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LETTER
Creative Local Love
February is a month to celebrate all that we love in this life. Too often when we meet someone, the first question we ask is: “So, what do you do?” But what we do is not the same as who we are. A far better question might be: “What do you love?”
I love my family, friends, art, travel, music and cooking nourishing food. The answers you’d give to that same question might be different — and that’s the beauty of the concept.
This edition is all about loving local. One of the things I cherish most about Carmel is our deep commitment to arts and design. From public sculptures to roundabout art, creativity surrounds us. And with access to incredible performing arts, inspiration is never far away.
Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of working with a local nonprofit called Create What You Crave. Its mission is to amplify the voices of local creatives and create spaces for connection and inspiration. Through events and media, we’re working to build community and advocate for the arts. If you, too, love creativity, I’d enjoy meeting you at one of our monthly gatherings. For more details about this nonprofit's impact, look for a feature about the group in this magazine.
Inside this edition, you’ll discover stories, businesses and neighbors who embody what it means to Love Local, and who remind us why community matters. For example, on Jan. 5, 2026, our community just noted the historic 50th anniversary of Carmel's first-ever City Council meeting.
As you move through this month, I hope you pause to reflect on what you love, and find ways to share it generously with others.
With gratitude,
ANDREA KULSRUD, PUBLISHER @CARMEL.CITY.LIFESTYLE
February 2026
PUBLISHER
Andrea Kulsrud | andrea.kulsrud@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
Allyson (Ally) Straczek, Julie Brown Patton, Kate Lustig
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Brianna Richardson, Ken Rabbers Photographic Art, Heather Raub/FrontRoom Images, Brandy Cunningham, Gabrielle DeVillier Valin, Jennifer Dunham
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Proverbs 3:5-6
1: Slapfish restaurant opened in Carmel at 11505 Illinois St., Ste. 110, with “boat-to-plate” seafood. 2: Carmel's firefighters recently replaced 20-year-old, outdated fire hose/nozzles on every Carmel Fire Department apparatus. 3: A new gift store, The Sensory Shoppe, opened in Carmel at 99 E. Carmel Drive.
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SAY oui, oui via NEW FLORAL shop
French
Florist Opens Near Carmel To Provide Blooms With Intentional Flair, Infuse Beauty Into Life
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
Best-in-class, uniquely handcrafted floral arrangements now are available locally via the recently opened French Florist boutique, operated by Westfield residents and business partners Joe Viater and Kadi Miller. The new Northside boutique, located at 1514 W. 86th St., is the first Midwest location launched by the luxury shop's Los Angeles-headquartered CEO Michael Jacobson.
"Having grown up in Carmel, this new endeavor and location feels like my backyard," says Viater. "With the local investment in arts and design, I believed the outstanding quality and elegance of French Florist's vibrant floral arrangements that I saw on the West Coast while attending graduate school would perfectly match the values and mindset of the Carmel community. I've never seen such eye-catching flowers before. And, I felt deeply passionate about bringing beauty to everyday life with intentionality."
A beauty-enhanced sentiment runs in the family. Viater says his stepfather filled the basement of their family's house with 200-plus orchids. "He had greenhouse-style shelves and rows of orchids. He would swap out various orchids so they could make appearances in different parts of our house. Because of him, I had respect for growing delicate types of flowers but I never dreamed of having a floral business. Yet, his orchids spoke to me, and to this day, flowers engage all of my senses."
As a flower farmer with his own green thumb, Miller's father inspired and influenced her interests in flowers. The former art teacher has been practicing the art of floral design since 2021. “Flowers are the universal language of love,” she explains. “They help people express joy, comfort and connection. For me, it’s deeply personal because my dad grew flowers, and after he passed, the first arrangement I ever made was for his funeral. Now, I get to continue that legacy and love of flowers with our Indianapolis community.”
She says flowers communicate when people can't find the right words for life's developments, especially to convey their deep love or grief. "Giving the gift of flowers speaks volumes. I enjoy flowers as self-expression or creativity, and it offers a meaningful opportunity to intentionally blend community building with artful design.”
CONTINUED >
Miller says the flowers come from all over the world, including Ecuador and Holland, and that over a year's time, they will offer 300-plus seasonal arrangements. "We have access to so many beautiful flowers by being part of the French Florist family, plus we're eager to work with local flower farmers for seasonal blooms."
