal cabaret for all ages, featuring handcrafted marionettes operated by skilled puppeteers at The Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

12/16 With a talented international cast, intricate sets and costumes, and carefully choreographed dance scenes, this winter ballet will hypnotize audiences at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts for an evening of music and stories in the holiday spirit. thecenter presents.org

The Nutcracker

12/12–14 The Central Indiana Dance Ensemble continues its annual production of the traditional holiday ballet at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center at Zionsville High School. cidedance.org

Melchior Marionettes: Holiday Cabaret on Strings 12/13 Sing along to holiday songs in this

Indianapolis Ballet’s The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker

12/18–23 The Indianapolis Ballet brings Clara’s encounters with the Nutcracker Prince, Mouse King, Snow King and Queen, and Sugar Plum Fairy to life during its annual performance at Clowes Memorial Hall indyballet.org

Nutcracker Sweets

12/27–30 This abbreviated, one-hour adaptation of The Nutcracker from the Indianapolis Ballet Family Series gives kids a right-sized serving of sugar plums at the Tobias Theater at Newfields. indy ballet.org

PlayFest Indy 2025-26

Readings of five new and exciting plays for the American Stage

Five of America’s most dynamic playwrights collaborate with five leading Indianapolis theatre companies to bring brand new plays to life. Each culminates in a public, concertstyle reading that invites audiences to engage with the writers and their evolving work.

2025-2026 Artistic Partner Theatres include:

American Lives Theatre

Indiana Repertory Theatre

Phoenix Theatre

Indianapolis Shakespeare Company

Summit Performance Indianapolis

The New Harmony Project is Indiana’s premiere organization for developing new works; a nationally respected incubator for stories that center hope, equity, and imagination.

Since 1986, The New Harmony Project has supported hundreds of writers whose work has gone on to Broadway, film, television, streaming, and regional theatres across the country. Our mission is to nurture writers in the development of new works that interrogate the complexity of hope.

One Party Consent by Omer

September 12th

November 8th

January 9th

this is a face by

“I”

March 23rd

Join us for a full season of groundbreaking new work by some of today’s most exciting voices.

All readings are free and open to the public - Reservations Required ASL interpretation at every reading

newharmonyproject.org/pfi

April 17th

POP, ROCK & MORE

THE TICKET

a 16-city tour, Moore and Currington give a double dose of country music to Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park. everwise amphitheater.com

Local Mix Music Series: The Wallow Hollows

POP, ROCK & MORE CALENDAR

FROM ARTISTS PROMOTING THEIR FIRST ALBUMS TO SUPERGROUPS RETURNING TO THE ROAD, MUSICIANS FROM A WIDE RANGE OF ERAS AND GENRES HIT THE CIRCLE CITY.

AUGUST

The Del McCoury Band

8/22 The most awarded musician in bluegrass history with a discography spanning six decades brings his signature sound to Brown County Music Center browncounty musiccenter.com

Chreece Hip-Hop Festival

8/23 Hip-hop fans flock to Fountain Square for this music fest celebrating the genre and the culture featuring nearly 50 bands, including Smino, Mavi, and 81355. chreeceaf.com

The Black Keys: No Rain, No Flowers Tour

8/24 You’ll howl for The Black Keys when they headline Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park with special guest Gary Clark Jr. everwise amphitheater.com

Luke Bryan: “ Country Song Came On” Tour

8/28 Country girls (and guys) shake it for Luke Bryan at Noblesville’s Ruoff Music Center. livenation.com

Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson

8/29 Rock with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra all night as they bring Michael Jackson’s greatest hits to Conner Prairie for Symphony on the Prairie. indianapolis symphony.org

Billy Idol: It’s A Nice Day To … Tour Again!

8/30 With his famous lip curl and fist bumps, Billy Idol sings new songs off his 2025 release Dream Into It, as well as his ’80s hits, at Ruoff Music Center. livenation.com

Voyage: Celebrating the Music of Journey

8/30 Conner Prairie hosts

Journey fans with “Open Arms” for the final installment of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s 2025 Symphony on the Prairie series. indiana polissymphony.org

SEPTEMBER

David Cook and Noah Thompson

9/4 Both winners of American Idol (seasons 7 and 20, respectively) Cook and Thompson team up at Schrott Center for the Arts to deliver an evening of heartfelt vocals. butlerartscenter.org

Grace Potter

9/5 Supporting her newest album Medicine, Grace Potter commands the stage at Fishers’ Nickel Plate District Amphitheater mokbpresents.com

Billy Currington & Kip Moore

9/6 Banding together for

9/11 Indiana’s own Jonathan Hunter and Dakota Girton founded The Wallow Hollows a decade ago. With a new single, “America We Roam,” they travel back to The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

Under the Harvest Moon with Paul Hughes

9/12 Channeling Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett, and Frankie Valli, Hughes performs timeless tunes at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael. feinsteinshc.com

An Evening with Christian Borle

9/12–14 The Cabaret snagged Tony Award–winner Borle for a three-night set of performances as part of the Glick Philanthropies Broadway at The Cabaret Series. thecabaret.org

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán

9/13 Immerse yourself in the rich harmonies of traditional Mexican folk music when this 14-member ensemble visits Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Levitt Vibe Indianapolis Music Series: September Concert

9/14 Big Car Collaborative and Arte Mexicano en Indiana host a free concert featuring acts Don Slepian and Sound Ecologies at Terri Sisson Park on the Tube Factory campus. bigcar.org

Poppy: They’re All Around Us

9/15 The Egyptian Room at Old National Centre vibrates with

Poppy’s distinctive blend of pop, electronica, alt rock, and metal. livenation.com

Lucy Dacus: Forever Is a Feeling Tour

9/16 With a new album this year, the “Night Shift” singer shares her vocal stylings with fans at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Gunhild Carling 9/17 In partnership with the Indy Jazz Fest, Sweden’s “Queen of Swing” brings her brass instruments and Roaring ’20s–influenced sound to The Cabaret thecabaret.org

I Want My 80’s! A Totally Tubular Party!

9/18 Bust out your parachute pants, shoulder pads, and Aqua Net, then head to Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael for an evening of the decade’s best selection of R&B, new wave, pop, and more. feinsteinshc.com

Outlaw Music Festival

9/18 Join Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Billy Strings, Sheryl Crow, Lucinda Williams, and many more at Ruoff Music Center for the 10th anniversary tour of the Outlaw Music Festival. livenation.com

Cody Jinks: The “Hippies and Cowboys” Tour 9/19 Supporting his newest album In My Blood, Jinks takes the stage of Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park with special guest Tanner Usrey. everwise amphitheater.com

Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony 9/19–20 The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra reimagines Dolly Parton hits like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” at Hilbert Circle Theatre indianapolis symphony.org

Papa Roach & Rise Against: Rise of the Roach Tour

The Elms

9/20–21 “Hey, Hey!” Hoosier rock band The Elms celebrates their 25-year anniversary with two nights at the Hi-Fi. mokbpresents.com

Stella Cole

9/21 With the release of her new album It’s Magic, jazz sensation Stella Cole brings fresh takes on her vintage sound to The Cabaret thecabaret.org

An Evening with Michael Feinstein

9/21–22 Ambassador of the Great American Songbook Michael Feinstein returns to his namesake stage, Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael. feinsteinshc.com

Shaboozey

9/22 It’s “Good News” that Shaboozey brings his blend of country, Americana, and hip-hop to the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Alex Warren: Cheaper Than Therapy Tour

9/23 Supporting his debut album You’ll Be Alright, Kid, Warren stops at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park. everwise amphitheater.com

Our Last Night: The Final Tour

9/24 Post-hardcore trio Timothy Molloy and brothers Trevor and Matthew Wentworth take over the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Lee Brice: What You Know About That Tour

