May 7, 2024 — North Indy

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Current in North Indy

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Founded March 12, 2024, at Indianapolis, IN Vol. I, No. 5

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Brebeuf, North Central graduates in Princess Program

By Mark Ambrogi  mark@youarecurrent.com

Mazvita Ndhlovu was encouraged by 500 Festival Princess Program director Laura Bliss to apply.

500 FESTIVAL

“She emailed me about it and the rest is history,” Ndhlovu said.

Ndhlovu, a Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School graduate, is joined by Libbie Waterman as a 500 Festival Princess representing the north side of Indianapolis.

“I’m most looking forward to the parade (May 25) because I like attention,” said Ndhlovu, a junior at Indiana University majoring in public health. “I’ve been to the race, and I’ve also been to the practice days, but not the parade.”

Ndhlovu has planned a blood drive as one of her outreaches to the community.

“I work at a blood center, and we’ve been working together, so hopefully that is going to come about in the third week of May, so I’m super excited about that,” she said.

Waterman, a 2021 North Central High School graduate, is a junior majoring in

social work at Marian University.

“At first, I wasn’t too interested,” Waterman said. “I started studying the program and I realized that it had a lot of the same beliefs and values that I upheld. I work with older adults and children, and both of those are represented by the outreaches that we do for the 500 Festival as well as I’m super motivated by health and fitness, which is another big part of the festival.”

As an ROTC cadet, Waterman said leadership is an important quality to her, so being able to have the Leadership Development Program is a positive.

Waterman’s mentor is Mario Rodriguez, the executive director of Indianapolis International Airport.

“He’s the best mentor I could have gotten,” Waterman said. “He pairs perfectly with my interest.”

Waterman said she is most looking forward to the Memorial Service May 24..

“I have just a newfound respect for those who have served and their families, so getting to actually experience that from both sides of the scale will be really impactful for me,” she said.

DISPATCHES

Brooke’s Place seeks volunteers — Brooke’s Place for Grieving Young People is looking for volunteers to serve as support group facilitators for its westside, eastside and northside program nights. Volunteers provide a safe and supportive environment for young people, ages 3-29, and their caregivers, to grieve. Facilitators engage groups through conversation as well as age-appropriate therapeutic activities such as crafts and games. Facilitators serve families twice a month on either Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays. To learn more about becoming a facilitator or to apply, contact chelsea@brookesplace.org or visit brookesplace.org/ grief-support-volunteer.

Register for Rookie Run — Registration is open for the 2024 Salesforce & JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run, which will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 11 in downtown Indianapolis. The Rookie Run is designed to introduce kids ages 3 to 10 to the joy of running in a non-competitive and festive atmosphere. This family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity for children to experience the excitement of a start and finish line, surrounded by cheering spectators. Learn more and register at 500Festival.com/Rookie.

Centier Bank opens new Indianapolis Branch

northindy@youarecurrent.com

Centier Bank recently celebrated the opening of its seventh Indianapolis-area banking center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception April 10. The new branch at 6210 Allisonville Rd. opened in early March, kicking off the multi-branch expansion Centier Bank has planned in the Greater Indianapolis market.

NOW OPEN

Centier Bank’s CEO/Chairman of the Board Mike Schrage, along with Indianapolis Market President Troy Kafka, Regional Sales Manager Ben Studebaker and Branch Manager Ann Grace, welcomed members of Indianapolis’ business community, local chambers and nonprofit organizations to the celebration. Schrage addressed the attendees, thanking them for joining in the celebration and for their community support.

“It’s our privilege to have you here and to serve family-owned, community banking to Indianapolis,” Schrage stated. “Over the past 129 years, Centier has grown into the fifth-largest Indiana-based bank, with over 60 offices across the state. We’re com-

mitted to serving Indiana, and we will be proud of continuing our legacy as Indiana’s largest private, family-owned bank for generations to come.”

Kafka said the occasion celebrated Centier Bank’s commitment and dedication to serving Greater Indianapolis, sharing plans for additional branch openings at 86th and Ditch in late spring, location expansion in Carmel as well as opening in Brownsburg before the end of the year.

The ribbon cutting-ceremony also included a $5,000 community donation to Morning Light, Inc., a free housing service for terminally ill patients in need end-of-life care.

