NOVEMBER
7
ART OF NETWORKING
Harrison Center, 1505 N Delaware St.
5–6 p.m.
Held at the Harrison Gallery every First Friday of the month from 5–6 p.m., this event encourages creative connection and relationship building.
7-8
MONUMENTAL HEALTH AND FITNESS EXPO
Indianapolis Convention Center, 100 S Capitol Ave.
14
INDY BLACK CLIMBERS X L8 CLIMB | JAI-LYN N.
North Mass Boulder, 1411 Roosevelt Ave.
6:30–9:30 p.m.
Join Indy Black Climbers x L8 Climb for an Evening of Community and Climbing! Indy Black Climbers is dedicated to expanding access to climbing for the Black community in Indianapolis.
15, 22, 28-30
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St.
Nov. 15, 22, 29–30: 2 p.m.; Nov. 28: 5 p.m.
Indy’s holiday tradition. Banish your bah humbugs and celebrate the season at the Indiana Repertory Theatre!
15
JINGLE RAILS
Eiteljorg Museum, 500 West Washington St.
A beloved annual holiday tradition, Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure presented by Fifth Third Bank is a breathtaking model train display featuring eight G-scale trains.
16
AZIZ ANSARI: HYPOTHETICAL TOUR
Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, 4602 Sunset Ave. 7 p.m.
Tickets will be available two weeks prior to the event. Aziz Ansari is an award-winning actor, director, writer and comedian.
20
GRAHAM BARHAM & HIGHWAY HOME
Turntable, 6281 N College Ave. 6 p.m.
Highway Home is a harmony-driven country trio blending heartfelt songwriting, tight vocals, and a sound rooted in late ’90s/early 2000s country.
22
JERRY SEINFELD
Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St.
5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. Doors open one hour prior to each showtime. All ages welcome.
23 CHRISTMAS AT THE ZOO
Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W Washington St.
25
WICKED: PART 1
Schrott Center for the Arts, 610 W 46th St.
7 p.m.
Free Movie Series. Elphaba, a young woman ridiculed for her green skin, and Galinda, a popular girl, become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz.
MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC
CORRIDOR BRINGS VIBRANT FLAVORS & COMMUNITY SPIRIT TO INDY
Writer / Renee Larr
Photographer / Michael Durr
When chefs Erin Kem and Logan McMahan took over the longtime staple Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta, they didn’t just inherit a business—they inherited a legacy. With fresh pasta still at the heart of the operation, they rebranded earlier this year as Corridor, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and vibrant market. Their vision is to create a cozy, welcoming escape that transports diners to the shores of Portugal, Italy, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta had been a local fixture for years, specializing in fresh pasta and Italian goods. While that identity remains foundational, Kem and McMahan wanted to expand the concept.
“It’s been the same format all along,” McMahan says. “We just rebranded it to be more our style. We changed the name, the décor, and broadened the menu to reflect Mediterranean flavors.” Kem says the name Corridor pays homage to the Mediterranean
corridor itself, stretching from Portugal across the European coast, down through North Africa, and into the Middle East. That inspiration shapes both the menu and the market shelves.
Kem, a Muncie native and seasoned Indianapolis chef, and McMahan, a self-taught culinary creative known for plantforward cooking, share a deep-rooted love for Mediterranean cuisine.
“We both enjoy that type of cuisine — eating it, preparing it, and expanding what Nicole-Taylor’s already had,” Kem says.
Their lunch menu is highly seasonal, changing with Indiana’s harvests. Sourcing locally is non-negotiable.
“We try to change our menu as close to the first day of the new season as possible,” McMahan says. “That way, what’s fresh and local helps steer the direction.”
Diners can expect dishes that are light yet bold in flavor, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options — a nod to McMahan’s own eating style.
“I noticed there weren’t many naturally vegan options around town,” he says. “That’s what I wanted to bring here.”
Corridor hosts special events in the evenings, particularly the Chef’s Table Dinners from Wednesday to Saturday. These intimate experiences invite just 10 guests to gather around the kitchen table. They’ve quickly become one of Indy’s most sought-after reservations, often booked out for the following year.
Diners trust the pair to craft a seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired menu, accommodating vegan and vegetarian eaters. Upcoming themes, like the “Transylvania to Tuscany” dinner, showcase their creativity and willingness to explore bold flavors.
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.
For those unable to secure a Chef’s Table spot, Corridor also hosts Second Saturday dinners and First Friday aperitivo events, offering more accessible ways to enjoy small plates, wine pairings, and convivial gatherings.