9/25 South Carolina singer-songwriter Lee Brice shares his bluesy country sound with the audience at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park. everwiseamphitheater.com

Lotus World Music & Arts Festival

9/25–28 Founded in 1994,

powerhouse couple brings their real-life chemistry to the stage at The Cabaret as part of the Glick Philanthropies Broadway at The Cabaret Series. thecabaret.org

An Evening with Brian McKnight

9/27 Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, actor, and producer Brian McKnight lends his velvety tenor vocals to the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

Tune-Yards

9/29 The rhythmic musical duo of Merrill Garbus and Nate Brenner steals the “Limelight” at the Hi-Fi in support of their latest album Better Dreaming. mokbpresents.com

OCTOBER

Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel

downtown Bloomington’s Lotus Festival is a showcase for world music. This year’s lineup includes artists Nidia Góngora, La Salsoteca, Puuluup, Natu Camara, Dogo Du Togo, and more. lotusfest.org

Papa Roach & Rise Against: Rise of the Roach Tour

9/26 Papa Roach and Rise Against play a raucous double bill at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park. everwise amphitheater.com

Funkfest

9/26 This funk-tastic showcase hosted by Doug E. Fresh at Clowes Memorial Hall includes performances by Midnight Star, Con Funk Shun, The Original Lakeside, and Al Hudson & One Way. butlerartscenter.org

Eva Noblezada & Reeve Carney

9/26–27 The Broadway

The Beaches: No Hard Feelings Tour

10/4 With their latest full-length album released in late August, the all-female pop quartet from Toronto travels to the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Emmaline

10/4–5 Smoky-voiced singer, songwriter, and violinist Emmaline is far from “Shy” as she performs at The Jazz Kitchen thejazz kitchen.com

Shonen Knife

10/5 Like a ray of punk rock sunshine, the Osaka power trio of Risa Kawano and sisters Atsuko and Naoko Yamano lights up the stage at the Hi-Fi mokbpresents.com

Marc Rebillet: Places I’ve Never Played and Will Never Play Again Tour

10/1 Duane, the son of Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts, leads Southern rock band Palmetto Motel at Schrott Center for the Arts on tour with special guest Jaime Wyatt. butlerartscenter.org

Choir! Choir! Choir!: We Will Choir! You—An Epic Queen SingAlong

10/2 Stomp your foot twice and clap your hands once for Canadian duo Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman as they raise the roof with a chorus of legendary Queen songs at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

Lainey Wilson: Whirlwind World Tour

10/3 Promoting the deluxe release of her 2024 album Whirlwind, Louisiana singer Wilson makes country cool again at Ruoff Music Center livenation.com

10/6 Improvisational electronic musician Rebillet brings his blend of funk, soul, jazz, and hip-hop to the stage at the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Magdalena Bay: Imaginal Mystery Tour

10/7 The Egyptian Room at Old National Centre hosts synth-pop duo Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin for an evening showcasing their dreamy, fluid sound. livenation.com

Kevin Gates: The Amilio Tour 10/8 Singer-songwriter, rapper, and entrepreneur Kevin Gates makes a stop at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park in support of his new album Luca Brasi 4 ever wiseamphitheater.com

Eric Church: Free the Machine Tour 10/9 On tour for his recent Evangeline vs. The Machine release, Church makes an appearance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse with

special guest, the Marcus King Band. gainbridgefieldhouse.com

Aida Cuevas: 50 Years Singing to Mexico

10/10 Labeled the “Queen of Ranchera Music,” the Grammy-nominated singer performs five decades of traditional Mexican and Latin American tunes at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

Tracie Thoms

10/10–11 The Cabaret welcomes the star of the Broadway production Rent and the TV series 9-1-1 to the stage to share some of her favorite songs and stories. thecabaret.org

La Arrolladora Arrollaterapia Tour

10/11 Hailing from Mazatlán, Mexico, La Arrolladora Banda El Limón de René Camacho gives Clowes Memorial Hall a taste of their special blend of ranchera, cumbia, and corrido music. butler artscenter.org

Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton

10/12 The singersongwriter, producer, author, and TV host brings a half-century of hits like “Veronica,” “Oliver’s Army,” and “Everyday I Write the Book,” to the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Levitt Vibe

Indianapolis Music Series: October Concert

10/12 Big Car Collaborative and Arte Mexicano en Indiana host a free concert featuring musical acts Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Indygaita, and Gamelan Mojomanis at Terri Sisson Park

on the Tube Factory campus. bigcar.org

Seether & Daughtry

10/15 This hard-hitting rock and country double bill touches down at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park with special guests P.O.D. and Kami Kehoe. everwise amphitheater.com

Dylan Gossett: The Westward Tour

10/16 Austin, Texas, country star Gossett travels northeast to the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre in support of his new album Westward livenation.com

X & Los Lobos: 99 Years of Rock ’N Roll

10/17 Punk rock meets Tex-Mex when two legendary LA bands that originated in the 1970s share the stage at Clowes Memorial Hall butlerartscenter.org

Keller Williams

10/18 More than just a “One Hit Wonder,” Keller Williams blends bluegrass, folk, jazz, funk, alt rock, and more when he appears at the Hi-Fi Annex mokbpresents.com

Brandy & Monica: “The Boy Is Mine” Tour

10/19 Named for their 1998 collaboration, Brandy and Monica’s tour takes Gainbridge Fieldhouse on a journey through both singers’ singles. gainbridgefield house.com

Jensen McRae

10/23 Promoting her 2025 album I Don’t Know How But They Found Me!, McRae brings soothing melodies to the Hi-Fi mokbpresents.com

Squirrel Nut

Zippers: Jazz From the Back O’Town

10/24 The Chapel Hill, North Carolina, jazz and swing band channels the Delta blues at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenter presents.org

Otis Gibbs Band

10/25 Gravellyvoiced Hoosier crooner Gibbs plays to an all-ages audience at the Hi-Fi mokbpresents .com

Jesse Cook: Live in Concert

10/26 The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts welcomes the classicalmeets-flamenco-meetsjazz guitar stylings of Jesse Cook. thecenter presents.org

Yes: The Fragile 2025 Tour

10/30 Rock legends Yes will see “all good people” when they play hits like “Owner of a Lonely Heart” and “Roundabout” at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. livenation.com

NOVEMBER

Detroit Gospel Legends

11/1 Take it all the way back to church with artists Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, The Clark Sisters, Deitrick Haddon, and more at Clowes Memorial Hall. butlerartscenter.org

The Used: 25 Year Anniversary Tour

11/1–4 Utah alt rock band The Used celebrates a quarter-

century onstage together at the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Jonas Brothers, JONAS20: Greetings From Your Hometown

11/2 Promoting their newest album, siblings Joe, Nick, and Kevin Jonas make a stop at Gainbridge Fieldhouse gainbridgefieldhouse.com

Hippie Sabotage: Echoes of Time Tour

11/3 Brothers Kevin and Jeff Sauer drift to the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre for a night of chillwave grooves. livenation.com

The Band Camino: The NeverAlways Tour

11/5 Traveling with special guest Almost Monday, The Band Camino reps their latest release NeverAlways at the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Lisa Loeb & Joan Osborne

11/7 Relive the mid-’90s with hits like “Stay (I

Missed You)” and “One of Us” at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

Okara Imani

11/7 Part of The Cabaret’sArtist in Residence Series, Indy-based vocalist Okara Imani shares her stylized mix of R&B, blues, funk, jazz, and more. thecabaret.org

Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA

11/7–8 Take a chance on this symphonic interpretation of the disco supergroup’s hits by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at Hilbert Circle Theatre. indianapolis symphony.org

Tito Puente Jr. and His Latin Jazz Ensemble

11/8 The secondgeneration Latin percussionist and bandleader follows in his father’s footsteps at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