Because orchids are typically included in nearly every French Florist cut-stem arrangement, Miller says they lovingly add individual water tubes or vials to each bloom to help extend their freshness.
“French Florist embodies everything I was looking for in a business: authenticity, emotion and genuine connection,” says Viater. “It’s a premium brand that perfects every detail yet never loses sight of what truly matters, which is bringing smiles and genuine connections to the communities we serve. That’s what makes French Florist so special."
Founded in 1978, French Florist is now a premier, floral powerhouse network offering iconic, luxury arrangements, designer vases and gift items, accompanied by same- day local delivery and backed by more than 5,000 five-star customer reviews and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. The shop's name and resulting creations are inspired by the European concept of "every day in bloom," where they are plants known for having very long or repetitive flowering periods. With 45-plus years of design expertise, French Florist professionals serve occasions ranging from birthdays to sympathy and holidays with fresh, artfully designed bouquets.
Franchise owners Miller and Viater opened the boutique at the end of November. They confirm that they went to Los Angeles to work with a team of certified trainers.
“Flowers have this rare power to say what words can’t,” reminds Miller. “Every arrangement tells a story, and we’re honored to bring that storytelling to Carmel and the Indy region.”
French Florist Carmel
As business partners of French Florist for the Carmel/ Indianapolis region, Joe Viater and Kadi Miller have known each other for years, due to Viater's wife, Mollie, being close friends with Miller since middle school. When the opportunity to bring French Florist to Indiana emerged, the two saw it as the perfect collaboration: Miller's floral artistry and community ties paired with Viater's business acumen and growth mindset. The 1,600-square-foot boutique offers custom-created floral arrangements and seamless delivery options. With additional plans to expand into Columbus and Cincinnati, the franchisee pair indicate they hope to make French Florist a staple for meaningful celebrations and acts of everyday love across the Midwest.
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INGREDIENTS:
• 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 3 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
GOLDEN CAKE
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup dried currants
• 1/4 cup diced candied citron
• 1 cup milk
This delectable appeared during the mid-nineteenth century as a more cake-like version of plum pudding, omitting alcohol as an ingredient to be more suitable for family gatherings. By the Gilded Age, most versions of it featured lemon as a flavoring; some also included dried fruit, nuts and/or anise seed. Some bakers recommended making small cakes to decorate inidividually with fanciful designs.
Hearts Of CARMEL
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
Inspired by February traditions, Carmel City Lifestyle searched for cordate items. One find is an impressive masterpiece truly baked with love.
Becky Diamond, author of the new The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook, kindly shares her recipe for the perfect, heart-shaped cake for Valentine’s Day. Intermingled in her cookbook are colorful stories regarding how special occasions were celebrated during the Gilded Age. The cookbook can be purchased at BeckyLDiamond.com/ The-Gilded-Age-Christmas-Cookbook
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease/flour 9- to 10-inch Bundt pan (or two 6-inch ones).
2. Cream butter and sugar in bowl until pale yellow color, about 1–2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, continue beating until well mixed; add lemon extract. Sift flour with cinnamon, nutmeg and baking powder in separate bowl; stir in dried fruit. Gradually add to butter/sugar/egg mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until thoroughly combined.
3. Pour batter into bundt pan(s). Place on oven’s center rack; bake for 50–60 minutes for full-sized pan or 35–40 minutes for two smaller ones, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Place pan on wire rack to cool 10–20 minutes, then place another wire rack over base of cake and invert pan to release it. Run knife along pan edges or tap sides if necessary.
Note: Diced candied citron can be found in grocery store baking sections or online. Nordic Ware floral heart bundt pan, fancy cakelette pans and Nordic Ware wildflower loaf pan can be purchased in Carmel at Sur la Table, 14400 Clay Terrace Blvd., Ste. 100.
4. When Golden Cake is cool, drizzle with this glaze.
Secure Heart-Shaped Cake Recipe And Items For Cupid Celebrations, Saint Valentine Enthusiasts, Galentine's Day
Photo by Heather Raub/ FrontRoom Images
LEMON VANILLA GLAZE FOR GOLDEN CAKE
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
Place all ingredients in small bowl and mix with wire whisk until combined. Drizzle on cake with a spoon. For extra punch, use a toothpick or wooden skewer to poke several holes in cake top before applying glaze to infuse cake with moisture and sweetness. This cake is best served the day it's made. Refrigerate any leftover cake and heat in microwave for 30–60 seconds before serving, if desired.
