PEDAL POWER
SEVEN STUNNING HOMES.
THREE FUN WEEKENDS. ONE GREAT SHOW.
Realtor Day
September 12th | 10am-2pm
Calling all Realtors! Join us for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at each show home before the show opens at noon. Tickets will be discounted for REALTORS only.
A portion of the proceeds will be contributed to MIBOR REALTORS® Polictical Action Committee.
Ticket Cost: $10
September 18th | 4pm-6pm
This is a fan-favorite event with a twist! Join us as we tour each of the seven custom homes, enjoy some wine and hors d’oeuvres and hear directly from the interior designers of each showcase home to learn about the inspiration behind their design.
Limited Space. Reserve your spot today!
Ticket Cost: $60 (includes food and drink)
HOMETOWN HEROES
September 25th | All Day
Join us for a special celebratory event honoring our hometown heroes. To show our appreciation, veterans, first responders, military personnel, healthcare workers, and teachers can enjoy 20% off their general admission ticket price.
Ticket Cost: $16-24
THREE WEEKENDS
THURSDAY - SUNDAY
SEPT. 11–14 SEPT. 18 – 21 SEPT. 25 – 28
Take advantage of early bird pricing to save $5 on your ticket through the start of the show!* *Use Code: HAREARLY Early bird pricing ends 9/10 at 11:59 pm.
86th & Ditch or 82nd &
MSD of Lawrence Township celebrates opening of administrative building
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township school officials were joined by current and former Lawrence educators, administrators, elected officials and community members Aug. 17 to celebrate the grand opening of the Lawrence Education and Community Center administrative building.
EDUCATION
The building was completed not quite two years after construction began in September 2024. The $20 million bond-funded project was intended partly to bring administrative offices into Lawrence’s downtown Fort Benjamin Harrison area and, at the same time, open up classroom space at the former Craig Middle School building on Sunnyside Road, where offices had been located for more than a decade.
MSDLT Superintendent Shawn Smith told the crowd gathered for the ceremony that the district has grown significantly since it was established in 1959, now serving a student population of more than 17,000.
“Here we are today celebrating a building that is a symbol of education excellence,” he said before introducing MSDLT Board President Amy Norman, who noted that the vision for the new building started long before construction began.
Norman thanked the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority, which donated the land for the facility, and said the location helps to better connect the district with the community.
“Our school buildings reside on their own special campuses, (but) this building spills out into the City of Lawrence,” she said. “You can look out the window here and see the furry patrons of the veterinarian office. You can smell Jockamo Pizza from here — and that’s not a plug. You also have Fitzgerald’s and so many other wonderful community partners. You can just walk out the doors and go to the library.
So, this is an amazing tie into our local, Lawrence city.”
Norman added that while the new building doesn’t house students, it plays a vital role in educating them.
Smith thanked various people who supported the project, such as City of Lawrence elected officials, Indianapolis City-County Council members and current and former MSDLT board members, including former Board President Wendy Muston, who served 12 years on the board and didn’t seek reelection in 2024.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Muston said she was impressed with the new building.
“It’s open, it’s bright, it’s beautiful, it’s welcoming and it will serve the community in many ways,” she said. ”The 12 years I served on the board, we went from about 13,000 students to 17,000 students. Craig (School) was built originally as a school and we need it to be a school again. Our population is growing. We need more space for our students. So, this was the logical next step.”
Jeff Vest, a former MSDLT teacher, served on the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority when the land donation was approved. He said he grew up in Lawrence. Now 63, he remembers when the administration building
was on the site that now houses Belzer Middle School’s athletic fields. When those offices moved to Sunnyside Road, he said, he wanted to bring them back to downtown Lawrence.
“I wanted … the school to have a presence on the town square,” he said. “This is the middle of the middle of the middle. Now, don’t get me wrong — I had five board members. I was only one vote. It wasn’t easy when we floated the idea of having the (district) not pay for the land, but with Keystone’s project, Foamcraft’s project, It’s a win-win for the city.”
