18 SOFAR SOUNDS Organization Brings Intimate Live Music To Indianapolis
21 FIRED UP Gameday Themes Make For Memorable Fan Experiences at Indy Ignite Matches
PUBLISHERS
MICHAEL & LINDSAY DURR michael@townepost.com (630) 853-1142
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
PETER BLOOMQUIST
SURINA GANGWANI
MARTINA JACKSON
RENÉE LARR
JOHN OVERTON
MARK ROBINSON
ASHLEY WATTERS
KATIE WARTHAN
LOGAN WOOD
DANIEL WOODY
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.
FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599
PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ERIN TURK
CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS
EDITOR
JOSH BROWN
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011
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CONTACT THE PUBLISHER
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FEBRUARY
1
MONSTER JAM
Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 South Capitol Ave.
3 p.m.
Nothing compares to the one and only Monster Jam®. With awesome trucks, amazing stunts, big air and actionpacked excitement, it’s the definition of fun for everyone!
SPECIAL EVENT: GODFREY
Helium Comedy Club, 10 W Georgia St. 7 p.m.
Biography Video Website Click Showtime To Purchase
7, 14, 21, 28
INDY WINTER FARMERS MARKET
The AMP, 1220 Waterway Blvd. 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
The Indy Winter Farmers Market returns this season with its longstanding commitment to connecting local farmers, food producers and artisans with the Indianapolis community.
11–15
GRAND KYIV BALLET: THE SNOW QUEEN
Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, 4602 Sunset Avenue.
15
DEON COLE
Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St 7:30 p.m.
Murat Theatre at Old National Centre Ages 18+ Doors: 6:30 pm Show: 7:30 pm
19
JENNIFER MLOTT
Blind Owl Brewery, 5014 E 62nd St. 6:30 p.m.
Music is from 6:30-8 p.m.
21
BUTLER BULLDOGS VS. XAVIER MUSKETEERS
Hinkle Fieldhouse, 510 W. 49th St.
21–22
SHEN YUN
Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, 4602 Sunset Avenue. 2 p.m. (Feb. 21–22); 7 p.m. (Feb. 21) Shen Yun is a brilliant artistic revival and celebration of China?s rich cultural heritage. But after decades of communist rule, much of this divinely inspired culture has been lost.
21
SYNCHRONOIZE & JAENGA Turntable, 6281 N College Ave,. 7 p.m.
Jaenga (Patrick McDevitt) has had a clear philosophy from day one, music
should not be limited by industry standards or genre boundaries.
22 “LABOR OF LOVE” TOUR
The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N College Ave. 6:30 p.m.
Atlanta-based musician Tinsley Ellis—known for decades as one of the greatest electric bluesrock guitarists of his generation.
27
ABBY HOLLIDAY & LANDON CONRATH
Turntable, 6281 N College Ave,. 7 p.m.; 7:30 p.m.
Landon Conrath North America Tour 2026
Minneapolis songwriter, producer, and multiinstrumentalist Landon Conrath found his voice almost by accident.
Mediterranean Dining and Market
Corridor offers fresh, seasonal Mediterraneaninspired cuisine and market favorites, blending local ingredients, Italian classics, and Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta in a warm, travel-inspired atmosphere.
WINTER WANDERINGS
HOLLIDAY PARK ICE RINK BRINGS
COLD-WEATHER FUN TO FAMILIES
Writer / Ashley Watters
Photographer / Michael Durr
For families in Indianapolis, Holliday Park has long been a sanctuary for family fun. The nature center, playground and ruins are often filled with smiling faces enjoying the outdoors when temperatures are high. As colder days arrive, there are fewer options for enjoying the outdoors. The Holliday Park Foundation wants to ensure that is never an issue with the Holliday Park Ice Rink.