The new branch features two convenient drive-through lanes and a drive-up ATM, a night deposit box, three teller stations and a self-service coin machine inside the lobby. For more, visit centier.com.

Ndhlovu Waterman

Centier Bank, 6210 Allisonville Rd., recently opened a new branch. (Photo courtesy of Centier Bank)

52nd Broad Ripple Art Fair returns May 18-19

By Janis Adams northindy@youarecurrent.com

Attention, art lovers.

The 52nd OneAmerica Financial Broad Ripple Art Fair will be presented from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 18-19 at the Indy Art Center, with a preview party from 6 to 8 p.m. May 17 catered by The Jazz Kitchen, with live music curated by Indy Jazz Fest.

EVENT

The fair will feature more than 150 local, regional and national artists — in 13 different mediums — and is the largest annual fundraiser for the nonprofit Indy Art Center, 820 E. 67th St., Indianapolis.

“The juried event is highly selective so as to include the very best artists in each medium,” said Shannon Bennett, vice president of Events and Exhibitions at the Indy Art Center.

Bennett said the fair will have expanded interactive kids’ areas with three indoor studios and an outdoor area. It will include a face-painting vendor and a carica-

ture-portrait vendor.

The fair also includes artist demonstrations, interactive art activities for kids and adults and Bier Brewery products for purchase.

Of the 150 artists in the exhibition, 15 will be juried-in emerging artists, such as college art students and beginning artists.

The fair will also feature an array of local and regional food options, along with live music.

“The event, along with the art presented, is sure to be one-of-a-kind, “ said Kim Thomas, chief diversity officer and head of Community Affairs for OneAmerica Financial. “OneAmerica Financial is proud to support the Indy Art Center and our shared commitment of ensuring that art is accessible to all. By supporting local art, we support the vibrancy of the community we are committed to serving.”

The event will be cashless, so it is suggested that tickets be purchased online to avoid long lines ahead of the fair. For more or to purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/3WnDHbf.

‘Noncompliance’ concerns financial review of megachurch

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

A Carmel-based megachurch that quietly quadrupled a retirement payout to its longtime senior pastor in 2022 is undergoing a formal compliance review by the Evangelical Council on Financial Accountability, an organization that provides accreditation for religious organizations that agree to adhere to a set of standards that promote responsible stewardship.

FAITH

Staci Brown, ECFA senior vice president of member accountability and relations, confirmed the review of Northview Church but declined to provide details about what led to the review or specific concerns, directing questions to the church. The review was still underway as of April 25 and has been ongoing since at least December 2023.

Northview officials postponed a meeting with Current to discuss financial matters and then declined to reschedule it, asking for questions to be submitted by email instead. The church posted Current’s questions and responses from church elders in its app in early February and sent the document to Current more than two weeks later.

In the answers posted on the app, Northview elders acknowledged the ECFA’s ongoing compliance review.

“If there are allegations of noncompliance, then the ECFA will conduct a compliance review. The allegations in this matter came from sources taking things out of context,” the document states. “The review was not instigated because ECFA saw something in the financial data that caused them concern and warranted an investigation. Everything requested in the review has been submitted to the ECFA as they are still conducting their review.”

According to ECFA’s website, a formal compliance review occurs “when there is a serious concern of noncompliance.” If ECFA staff determine noncompliance, its board may suspend or terminate the organization’s membership.

Brown said she does not know when the review will be complete, but that ECFA aims in all cases to “conduct the reviews as expeditiously as possible, while being as thorough as necessary.” The results will not be publicly released by ECFA.

Northview has been accredited by ECFA

since 2017. ECFA records show that Northview reported cash donations of more than $27 million in 2022 and total revenues of more than $30 million. It reported $26.9 million in expenses.

ECFA and Northview did not provide information about specific concerns being addressed through the review, but a quadrupled retirement benefit provided to a retiring senior pastor caught the attention of the church’s auditor. It is not clear if the retirement benefit is being evaluated as part of ECFA’s compliance review.

According to Northview’s audit report for 2021 and 2022, conducted by Indianapolis-based firm Capin Crouse, in September 2022 the church increased its retirement benefit for longtime Senior Pastor Steve Poe from $700,000 over five years to $2.8 million over seven years, which was noted in the “subsequent events” portion of the document. Poe, now the church’s legacy pastor, retired in October 2022 after working at the church for two decades.