Vest was referring to two nearby developments: The Corner at Fort Ben, a commercial development owned by Foamcraft, Inc.; and the Keystone Group’s mixed-use development, The Benjamin.
“I just think it’s exciting and it’s the perfect fit,” Vest said of the new administration building. “You know, schools are the community … and this here is a sense of community. It’s the people’s house. Sounds corny, but it is. It’s truly the people’s house.”
After the ceremony, members of the public were invited to tour the new building and get free ice cream or slushies from the Lawrence-based Moo & Lou Frozen Treats food truck in the parking lot outside.
Contact Managing Editor Leila Kheiry at leila@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444. You also may submit information at youarecurrent. com. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily.
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Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township school officials and guests cut the ribbon Aug. 17 to officially open the new Lawrence Education and Community Center administrative building. (Photo courtesy of MSDLT)
Meridian Audiology LLC, a private Audiology practice, was founded by Dr. Alison Wyss, Au.D. and Kira VonBlon, M.S., after working together in an ENT setting for more than 12 years. The seasoned Audiologists strive to consistently provide premier care to patients with hearing loss, tinnitus and auditory processing disorders as well as those who want to protect their hearing from damage.
In stark contrast to the medical audiology world where patients are in and out in quick succession, private practice allows Ali and Kira to spend whatever time their patients need from them for their individual hearing healthcare situation.
While hearing loss and hearing aids are a majority of the work Ali and Kira perform, they also can talk with patients about tinnitus (ringing, buzzing in the ears). Approximately 50 million Americans have tinnitus, a perceived sound in the ear/ head when there is no external sound. It can be extremely disturbing to people, and they are searching for a solution. Tinnitus can be secondary to many things, including hearing loss, medications, cardiovascular disorders, stress. While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are some treatment options as well as counseling that can help some tinnitus sufferers. Whenever a patient comes in for a complaint
of tinnitus, we will perform an audiological evaluation to see if hearing loss is present, if it is we will discuss hearing aids and how they can benefit the hearing loss and potentially tinnitus. We can also provide other recommendations for tinnitus help, all with the primary goal of improving your quality of life! We are also available to speak to your local community clubs about hearing and hearing loss. Dr. Wyss states “We’ve done many presentations to community clubs in the area and the participants always appreciate our time in giving them information about hearing loss, cognitive decline and tinnitus as well as answering their questions.”
Meridian Audiology accepts most major insurances, offers convenient scheduling via phone, email, or online and are independent of other medical practices or hospitals. Hours are 9am-4pm Monday-Friday by appointment only. They are located at 911 E. 86th Street, Suite 035. Phone 317-731-5386. Email info@meridianaudiology. com Website: www. meridianaudiology.com
Field hearing set for input on AES rate increase
northindy@youarecurrent.com
Earlier this year, AES Indiana submitted a request to raise prices for ratepayers.
UTILITIES
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission scheduled public field hearings in August, in addition to hearings later this fall.
The final field hearing is set for 6 p.m. Aug. 27 at The Fort Event Center at Fort Harrison State Park, 6002 N. Post Rd., in the Blue Heron Ballroom.
The Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, the entity responsible for representing consumer interests in rate cases, is accepting written public comment on the rate review through Sep. 2. For more, visit in.gov/oucc/electric/key-cases-by-utility/ ipl-rates/aes-2025-rate-case.
If approved, customer electric rates
would increase 13.5 percent over two years starting in 2026, an average increase of about $21 a month for residential customers. The increase would be on top of an increase approved by the state commission in 2024 that took effect this year.
The 2025 rate increase — an average of $9 per month — is about half of what AES originally proposed in fall 2023. It was reduced following negotiations with state officials, consumer protection organizations and industry leaders, who have signed on as intervenors in the pending rate increase request.
AES’s rate review landing page includes additional information and a calculator for customers to see how the proposed rate increase would affect them. For more, visit aesindiana.com/rate-review.
Rail survey — INDOT is seeking public input to update the Indiana State Rail Plan, which connects the state’s infrastructure investments, programs and policies to optimize rail transportation. The plan will identify the highest priority needs for funding. Survey responses are due by Sept. 10. For more, visit surveymonkey.com/r/FQ8NRH3.