Brandon Woody’s Upendo

11/9 The young trumpet sensation hailing from Baltimore plays songs from his new release For The Love Of It All at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

Shaun Cassidy

11/13 “Da Doo Ron Ron” your way to Brown County Music Center to catch the former Tiger Beat cover model and The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries star in all his dreamy glory. brown countymusiccenter.com

Samara Joy

11/14 Grammy and NAACP Image Award–winner Samara Joy belts out jazz tunes at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

John Legend: Get Lifted —20th Anniversary Tour

11/16 Named for his 2004 album Get Lifted, which was rereleased last year with bonus tracks and remixes, Legend’s current tour touches down at Fishers Event Center fishersevent center.com

Trivium: Ascend Above the Ashes Tour

11/18 Florida metalcore band Trivium rocks the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre with songs like “The Heart From Your Hate” and “Until the World Goes Cold.” livenation.com

Will Hoge

11/20 On tour for his August release Sweet Misery, Will Hoge brings his acoustic country stylings to the Hi-Fi with special guest Possessed by Paul James. mokbpresents.com

Thank You for the Music! An ABBA Party

11/20 Dance, jive, and have the time of your life as Don Farrell and the Terry Woods Jazz

Quartet perform an all-ABBA playlist at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael. feinsteins hc.com

Tonic Ball 2025

11/21 Showcasing the music of Green Day, Marvin Gaye, Britney Spears, and The B-52s, the annual Second Helpings benefit concert fills multiple Fountain Square venues. tonicball.org

Wish You Were Here: The Sight and Sound of Pink Floyd 11/22 Cleveland-based tribute band Wish You Were Here pays homage to Pink Floyd with live music and lasers at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

Taylorville: A Tribute to Taylor Swift

11/23 Swifties unite at Clowes Memorial Hall for this tribute to Tay Tay that runs the gamut from her self-titled debut album to last year’s The Tortured Poets Department butler artscenter.org

Motion City Soundtrack and Say Anything 11/26 Minneapolis indie quintet Motion City Soundtrack promotes its September release of The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World with support from LA rock band Say Anything at the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Adventure Club

11/28 Electronic dance music duo Adventure Club lights up the room at Deluxe at Old National Centre. livenation.com

DECEMBER

An Intimate Evening with

David Foster & Katharine McPhee

12/2 The husband-andwife singing partners share favorite hits and holiday tunes at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

The Big Broadway Sing-Along: Holiday Edition

12/3–4 The Cabaret hosts local singer Scott Semester and pianist Sean Baker, the Music Maker for a night of Broadway-style winter’s fun. Audience participation is encouraged. thecabaret.org

Jon McLaughlin & Friends: Home for the Holidays

12/5 Anderson native,

Swedish pop quartet. butlerartscenter.org

Preservation Hall Jazz Band: Creole Christmas

12/8 Feel the warmth of New Orleans when Preservation Hall Jazz Band brings its French Quarter sound to Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

Jane Lynch’s A Swingin’ Little Christmas

12/9 Join Jane Lynch and Tim Davis of Glee, Kate Flannery of The Office, and The Tony Guerrero Quintet at Brown County Music Center for a night of seasonal music and humor. browncounty musiccenter.com

featured guests, Jonathan Butler, Haley Reinhart, Casey Abrams, and Kayla Waters, saxophonist Dave Koz jazzes up the season at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

Jessica Vosk: Sleigh

12/12–14 Pulling from her 2024 album Sleigh and 2025 single “Underneath the Frost,” vocalist and actress Jessica Vosk creates a winter wonderland at The Cabaret. thecabaret.org

Chris Isaak

12/13 The Grammynominated singer and guitarist best known for the 1989 hit single

singer-songwriter, pianist, and record producer Jon McLaughlin revisits his Hoosier roots at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

ABBA Holly Jolly Christmas

12/6 If you haven’t gotten your fill of ABBA by now, head over to Butler University’s Shelton Auditorium to hear tribute band ABBAFAB take on holiday classics in the style of the

Straight

No Chaser: Holiday Road Tour

12/11 The a capella singing group that originated at Indiana University returns to its alma mater for a one-night show at IU Auditorium The following week, 12/19–21 , they take the stage of the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre for four performances over the course of three days. sncmusic.com

Dave Koz & Friends

12/12 With a handful of

Jane Lynch’s A Swingin’ Little Christmas

“Wicked Game” brings his sultry baritone vocals to Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

The Lemonheads: Love Chant World Tour

12/18 Following a two-month European tour and the October release of Love Chant, Evan Dando’s crew stops by the Hi-Fi with special guest Erin Rae for a pre-Christmas jam. mokbpresents.com

CLASSICAL MUSIC

Coming to America

Rebecca Tong conducts an eclectic program featuring Vadym Kholodenko in Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 4. Korngold’s thrilling Seahawk Overture and Eunike Tanzil’s Origin offer fresh sonic landscapes, while Stravinsky’s neoclassical Symphony in Three Movements provides a rhythmic and dynamic close to a program of music by American immigrants.

THE TICKET

CLASSICAL MUSIC CALENDAR

FROM DRAMATIC OPERAS TO SOOTHING SONATINAS, THESE ORCHESTRAL AND VOCAL PERFORMANCES BY AREA ENSEMBLES DELIVER SUITE MUSIC TO OUR EARS.

AUGUST

Opera Cabaret: A Tavola D’Opera!

8/26 The Indianapolis Opera treats diners to Italian vocal selections during a special four-course meal at Carmel’s Fork + Ale House indyopera.org

SEPTEMBER

The Paramount: Then and Now

9/13 The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra presents an evening of organ music with ISO organist Justin Stahl and former Paramount Music Palace organist Ken Double on the Mighty Wurlitzer at Hilbert Circle Theatre indianapolissymphony.org

Opera in the Park

9/13 The Indianapolis Opera begins its 51st season with a free performance at

MacAllister Amphitheater in Garfield Park. indyopera.org

Dvořák’s “New World Symphony”

9/25-27 Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra music director Jun Märkl and cellist Daniel Müller-Schott showcase works by Saint-Saëns and Dvořák at Hilbert Circle Theatre indiana polissymphony.org

Harlem Quartet

9/28 The Grammywinning collective including artists Melissa

violinist Augustin Hadelich during the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s gala at Hilbert Circle Theatre indianapolis symphony.org

Our Beautiful World

10/5 The Indiana Wind Symphony presents a musical showcase that includes the score from Steven Spielberg’s motion picture The Sugarland Express at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

Into the Music: Strauss

10/9 Musician and Fox59 Indy Now co-host Ryan Ahlwardt joins Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra music director Jun Märkl for a free program exploring Strauss’ “Death and Transfiguration” at Hilbert Circle Theatre indianapolis symphony.org

Il Divo by Candlelight

10/9 International singing quartet Il Divo takes the stage at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in celebration of their 20th anniversary as a musical act. thecenter presents.org

Transformations of Spirit: Jackiw Plays Berg

Drama! Beethoven & Brahms

10/11 Under the direction of conductor Kelly Corcoran, the Carmel Symphony Orchestra plays masterworks by Beethoven, Grieg, and Brahms at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. carmelsymphony.org

Uncharted: Beethoven x Beyoncé

10/15 The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra intertwines Beyoncé’s hits with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in its Uncharted Series at Hilbert Circle Theatre indianapolissymphony.org

Frankie Moreno: King for a Day 10/17–18 As part of its Pops Series, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra welcomes singer, songwriter, and showman Frankie Moreno to the stage at Hilbert Circle Theatre for a set of performances honoring Elvis Presley. indianapolissymphony.org

Vienna Boys Choir

10/19 The Vienna Boys Choir, which dates back to 1498, delivers sweetly sung harmonies to Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons

White, Ilmar Gavilán, Jaime Amador, and Felix Umansky brings a blend of classical, jazz, Latin, and contemporary music to Purdue University’s Loeb Playhouse. convocations .purdue.edu

OCTOBER

ISO Gala: OPUS 2025 10/4 Works by Brahms, Smetana, and Kodály showcase the talents of

10/10–11 Violinist Stefan Jackiw joins the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at Hilbert Circle Theatre for a program that includes works by Messiaen, Berg, and Strauss. indianapolis symphony.org

“Serenade”

10/11 The Indiana Wind Symphony presents Richard Strauss’ “Serenade,” as well as additional chamber ensembles, at The Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

10/19 Elevating video game theme music, a 35-member orchestra reimagines the tunes of Stardew Valley with an accompanying video display at Clowes Memorial Hall. butlerartscenter.org

Rosamunde Quartet

10/21 The Ensemble Music Society of Indianapolis welcomes the string quartet to the Indiana Landmarks Center for a program of music by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and George Walker. ensemblemusic.org

Coming to America:

Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky & Korngold

10/25 This Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performance at Hilbert Circle Theatre spotlights the music of composers Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Igor Stravinsky, and Eunike Tanzil, who all immigrated to the U.S. indianapolissymphony.org

Vivaldi’s

“Four Seasons”

10/30–11/2 Conductor Jeannette Sorrell leads the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra through Vivaldi’s signature violin concerto “The Four Seasons” and other baroque treasures at Hilbert Circle Theatre indianapolis symphony.org

NOVEMBER

Bugs Bunny at the Symphony

11/1–2 Relive your favorite Looney Tunes moments in this symphonic salute to Bugs Bunny’s 85th birthday at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

Escher Quartet

with Sean Chen

11/5 The Indiana Landmarks Center partners with the Ensemble Music Society of Indianapolis to host the New York–based Escher String Quartet and pianist Sean Chen playing selections by Ravel, Rameau, Debussy, Dukas-Chen, and Franck. ensemblemusic.org

Rigoletto

11/14–16 The Indianapolis Opera performs Giuseppe Verdi’s three-act Italian libretto at The Tarkington at

Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. indyopera.org

Sharon Isbin, Guitar: Miami in Motion

11/22 Classical guitarist Sharon Isbin joins the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra at Schrott Center for the Arts to play a new concerto by composer Karen LeFrak. The program also includes works by Ibert, Ravel, and Shostakovich. icomusic.org

Les Arts Florissants: Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” at 300

11/23 French music ensemble Les Arts Florissants honors Vivaldi and fellow Italian composers Monteverdi, Uccellini, and Geminiani at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

Eric Zuber, Piano 11/23 American Piano Awards laureate Eric Zuber takes the stage at Loeb Playhouse to tickle the ivories with works by Beethoven, Chopin, and Tchaikovsky. convocations.purdue.edu

DECEMBER

The Singing Hoosiers Present Holiday Chimes

12/6 The IU Auditorium hosts afternoon and evening performances of the Singing Hoosiers’ holiday showcase featuring classic, contemporary, and choral tunes iuauditorium.com

Isidore String Quartet with Anthony McGill, Clarinet 12/10 The Ensemble Music Society of Indianapolis welcomes

the Isidore String Quartet with Anthony McGill on clarinet for a program at the Indiana History Center. ensemblemusic.org

Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas 12/11 Loeb Playhouse sets the stage for an intimate evening of solo holiday tunes by pianist Jim Brickman. convocations.purdue.edu

A Classical Christmas: Echoes of the Nativity

12/13 The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra builds up to its performance of Handel’s “Messiah” with Correlli’s “Christmas Concerto” and Finzi’s “In Terra Pax” at the Indiana Landmarks Center icomusic.org

“Messiah” SingAlong & Carols

12/14 The second night of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra’s “Messiah” weekend includes Part 1 of Handel’s oratorio, as well as a Christmas carol sing-along with audience members, at the Indiana Landmarks Center. icomusic.org

Holiday Pops with the CSO: Spirit of the Season

12/14 Maestro Kelly Kuo leads the Carmel Symphony Orchestra through winter-themed pops works at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. carmelsymphony.org

Amahl and the Night Visitors

12/21 With Christmas just four days away, the Indianapolis Opera performs Gian Carlo Menotti’s one-act libretto about a shepherd boy visited by three kings following a magical star at The Basile Opera Center indyopera.org

University of Indianapolis

Faculty Artist Concert Series

8/25 “Will the Real Antonio Vivaldi Please Stand Up?” is the theme of a performance featuring Thomas Gerber (harpsichord), Tamara Thweatt (baroque flute), and Sophie Benn (baroque cello) at the Ruth Lilly Performance Hall in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center. uindy.edu

9/15 Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra musicians take the stage at the Ruth Lilly Performance Hall in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center to deliver an evening of chamber music. This event repeats 10/30 and 11/10. uindy.edu

9/22 Indianapolis musician ensemble Forward Motion performs works composed by local artist collective Sound Ecologies at the Ruth Lilly Performance Hall in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center. uindy.edu

9/29 Winner of the 2025 American Piano Awards and the Christel DeHaan Fellowship at the University of Indianapolis, pianist Michael Davidman takes the stage at the Ruth Lilly Performance Hall in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center. uindy.edu

10/6 Pianists Meadow Bridgham and Richard Ratliff converge for The Anxiety of Influence, a performance that explores the legacy of great composers, at the Ruth Lilly Performance Hall in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center. uindy.edu

10/20 Nine-piece local contemporary jazz collective Hickey-Shanafelt 9ollective collaborates with visual artist Kelsey Behl, who will create paintings during a performance of The Kaleidoscope Suite at the Ruth Lilly Performance Hall in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center. uindy.edu

10/27 Indy’s Ronen Chamber Ensemble performs works by Benjamin Britten, Pierre Sancan, and Ralph Vaughan Williams at the Ruth Lilly Performance Hall in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center uindy.edu

11/3 Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra cellist Stephen Hawkey plays a solo recital accompanied by Rebecca Edie on piano at the Ruth Lilly Performance Hall in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center. uindy.edu

“Here is the story of one of this country’s great inland cities writ large through the architecture of an ambitious people. Copiously documented and illustrated, these pages will encourage present and future generations to reconnect with the inspiring places and spaces all around us.”

Charles A. Hyde, President and CEO, Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

“James Glass knows more about the built environment of Indianapolis than any other person.”

— James H. Madison, author of Hoosiers: A New History of Indiana

Including over 300 photographs and drawings, as well as 31 maps, Glass continues the exploration begun in Volume 1 of the variety of architectural styles that the city’s builders drew on, including Italian Renaissance, Gothic, Arts and Crafts, Modern, Tudor palace and Tudor vernacular, Prairie Style, and many more. And, like Volume 1, Volume 2 documents the loss of distinctive architecture that has occurred throughout Indianapolis and explains why certain structures were razed. Both will be indispensable references for decades to come.

VISUAL ARTS

Quest for the West ®

The 20th annual Quest for the West® Art Show and Sale returns to the Eiteljorg Museum in September.

THE TICKET

this recently installed sculpture just inside the Efroymson Family Entrance Pavilion. discovernewfields.org

The Electric Railway: Indiana’s Interurbans

ENDS 8/1/26 Take a ride through time in this exhibit celebrating rail travel at the Indiana History Center. indianahistory.org

VISUAL ARTS CALENDAR

FEAST YOUR EYES ON EXHIBITS, JURIED COMPETITIONS, ART FAIRS AND FESTIVALS, AND SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS AT INDY-AREA GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS.