ADDITIONAL HEART-SHAPED IDEAS
THE FRESH MARKET:
A sweetheart ribeye aged for at least two weeks, heart-shaped crab cakes, as well as a sushi platter in a heart container, are available through Feb. 14 in Carmel at 5415 N. College Ave. and 2490 E. 146th St. The market's butchers handcut and butterfly the ribeyes into the shape of a heart.
PROMOTIONS PLUS EMBROIDERY INC.:
Soft, micro-denier polyester knit red blankets with white hearts stitched into the corner can be purchased for $30 each from the customizing team of this specialties company at 303 W. Carmel Drive. Owner Paula Koester says the blanket is a handy size of 54 inches by 60 inches, and was created especially for loving, comforting gifts.
HONEY, ONE-OF-A-KIND JEWELRY:
The permanent jewelry store located in the Carmel City Center on the Plaza level, Ste. 222, offers this new scarf and heart charm pairing (shown on page 18). Or, Honey owner Anna Fehribach says customers can choose from thousands of different charms, beads, pearls and gemstones.
CHARCUTERIE BOARDS:
Get adventurous and create a charcuterie arrangement that's Cupid-approved but too pretty to really eat! Combine cheeses and meats with accompaniments, or accents, such as salted or candied nuts; strawberries; chili-marinated green olives; raspberries; juicy dried cranberries; cake bites; pitted Turkish dates; apricots; dried tangerines or mango slices; candy hearts; fig and orange marmalade; chocolate bark; sun-dried tomatoes; pepperoncini; sugar snap peas; 'X' & 'O' pretzels; blackberries; and flavored crackers. Obviously, one idea is to focus on red, pink and white colored foods and themes, using cookie cutters and creative folding to add festive flair.
CONTINUED >
Becky Diamond, author, The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook
Sur La Table in Carmel has heart-shaped cookie cutters, as well as fancy floral cake pans.
Hearts together blanket from Promotions Plus Inc.
Fresh Market's new sushi platter in heart container. Photo by Gabrielle DeVillier Valin
TRINKETS FROM SILVER IN THE CITY CARMEL GIFT SHOP:
An online check of heart-shaped offerings from these purveyors of jewelry, housewares and whatnots at 111 W. Main St., Ste. 150, yields lots of theme choices, including a silver open heart ring; gold heart garland necklace; Big Heart Tea Company sachets; heart stud earrings; Indiana heart magnets; Over The Moon sweetheart bath bombs; pearl heart earrings; heart sticker mini-notes; an anatomical heart ring; candy hearts glass candle; heart shot glass; hand heart T-shirts; touchscreen gloves with hearts; a diamond-dusted heart necklace; and Valentine's Day cards.
HEALTHY GESTURES:
A recent Caravan survey found 84% of Americans say heart-shaped foods are a fun and beneficial way to show love on Valentine’s Day. For younger gift recipients, or big kids at heart, look for Tyson’s Nuggets of Love, as heart-shaped pieces of chicken available at many grocery stores.
Heart-shaped foods also protect one's physical heart. Nutritionists indicate being red colored and heart-shaped can be a tip to foods that are good for the heart because they're great sources of antioxidants. These compounds also act like shields, neutralizing free radicals that otherwise damage the body and cause heart disease and cancer. Examples of especially heart healthy fruits and vegetables include strawberries, raspberries, cherries, tomatoes, red peppers, acorn squash and apples.
Themed charcuterie board created and photographed by Jennifer Dunham
Light up someone's Valentine's Day with help from Silver In The City Carmel.
Honey shop’s new scarf/charm pairing; photo provided.
Photo courtesy of Quaintbox
ARTICLE BY ALLYSON (ALLY) STRACZEK PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIANNA RICHARDSON
JoyThrough Music
Guitarist Alec Holcomb Shares Melodic Love, Lessons In Carmel Community
At age 6, Alec Holcomb picked up a guitar and began his lifelong journey in music. Taught by his guitar-enthusiast father, Alec says he quickly became dedicated to his craft. For lessons with skilled classical guitar teachers, Alec frequently traveled up to 8 hours for training. Following his passion for music, Alec studied at prestigious institutions, including The Curtis Institute of Music and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Now, as an adult, local guitar teacher and creator of Alec's Classical Guitar Studio in Carmel, he says, "I love how a student's understanding and love for music evolves."