After a second request for comment, Poe responded to an email from Current by questioning Current’s motivations for reporting the story.

In response to Current’s questions, Northview’s elders explained the retirement benefit increase, which they stated was instigated with them by Poe “while discussing necessary due diligence/ comparisons.”

As president of MinistryWatch, an organization that advocates for donors to religious groups, Warren Cole Smith said he has reviewed many retirement compensation packages and that Poe’s “is not normal.”

Northview operates 12 campuses across central Indiana.

For the full story, visit youarecurrent. com.

Northview Church’s main campus is in Carmel on the southwest corner of Gray Road and 131st Street. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Stamp Out Hunger food drive is May 11

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Letter carriers will once again participate in the annual National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, collecting donations for distribution locally. The drive happens each year on the second Saturday of May, which falls on May 11 this year.

Greg Gormong, a Carmel-based letter carrier representing National Associate of Letter Carriers Branch No. 888, is one of the organizers heading up the local drive.

“We really want to make a great push for this,” Gormong said. “Talking with food pantries, they say that everything is great during Thanksgiving time. But, when it comes around to this time of year, they are a little low on stock. So, that’s why the National Association of Letter Carriers did this, to keep that cycle going.”

This is the 32nd year for the food drive. Residents are encouraged to bag items, including canned chicken and tuna, canned fruits and vegetables, boxed meals, peanut butter, boxed cereals and other nonperishable items and leave them by their mailboxes on May 11.

“(The donations) only go to local food pantries,” Gormong said. “We always solicit to residents, and they’ve always been great about it, but in order to make this our best one we’re also soliciting businesses. We’ve reached out to cities… to help promote the event. The more people see it, the more they might say they want to do something to help out.”

Since launching in 1993, the National Association of Letter Carriers’ annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has collected and distributed more than 1.9 billion pounds of food nationwide.

For more, visit nalc.org/ community-service/food-drive.

Breakfast at the Brickyard — Mario Andretti, the 1969 Indianapolis 500 winner and four-time IndyCar Series champion, will be the featured guest at the 2024 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc. The event will take place at 9 a.m., May 18 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. For more, visit 500Festival.com/Breakfast.

LIFETIME OF GIVING

Indianapolis resident Frank Basile knows value of philanthropy

By Tirzah Rowland tirzah@youarecurrent.com

Giving back is a way of life for Frank Basile, 84, of Indianapolis. He and his wife Katrina are renown philanthropists in the metro area, particularly in the arts and culture and health care sectors.

Although their names can be found on numerous buildings throughout the area, Basile emphasizes the reasons why he and his wife give back to the community.

“My philanthropy stems from my personal mission to help people, particularly those who are marginalized, to achieve their potential and become all they can become and achieve their goals,” Basile said.

Early in his career, Basile began his mission to help people through motivational speeches, workshops and writing. His nonprofit and philanthropic involvement began with the Indianapolis Art Center in 1987.

“Through the Indianapolis Art Center, we direct our philanthropy towards their ArtReach program, which is designed to make art available for those who cannot otherwise afford it,” Basile said.

A New Orleans native, Basile’s first experience with theater was while attending Tulane University.

“I went to my first play, which was given by the drama department, and I thoroughly enjoyed it,” he said. “And that’s when I first realized how important the arts are, to the quality of life, to the enjoyment of life.”

The experience fueled his desire to provide access to the arts to the underserved, particularly children, something the area arts community is grateful for.

“When children get involved in arts, whether it’s performing arts or other type of arts, you know, it creates a level of discipline and focus that very few other things that I can think of that can do that for young person,” said Jeff McDermott, president and CEO of the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“We are also involved in storytelling arts of Indiana, where we sponsor a scholarship once a year, to a storyteller, to develop an original story and present it at the Historical Society in Indianapolis,” Basile said.

After retiring in 2008 after 33 years as an executive with the Gene B. Glick Co.,

Basile knew he was in a position to give back.

“Happiness and success are byproducts of the service we render through contributing money and/or volunteer time to worthwhile causes and not-for-profit

organizations that are important to us,”

Basile said.

Basile would go on to serve on the board and contribute financially to dozens of nonprofits.

“Frank’s involvement and his support

of any arts organization just elevates it immediately,” McDermott said. “He doesn’t just put his name on things or add his name to an organization. Frank rolls his sleeves up and gets very involved in every aspect of the organization.”