The ice rink was a longtime vision of the Holliday Park Foundation that came to life four years ago. Located at 6363 Spring Mill Road, the 60-by135-foot ice rink is a destination for families looking for outdoor fun during the winter months. With accommodations for up to 300 skaters at one time, families can take advantage of multiple open-skate options, complete with warm lace-up areas, through March 1.
“We have created a very cozy, welcoming space for families. We have six fire pits and a large commons area, ideal for gathering. Our space also includes a warming hut, fashioned from a converted shipping container with a viewing space where parents can watch their children skate while relaxing in a warm space,” says Chris Clyne, manager of the Holliday Park Ice Rink. Spectators can also purchase food and drinks from MashCraft on-site.
Holliday Park Ice Rink 6363 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis
The Holliday Park Ice open-skate sessions with per skater. Skate aids are and learning skaters, passes can be purchased skaters who want to full advantage of the skating season.
Other programs offered include ice skating lessons, students’ nights, couples skate, private events, corporate team building, hockey lessons, birthday parties and a new curling league. Youth can also join the Learn to Play program at no cost, including busing, thanks to a sponsorship from OrthoIndy. Learn more at ourhockeyhouse.org/event-details/ hollidaypark2026.
Recreational curling leagues for youth and adults, in particular, have been extremely popular, with initial offerings selling out within days. Curling is offered in partnership with Circle City Athletics.
Alexis Clyne
Families can also expect upcoming events, including a popular Valentine’s Day package and a three-on-three hockey tournament in February. With the Winter Olympics on the horizon, the Holliday Park Ice Rink is planning to pay homage to competitive winter sports, with Olympics-themed entertainment planned for Feb. 6–22.
“Right now, we are everyone’s backyard rink, and we want to keep it that way,” Clyne says. “We’ve been told we have a Hallmark feeling. We strive to make a space where everyone feels invited. But make no mistake, we’re in this for the long run, and we’re excited to see what the future brings.”
With interest in the NHL climbing in recent years, Indianapolis is seeing increased participation in youth and adult hockey programs. Nearby Westfield is also planning to add four ice rinks to accommodate the growing interest. Clyne is hopeful the Holliday Park Ice Rink can expand in coming years to provide even more opportunities for youth hockey.
“We’re just excited to keep our momentum and bring more to localarea families,” he says.
For more information, visit hollidaypark.org/rink.
RESEARCH STU DY SEEKING
People living with Atrial Fibrillation or Atrial Flutter
Purdue University, College of Pharmacy is seeking people living with atrial fibrillation/flutter who are planning to have or recently have had a electric cardioversion or ablation to treat atrial fibrillation or flutter. In order to qualify you must be taking anticoagulation (a blood thinner such as coumadin, Eliquis, Xarelto).
If you qualify for the study:
• You will be asked to take a medicine called Zofran (ondansetron) or a placebo (sugar pill) twice a day for 4 weeks
• You will be asked to wear a Ziopatch on your chest which monitors your heart beats for 4 weeks and keep a log of any symptoms that you have related to the medicine and atrial fibrillation.
• You will complete 5 visits lasting about 30 minutes (1 visit at the start of the study and then a visit each week). The visits can be completed at your home or in the clinical reearch center located on the IU Indianapolis campus
• You will receive up to $350 after completing all study visits.
If you are interested in participating, please call or text 317-847-2094 or email: hwroblew@iu.edu
A ROASTER’S PATH
KAYAK COFFEE EVOLVES FROM EXPERIMENT TO ENTERPRISE
Writer / Renée Larr
Photographer / Michael Durr
When Ben Larson first roasted coffee in a popcorn popper, he had no idea the experiment would chart his next adventure. Today, Larson is the co-owner of Kayak Coffee in Carmel. The roastery is known for small-batch quality, sustainably sourced beans, and outdoors-inspired branding. Founded in 2020 with his wife, Jessica Larson, the business blends Ben’s lifelong love of coffee with his passion for kayaking and the outdoor recreation world
where he once worked.