To be around other passionate players and teachers in his younger days, Holcomb entered classical guitar competitions. He won and placed in many national and international competitions; most notably, as a finalist in the Guitar Foundation of America competition in both 2017 and 2019. He's performed on NPR's "From the Top" radio program, and was named one of 10 Rising Stars of the Classical Guitar by Acoustic Guitar magazine.
"Playing in competitions let me learn from incredible guitar players and inspired me to grow as a guitarist," explains Holcomb.
"The classical guitar is one of the few instruments that shines on its own. Because it can play the parts of many instruments at once, it's possible to create complete, expressive music by yourself. It's a wooden box with strings; however, what you can do with it is virtually limitless. The sound you create is entirely analogue, created by your hands. It's one of the few instruments where the sound directly reflects your touch."
After several players reached out after watching Holcomb's online performances, he began teaching online. "Teaching was immediately fulfilling," he explains. "I was having fun with students, and it took pressure off my own playing."
A few years after he began teaching, Holcomb relocated to Carmel. During May 2025, he established his guitar studio at 712 Adams St., Ste. 137, to expand his teaching and offer in-person and online lessons.
"Practicing the classical guitar is an excellent tool for cognitive development in younger learners, and its challenges help learners stay sharp. The guitar teaches creative problem-solving, process-oriented thinking, memory development, mindfulness, fine motor skills, discipline, patience, emotional expression and regulation, confidence, music appreciation and more."
One of Holcomb’s teaching philosophies is to allow students a break from online distractions and screens. “The guitar offers a path out of that cycle. It’s an analogue activity in which you literally can’t make progress unless you slow down, focus and create moments of peace for yourself. Students find their time with the guitar is a retreat from the noise, where they can connect more meaningfully with the present. These moments of gentle awareness compound over time, rewiring the brain to enjoy long-term, complex tasks again.”
Another unique aspect of his teaching is that Holcomb doesn’t teach from any curriculum. He says he approaches each student as an individual, following their curiosity and excitement wherever they lead, while offering his experience and guidance along the way.
“Music’s given me a lifelong outlet for creativity and exploration, and I want my students to have that same opportunity.”
“A student’s progress is my priority, because with such a complex instrument, it can quickly become overwhelming," says Holcomb. "But by breaking down ideas to their simplest forms, using efficient practice methods and developing healthy mindsets, each layer of playing this instrument falls into place, putting students on a steady path of progression toward their goals.”
Holcomb encourages students to meditate before playing to clear their minds and find a time of day when they can focus and connect with the guitar emotionally. For some students, it’s after the kids are in bed; for others, it's in the earliest hours of the morning.
“I want to help students reconnect and live in the moment. To do that, they need to find a quiet place and time where they are ready to take a moment for themselves," he says.
In addition to helping new students find their footing with the guitar, Holcomb works with advanced players who feel stalled after years of playing. He says his experience helps students identify gaps in their understanding that may be limiting their progress.
“Even for experienced guitarists, there can be blind spots that are holding them back,” Holcomb explains. “Some of my favorite moments in teaching are discovering those gaps with a student and watching their excitement return as they find a new way forward.”
His love of the guitar and the community is driving him to build Carmel's arts scene. “One of the beautiful things about the classical guitar is it’s a fantastic instrument for sharing music. The guitar is small enough to take anywhere; it’s the perfect volume for gatherings with friends and family; it can play complete pieces without a band; and it can cover an array of musical styles. In that way, it becomes a doorway to connecting and sharing a moment with others,” he explains.
“The most rewarding feeling on the guitar is when the years of effort become second nature, leaving just you, your listeners and the music.”