ONGOING

Will Higgins: Museum of Fabulosity

ENDS 9/21 This pop-up exhibit at Guichelaar Gallery at the Tube Factory artspace showcases 16 narrative stories about the odd history of Indianapolis. bigcar.org

Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas

ENDS 9/28 On loan from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, these abstract paintings at Newfields are inspired by music and nature. discovernewfields.org

Museum Marvels

ENDS 10/19 The Indiana State Museum’s exhibit of artifacts, objects, artwork, and other curiosities includes interactive elements and fun games for all ages. indianamuseum.org

The Past in Our Present—Hungry

Hungry Hoosiers

ENDS 11/1 Dig into the evolution of Indiana’s dining scene with menus, photos, and artifacts from restaurants past and present at the Indiana History Center indianahistory.org

The Lume Indianapolis featuring Connection: Land, Water, Sky

ENDS 12/31/25 Travel to the land Down Under in Newfields’ immersive art exhibit of paintings, stories, and pictures by contemporary Indigenous Australian artists. discovernewfields.org

Maximum Color, Minimal Form:

The Panels of Ellsworth Kelly

ENDS 1/4/26 Simple geometric shapes in bold colors line the walls of this abstract installation at Newfields. discover newfields.org

RESIST! Notre Dame Students

Stand up to the KKK

ENDS 1/24/26 A century after a confrontation

between the Ku Klux Klan and students at the University of Notre Dame, the Indiana History Center remembers the incident with archival material and interactive displays. indianahistory.org

Resplendent

Dreams: Reawakening the Rococo

ENDS 3/29/26 Three contemporary queer artists—Robert Horvath, Diego Montoya, and Anthony Sonnenberg— take their cues from the Rococo period in this extravagantly colorful display at Newfields. discovernewfields.org

Voices from the Arctic: Contemporary Inuit Art

ENDS 4/5/26 Discover Inuit art from the past six decades through sculptures, prints, and other mediums at the Eiteljorg Museum. eiteljorg.org

Kori Newkirk: Black Dandelion

ENDS 5/10/26 Visitors to Newfields are greeted by

creates wearable art using unconventional materials and methods. This picnic on the Tube Factory campus shows off her fashions. bigcar.org

Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival

9/5–7 Conner Prairie takes to the skies with a glowing show of more than 40 hot air balloons ascending to the ether. connerprairie.org

Quest for the West ®

AUGUST

Hoosier Art Salon

Annual Exhibition

8/23–10/25 Observing its 101st year, the Hoosier Art Salon hosts its annual exhibition and awards reception at the Indiana State Museum. hoosierartsalon.org

Butter Fine Art Fair

8/28–31 GangGang’s equitable fine art fair at The Stutz features creative works by Black visual artists from across the country while focusing on advocacy, career advancement, and economic justice. butterartfair.com

Biennial Faculty Exhibition

8/28–10/11 The Herron School of Art + Design recognizes the talents of its faculty members with a multidisciplinary display of their works at Eskenazi Hall. herron .indianapolis.iu.edu

SEPTEMBER

Create-A-Saurus: Discover, Imagine, and Sculpt Paleo Art

9/5 The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis hosts families and children to explore the history of dinosaurs and create their own pieces of paleo art. childrens museum.org

Mo Gio: Picnic at the Park—A Wearable Art Performance

9/5 Artist Monique Burts

9/5–10/5 Join nationally acclaimed artists whose works depict the American West and purchase their art in a luck-of-the-draw sale at the Eiteljorg Museum. The initial art show and sale September 5–6 is followed by a monthlong exhibit. eiteljorg.org

58th Annual CBIZ Penrod Arts Fair

9/6 Dubbed “Indiana’s Nicest Day,” this long-running art festival returns to Newfields to showcase approximately 350 artists and 50 community organizations. penrod.org

Artists Among Us: Season Four

9/12–5/17/26 Newfields presents the works of its talented team members with exhibit items ranging from drawings and paintings, to found objects, to written words. discovernewfields.org

Art Squared

9/20 Fountain Fletcher hosts a festival marketplace with creative vendors, the Masterpiece in a Day art competition, and a block party. fountainfletcher .com/artsquared

Tinkerfest

9/20 Tinkerers, makers, builders, and designers can experience a full day of interactive experiences, demonstrations, and hands-on activities at the Indiana State Museum. indianamuseum.org

Harvest Nights

9/26–11/2 The Newfields campus is transformed into a spooky spectacle with a glowing forest of

jack-o’-lanterns, as well as seasonal decorations, activities, and goodies. discovernewfields.org

Garfield Park Art & Music Festival

9/27 This outdoor festival at Garfield Park elevates the art, music, and culture of Indianapolis with performances and an art fair. gpacarts.org

Carmel International Arts Festival

9/27–28 The mission of this Carmel Arts & Design District event is “educating the community through the arts.” carmelartsfestival.org

OCTOBER

Headless Horseman Festival

10/2–27 Gallop into Conner Prairie for a spooktacular fall fest that includes features like a hayride, cornfield trail, live entertainment, and seasonal activities. connerprairie.org

Boo Bash

10/10 Join Fred the Mastodon and friends at the Indiana State Museum for a fun-filled event featuring a costume contest, dancing, candy, and more. indiana museum.org

Bewitched Booseum Haunted House

10/10–31 Go on a haunted adventure amid your favorite exhibits at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. childrensmuseum.org

Día de Muertos

Community Art and Altar Exhibit

10/10–11/2 Organized by Arte Mexicano en Indiana, this exhibit at the Eiteljorg Museum features ornate ofrendas, or altars, created by community organizations. eiteljorg.org

Centennial After Dark 10/18 This costumefriendly nighttime gathering for guests 21+ is part of the ongoing 100th anniversary

celebration of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis childrens museum.org

Locally Made:

Indy’s Fall Fest

10/18 This yearly family event at the Indy Art Center showcases works made by more than 50 local and regional artists. indyartcenter.org

NOVEMBER

Festival of Trees

11/14–1/3/26 This annual display at the Indiana History Center features a winter wonderland of more than 75 trees representing individuals, families, and businesses. indianahistory.org

Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure

11/15–1/29/26 Immerse yourself in a one-of-akind holiday experience as model trains ramble through the Eiteljorg Museum. eiteljorg.org

Winterlights

11/21–1/4/26 The campus of Newfields twinkles brightly during the ninth year of its Winterlights festival. Stroll through the illuminated holiday wonderland, stopping inside the lavishly decorated Lilly House to warm up. discover newfields.org

A

Merry Prairie Holiday

11/28–12/23 Conner Prairie gets decked out for the holidays with this annual celebration that includes an extensive light display, carousel rides, selfies with Santa, and more joyful activities. conner prairie.org

Celebration

Crossing

11/28–1/4/26 Holiday magic and memories return to the Indiana State Museum. Hop on the Snowfall Express for a fun-filled train ride through a snow-filled forest where woodland characters come to life. indianamuseum.org

Create & Take: Victorian Feather Tree

11/29 Replicate the first artificial Christmas trees at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, where you’ll craft a heirloom-quality feather tree with expert guidance. bhpsite.org

DECEMBER

Winter Art Sale

12/6–13 Find one-of-akind gifts when the Indy Art Center fills with handcrafted works from talented artists and artisans. indyartcenter.org

It’s Not Just a Quillbox

12/13–3/29/26 This bilingual traveling exhibition at the Eiteljorg Museum highlights the use of porcupine quills by the Anishinaabe peoples of the Great Lakes region to create vibrant, intricate art. eiteljorg.org

Tickets include tastings from this year’s top restaurants, plus cocktails

Get early entrance and extra drinks when you upgrade to VIP Join Indianapolis Monthly as we celebrate the outstanding restaurants featured in our Best Restaurants 2025 cover story. Sample your way around Central Indiana’s most exciting dining spots during an evening that caters to all who love good food, fantastic drinks, and a great time.