The market remains a cornerstone of Corridor, blending local staples with imported Mediterranean specialties. Shelves display Moroccan preserved lemons, Turkish delights, Middle Eastern spice blends, and Italian tomato products. Customers can pick up fresh pastas, sauces, and grab-and-go favorites like tiramisu or charcuterie boards. Special orders for lasagna, tiramisu pans, and catering-sized portions are available with 48 hours’ notice.
One of the market’s busiest times comes at year’s end, when Corridor continues Nicole-Taylor’s tradition of selling lasagnas for the holidays.
“It’s chaos, but it’s fun and people love it,” Kem says.
Orders open right after Thanksgiving, and sellouts are common.
Running both a restaurant and a retail market under one roof presents its own challenges.
“Keeping refrigerated items stocked for both the kitchen and the market can be tricky,” Kem says.
Popular house-made items — including frozen meatballs, pizza dough, and mozzarella — sell out quickly. Despite the demands, the chefs remain committed to making many items in-house, including breads for special dinners, though they dream of one day adding a dedicated bakery oven.
As you walk through Corridor’s doors, warmth envelops you immediately. Rich green walls and soft light from copper Turkish fixtures create an intentionally intimate atmosphere.
“It feels cozy like a dining room where you want to sit for a while, have a glass of wine, and a great lunch with friends,” McMahan says.
The lack of natural light, often seen as a drawback, is embraced as part of the charm.
Community engagement is not just a part of Corridor — it’s woven into the core. The team participates in Monon Shops events, local festivals, and fundraisers.
“We always say yes to those opportunities,” Kem says.
Their dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Corridor was recently named one of Eater’s 38 Essential Indianapolis Restaurants, affirming the chefs’ decision to buy an existing business and make it their own.
“It’s nice to be recognized for the changes we’ve made,” McMahan says.
While Chef’s Table dinners will remain a key component, the chefs are expanding evening offerings. Next year, every Second Saturday will feature a public dinner, and First Friday aperitivo events will introduce guests to casual, small-plate meals with happy hour specials.
Kem and McMahan also have ambitious plans for the future, including expanding their bread program and experimenting with new Mediterranean flavors. Even as they grow, their focus remains on maintaining Corridor’s diversity and energy.
“We’re making pasta, running a market, hosting private dinners, and doing wholesale, all in one small footprint,” Kem says. “That diversity is what makes us unique.”
The heart of Corridor is more than just a restaurant or market. It’s a Mediterranean escape. As Kem and McMahan put it on their website: “We hope you see Corridor as more than a restaurant. We want your shopping and dining experience to be unique, inspiring, and wholly memorable.”
For more information, call 317-257-7374 visit them online at corridorindy.com.
Writer / Renée Larr
For Sonja Clark, owner of Moonbug Photography, every photograph is more than just an image. It’s a collaboration, a celebration of movement, and a moment of artistry preserved. Known throughout Indianapolis for her exceptional dance photography, Clark recently expanded her creative home into a new studio in Broad Ripple. The space reflects both her vision and her commitment to capturing dancers at their very best.
Clark didn’t set out to specialize in dance photography. In fact, she says her entry into the field was somewhat accidental.
Around 2010, while photographing families, kids, and high school seniors, she was approached by her son’s cello teacher, who also served as the director of marketing for the Indianapolis School of Ballet. They needed a photographer, and though Clark lacked a background in dance, she took on the challenge.
“I shot one of their performances just to prove myself, and it turned out I was pretty good at it,” she says.
What began as a one-time assignment quickly blossomed into a long-term collaboration. In 2018, the formation of the Indianapolis Ballet Company marked the moment Clark was ready to take her skills to the next level. Photographing professionals deepened her passion and honed her skills, solidifying her as one of the area’s top dance photographers.
Dance photography is not for the faint of heart. Clark says capturing a dancer mid-performance requires working in low light, handling fast movements, and timing shots precisely to highlight the peak of the pose. Modern LED stage lighting complicates matters further, sometimes leaving visible stripes across photos.
“There’s so much precision required,” Clark says. “In ballet especially, every part of the body has to be in the right place … feet turned out, shoulders aligned, hands perfect. And every photo has to be approved by the dancer before it’s shared. They have to love how they look because these photos also represent a professional portfolio. Students are met where they are at. Perfection is not the expectation. We want them to do their personal best and
leave the studio feeling confident and proud.”
Clark’s success is not just a result of her technical skills, but also her collaborative approach. She shoots tethered, projecting images onto a monitor so dancers can review their poses in real-time. This enables continuous feedback and adjustment, making the dancers an integral part of the creative process.
“It’s always a collaboration,” she says. “The dancers know how they look best, and I always take that into account. Sometimes we start with one pose and end up with something completely different. It’s part of the creative process.”