Larson credits a spark of curiosity in 2016 or 2017.
“I think I was reading an article about roasting coffee at home,” he says. “I didn’t know anything about coffee. I just knew I liked it.”
Intrigued, he learned that home roasting was possible with simple equipment like an air
popcorn popper. The tiny batches yielded only one pot, but Larson was hooked. He roasted outside in the summer and in his garage in the winter, steadily refining his methods.
By 2019, Ben and Jessica, who also own Indy Soft Water, a water softener company located below the roastery, decided to take coffee roasting more seriously. With Jessica’s encouragement, they invested in a commercial Diedrich coffee roaster from Idaho. Its arrival six months later marked their shift from hobby to enterprise.
“The roaster does about 11 pounds at a time,” Ben says. “Compared to my two-and-a-halfounce popcorn popper batches, it was a big change.”
Kayak Coffee launched in early 2020, not as a pandemic pivot, but simply by timing. Still, the landscape of independent roasting shifted dramatically in the years that followed, with many small roasters emerging and eventually fading. Kayak Coffee, however, grew steadily and organically.
“Our first year was mostly friends and family,” Ben says. “Every year since, we’ve grown. Last year, we doubled. Now we’re roasting around 200 to 300 pounds a week.”
Ben is meticulous about what goes into every bag. Kayak Coffee exclusively roasts specialty Arabica beans. They are shade-grown, hand-picked, and sourced through reputable importers who work directly with farmers.
“We’re pretty picky about where our coffee
comes from,” he says. “Everything we buy has a history behind it. Sustainability is important to us.”
Ben says there is a stark contrast between specialty coffee and commodity-grade beans found in traditional supermarket brands. Commodity coffee is often grown in large, sun-exposed fields, sometimes at the cost of deforestation. Specialty beans thrive at higher elevations under natural shade, producing cleaner, more complex flavor profiles. Many Kayak Coffee offerings are certified organic. Those that aren’t are grown using similar practices.
Flavor, Ben says, begins well before the beans reach the roastery. Importers taste the beans, identifying flavor notes. He then roasts, evaluates, and sometimes blends coffees to develop new profiles. Single-origin options, such as Honduran organic, highlight the unique character of a single region. Signature blends, including Warming Hut, Harvest Moon, and Back Deck Blend, are the result of experimentation and seasonal inspiration.
“The fun part is being creative,” he says. “Blending is like home cooking — changing the ratio changes the result. You experiment until you find something delicious.”
The business name came to Larson in the middle of the night, an intuitive blend of his passion for coffee and family kayaking adventures. More than branding, the theme reflects a community he loves. Kayak Coffee connects him to that world as he sells at whitewater events, outdoor festivals, and farmers markets.
“We go to outdoor events, set up a booth, and meet people,” Ben says. “It’s been a great way to grow the company.”
The Larsons started Kayak Coffee aiming for a nationwide online customer base, not expecting it to become a local favorite. However, after selling at farmers markets and gaining word-of-mouth referrals, a vibrant local following emerged. Today, Kayak Coffee serves both online customers and supplies groceries, churches, coffee shops, and businesses across Indiana and the Midwest.
Despite the company’s growth, operations remain small. Ben runs the roastery with one part-time employee. Jessica leads the family’s main business downstairs. Larson’s son and a family friend help during summer markets. The roastery, housed in existing warehouse space, includes the roaster, green-bean storage, packaging, and shipping operations.
Looking ahead, Ben sees steady, sustainable growth over major change.
“We’ll keep doing what we’re doing,” he says. “We could add another roaster if needed. For now, we’re enjoying the journey.”
That journey — from popcorn popper to roasting hundreds of pounds weekly — reflects a true adventure. For coffee lovers everywhere, Kayak Coffee offers a taste of that adventure in every cup.
For more information, visit kayakcoffee.com.