VonBlon
Wyss
Broad Ripple sculpture planned
ART northindy@youarecurrent.com
A 30-foot, illuminated public art installation by Hoosier artist Jason Myers is coming to the northwest corner of College Avenue and Westfield Boulevard in Broad Ripple later this year.
According to a news release announcing plans for the art piece, the sculpture is titled Gavin-Divergence and represents the divergence of history, culture and community, celebrating Broad Ripple’s commitment to artistic expression, human connection and the unity of its diversity.
Gavin-Divergence is privately funded through a donation from the Birge Family Foundation and made possible through a public-private partnership between the Broad Ripple Village Association, Indy Art Center and The Penrod Society.
Gavin-Divergence is made from recycled scrap steel and other building materials.
“Its skeletal, transparent design mirrors the interconnectedness of Broad Ripple’s people, highlighting the collective efforts that shape its character,” the news re-
Gavin-Divergence, a public art installation by Hoosier artist Jason Myers, is coming to the corner of College Avenue and Westfield Boulevard in Broad Ripple. (Photo courtesy of Dittoe PR)
lease stated. “Placed at a major intersection, Gavin-Divergence will stand as an illuminated, watchful guardian, paying tribute to those who have and continue to make the area vibrant and dynamic.”
The piece is part of Myers’ “Gavin” series of figurative sculptures, which range from life-size to monumental in scale. Other installations are located around the world.
The Gavin-Divergence sculpture is the first of several public art pieces planned for the neighborhood, according to the news release. Following its installation, the Indy Art Center will assume ownership and maintain the sculpture.
PUZZLE ANSWERS
Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Dark: AGES, BEER, CHOCOLATE, HORSE, MATTER, WEB; Genres: HISTORICAL, LITERARY, MYSTERY, ROMANCE, THRILLER; Cities: DANVILLE, DECATUR, DELPHI, DYER; Groups: BOWLING PINS, COMMANDMENTS, DECADE; Colors: CREAM, CRIMSON; Store: BLOCK’S
PEDAL POWER
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Indianapolis makes headway toward becoming a bike-friendly city
Indianapolis is known for fast cars, but the home of the Indianapolis 500 has been investing in ways to help slower, non-motorized traffic navigate the city — with more paved trails and dedicated bike lanes.
Cyclists agree that it’s easier to get around than it used to be, but there’s still room for improvement before Indy is transformed into a bike-friendly city.
Anthony Cherolis is executive director of Central Indiana Cycling. The Broad Ripple resident doesn’t own a car and uses his bike almost exclusively for transportation. He said that while the city’s south side needs more trails and bike lanes, getting around Indy’s north side is generally pretty easy.
“In some of the main corridors where there are safe routes — like the Monon Trail, the Nickel Plate Trail, which is about finished, Fall Creek Trail — where you have those corridors … if you stay on those corridors, it’s world class,” he said. “But there are lots of parts of Indy where that is not the case. Indianapolis is actually ahead of a lot of U.S. cities on safe bike route networks, but it’s not comprehensive.”
Cherolis said for most trips, he can use trails and bike lanes and feel safe. Sometimes, though, a meeting takes him to parts of Indy that don’t have the same level of infrastructure.
“Allisonville Road has a paint-marked, mostly worn-out bike lane, but I would never ride my bike on it,” he said. “I’ve ridden my bike on it maybe once or twice. You get a lot of endorphins. Fight or flight ramps up and you don’t feel safe — and it is not safe.”
A safe bike lane includes some kind of physical barrier between it and vehicle traffic, he said. For example, the recently completed reconstruction of Michigan and New York streets includes a protected bike lane. Cherolis noted that the new routes — now two-way rather than one-way — also slow traffic down, which he said is safer for everyone.
He also stressed the need for speed humps in neighborhoods and more enforcement of existing traffic laws.
“I’m not a huge fan of cops as the solu-
tion to things, but from a public safety perspective, safety-focused traffic enforcement does have an impact,” he said. “It’s not the most effective thing. The most effective thing is traffic calming by physical infrastructure that works around the clock every day of the week — there’s no shifts for a speed hump.”