As a founding board member of the Center for the Performing Arts, Basile previously served as interim CEO for 14 months.

“We went through some challenging times with the Center, and Frank stepped up in ways that were just remarkable and gave his time, talent and treasure to almost single-handedly pull us through,” McDermott said. “He is part of the lifeblood of this organization and has been from day one.”

Besides the arts, Basile — who has authored 14 books — has also been involved philanthropically with Eskenazi Health.

“We have provided funding for Eskenazi hospital through a program to enable college graduates with physical disabilities to secure employment in their field of training,” Basile said. “These funds then would enable an employer to make adaptations to enable the employee to perform at the level of everyone else.”

Basile was transferred to Indianapolis from Detroit while working as an executive for The Ford Motor Co. in 1971. He has two sons and a stepson.

ON THE COVER: Indianapolis Philanthropist

Frank Basile. (Photo courtesy of Frank Basile)

Frank Basile before giving a commencement address at a Herron School of Art graduation ceremony.

Frank Basile, right, and his wife Katrina Basile are renowned philanthropists. (Photos courtesy of Frank Basile)

COVER STORY

TRAVELING THE WORLD

Frank and Katrina Basile have visited more than 190 countries and all seven continents and don’t plan to stop traveling anytime soon.

“Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, Saudi Arabia, Iran — we travel as much as possible on our own because we like to get the feel for the people in the culture,” Basile said.

Basile has written travel columns and authored the book “Traveling with Frank and Katrina.”

Basile said he enjoys all travel destinations but particularly enjoyed Antarctica “because it was so different.”

Basile said he and his wife look forward to all their trips and regard each one as a unique experience.

“That’s the way we look at trips because I personally research every trip we take, and I get excited about the next trip, because that’s uppermost in my mind,” he said. “And then we take the trip, and then, I start planning for another one.”

Basile sair their next trip will be to Papua New Guinea.

Frank

Frank and Katrina Basile in Bhutan. (Photos courtey of Frank Basile)

Frank and Katrina Basile in Antartica

Frank and Katrina Basile ride camels in Mongolia.

and Katrina Basile at Victoria Falls in Africa.

Women’s cycling group grows

By Tirzah Rowland tirzah@youarecurrent.com

Enrollment is open for the second year of IU Momentum Indy Divas, a weekly bicycling and mentorship group for women of all ages and abilities, presented by VQ Labs.

FITNESS

Rides start at 6:15 p.m. every Thursday through Sept. 26 at Indiana Members Credit Union, 3975 W. 106th St. in Carmel. Riders are placed into groups and set out on predetermined routes ranging in length.

“Having IU Health be mindful of women’s mental health by creating and promoting spaces where women can join together in fellowship to do activities together is important for cardiovascular and mental health,” said Dr. Chemen Neal, a Carmel resident and IU Health OB/GYN and member of the Indy Divas.

With 100 members in the first year, the group reports more than 160 already enrolled for the season that kicked off April 11.

“The first ride was really hard for me, and everyone was really encouraging,” Carmel resident Lauren Fitzsimmons said.

“It doesn’t matter what your experience level is.”

For registrants prior to June 8 the $150 membership fee includes weekly rides with snacks and beverages provided, an Indy Diva’s jersey and T-shirt and Divas-only social and networking events, including bike clinics. Divas also receive a $75 discount code to the IU Health Momentum Indy Honor Major Taylor Fondo, with routes of 14, 30, and 62 miles, set for July 13. The event honors famed Black cyclist and Indianapolis resident Major Taylor.

For more, visit momentumindy.org,

Indy Divas Bri Clark, Lauren Fitzsimons and Debbie Kovac after the 2023 Honor Major Taylor Fondo. (Photo courtesy of Indy Divas)

Blueprint for Improvement: Outdoor enhancements

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in Zionsville’s Austin Oaks section in 1999, this home’s owners were looking to make their outdoor space more dynamic. Our design included space for entertaining and protection from the elements while featuring low-maintenance materials that make upkeep a breeze.

THE BLUEPRINT

• The existing raised deck was removed and a screened porch, new deck and ground-level patio were built in its place.

• The new porch provides protection from the sun, rain and insects while the stone fireplace can provide a relaxing ambiance and warmth to extend outdoor enjoyment through the fall.