CaptureNoire
APP REIMAGINES INCLUSIVE PHOTO EDITING
Writer / Renée Larr
For as long as she can remember, Martina Jackson has had a camera in her hand. What began as a creative instinct grew into a career and eventually into a tech platform designed to fix a problem she encountered again and again: photo-editing tools that simply didn’t work for everyone.
Jackson is the founder of CaptureNoire, a mobile app built to make photography and video editing accessible, intuitive and, most importantly, inclusive across all skin tones. Launched on iOS in June 2025, CaptureNoire is already gaining attention for tackling an issue long embedded in photography, film and digital technology.
Before entering the tech world, Jackson spent years building her creative business, Drea & Co., which she launched in 2015. The company focused on visual storytelling,
including photography, video production and brand visuals, primarily for small, missiondriven businesses. Over time, her client list became increasingly diverse, spanning weddings, headshots, nonprofits and entrepreneurs.
“I always wanted to capture people in the best way possible,” Jackson says.
But as her portfolio expanded, so did her frustration. Many popular editing tools, including professional software such as Adobe Lightroom or everyday apps with built-in filters, produced inconsistent results across skin tones. Darker complexions were often flattened, washed out or inaccurately color-graded.
Rather than accept those
limitations, Jackson began creating custom solutions for herself. She adjusted filters, tweaked presets and developed workarounds that delivered the rich, authentic look she wanted. Eventually, a bigger idea took hold: What if these tools were available to everyone, without requiring professional-level editing skills?
Designed for ease of use, the app allows users to apply more than 60 filters to photos and videos with a single tap. The technology behind those filters is optimized for darker skin tones, but Jackson says the app works beautifully across the full spectrum of complexions.
“The goal was never exclusivity,” she says. “It was accessibility.”
Martina Jackson / CaptureNoire
At its core, CaptureNoire addresses what Jackson describes as a historical technological bias, an issue that spans from early film development to modern camera sensors, algorithms, augmented reality and artificial intelligence. Many of the tools people rely on daily, she says, were never tested or designed with diverse users in mind.
By centering inclusivity at the development stage, CaptureNoire aims to challenge that pattern.
The app’s beta launch has already highlighted what users value most, starting with simplicity. Whether capturing a quick photo on the go or editing video content, users appreciate being able to achieve a polished look without technical guesswork. Another unexpected hit has been the app’s gallery feature, which allows users to organize images into curated collections, a function Jackson plans to expand into a more social, shareable experience in future updates.
Beyond the editing tools, CaptureNoire also includes a strong community component. The company launched an ambassador program alongside the beta release, providing creatives — especially younger photographers and content creators — with access to paid gigs, real-world experience and the app’s tools at no cost.
Equity, Jackson says, extends beyond the technology itself.
“Access and opportunity matter just as much as the product,” she says. “Especially for students and creatives who are just getting started.”
That philosophy has guided Jackson throughout her entrepreneurial journey.
Lessons learned from building Drea & Co., particularly around leadership, consistency and storytelling, now shape how she approaches CaptureNoire. Years spent helping organizations articulate their missions sharpened her understanding of how powerful authentic visuals can be.
“Telling your story, authentically you — that’s at the heart of everything we do,” she says.
One of the most defining moments in CaptureNoire’s history came with its official launch campaign. Timed to coincide with Juneteenth, the “Legacy in Color” campaign leaned into nostalgia, memory and the importance of documenting Black family history. Working alongside photographer Erica Haskins, Jackson helped create a visual narrative inspired by everyday moments, including Polaroids at grandparents’ homes, laughter around kitchen tables and memories that feel like home.
“It made everything click,” Jackson says. “Seeing people resonate with the why. That’s when you know you’re on the right path.”
Since launch, CaptureNoire has also benefited from pitch competitions and accelerator programs, including the Be Nimble
Foundation’s PitchFest. Beyond funding, these experiences helped Jackson refine her business model, clarify her growth strategy and gain mentorship critical to scaling a tech startup.