While Cherolis moved to Indy in late 2022, Damon Richards is a longtime Indy resident and avid cyclist. He also doesn’t have his own car, although he can borrow his wife’s in a pinch.
Richards said there are many great bike routes in Indy, like Fall Creek Trail, which leads from downtown to Benjamin Harrison State Park in Lawrence.
“I think you have to cross seven streets in the whole process, so it’s great,” he said. “For a recreational ride, it’s just beautiful. It’s serene — you’re in nature. I’ve seen deer and groundhogs and foxes along the trail. But, our whole trail network, while wayfinding may be a challenge on parts of it, it’s great.”
Biking for transportation, though, means he sometimes has to use the roads. Richards said he falls into the “fearless” bike rider category and is willing to ride some of the city’s busiest streets. He agrees that Indy has improved its biking infrastructure
in the last decade.
“There’s some ways to go for us to be considered really a bike-friendly community, but it’s a lot better than it’s ever been and there’s still a lot more coming online over the next couple of years,” he said. “We’ll see what kind of commitment our leaders can make to continuing that
direction. But right now, we have over 100 miles of trails and another 100 miles of bike lanes or side paths. So, it’s possible to get around a lot of the city by using bike infrastructure. But if you are going to move by bicycle, you eventually have to ride the streets with cars.”
With that in mind, Richards stressed the need for education.
“Motorists need to know that bicycles have a right to be on the street,” he said. “I’m constantly told, ‘Get off the street, get on the sidewalk.’ No. We have a right to the street. Bicycles in Indiana are considered just like other motor vehicles, so dial down the road rage. And treat us like you would other vehicles. You know, motorists either go out of their way to pressure bike riders or they go out of their way to compensate bike riders. It’s like, just treat us like all the other vehicles.”
Cyclists also need to follow the rules, he said, noting that some bikers don’t know or care that they’re supposed to follow the same laws as a motor vehicle.
For more about biking in Indianapolis, visit bikeindianapolis.org.
ON THE COVER: Bikers have more options for safe transportation in Indianapolis than in previous decades. (Photo courtesy of Central Indiana Cycling)
INDY MOVES
The City of Indianapolis has been implementing a comprehensive planning process called Indy Moves since 2018, which prioritizes transportation that works for many different users, including cyclists.
Jamey McPherson is the bike and pedestrian coordinator for the Indy Department of Public Works. He said during a previous mayor’s administration, the city focused on painted bike lanes, because that was the standard at that time.
“But there’s been a lot more development since then on the types of treatments that are available and our ability to implement them,” he said. “So, as we’ve been going through (and de-
signing projects), we’ve updated those and made sure that we’re giving the highest quality experience we can along the way.”
That includes adding protective bollards to bike paths where there were none, or improving barriers if they already were in place, along with creating and improving paved pathways that are independent of existing roadways — such as the ongoing Nickel Plate Trail project.
Kyle Bloyd, chief communications officer for the Indy Department of Public Works, added that the city recently completed the New York and Michigan streets project, which converted one-
Continued on Page 7
City of Indianapolis officials, including Mayor Joe Hogsett, third from left, cut the ribbon on the new Michigan and New York two-way conversion project, which added a protected bike lane. (Photos courtesy of Indianapolis Department of Public Works)
Continued from Page 6
way streets to two-way on the city’s near east side. That project was identified as a priority by a neighborhood group, and Bloyd said it became financially feasible when DPW collaborated with IndyGo, which wanted to improve public transit service for that area.
Bloyd said there are many other projects in the works that will enhance transportation for cyclists.
“The Nickel Plate Trail will be set to open here before too long as well, and that’s another one where partnerships and finding outside investors to help supplement our work were pretty crucial to making this project happen,” he said. “This is a huge one that connects all the way from basically the (Indiana) State Fairgrounds all the way up through Fishers.”
The city also is working on a threephase transformation of Madison Avenue, just south of downtown, he said, adding that there will be a new interurban trail connecting downtown to the south side.