• An outdoor kitchen and integrated storage were added to make entertaining, meal prep and cleanup a breeze. Trex composite decking provides the look of natural wood with minimal maintenance and added durability.

• Roofing, siding and soffits were carefully crafted to match the home’s façade, ensuring the new porch blends seamlessly into the existing aesthetic.

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

Average White Band will serve as Palladium headliner for Carmel Jazz Fest

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The second Carmel Jazz Festival lineup is starting to take shape.

MUSIC

Blair Clark, founder and artistic director, announced Average White Band will be the Aug. 10 headliner at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. As previously announced, Antonia Bennett, daughter of the late Tony Bennett, will be the Aug. 9 headliner at the Palladium in the two-day festival. She will be joined by the Carmel Symphony Orchestra.

Average White Band, a Scottish funk and R&B band, includes founding membes Alan Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre. The band, which was formed in 1972, is known for hits such as “Pick Up the Pieces,” “Cut the Cake, “Queen of My Soul,” “Walk On By” and “Schoolboy Crush.”

“I was able to communicate with an agent I had in the past when I lived in California and got a recommendation for the Average White Band,” Clark said. “We’re really excited about them coming and excited about the collaboration with the Palladium as always.”

“Dave Bennett is coming back by popular demand,” Clark said. “He’s a phenomenal artist.”

Clark said the same is true of Cunningham, who also returns as a performer.

“We brought back acts that people really loved last year and we’re looking forward to them coming as well as our new artists,” Clark said.

In The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts, saxophonist Danny Lerman will be the headliner Aug. 9. The Tarkington headliner for Aug. 10 will be announced later.

“What I love is we have a mixture of jazz, blues and R&B and jazz sounds,” Clark said.

“With Antonia Bennett and Carmel

Symphony, we have that element. With the Average White Band, you have an R&B funk kind of feel. Tim Cunningham is very jazz funk and Dave Bennett is very traditional jazz with a kick. We want to make sure we give our audience a great blend of blues, jazz and R&B. It’s staying in that jazz world but we’re mixing it up so people are entertained and have a great time.”

One difference this year is the outdoor concerts on Carter Green will be free

to the public. There will be a section at Carter Green for VIP ticket holders. There will be drink tickets and food vouchers with the VIP tickets, Clark said.

Clark said there will be separate acts at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael during the Carmel Jazz Festival. Those will be announced later with separate ticketed events.

The event is 5 to 10:30 p.m. each day. For more information and tickets, visit carmeljazzfest.org.

‘THE KING AND I’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “The King and I” runs through May 19 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Corey Williams will perform May 8, followed by Marty Brown May 9 and John Lloyd Young May 10-11 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘ANASTASIA’

Civic Theatre’s production of “Anastasia” runs through May 11 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘FORBIDDEN BROADWAY’

Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “Forbidden Broadway” through May 12 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.

THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN

The Magic of Motown will perform at 7:30 p.m. May 11 at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

DISPATCH

Carmel resident receives New Works prize — A proposal from a former dean of the Herron School of Art and Design has won the first visual arts prize awarded through the Center for the Performing Arts’ annual New Works commission program. Carmel resident Valerie Eickmeier will receive $2,500 to support the creation of a triptych of oil paintings, each 24-by-36 inches, titled “The Wind Makes the Sea Dance,’ inspired by the three movements of Claude Debussy’s 1905 Impressionist composition “La mer.” “When I’m painting, I listen to it over and over,” she said. A St. Louis native, Eickmeier received her MFA from Washington University and moved to central Indiana in 1982 to teach at Herron, where she was dean from 1998 to 2018. She has lived in Carmel since 2001.

From left, Average White Band members are Cliff Lyons, Rob Aries, Onnie McIntyre, Brent Carter, Alan Gorrie, Rocky Bryant and Fred “Freddy V” Vigdor. (Photo courtesy of Average White Band)

Saxophonist Tim Cunningham will be the 9 p.m. Aug. 10 Carter Green headliner. (Photos courtesy of Carmel Jazz Fest)

Jazz clarinetist Dave Bennett will be the Carter Green headliner at 9 p.m. Aug. 9.

Couple enjoys roles in ‘King & I’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Nathalie Cruz, the time was right to return to the stage.