Looking ahead five years, Jackson envisions CaptureNoire as a global platform integrated into classrooms, creative programs and content ecosystems worldwide. She hopes to expand educational partnerships, deepen the app’s social features and develop complementary tools that support the evolving world of photography and video creation.
“The sky really is the limit,” she says. “This is bigger than one app. It’s about changing how we think about representation, technology, and whose stories get told and how.”
With CaptureNoire, Jackson isn’t just editing images. She’s reshaping the lens through which we see one another. For more information, visit capturenoire.com.
SOFAR SOUNDS
ORGANIZATION BRINGS INTIMATE LIVE MUSIC TO INDIANAPOLIS
Writer / Ashley Watters
Photographer / Michael Durr
If you’re a music junkie who believes Ruoff Music Center will always be Deer Creek, you’ve probably seen your fair share of music greats. Live music events are transformative, to be sure. But if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the crowds, you may want to try a more intimate approach to live music. That’s where Sofar Sounds comes in.
Surina Gangwani has always felt that a city is best explored set to a lyrical background. An Indianapolis native, she has spent much of
her life immersed in the arts. Growing up as a vocalist and musician, Gangwani has always felt live music is at the center of her being. When she moved to New York, she discovered the city through Sofar Sounds. After a few years, she made the choice to return to Indianapolis and felt the absence of a local chapter. Seeking community, she set out to bring Sofar Sounds to her home city.
“I had a difficult time finding my place when I returned home. It was harder than I
expected,” says Gangwani, executive producer of Sofar Sounds Indy. “I really wanted to create community-based spaces where I could cultivate that new space for myself and others through music.”
Sofar Sounds is a global organization with local chapters hosting small, intimate livemusic experiences in select locations. The name derives from “sounds from a room,” an homage to Leonard Cohen’s second album, “Songs from a Room.” Designed to bring back intimate concert vibes, each experience features three artists performing 20-minute sets. To add a flair of clandestine spontaneity, the lineup and location are kept secret until 36 hours before the event, when attendees are emailed full details.
“The best part about going to a Sofar show — that lineup of artists, in that venue, with those people — that will literally never happen again,” Gangwani says. “You’re not coming just for the music; you’re coming for the people you meet, the chance to support local business and really be embedded in the community you’re in, just by showing up.”
And if you’re expecting mediocre talent, think again. Sofar Sounds focuses on emerging artists and has served as a launching pad for many modern musicians, including Teddy Swims, Billie Eilish, Hozier and Chappell Roan, among others. Sofar sources talent from its global network, so you may be among the first to see the next chart-topping musician. The Indianapolis chapter relaunched Nov. 20, 2025, featuring a lineup that included
Joe Cripe, Anna May and Grant Trammell at Guggman Haus. The second show, held at the Pit Stop, featured musicians MF Fred, Rhetoryk and Chloë Beth.
Upcoming events include Valentine’s and Galentine’s-themed shows, as well as events highlighting women-owned businesses in March for Women’s History Month, with more to come. Those interested can view upcoming shows at sofarsounds.com/cities/ indianapolis.
And if you have questions about accessibility, don’t worry. While there is an element of secrecy, guests can view venue characteristics when booking tickets on the website. Gangwani also encourages anyone with specific questions to reach out via Instagram at @sofarsoundsindy.
One thing attendees can count on is that there’s never a dull moment. Some shows take place in basements, wine cellars, backyards, coffee shops or local breweries — you name it. You might find yourself with standing room only and a BYOB note, or in a larger space with artisan coffee available. The possibilities are endless.
“Expect the unexpected. The fun of it is being in an intimate space and getting to know each other better,” Gangwani says.
For more information about the intimate popup concert experience, visit the Indianapolis chapter of Sofar Sounds at sofarsounds.com/ cities/indianapolis.