THE TICKET

The Auteur Series—Abbas

Kiarostami: Certified Copy (2010)

9/14–16 Juliette Binoche stars in this psychological drama about a British writer and a French antiques dealer who spend a day together in Tuscany, which is presented at the Kan-Kan Cinema & Bar kankanindy.com

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

SCREEN & CINEMA CALENDAR

CENTRAL INDIANA THEATERS AND AUDITORIUMS SERVE UP A FULL SCHEDULE OF ROMANCE, HORROR, COMEDY, AND DOCUMENTARY FILMS FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE.

AUGUST

Stand by Me (1986)

8/24 Presented with Golden Hour Books and Indy Reads as part of the Book to Film Club, the Rob Reiner coming-ofage movie based on a Stephen King novella is screened at the Kan-Kan Cinema & Bar kankanindy.com

The Auteur Series—Abbas

Kiarostami: Close-Up (1990)

8/24–26 This Iranian docufiction picture interweaves footage of actual events with reenactments at the Kan-Kan Cinema & Bar kankanindy.com

Mulan (1998)

8/29 In the final weekend of the Summer Nights Film Series, The Amphitheater at Newfields showcases Disney’s animated tale of warrior Mulan, who disguises herself to take her father’s place in the Chinese military. discovernewfields.org

To Catch a Thief (1955)

8/30 Closing out the Summer Nights season, Alfred Hitchcock’s classic romantic thriller picture starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly shines on the big screen at The Amphitheater at Newfields discover newfields.org

Titanic (1997) VHS Screening

8/30 The Kan-Kan Cinema & Bar takes an analog approach to its presentation of James Cameron’s epic love story of artist Jack and aristocrat Rose on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic. kankanindy.com

SEPTEMBER

Vintage Movie Night: Rare TV Pilots

9/6 View seldom seen pilots for vintage TV shows in this monthly film series at the Garfield Park Arts Center gpacarts.org

The Blood Moon (2025) Premiere Night

9/7 Be among the first viewers to drink in a new independent vampire movie co-written and directed by Wabash, Indiana, filmmaker Connor Noble at the Kan-Kan Cinema & Bar kankanindy.com

A/V Club Theater Special: Sugar Hill (1974)

9/8 This ’70s blaxploitation horror film at the Kan-Kan Cinema & Bar focuses on photographer Diana “Sugar” Hill, who summons a crew of zombie hit men to avenge her boyfriend’s murder. kankanindy.com

Cereal Cinema: Matilda (1996)

9/13 The Indy Film Fest continues its kid-friendly Saturday morning movie series with the Roald Dahl adaptation starring Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, and Mara Wilson at the Athenaeum’s Basile Theatre. indyfilmfest.org

Book to Film Club, Ang Lee’s cowboy love story starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal screens at the Kan-Kan Cinema & Bar kankanindy.com

9/17 Shown as part of Cork-Cork at the Kan-Kan: A Wine and Film Series, Stephen King’s tale of banker Andy Dufresne’s imprisonment, friendships, and pursuit of freedom plays at the Kan-Kan Cinema & Bar. kankanindy.com

Global Languages

Movie Night:

Radical (2023) 9/17 Based on a true story, Radical is a Spanish language comedy-drama showing at the University of Indianapolis Health Pavilion about an optimistic middle school teacher in Mexico who employs unconventional methods to inspire his students. uindy.edu

Trog (1970) with Vanity Rex 9/20 Join host Vanity Rex and special guest Samora Mie at the Kan-Kan Cinema & Bar for this sci-fi horror flick starring Joan Crawford about a murderous ice age troglodyte discovered in an English cave. kankanindy.com

CatVideoFest 2025

9/21 Get hooked on a feline when CatVideoFest 2025 comes to IU Cinema with its compilation of submitted animations, videos, and clips distilled into a 75-minute display of purrfection. cinema .indiana.edu

Brokeback Mountain (2005) 9/21 Presented with Golden Hour Books and Indy Reads as part of the

World of Hans Zimmer: A New Dimension 9/23 This mesmerizing multimedia stage presentation at Fishers Event Center combines live music showcasing Zimmer’s portfolio of motion picture scores with film sequences from movies like Dune, The Lion King, Inception, and more. fishersevent center.com

A Life Among Elephants (2024)

9/27 The Kan-Kan Cinema & Bar presents this documentary about Dr. Iain DouglasHamilton, who spent six decades studying and protecting elephants in Africa. Stay for a post-film discussion with wildlife conservationist Saba Douglas-Hamilton and Save the Elephants CEO Frank Pope. kankanindy.com

OCTOBER

Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1995) with Vanity Rex

10/4 Host Vanity Rex and special guest Vivika Darko provide commentary during a screening of this ’90s prom edition of the TCM horror franchise starring Matthew McConaughey and Renée Zellweger at the Kan-Kan Cinema & Bar. kankanindy.com

Vintage Movie Night: Miracles for Sale (1939)

10/4 Played by Robert Young of Father Knows Best fame, New York magician “The Amazing Morgan” turns to detective work, exposing fraudulent illusionists and psychics in this feature film at Garfield Park Arts Center. gpacarts.org

The Rocky Horror Picture Show : The 50th Anniversary Spectacular

10/4 Join original cast members Barry Bostwick, Nell Campbell, and Patricia Quinn for a screening of the 1975 cult classic at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Train to Busan (2016)

10/8 Part of Cork-Cork at the Kan-Kan: A Wine and Film Series, this South Korean actionhorror picture to be shown at the Kan-Kan Cinema & Bar takes place on a high-speed train from Seoul to Busan during the zombie apocalypse. kankanindy.com

Evil Dead in Concert

10/9 Sam Raimi’s 1981 low-budget horror flick is resurrected at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre in a new live-to-film experience that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. livenation.com

Batman in Concert

10/10 Originally released in 1989, Tim Burton’s Batman is back with accompaniment by a live orchestra at Clowes Memorial Hall, adding complex depth and dimension to the soundtrack. butler artscenter.org

Heartland International Film Festival

10/9–19 In its 34th year, HIFF recognizes the best in independent filmmaking through screenings, Q&As, awards presentations, and parties held at multiple venues throughout Indianapolis. heartlandfilm.org

Ben-Hur (1925)

10/18 Celebrating the 100th anniversary of silent epic adventure film Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra adds live orchestral

music to a screening at Schrott Center for the Arts. icomusic.org

The Phantom of the Opera (1925) with Live Quarkestra Orchestra Road Tour

10/20 Also observing the century mark, the original Phantom production starring Lon Chaney is accompanied by a score from Denver-based Quarkestra Orchestra at Landmark Keystone Art Cinema landmark theatres.com

Global Languages Movie Night: We Are One (2020)

10/22 Activists from around the world band together, forming the Lamomali collective to produce a socialconsciousness music video called “Solidarité” in this documentary shown at the University of Indianapolis Health Pavilion uindy.edu

Disney’s Moana Live-to-Film Concert

10/24 Live musicians gather at IU Auditorium to accompany Disney’s 2016 animated film about a Polynesian teenager who sets sail on an adventure to save her people. iuauditorium.com

NOVEMBER

Vintage Movie Night: Ladies’ Man (1931)

11/1 Starring Hoosier actress Carole Lombard, this feature shown at Garfield Park Arts Center tells the story of a 1930s gigolo whose career is compromised by scandal and jealousy. gpacarts.org

A Good Year (2006)

11/5 Part of Cork-Cork at the Kan-Kan: A Wine and Film Series, Ridley Scott’s production starring Russell Crowe and Albert Finney to show at the Kan-Kan

Cereal Cinema: Matilda (1996)