MUSICAL

“Since COVID, I took a step back to do what I feel like I missed while doing theater straight for 10 years,” the Carmel resident said. “Three years is a long time to be gone and the calling to be on stage has somewhat become palpable.”

Nathalie is sharing the stage with her husband Ian Cruz in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “The King and I,” which runs through May 19 at the Indianapolis venue.

Nathalie has performed in “Victor/Victoria,” “Drowsy Chaperone” and “West Side Story” with her husband.

“This is another one for the books,” Nathalie said. “It’s a memory that we will both have fun looking back for sure.”

Ian is definitely enjoying it.

“Although we only have one scene together, it’s a gift to me to witness her brilliance in the various roles she’s played, but especially in her role of Lady Thiang in our current production when she’s on stage,” said Ian, who plays Kralahome. “I believe it’s been more than a decade, ‘The Drowsy Chaperone,’ since we’ve been together on stage, so it’s always a treat when we get the chance to do so just because it’s fun.”

Carmel High School senior Sam Tiek said he has wanted to return to Beef & Boards for a long time.

“I really enjoy the atmosphere the theater provides, and joining this cast has been such a cool experience,” Tiek said. Tiek is part of the ensemble.

For more, visit beefandboards.com.

Area cast members in “The King and I”, front, Gemma and Calvin Lai, Zionsville; back, from left, are Ian and Nathalie Cruz, Carmel, Willa Cortez, Noblesville, and Sam Tiek, Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Beef & Boards)

Civic announces schedule

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Civic Theatre Executive Artistic Director

Michael Lasley knows selecting a season can be a challenging balance.

THEATER

“You are trying to appeal to the broadest possible audience while putting together a set of titles that seem to make some sense together, and at the same time advancing the storytelling and educational goals of the institution,” Lasley said. “I think we achieved that with this season. There truly is something for everyone. It’s artistically challenging but also hits those notes of comfort and nostalgia.”

and acceptance — in this case with a very popular and critically acclaimed title. ‘Kinky Boots’ won both the Tony Award and the Olivier Award for Best Musical.”

“White Christmas” will also be a firsttime production for Civic.

Lasley

“In fact, the stage version of the show has only been around for about 20 years, so it’s likely to be new for many people,” Lasley said. “But it features most of the music and story of the classic film, including the title song. This classic Christmas show with its ties to the Great American Songbook is a perfect fit for our patrons.”

In contrast, Civic’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is its 10th since 2000.

The 2024-25 season opens with “Kinky Boots” Oct. 4-19, followed by “White Christmas” Nov. 29 to Dec. 24. The 2025 portion of the season opens with “Pride & Prejudice” Feb. 7-22, followed by “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” March 14-29 and “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” April 25 to May 10. The performances are at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, except for “The Curious Incident,” which will be at the Studio Theater.

“Kinky Boots” will be a Civic Theatre premiere.

“I believe it’s only been produced one other time locally,” Lasley said. “It’s an exciting title for us and provides another opportunity to present a story of diversity

“It is incredibly popular and was the anchor of our holiday rotation until we recently switched to a holiday-themed title,” Lasley said. “The classic Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice collaboration has its roots in the earliest year of their partnership and is one of their most enduring shows.

‘Joseph’ represents in many ways what so many of our patrons look for in Civic productions — high energy, family friendly, technically exciting and just plain fun.”

“The Cat and the Hat” returns from Feb. 25 to March 6, 2025. Other 2025 shows include Junior Civic production of “Seussical Jr” June 20-25, Young Artists Program’s “Revue!” June 23 and “Legally Blonde: The Musical”. July 24-27.

For more, visit civictheatre.org.

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Mayors: BALLARD, BARTON, GOLDSMITH, HUDNUT, LUGAR, PETERSON; Point: CROWN, MATCH, MOOT, SELLING, WEST; Run: BOLT, DASH, RACE, SPRINT; Physicists: EINSTEIN, HAWKING, OPPENHEIMER; Cities: ELKHART, ELWOOD; Host: PAT McAFEE

StageStruck! screenings set

ediitorial@youarecurrent.com

FILM

The Great American Songbook Foundation will host two special film screening events as part of its StageStruck! Conference to honor the 100th anniversary of MGM. The celebration will feature participation by distinguished guests including Patricia Ward Kelly and Lorna Luft to shed light on the life and legacies of film icons Gene Kelly and Judy Garland. The first event will take place May 14 and will highlight the enduring impact of Gene Kelly and his contributions to classic films like “Singin’ in the Rain.” The Songbook Foundation will welcome Patricia Ward Kelly, wife and official biographer of the legendary dancer, director and choreographer. She will host a pre-screening presentation featuring behind-the-scenes stories about the production process of “Singin’ in the Rain” and Gene Kelly’s experience starring in and directing the film.