“We’ve got several greenway projects, as well — Eagle Creek Greenway, Pleasant Run Greenway … (and) there are investments regarding pedestrian bridges to help provide additional safety with two of our major commuter trails — we’ve got two bridges planned to be built in the next few years to assist with safety over the Nickel Plate Trail (at Keystone Avenue) and another one for the Monon Trail (at 82nd Street),” Bloyd said. Another goal for the city is to improve safety, and not just for bikers. LeAndre Level is leading Indy’s Vision Zero campaign, which aims to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries. He works with DPW and law enforcement to improve safety and said there are plans
Pogues Run Trail is an approximately 5-mile bike and pedestrian path connecting Pogues Run Art and Nature Park to downtown Indianapolis. (Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Department of Public Works)
in the works that should help reduce common traffic violations in Indy, like running red lights.
“I can tell you now that it’s going to be … impossible to get an IMPD officer at every intersection to make sure there’s enforcement,” he said. “(But) we know there’s some technology that can be very beneficial to help with that.”
Even traffic cameras have their limitations, though, so the effort also will focus on education.
“No matter who gets on the road, or (if) you commute by bike or you walk, everyone has to rely on each other to get to their location safely, because all of us are participating and have to abide by the rules of the road,” he said. “It’s a team effort by everyone.”
Level added that the city recently collected public input for a Vision Zero plan.
“The final action plan will be presented to the public sometime this fall,” he said. “This will be an ongoing process in terms of reaching our goal (by) 2035, but once adopted, this plan will serve as a framework for all of the safety improvements, policy changes and any potential infrastructure investment we make across the city in the near future.”
For more about Vision Zero, visit indy. gov/topic/vision-zero.
For more about the city’s pedestrian and bike safety improvement projects, visit indy.gov/activity/pedestrian-and-bike-safety-improvements.
Bloyd said the city is accepting applications from neighborhoods and residents for its Tactical Urbanism and Art in the Right of Way programs, which funds half of the costs for approved infrastructure or painted art installations.
For more about those projects, visit indy.gov/activity/cpi.
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New probationary troopers join Indy district
northindy@youarecurrent.com
The Indianapolis District of the Indiana State Police recently announced the addition of three probationary troopers who graduated July 24 from the 87th Indiana State Police Academy.
The new troopers will begin their careers at the Indianapolis District with a three-month field training program, during which they will work alongside experienced troopers.
“After successfully completing field training, each trooper will be issued a patrol vehicle and assigned to solo patrol duties within the district,” the announcement stated.
The three new troopers are:
• Scott Reidelberger of Pinckneyville, Ill. After high school, Reidelberger studied criminology at Rend Lake College. He resides in Johnson County with his wife and two children.
• David Schall of Avon, a 2015 graduate of Avon High School and 2019 graduate of Indiana University with a major in kinesiology and minor in psychology. He resides in Hendricks County.
• Daysia Tallman of Indianapolis, a 2017 graduate of Warren Central High School. After high school she joined the United States Marine Corp, where she served for four years and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. In 2021, she was named Marine of the Year. She continues to serve in the reserves. Tallman resides in Hancock County.
For more, visit IndianaTrooper.com.
From left, Troopers David Schall, Daysia Tallman and Scott Reidelberger. (Photo courtesy of Indiana State Police)
City of Lawrence hires new controller
The City of Lawrence has a new controller who is taking over after former controller Humphrey Nagila resigned in June. According to an announcement from the city, Mayor Deb Whitfield appointed Terri Leah Falker as the new city controller, effective immediately.
GOVERNMENT
Falker has more than 20 years of accounting expertise, including cost accounting, accounts payable, fixed assets, budgeting and financial reporting, the announcement stated. She also has experience in accounting supervision in both the public and private sectors.
She most recently served as director of finance for Indiana Black Expo, Inc. She previously was a senior staff accountant at Engaging Solutions LLC, chief financial officer for the City of Indianapolis Department of Public Safety and chief financial officer of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission.