Cinema & Bar centers around a family vineyard in Provence. kankanindy.com

Twilight in Concert

11/5 Experience the 2008 film adaptation of Twilight, Book 1 in a new way when a 12-piece rock and orchestral ensemble provides a live score for the screening at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Global Languages

Movie Night: Fünf letzte Tage (1982)

11/5 Based on a true story, Fünf letzte Tage (The Last Five Days) depicts the imprisonment of German Sophie Scholl, who was executed for anti-Nazi resistance in 1943 in this presentation at the University of Indianapolis Health Pavilion. uindy.edu

Jacobs Live at the Movies featuring The Wizard of Oz (1939)

11/7-8 The IU Symphony Orchestra takes the stage at IU Auditorium to bring the soundtrack of the Judy Garland classic The Wizard of Oz to life. iuauditorium.com

Cereal Cinema: The Rescuers (1977) 11/8 Start your Saturday with Disney’s animated tale of mice Bernard and Bianca, who work with the Rescue Aid Society to find a kidnapped orphan, at the Athenaeum’s Basile Theatre indyfilmfest.org

Global Languages

Movie Night: Cholitas (2019)

11/19 A small crew of Bolivian women sets out on an arduous journey to the summit of Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas, in this documentary shown at the University of Indianapolis Health Pavilion. uindy.edu

DECEMBER

A/V Club Theater

Special: Blood Rage (1987)

11/10 Halloween may be over, but the horror continues through Thanksgiving with the Kan-Kan Cinema & Bar’s showing of this holiday slasher film starring Louise Lasser, who is best known for her role in the 1970s TV series Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman kankanindy.com

Clue The Movie (1987)

11/12 Actress Lesley Ann Warren makes a special appearance as Clowes Memorial Hall hosts a 40th anniversary screening of the hilarious whodunit based on the popular board game. butler artscenter.org

The First Wives Club (1996) with Vanity Rex 11/15 “Don’t get mad … Get everything,” advises Ivana Trump when the Kan-Kan Cinema & Bar revisits this ’90s revenge comedy starring Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton. kankanindy.com

Home Alone in Concert

11/15–16 The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra brings John Williams’ score to life at Hilbert Circle Theatre, adding new dimension to little Kevin McCallister’s on-screen hijinks in the 1990 John Hughes film. indianapolis symphony.org

White Christmas Film Screening

12/4 The Great American Songbook Foundation presents a screening of this 1954 holiday classic starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

Trading Places (1983)

12/10 Part of Cork-Cork at the Kan-Kan: A Wine and Film Series, this John Landis reversal of fortune comedy at the Kan-Kan Cinema & Bar stars Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy. kankanindy.com

Cereal Cinema: Double Feature Weekend

12/13–14 Get ready for the holidays with a pair of Disney winter flicks at the Tobias Theater at Newfields. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) shows December 13, followed by The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) on December 14. indyfilmfest.org

Gremlins (1984) with Vanity Rex

12/20 Host Vanity Rex is joined by Good Time Ghouls Bunny Beaumont and Holy Gail for this ’80s cautionary tale about keeping new “pets” during its screening at the Kan-Kan Cinema & Bar kankanindy.com

THE TICKET

LECTURES, COMEDY & SPOKEN WORD CALENDAR

THIS SELECTION OF COMEDIANS, CELEBRITIES, AND PUBLIC SPEAKERS MAY MAKE YOU HOWL WITH LAUGHTER OR BRING YOU TO TEARS.

AUGUST

Louis C.K.: Ridiculous

8/29 The writer, producer, and comedian known for TV series like Louie and Horace and Pete brings his observations to the stage at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Let’s Fest

8/28–31 The fifth annual comedy and music festival in Fountain Square includes performances by Ron Funches, Robby Hoffman, Joe Pera, Carmen Cristopher, and more at the Fountain Square Theatre and White Rabbit Cabaret. lets-fest.com

Kevin Nealon

8/29–31 The former Saturday Night Live, Weeds, and Hiking with Kevin star stops at Helium Comedy Club for five stand-up shows over the course of three nights. indianapolis .heliumcomedy.com

SEPTEMBER

Etta May 9/6 From Kentucky, the “Polyester Princess” and winner of American Comedy Awards Comic of the Year dishes out a big helping of sass at Butler University’s Schrott Center for the Arts butlerartscenter.org

when Jay “Big JJ” Lewis and Mope Williams of VH1 series Wild ’N Out bring their act to Helium Comedy Club in early September. indianapolis. heliumcomedy.com

Kellogg Writers Series: Brittany Means (Memoir Reading)

9/11 The 2025–26 season of University of Indianapolis’ Kellogg Writers Series begins with Ball State graduate Brittany Means reading a selection from her debut memoir Hell If We Don’t Change Our Ways at Schwitzer Student Center, UIndy Hall A. uindy.edu

All-Star Vegas starring Piff the Magic Dragon

9/12 Las Vegas magician and comedian and America’s Got Talent star Piff the Magic Dragon heads up a circus-style comedy showcase at Brown County Music Center browncountymusic center.com

The Magic of David Ranalli

9/13 Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael sets the stage for a night of illusion featuring interactive magic tricks and sleight of hand in a cabaret setting. feinsteinshc.com

Delbrook Visiting Writers Series: Victoria Chang

Clowes Memorial Hall butlerartscenter.org

Jay Leno

9/27 Longtime comedian and the former host of NBC’s The Tonight Show, Jay Leno brings the laughs at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. thecenterpresents.org

OCTOBER

Karen Morgan 10/1 A former trial attorney from Georgia, Morgan applies a nostalgic approach to her routine at Helium Comedy Club indianapolis .heliumcomedy.com

Delbrook Visiting Writers Series:

Catherine Lacey 10/1 The author of six fiction novels that include The Möbius Book and Biography of X visits Shelton Auditorium for a talk cosponsored by Butler’s LGBTQIA+ Faculty & Staff Community and Golden Hour Books. butler.edu

85 South: Spin The Block Comedy Tour

9/7 Atlanta 85 South Show podcast hosts Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly, and Chico Bean make a stop at Gainbridge Fieldhouse during their 17-city tour. gainbridgefieldhouse.com

We Ain’t Done Wild ’N Yet 9/7 Roar with laughter

9/17 Butler University’s visiting writers series welcomes awardwinning poet Victoria Chang, whose collections include With My Back to the World and The Trees Witness Everything, to Schrott Center for the Arts butler.edu

Comedy Jam

9/27 Headliner DeRay Davis of Barbershop fame is supported by Jess Hilarious, Tony Roberts, Ambur James, and Earthquake in this one-night-only pair of performances at

Jim Gaffigan: Everything is Wonderful! 10/2–5 Raised in Northwest Indiana, the comedian, actor, producer, and author returns to his Hoosier roots for five stand-up shows at Clowes Memorial Hall. butlerartscenter.org

Riley Festival

10/2–5 Downtown Greenfield celebrates the life of its best known native son, poet James Whitcomb Riley, in an annual festival that includes a parade, live entertainment, craft vendors, and contests. rileyfestival.com

Adam Sandler: You’re My Best Friend Tour

10/6 The former Saturday Night Live cast member known for his roles in films like Happy

Gilmore, The Wedding Singer, Punch-Drunk Love, and Uncut Gems brings his guitar and his wit to Gainbridge Fieldhouse gainbridge fieldhouse.com

MasterChef All-Stars Live!