On May 15, the Songbook Foundation will welcome Luft, an esteemed actress and singer known for her versatile talents and rich family legacy in the entertainment industry. She will share memories of her mother, Judy Garland, and insights into her work and legacy, including her starring role in the film “Meet Me in St. Louis.” The screening event is part of a yearlong celebration of Judy Garland as a recent inductee to the Songbook Hall of Fame.

Both screenings will take place on the campus of the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, the home of the Great American Songbook Foundation. Free general admission tickets can be reserved online at thesongbook.org/stagestruckscreenings or through the Center’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office at Tickets@thecenterpresents. org or 317-843-3800.

For more, including event details, visit thesongbook.org

Cheers to summer wines

Commentary by Mark LaFay

The month of May is right around the corner, which means I am another year older, race fans will start trickling into town and the unofficial start of summer is almost here.

LIBATIONS

The consistently warmer temperatures have been luring our family outside more often. We’ve officially set up the back porch so we can relax on these warmer, longer weekend evenings while the kids run around. I love enjoying a refreshing glass of wine on the back porch and recently I got to try some really tasty wines that are perfect for patio sipping.

Ameztoi Rubentis: This wine is called Txakolina (chock-oh-lee-nuh) and comes from the Basque region of Spain. It’s made from red and white indigenous grapes fermented with native yeasts. What makes this wine extra fun is that it’s slightly fizzy. The fermentation vessel is sealed toward the end of fermentation, allowing carbon dioxide to build up and make the wine fizzy and delicious. This light, crisp, and dry wine is served chilled.

Easton Amador County Zinfandel: This classic zinfandel is made with ripe red zinfandel grapes grown in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Amador County, Calif. The wine is light-bodied, fully dry and packed with a variety of flavors. Typically, I would suggest cellar temperatures (55 degrees) for red wines, but this one can be served a bit more chilled.

Laporte Sancerre Terre Des Anges: This name is a bit of a mouthful. Sancerre is a region in the Loire Valley of France where white Sancerre is made from Sauvignon Blanc. I love this particular wine because it’s dry, acidic and refreshing. It’s packed with plenty of lemon and peaches. Serve chilled and thank me later.

Give these wines a try. You can find them at Kahn’s, 21st Amendment in Fishers, and Grapevine Cottage in Zionsville. Cheers to spring and almost summer!

Kelly Luft

LIFESTYLE

36. Service charge

37. Fishers HS math class

39. Brought forth

41. Butler frat letter

42. Gillette razor

44. Waiting, in a way

45. Palladium concert equipment

47. “Fine by me”

49. ___-bitsy

50. Sense of self

52. Pick up the tab

54. Heptagram

59. Portent

60. Jog on the Monon Trail

61. Rich soil

62. Delhi dress

63. Zionsville HS subj.

64. Mystical glow

65. Curved molding

66. Colts stats

67. Put one’s foot down Down

1. Shapiro’s, e.g.

2. Crooked Stick golf club

3. Kind of view

4. “Now you ___, now you don’t”

5. Lacking a musical key

6. Pittsburgh team Indianapolis Indians players move up to

7. Chick’s chirp

8. Weeps loudly

9. More spine-tingling

10. Historical periods

11. Taylor Swift, e.g.

19. Distribute pro rata

20. Very vocal

23. Tom Roush Mazda

roadster

24. Muslim faith

25. Prepare to advance on a fly ball

27. Some batteries

29. “___ now, when?”

30. Senses

31. A Roosevelt

33. Pacers’ org.

35. ___ Diego

38. Kuaba Gallery piece

40. Blizzard hazard

43. Astonish

46. Extreme

48. Space shuttle gaskets

51. Bottled spirit

53. Book of maps

54. Ho-hum

55. Online ‘zine

56. Quarry

Challenge

Astronomer’s aid Answers on Page 23

THE NEST MODULAR SECTIONAL