~Alec Holcomb, founder of Alec's Classical Guitar Studio
Indiana Artisan Creators Make Gift Wishlists Come True
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEN RABBERS
PHOTOGRAPHIC ART
Art makes fantastic Valentine's gifts because it's personal, emotional and lasting. Consider the variety of options from 160-plus artists found at Indiana Artisan in a variety of types and themes, including future dreams, traditional depictions, landscapes, modern/abstract pieces or custom work that reflects thoughtful,
meaningful ways to visually convey "I love you." The studio, located in Carmel at 22 N. Rangeline Road, offers artwork via paintings, photography, glass, stoneware, fiber, furniture, wood, candies, wines and more. For questions, call Rosalyn Demaree at 317.964.9455. To view more selections, go to IndianaArtisan.org
Looking for Indiana-made goods created by expert craftspeople? Indiana Artisan features authentic, one-of-a-kind art and food creations made by Hoosier artists and foodists in 56 Indiana counties. Discover the highest quality fine art or fine wines, handmade chocolates or hand-turned stoneware, and everything in between, as shown through some examples here.
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create what you crave
Nonprofit Collective Fosters Community Inspiration And Support Of Local Creatives, Businesses, Brands
What would a community of and for creatives look like? To know, just look toward Carmelbased Create What You Crave, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that amplifies the voice of local creatives and offers space for connection and inspiration.
"We produce events and media with the intention to build a community for creatives and advocate for the arts," explains Anne O'Brien, founding executive director. "We support a thriving, connected community where creatives of all disciplines feel seen, supported and inspired. By fostering collaboration, storytelling and advocacy, we aim to make creativity and the arts an integral part of everyday life, shaping a more vibrant and expressive culture in Carmel and beyond."
With Carmel’s Arts & Design District as a hub for creativity, the group gathers at a different location in the district each month to socialize, connect and celebrate Carmel’s creative heartbeat. The gatherings give galleries, creatives and business managers a chance to share their specials, while hosting interactive challenges with prizes and special activities each month.
Join this group for their Candy Crawl special event on Feb. 14 as their 'Second Saturday Social.' It will be held from 4–5:30 p.m. at Inner Circle Gallery plus the Carmel Arts & Design District.
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
"This month’s main event takes place where creativity and confections collide, featuring a playful, art-filled Candy Crawl through Carmel’s Arts & Design District," explains O’Brien.
She says participants will enjoy live painting by self-taught artist Cheryl Eugenia, who will bring her work to life in real time while guests mingle, sip and snack. Eugenia earned a bachelor's degree in art history from Portland State University. As an artist, Eugenia states she's a "painter of things in my imagination and also in the world" since she was a young child. She says her preferred medium is oils. Her inspiration for painting is "to see a reality that doesn't exist in the real world."
Throughout the Feb. 14 evening, attendees may join guided gallery tours every 30 minutes, each featuring a different sweet candy treat as they explore art and connect with fellow creatives. The Candy Crawl also extends beyond the gallery with local business partners via participating art galleries, retail shops and restaurants throughout the district, O’Brien adds.
"This event is designed to be a fun, approachable way to show how visual art brings people together. By experiencing live art, moving through creative spaces and sharing conversation, artists can naturally talk about their process and artistic concepts with fellow artists and art lovers alike. It’s an event designed to connect artists with the community, while creating space for meaningful dialogue, shared inspiration and a deeper appreciation of visual arts in everyday life," explains O’Brien.
"Whether you're here for the art, the treats or the community, the
Anne O’Brien, Create What You Crave founding executive director
Candy Crawl will be a fun way to celebrate creativity, support local artists and makers and experience Carmel’s vibrant creative scene, one sweet stop at a time."
While the Feb. 14 event is free, donations are encouraged, O’Brien says. Any funds raised from ticketing will go to cover the costs of the event and allow the group to produce future events to grow community offerings.
To learn more about this community nonprofit, visit CreateWhatYouCrave.org
Photo by Brandy Cunningham
ELEVATING CONFIDENCE THROUGH PASSIONATE CARE
Dr.
NEARLY $1.38 MILLION IS SUPPORTING LOCAL ARTS DURING 2026
CARMEL ARTS GRANTS BENEFIT 27 LOCAL organizations
ARTICLE BY KATE LUSTIG
Recipients of City of Carmel 2026 Arts Grants Program span 27 local organizations totaling nearly $1.38 million, marking the 22nd year that city representatives financially supported the local arts community.
Since the grant program's inception in 2004, city officials strategically invested nearly $20 million (including the 2026 awards) to cultivate and sustain a vibrant artistic environment.
“Through consistent, strategic investment in our arts institutions and organizations, we're fostering economic vitality and elevate Carmel's overall quality of life,” says Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam. “The artistic culture thriving in our city is, without question, a strong economic driver that enriches the lives of our residents, visitors and business community alike."