“We welcome Terri to our team and thank Humphrey for his service,” Whitfield stated. “Terri will pick up seamlessly, working with the entire finance department in the preparation of the 2026 civil city budget.”
Nagila, who served as assistant controller during the previous administration, was promoted to lead the city’s finance department by Whitfield shortly after she took office in early 2024. He faced strong criticism throughout his approximately 1 1/2 years in the position, particularly during the city’s 2025 budget process.
During that time, Whitfield consistently supported Nagila, but department heads complained they were not informed of decisions about their own budgets and expressed concern about what appeared to be plans to illegally divert funds. Members of the Lawrence Common Council were dissatisfied with his performance — at one point calling for his dismissal — and the mayor’s chief of staff resigned in protest.
Falker
Blueprint for Improvement: Kitchen remodel brings fresh charm
Commentary by Larry Greene
A complete kitchen renovation in Washington Township brightened the space with timeless finishes, inset cabinetry and thoughtful design details for a welcoming, functional heart of the home.
THE BLUEPRINT
• The dramatic transformation replaced dated cabinetry and muted counters with creamy inset shaker cabinets and stunning Cambria quartz surfaces.
• A professional-grade range with double ovens anchors the cooking area, complemented by a 5-in-1 speed oven and a custom hood for both style and flexibility.
• Glass-front cabinets and open shelving offer both storage and display for favorite pieces.
• Contrasting dark perimeter countertops pair with new herringbone wood flooring to add depth, warmth and visual interest throughout the space.
• The result is a bright, inviting kitchen perfect for daily living and entertaining.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling. You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.
After
Before
Concert to feature film composer Zimmer’s famous scores
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
German composer Hans Zimmer has a huge haul of honors through this career. Zimmer has been honored with two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes, five Grammys, an American Music Award and a Tony Award. That legendary repertoire will be represented in “The World of Hans Zimmer: A New Dimension” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Fishers Event Center. This is the first North American tour for the production.
Zimmer, 67, does not perform on stage but is the show’s curator, producer and musical director. Matt Dunkley, who has worked with Zimmer for more than 20 years, conducts the performances.
“The idea is that this is a journey through his film music from over 40 years of film scoring from the early days of ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ and ’The Rock’ right up to the present day like the Bond movie ‘No Time to Die’ and the second ‘Dune’ movie,” Dunkley said. “It’s just taking the audience through the amazing body of work. It’s just a wonderful evening of music nearly three hours long and a fantastic group of soloists and orchestra. It’s an amazing sound.”
Dunkley said Zimmer has a show where he performs with a band and a small orchestra.
“But it’s more of a rock and roll kind of show almost, so the idea was to recreate the scores live with a large ensemble with visuals and effects and make it a real sort of arena experience,” Dunkley said. “We’ve played in Europe for a few years and it’s been hugely successful, so this is the first time we’re bringing it to the states, so it’s very exciting.”
Dunkley said the program includes a wonderful solo cellist in Timothee Berte Renou. Zimmer’s crew learned about Renou through his YouTube posts.
After Renou missed earlier attempts to contact him through Facebook, the
native of France was contacted by email by Zimmer’s team about the possibility of auditioning.
“My first message back to them is ‘I’m pretty sure this is a scam and I’m not interested,” Renou said. “It just seemed so huge and exciting that I couldn’t believe it was even true.”
He was given 48 hours to send a recording from Zimmer’s “Hannibal” movie with all the musical instrument digital interface files.
“That’s when I knew it was the real deal,” he said. “I went in the studio and worked really hard to get that recording down. At the time, I was living in the states for 12 years and working graveyard shifts at the railroad. I stayed up for 30 hours trying to get the recording done. I guess I got really lucky. I still feel extremely lucky to be part of this production. Being able to play for so many people, such beautiful music, it’s just a blessing.”
Renou, who went to Indiana University for a master’s degree when he first moved to the U.S., joined approximately a year ago and has been through two tours in Europe.
Dunkley has conducted several of
Zimmer’s famous scores in the recording studio, including music from two of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, “No Time to Die” and “The Dark Knight.”