10/7 MasterChef season

14 winner Michael Leonard and season 9 winner Gerron Hurt cook up excitement at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre with live demos and culinary challenges. livenation.com

Walking with Ghosts: An Evening of True Crime Hauntings with Amy Bruni

Nurse Blake: But Did You Die? Comedy Tour

10/9 Report to Clowes Memorial Hall stat for a hilarious accounting of medical mishaps, WebMD self-diagnoses, and questionable bedside manner with this multitalented nurse and comedian. butlerartscenter.org

Caroline Rhea

10/10 Actress, comedian, game show panelist, and former talk show host Caroline Rhea revisits her stand-up roots at Schrott Center for the Arts butlerarts center.org

Dave Attell

10/8 Explore the paranormal when researcher, author, and podcaster Amy Bruni appears at Shelton Auditorium for a night of murder mysteries and ghost stories. butler artscenter.org

10/10 The host of Comedy Central series

Insomnia With Dave Attell, who also appeared in Trainwreck, Funny People, and Life & Beth, commands the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest

10/10–11 Indiana Humanities partners with local poets Mitchell L.H. Douglas and Chantel Massey to bring a book fair, author readings, workshops, networking opportunities, and literary discussions to the Harrison Center. indianahumanities.org

The Extraordinary Card Magic of Jason Ladanye

10/19 A master of card tricks, Jason Ladanye draws from two decades of experience as a magician in his

performance at Schrott Center for the Arts butlerartscenter.org

Anjelah Johnson-Reyes: The Family Reunion Tour

10/19 The Egyptian Room at Old National Centre hosts actress, stand-up comedian, author, podcaster, and former Oakland Raiders cheerleader JohnsonReyes to share her takes on everyday life and culture. livenation.com

Ann Katz Festival of Books & Arts

The Dollop Podcast Live

10/23 Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds of The Dollop podcast put a comedic spin on American history at the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Taylor Tomlinson: Save Me Tour

10/23–24 The millennial host of CBS late show After Midnight and star of Netflix specials Quarter-Life Crisis, Look At You, and Have It All hits the stage at Clowes Memorial Hall. butlerartscenter.org

Nimesh Patel

10/23–25 One of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch” in

10/22–11/12 A tradition for more than 25 years, the Arthur M. Glick Jewish Community Center’s annual showcase of authors, influential speakers, musicians, filmmakers, and more brings together literature lovers for three weeks of stimulating performances, lectures, and dialogue. jccindy.org

At Woodstock, we believe that excellence lives in the details... the way cabinet doors align, the way light falls across a room, the way a kitchen works with quiet intention. It’s not just about tools and blueprints; it’s about insight, foresight, and craftsmanship honed over time. The result? Homes that feel intuitively correct, because every detail has been thought through, and nothing is left to chance. .

2023 and the first Indian American writer for Saturday Night Live plays five shows in three nights at Helium Comedy Club indianapolis.helium comedy.com

Isaac Mizrahi Survives

Democracy

10/24–25 Accompanied by a six-piece jazz band, fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi gives commentary on social issues in a fusion of music and stand-up comedy at The Cabaret. thecabaret.org

Tom Segura: Come Together

10/24 Following the success of Netflix specials Sledgehammer, Ball Hog, and Disgraceful, Tom Segura brings his act to Purdue University’s Elliott Hall of Music convocations. purdue.edu After a stop in Fort Wayne, he appears at Bloomington’s IU Auditorium on 10/26 . iuauditorium.com

Whose Live Anyway?

10/25 The cast of TV’s Whose Line Is It Anyway? gathers at Clowes Memorial Hall for a live, interactive version of their improv comedy show. butler artscenter.org

Steve Martin & Martin Short: The Dukes of Funnytown!

10/25 These modern comedy legends with more than 100 years of combined experience in the entertainment industry bring new material to the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Penn & Teller: 50th Anniversary Tour

10/26 Blending comedy, magic, and social commentary, the complementary duo of Penn & Teller celebrate

a half-century of collaborative performance art at Clowes Memorial Hall. butlerartscenter.org

Welcome to Night Vale: Murder Night in Blood Forest

10/28 The twice-monthly suspense podcast about fictional town Night Vale takes its radio show format to the stage at the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre with the tale of a masked killer. livenation.com

The Psychology of Cults

10/29 Cult interventionist Ashlen Hilliard spells out the recruitment tactics, warning signs, and hidden dangers of cults like Jonestown and Heaven’s Gate in a compelling presentation at Clowes Memorial Hall butlerartscenter.org

NOVEMBER

Heather Land: Live

11/1 See the real face behind the “I Ain’t Doin’ It” social media videos when Heather Land appears at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts to share humorous takes on everyday life. thecenterpresents.org

Delbrook Visiting Writers Series: Safiya Sinclair

11/5 Jamaican writer Safiya Sinclair, author of acclaimed memoir How to Say Babylon and poetry collection Cannibal, graces the stage of Butler’s Shelton Auditorium butler.edu

Spirit & Place Festival

11/6–16 With activities that run the gamut from nature walks and bird-watching to poetry readings and film

screenings, the 2025 Spirit & Place Festival takes place at multiple venues across Marion, Hamilton, Johnson, Boone, and Putnam counties. spiritand place.org

Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience

11/9 The Long Island Medium connects her fans with the spirit world with messages from loved ones during her appearance at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Guenther Steiner: Unfiltered Live

11/14 The star of Netflix docuseries Drive to Survive and author of the book Unfiltered takes the audience on a wild ride through the world of Formula 1 auto racing at Clowes Memorial Hall. butlerartscenter.org

Matt Mathews: Boujee on a Budget Tour

11/14 Southern farmer, TikTok sensation, and boudoir photographer Matt Mathews shares his tips for living your best life on the road at the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Paula Poundstone

11/15 The comedian and star of the Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone podcast gives Shelton Auditorium an earful when she visits the Butler campus. butlerartscenter.org

Delbrook Visiting Writers Series: Sigrid Nunez

11/17 The author of nine novels and winner of the 2018 National Book Award for The Friend, Sigrid Nunez takes the podium at Shelton Auditorium in mid-November. butler.edu

Kellogg Writers Series: Christian Moody (Fiction Reading)

11/20 Schwitzer Student Center, UIndy Hall A hosts author and former Indy Arts Council creative renewal fellow Christian Moody for a reading from his award-winning debut short story collection, Lost in the Forest of Mechanical Birds uindy.edu

Bert Kreischer: Permission to Party World Tour

11/22 The stand-up comedian, reality TV host, actor, and podcaster raises a glass to Gainbridge Fieldhouse while showing off his (shirtless) dad bod. gainbridgefieldhouse.com

Jerry Seinfeld

11/22 The namesake star of hit ’90s sitcom Seinfeld becomes the master of his comedy domain at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. livenation.com

Jerry Seinfeld

Drew Lynch

11/28–30 A finalist on America’s Got Talent season 10, Lynch discusses topics like stuttering and speech therapy, ADHD, and trauma bonding over brunch, at Helium Comedy Club. indiana polis.heliumcomedy.com

DECEMBER

Holiday

Author Fair

12/6 Featuring a wide range of topics, the annual Holiday Author Fair at the Indiana History Center showcases more than 60 writers. Check out the Festival of Trees exhibit while you’re there. indianahistory.org

Phil Hanley

12/11–13 Canadian comedian, writer, and actor Phil Hanley brings his highly interactive brand of humor to the Helium Comedy Club. indianapolis.helium comedy.com

Victoria

Lyras, Founding Artistic Director

BEYOND BALLET

AUG. 14 - 23, 2025

LEGACY IN MOTION

SEPT. 19 - 21, 2025

ECLECTICA!

OCT. 30 - NOV. 2, 2025

THE NUTCRACKER

DEC. 18 - 23, 2025

FAMILY SERIES: NUTCRACKER SWEETS

DEC. 27 - 30, 2025

ETHEREAL BLUE TO FIERY RED

JAN. 30 - FEB. 1, 2026

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY

WITH THE INDIANAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

MAR. 6 - 7, 2026

FAMILY SERIES: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

APR. 17 - 19, 2026