She says the city's commitment to the arts is a fundamental component of the area's economic development strategy and quality-of-life initiatives. She adds: "By intentionally fostering a community that cherishes and supports the arts, Carmel has successfully attracted private investment, major corporate employers and a highly skilled workforce, providing a solid foundation for sustainable growth and world-class amenities for residents and visitors."
During 2026, all grant recipients are participating in a free training provided by Hamilton County Community Foundation focusing on nonprofit operations, grant management and funding.
2026 Arts Grants recipients are:
• Actors Theater of Indiana
• Bigger Picture Film Group
• Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre
• Carmel Apprentice Theater (The CAT)
• Carmel Arts Council
• Carmel Clay Historical Society
• Carmel Community Players, Inc.
• Carmel International Arts Festival
• Carmel Klavier, Inc.
• Carmel Symphony Orchestra
• Central Indiana Dance Ensemble
• The Great American Songbook Foundation
• Discovering Broadway, Inc.
• Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre
• Indiana Artisan, Inc.
• Indiana Association of Chinese-Americans
• Indiana Ballet Conservatory
• Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra
• Indiana Wind Symphony
• Indianapolis Opera
• Indianapolis Symphonic Choir
• International Talent Academy
• Janus Developmental Services, Inc.
• Lantern Islamic Theater Company
• M3 Theatre Camp
• Museum of Miniature Houses & Other Collections
• Nrityangan Kathak, Inc.
Photo courtesy of Great American Songbook Foundation
FEBRUARY 2026
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 6TH, 7TH, 8TH, 13TH, 14TH, 15TH, 20TH, 21ST
The Great Gatsby
The Tarkington | 7:00 PM
Civic Theatre members perform plot of self-made millionaire Jay Gatsby, who passionately pursues the elusive Daisy Buchanan. Long Island newcomer Nick Carraway's drawn into their world of obsession, greed and danger. Breathtaking glamour and decadent excess of the Jazz Age comes to the stage in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, and in Simon Levy’s adaptation, approved by the Fitzgerald Estate.
FEBRUARY 7TH, 8TH, 14TH, 15TH, 21ST, 22ND
The Pageant
The Florence | 4:00 PM
"Sparkle and shine, the crown will be mine!" A new piece inspired by the world of pageants. Beauty, talent, jealousy and intrigue will all be a part of this fun and funny adventure. Go behind the scenes and to the stage of the finalists in a fictitious beauty pageant. Sundays 2 p.m. Student tickets are $20 each; adult tickets $40.
FEBRUARY 15TH
Mardi Gras
Masquerade Ball
Payne & Mencias Palladium | 4:00 PM
Embrace the rhythm at the Indiana Wind Symphony’s concert as a tribute to Mardi Gras U.S. celebrations and South America Carnival festivities. Attendees will be transported to vibrant cities like New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro and Barranquilla. This concert features guest soloist Doreen Ketchens, known as the “female Louis Armstrong” for her passionate performing style in gospel, blues and jazz.
CONTINUED
FEBRUARY 21ST
Love Letters From Paris Symphony
Payne & Mencias Palladium | 7:00 PM
Continue Valentine’s Day celebrations with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra while they present Mozart’s “Paris” Symphony alongside The Lovers by Jean Sibelius. Join a romantic, heartfelt works for a special evening conducted by Kelly Corcoran. Orchestra members are enthused to perform Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp, with much-beloved soloists coming from CSO's very own symphony. Tickets are $44 each.
FEBRUARY 27TH
INDY NIGHTS With Ryan Ahlwardt & Friends
Feinstein's At Hotel Carmichael 5:30 PM
Ryan Ahlwardt is an Emmy-nominated host of central Indiana’s lifestyle show Indy Now on FOX 59, alumnus of the world-renowned vocal group Straight No Chaser, and a Hoosier singer-songwriter who has shared the stage and studio with such artists as The Beach Boys, Barry Manilow, Shania Twain, Sara Bareilles, Jon McLaughlin and Take 6.
FEBRUARY 28TH
Pete The Cat Musical
The Tarkington | 10:00 AM
Civic Theatre members offer two showings: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. For Pete the Cat, life's an adventure no matter what. So when the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking, except for Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. When Jimmy draws a blank in art class, Pete helps him out.
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Expanded OB-GYN care in Carmel
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