“But to be able to conduct this music in front of a large audience brings a whole different direction to it,” he said. “You look around the audience and you see people crying. They are really moved by the experience.”
Dunkley said it’s a real privilege that Zimmer asked him to conduct those shows. The performance includes film clips, but they are not shown all the time.
“It’s a good mix of innovative visuals that represent the music but quite abstract,” he said. “Then we have live cameras that pick out our soloists, so they really connect with the audience. Then we mix the visuals from the movies as well. It’s a really creative mixture.”
In addition to the soloists and the orchestra, there are four singers and a small chamber choir.
“You get your money’s worth with this show with a stage full of musicians,” Dunkley said.
For more, visit fisherseventcenter.com and worldofhanszimmer.com
‘WAITRESS’
“Waitress” runs through Aug. 31 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Now That’s Funny — Comedy Night” is set for Aug. 28 and “The Magic of David Ranalli” Aug. 29 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Both performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
FISHERS BLUES FEST
The Fishers Blues Fest is set from 5 to 10 p.m. Aug. 30 and 31 at Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in Fishers. For more, visit npdamp.com.
DISPATCH
Glick Art donation supports CSO’s Music Matters concerts — The Carmel Symphony Orchestra announced Glick Art has awarded funding to support the orchestra’s Music Matters concerts, which bring live symphonic music to more than 1,000 schoolchildren across central Indiana. Two Music Matters concerts will be performed Oct. 27 in the Payne & Mencias Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The concerts are designed for fifth- and sixth-grade students and introduce young audiences to the sights, sounds and stories of the orchestra. “By funding the Music Matters concerts, Glick Art continues to champion access to cultural experiences that enrich lives and strengthen communities,” said Marianne Glick, founder and CEO. Nancy Sutton, the CSO board chair, said “Thanks to Glick Art’s generosity, we can continue providing transformative live music experiences to children who might otherwise never have the chance to hear an orchestra in person. This support allows us to inspire the next generation of musicians, patrons and arts advocates.” The Music Matters program aligns with the CSO’s mission to engage the community through outstanding musical performances, education and outreach.
Matt Dunkley is the conductor of “The World of Hans Zimmer.” (Photo courtesy of Frank Embachler)
NIGHT & DAY
Blake Liller first performed on stage at Mercy Road Church in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of City of Sound)
MUSIC
By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com
FHS alum realizes lifelong dream
Blake Liller was first introduced to the drums when he was 4 years old, messing around on an old drum set in his basement. Slowly getting more involved with music as he grew up, Liller has signed on to tour with cinematic rock band City of Sound.
“I pretty much grew up on the game Rock Band,” he said. “I started getting into church bands at Mercy Road (in Carmel) in fifth or sixth grade, and that was great practice because you have to play live on stage. Throughout high school, I did marching band and got to learn a lot through that.”
Upon graduation from Fishers High School in 2023, Liller and several friends from his Mercy Road church band formed their band — separate from the church — and performed throughout Indiana, mostly at youth group camps and retreats.
Liller’s church connections continued to pay dividends as one of his producers at Mercy Road connected him with City of Sound lead singer and Carmel resident Jordan Wright once he learned Liller had been a fan of the band’s music.
“It’s just a surreal opportunity,” Liller said. “Jordan and I are huge gamers, so I watched him play Rocket League (on YouTube). So, to be watching somebody like that, and then one random day, you wake up and they’re like, ‘Hey, come play some events for us.’ It’s just crazy to even think about.”
As Liller prepares for his debut slated for Aug. 28 at Dragon Con — a pop-culture, sci-fi, fantasy and gaming convention — in Atlanta, Ga., he never thought he would be playing on such a big stage.
For more, visit cityofsoundmusic.com.
The Center Celebration 2025 presented by Ice Miller with headline performance by Richard Marx is SOLD OUT! We’re so grateful to the many generous people and companies who will join us to support Allied Solutions Center’s wide range of arts and educational programming, from big-name concerts to classes and lectures to free events for schools to our Prism Project arts camp for youth with disabilities – and the list goes on.
“To play an event as big as Dragon Con as my first event with them, that’s a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity,” Liller said.