Adding to the expertise, Clark works closely with her assistant, Greg Goessner, a former Indianapolis Ballet dancer and current ballet teacher. His insights help fine-tune poses and ensure the technical accuracy that dancers demand.
In August, Clark officially opened the doors to her new studio in Broad Ripple. Her previous space, a repurposed church near 64th and Hoover, had served its purpose but never truly felt like her own. The Broad Ripple location, however, not only fulfills her needs but also brings new opportunities for the local community. It’s a space where local artists can collaborate, families can create lasting memories, and professionals can get high-quality portraits.
“I’ve had my eye on this building for years,” she says. “It’s bigger, it’s mine, and I can finally set everything up the way I want. Plus, I needed at least 12-foot ceilings for dancers, which made finding the right spot a real challenge.”
The new studio also boasts a sprung floor covered with Marley, a professional-grade surface that
“Next week, I have a family of eight coming in for a Vanity Fair-style shoot,” she says. “That wouldn’t have been possible in my old space.”
Plans include art shows, community events, and eventually building a team of photographers to expand Moonbug’s reach. Clark’s long-term vision is clear: sustainable growth. She deliberately named her business Moonbug Photography instead of using her own name, ensuring the brand could grow beyond herself.
While dance remains at the heart of Moonbug Photography, the new space allows Clark to diversify her offerings. Half of her business is 317 Headshots, her corporate and professional portrait brand, and the new studio gives her more flexibility to serve both markets.
With features like a massive glass garage door, she can now work with natural light for lifestyle sessions, host family shoots, and even rent out the space for other creatives.
integrating even more with the Broad Ripple community. This fall, she participated in the neighborhood’s Third Thursday events with a grand opening celebration, and she plans to continue engaging with local artists and businesses.
Above all, Clark remains committed to the artistry of collaboration. Whether
photographing a principal dancer in mid-leap or a corporate professional in need of a polished headshot, she approaches each session with the same philosophy: to make her subjects look and feel their best.
creating something together.”
For more information, visit moonbugphotography.com.
“I’m always open to collaborations with other artists and businesses,” she says. “At the end of the day, it’s about
HOPE, HELP, & HEALING IN NORTH INDIANAPOLIS & CARMEL
Life brings challenges — whether it’s workplace stress, parenting struggles, anxiety, or grief, everyone encounters seasons where mental health support becomes essential. For those in North Indianapolis and Carmel, finding personal, values-based care close to home can make all the difference.
That’s what Licensed Mental Health Counselor Joanna Bloss envisioned when she expanded Generations Counseling Services to Carmel, building on the success of the original Greenwood location. Since opening its doors, the Carmel office has grown into a thriving part of the local mental health landscape.
“We chose Carmel because we recognized a need for deeply connected, communityrooted care,” Bloss says. “Our clients want more than just professional help — they want someone who understands their world.”
Generations Counseling serves people across all life stages — children, teens, adults, couples, families and seniors — helping clients navigate everything from anxiety and trauma to parenting, career changes and life transitions. The practice’s Carmel team is made up of highly trained, licensed therapists who combine clinical expertise with compassion and personal connection.
A LOCAL TEAM WITH DEEP ROOTS
What sets Generation s apart is its team — more than 20 professionals with diverse specialties, including traumainformed therapy, child and adolescent support, couples counseling and more. Many therapists live in and around Carmel and North Indy, and are familiar faces in local schools, churches and neighborhoods.
“We’re not just therapists,” Bloss says. “We’re your neighbors. That sense of
shared community builds trust, which is a vital part of the healing process.”
Generations’ therapists are passionate about creating a safe space for clients — a place where healing begins through real, meaningful connection.
PERSONAL CARE, NOT CORPORATE THERAPY
In a time when therapy apps and corporate platforms are on the rise, Generations offers a refreshing alternative: local, personalized, inperson care. The Carmel office provides
flexible scheduling, coordinated care, and a warm, welcoming environment for individuals and families.
“Clients appreciate knowing that we’re here — not in another state or behind a screen,” Bloss explains. “It’s face-to-face care from people who genuinely care.”
SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY, ONE GENERATION AT A TIME
Beyond the therapy room, Generations is committed to supporting the broader community. In addition to its clinical
services, the team partners with schools and local organizations to bring evidencebased mental health resources to those who need them most.
Whether you’re a parent seeking support for your child, a professional managing stress, or a couple navigating relationship challenges, Generations Counseling Services in Carmel offers hope and healing — right here in your neighborhood.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit generationsindy. com or call 317-743-8202.
YULETIDE MISCHIEF
ATHENAEUM’S ANNUAL CHRISTKINDLMARKT MIXES
HOLIDAY CHEER WITH PLAYFUL KRAMPUS TRADITIONS
Writer / Ashley Watters
If you’re looking for a Christmas celebration with a little more curiosity — or a fun way to mark the winter solstice — head downtown to the Athenaeum this December for its fourth annual Christkindlmarkt. Revelers can expect a vast array of foods, beverages and entertainment.