FIRED UP
GAMEDAY THEMES MAKE FOR MEMORABLE FAN EXPERIENCES AT INDY IGNITE MATCHES
Writer / Mark Robinson
Indy Ignite matches show fans some of the most exciting volleyball being played anywhere in the United States.
The elite play is fast – some players serve volleyballs at 50 to 60 mph – aggressive, and the competition between the Ignite and the other seven Major League Volleyball teams is fierce. As the Ignite begin their second season, they are building on the achievements of a spectacular inaugural campaign. They completed the 2025 season second in the Major League Volleyball Championship.
But there’s even more to an Ignite game day at Fishers Event Center than the pro volleyball players’ athleticism. The team also uses matches to celebrate women’s sports and honor the causes that align with the Ignite brand. Every match has a theme,
allowing fans to participate and show their support for their favorites.
“Each of our matches has its own personality, which comes through the theme,” says Carly Klanac, vice president of marketing and game day experience for the Ignite. “This guarantees that fans are not only getting an in-person look at some of the best volleyball anywhere but that entire experience – from the time we open the doors to the final serve – is unique and memorable.”
During their inaugural season, the Ignite’s game days earned a reputation for creating unusual, fun experiences for fans. There was a giant inflatable volleyball bouncing through the stands, art and music activations from the Indianapolis-based cultural organization Ganggang, an Indy
Ignite-branded IndyCar to honor the Indianapolis 500 and the Ignite’s everpresent diva mascot, Pepper, presiding over all of it.
This season, the Ignite are bringing back some of the most popular themes from last year. The College Tailgate, which involves spring scrimmages among several powerhouse collegiate volleyball teams; Indiana Forever, when the Ignite celebrate everything that makes the Hoosier state special – from sports to farming – and Fan Appreciation, when diehard Ignite fans are honored, will all return.
Ignite game days have new themes this year, too, including Volleytine’s Day this month and in May Horses and Horsepower, which celebrates the proud traditions of the Indy 500 and Louisville’s Kentucky Derby. The
combined Indy 500 and Derby party is aimed at welcoming the Ignite’s growing Louisville fan base, which is inspired by a pipeline of Ignite players who played at the University of Louisville in college. Louisville alums outside hitter Anna DeBeer and libero Elena Scott returned this year from the Ignite’s inaugural season and middle blocker Cara Cresse, who is from Fort Wayne, was drafted from Louisville this season.
“Whether we’re throwing a pregame party like our Ignite the Night Bonfire presented by Lilly on opening night or partnering with amazing organizations like Kids Voice on our Blue Out night presented by Meyer Najem, we want to bring fans an experience that leaves them wanting to come back and join our Ignite community on a regular basis,” Klanac says.
THE LIST OF UPCOMING THEMES FOR THE IGNITE SEASON ARE BELOW.
JAN. 31
ORANGE OUT PRESENTED BY PNC FEB. 6
GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SPORTS PRESENTED BY MEIJER FEB. 13
VOLLEYTINE’S DAY FEB. 15
WINTER GAMES CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY TEAM REHABILITATION PHYSICAL THERAPY
MARCH 1
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS PRESENTED BY KLARITY
MARCH 8
IGNITE REWIND PRESENTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS
MARCH 12
INDIANA FOREVER PRESENTED BY FORVIS MAZARS
MARCH 19
YOUTH VOLLEYBALL PRESENTED BY WELLS FARGO ADVISORS
APRIL 12
KIDS VOICE BLUE OUT PRESENTED BY MEYER NAJEM
APRIL 19
COLLEGE TAILGATE PRESENTED BY IU HEALTH
MAY 1
HORSES AND HORSEPOWER PRESENTED BY GUARDIAN ANGEL RESTORATION
MAY 3
FAN APPRECIATION
Tickets to the complete Indy Ignite season and Family Four Pack, Flex Packages and Group Tickets for corporate outings are available at indyignitevb.com.