You can still join us in continuing to bring these programs to the community. Visit TheCenterPresents.org/Donate to make a tax-deductible donation to Allied Solutions Center and its mission.
Fishers musician plans debut
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
As a Fishers resident, Tommy Baldwin is naturally eager for his first opportunity to perform in the Fishers Blues Fest.
BLUES FEST
Oct. 10–31
Tickets on sale Sept. 9
Friendly and frightening hours available
childrensmuseum.org/haunted-house
Annual Event
CHARTING AMERICA’S FUTURE
An Evening of Big Trends, Bold Thinking, and Purposeful Leadership
MITCH DANIELS
Former Governor, State of IN
BRUCE MEHLMAN Partner, Mehlman Consulting
Thursday, September 11, 2025
5:30 - 8:00 PM (ET) Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis, IN
REGISTER HERE
“First off, I love that Fishers supports the blues, because honestly, in my opinion, it is one of the most important genres of our time because it created rock, it created pop, and all these genres that are massive now,” Baldwin said.
“There are a bunch of blues festivals that tons of people show up to, which I love.”
Baldwin is tentatively scheduled to open the two-day 13th annual Fishers Blues Fest at 5 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. The Aug. 30 headliner is Ruthie Foster and the Aug. 31 headliner is D.K. Harrell. Admission is free.
“When I learned about it years ago, I was like, ‘How do I get on that?,’” Baldwin said. “It’s finally time to jump on it and hopefully do it justice.”
A North Central graduate, Baldwin is a singer-songwriter and guitarist. Baldwin, 29, said the band will play
mostly original songs with a couple of covers. His recently released second album is called “Nappy Headed White Boy.”
The tentative schedule is Aug. 30: 5-5:45 p.m.: Tommy Baldwin; 6-7 p.m.: Danny Garwood; 7:15-8:15 p.m.: TBA and 8:30-10 p.m.: Ruthie Foster. Aug. 31: 5-5:45 p.m.: Rebekah Meldrum: 6-7 p.m.: Gordon Bonham Blues Band: 7:15-8:15 p.m.: Solomon Hicks and 8:30-10 p.m. D.K. Harrell.
“This year’s lineup showcases a rich mix of talent, combining seasoned artists with emerging musicians,” said Marissa Deckert, who helps run the event as Fishers Parks and Recreation director.
For more, npdamp.com and tommybaldwinmusic.com.
Tommy Baldwin, a singer-songwriter and guitarist, is set to make his debut in the Fishers Blues Fest.
(Photo courtesy of Rich Voorhees)
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47. Beast of burden
48. Fancy footwear
49. Daily journal
51. “Well, ___-di-dah!”
53. Short time, for short
54. Surf with a remote
58. Bigfoot’s Himalayan kin
60. Smoothie berry
61. Cherry centers
64. Tied
65. Engine knock
66. IU conference foe
67. “The Way We ___”
68. Org.
69. Religious offshoot Down
1. DOJ branch
2. Neither’s partner
3. Hamlet or King Lear, e.g.
4. Minimal amount
5. Model X maker
6. Door sign
7. Declare
8. “Good heavens!”
9. Wild animal track
10. Cinnamon blend for a Thanksgiving recipe
11. Raggedy doll
12. Hit the slopes
20. Part of 66-Across 21. Unexpected problem
22. Indiana Statehouse VIP 23. Sellout inits.
26. U-turn from WSW
27. Banned pesticide
29. Tuna type
30. Indianapolis Opera voice
31. Picks up the tab
34. Indy Zoo beasts
35. Fruit trees
38. ___ del Rey, Calif.
39. Indiana State Road that runs from Angola to
Lawrenceburg
40. Rogue
41. Midafternoon, on a sundial
44. Browns, on a Lucas Oil
Stadium scoreboard
45. PC key
48. LBJ’s veep
50. German river
51. Tilts
52. Set straight
55. California wine valley
56. WTTV military drama
57. Musical composition
58. It sounds like you
59. Night before
62. Pampering, briefly
63. Took a seat Answers on Page 5