This year’s Christkindlmarkt launches on Nov. 28 and will run Fridays through Sundays throughout December. Nestled just off the bustling Massachusetts Avenue, the Athenaeum will host a variety of family activities, adult-focused frolicking and even a dog-friendly space.
A traditional German Christkindlmarkt, the Athenaeum’s festivities will include Krampusnacht on Saturday, Dec. 6, followed by St. Nikolaus Sunday on Dec. 7.
Hailing from humble Germanic roots, the story goes that St. Nikolaus would visit benevolent children each year on Dec. 6, bringing gifts of nuts, oranges and chocolate for the well-behaved. On a darker note, Krampus, St. Nikolaus’s goat-like servant, would visit naughty children on Dec. 7, whipping them with reeds and carrying them off as punishment for bad behavior. The Athenaeum embraces these quirky traditions, bringing a touch of old-world
fun to downtown Indianapolis.
“It’s such a great story, and we simply love these traditions,” says Craig Mince, president and CEO of the Athenaeum Foundation, Inc. “We do a family-friendly Krampus
celebration during the day, and at night about 20 Krampuses come out of the woodwork. They’ll parade down Mass Ave, engaging with anyone on the street. It’s a bit of fun revelry. Eventually, they circle back to the beer garden and leer over patrons. It’s all in good fun.”
Additionally, the Christkindlmarkt will honor other cultural celebrations, including Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Las Posadas. Kwanzaa will feature traditional storytelling and dance music. The Hanukkah celebration will offer themed kids’ crafts and Klezmer bands. Those taking part in Las Posadas can enjoy lively Mexican dancers, piñatas, Mexican hot chocolate and a Mariachi band.
“We love to incorporate as many holidays as possible around the winter solstice,” Mince says. “As different as we may sometimes think we are, these celebrations are a wonderful reminder of how similar we really are as cultures. It’s a great way to bring us all together.”
If you’re a lover of colorful music, you might also hear the jovial sounds of the DysFUNKtion Brass Band, Indy Polka Motion, or groups of carolers and choirs belting out traditional favorites. Mince and his team focus on keeping the atmosphere festive and lively — and they don’t disappoint.
The usual array of vendors will also be there, serving up traditional roasted nuts, hot cider, Glühwein, a selection of German beers, a Christkindlmarkt-only oatmeal stout from Guggman Haus, nonalcoholic Butter Bier and plenty of other treats for the whole family. Vendors will offer unique local items for sale, with rotating options to provide a fresh experience every time you visit.
“The truly cool thing about our vendors is that they’re all local,” Mince adds. “A traditional German Christkindlmarkt is held in the town square, with a regional set of people who come in and do the vending. We really latched onto that, and we want to keep that spirit thriving and represent local businesses.”
To learn more about this year’s Christkindlmarkt at the Athenaeum, visit athenaeumindy.org/events/christkindlmarkt/.
Broad Ripple’s Most Historic Venue
RESONANT LANGUAGE........................................NOV 01
HOWL OWL HOWL...............................................NOV 03
UMPHREY’S McGEE (NIGHT 1).............................NOV 06
UMPHREY’S McGEE (NIGHT 2).............................NOV 07
UMPHREY’S McGEE (NIGHT 3).............................NOV 08
SOUTHALL.........................................................NOV 13
RESTLESS ROAD.................................................NOV 14
ROD TUFFCURLS & THE BENCH PRESS.................NOV 15
WISHBONE ASH.................................................NOV 18
MOLLY TUTTLE...................................................NOV 20
BRAXTON KEITH.................................................NOV 21
WHITECHAPEL...................................................NOV 22 THE MAIN SQUEEZE............................................NOV 26 BIG BOOGIE........................................................NOV 29
DEATH ANGEL.....................................................DEC 02
STRANGELOVE....................................................DEC 04
DIRT MONKEY x SMOAKLAND...............................DEC 05
SOUL COUGHING.................................................DEC 06
NOV 02 SHAWN MULLINS a star in the folk-rock scene NOV 06 THE FRIGHTS with Remo Drive and Heathers NOV 08 BEACH FOSSILS with Being Dead
NOV 09 SAM GRISMAN PROJECT a modern ode to America’s golden age
NOV 20 GRAHAM BARHAM with Highway Home NOV 21 EFFIN with AYCH NOV 29 SICARD HOLLOW
SOUTHERN ACCENTS: TOM PETY TRIBUTE.............DEC 19 with Mama Said String Band
