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Young entrepreneurs take center stage
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
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Young entrepreneurs stepped into the spotlight July 9 as the Brownsburg Farmers Market hosted its annual Kid Biz Night, giving children the opportunity to operate their own small businesses while learning valuable entrepreneurial skills.
Held at Town Hall Green, the themed market featured 24 youth-run businesses alongside the market’s regular lineup of more than 60 vendors. Young vendors offered a variety of products, including handmade jewelry, baked goods, crocheted items, flowers, artwork, books, soaps, paint kits, 3D-printed creations and T-shirts.
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Opinions
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Among the participating businesses was Brownsburg-based You’re Cool, which sold its signature apparel while supporting charitable causes. Other youth vendors included Nala Bear Creations, Raval Sisters Studio, Books & Blooms and Curious Creations.
Megan Attwood, community recreation senior manager for the town, said Kid Biz Night gives children an opportunity to apply classroom lessons in a real-world setting.
“By participating in Kid Biz Night, kids learn basic business skills such as pricing, budgeting, marketing and customer service,” Attwood said. “They build confidence by interacting directly with customers, practice problem-solving and experience the rewards of earning money through their own ideas and
The event also brought a festive atmosphere to the weekly market, with live music by Kyle Bledsoe and activities for families throughout the evening.
One of the youngest business owners was 5-year-old Maverick Garrett, who operated a booth called Curious Creations. Garrett sold paint kits that he assembled with help from his family.
When asked where the idea for the kits originated, Garrett smiled and credited his mother.
“My mom did,” he said. “I put them all together, but with some help.”
His father, Mark Garrett, said the July 9 market was the family’s second farmers market appearance this season.
According to Attwood, Kid Biz Night has become an important part of the farmers market because it introduces
Five-year-old
at his Curious Creations booth during Kid Biz Night at the Brownsburg Farmers Market July 9. Garrett sold paint kits that he assembled with help from his family during his second farmers market of the season.
children to entrepreneurship while encouraging creativity and independence.
“Hosting Kid Biz Night at the market has been a great way to encourage our young entrepreneurs to showcase their small businesses alongside regular vendors in a market setting,” Attwood said.
The Brownsburg Farmers Market continues from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 27 at Town Hall Green. Upcoming themed events include the Brownsburg Bakers Showcase on July 23, Nostalgia Night July 30, Corn Roast Aug. 6, Chamber Night Aug. 13, Hometown Heroes Aug. 20 and Market Appreciation Night Aug. 27.
Children interested in participating in next year’s Kid Biz Night can apply through the Brownsburg Farmers Market vendor application, which opens each February.
Maverick Garrett sits
hard work.”
Families browse vendor booths during Kid Biz Night at the Brownsburg Farmers Market July 9 at Town Hall Green. The annual event featured 24 youth-run businesses selling handmade products alongside the market’s regular vendors, giving young entrepreneurs the opportunity to gain real-world business experience. (Photos by Alicia Kelly)
COMMUNITY
Schools balance budget amid challenges
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
Brownsburg Community School Corp. officials presented a preliminary 2027 budget July 13, saying the district expects to balance its finances despite continued pressure from Indiana property tax changes.
Assistant Superintendent Shane Hacker said the district projects approximately $84 million in education fund expenditures, $24 million in operations spending and about $50 million in debt service for 2027. Those estimates remain subject to changes in enrollment and assessed property values before the budget is finalized in October. District officials said enrollment remains the largest driver of education funding. Brownsburg is projecting an average daily membership of 10,450 students, up from 10,373 last fall. State aid is based primarily on student enrollment, with additional funding tied to factors such as special education, career and technical education, English learner programs and student demographics.
fund, equal to about 10.7 percent of education revenue. State law permits districts to transfer up to 15 percent.
Hacker said the district has already implemented approximately $3.4 million in cost reductions, including $2.7 million through the elimination of 49 positions, more than $500,000 in operational savings and approximately $150,000 in transportation adjustments.
“We have really done our best to tighten the belt in every area we can without impacting the classroom as much as possible,” Hacker said.
The board also approved a one-time reallocation of approximately $1.82 million from the district’s debt service fund to its operations fund, a measure authorized by the state following passage of Senate Enrolled Act 1. Officials emphasized the transfer is not new revenue but provides temporary operational relief.
“We have really done our best to tighten the belt in every area we can without impacting the classroom as much as possible.”
Although the district graduated 832 seniors this spring, Hacker said kindergarten enrollment remains in the 600-student range, reflecting a statewide trend. Growth in grades 1-12, including additional transfer students, is expected to offset those lower kindergarten numbers.
The district also outlined the continuing financial effects of Senate Enrolled Act 1, which changed Indiana’s property tax system. Brownsburg projects a maximum operations levy of more than $19 million in 2027, but officials estimate circuit breaker tax credits will reduce actual collections to approximately $8 million.
To help offset those losses, the district plans to transfer $9.5 million from the education fund to the operations
— SHANE HACKER
In other business, the board discussed implementation of Indiana’s new statewide cell phone restrictions, which take effect this school year. At Brownsburg High School, students will be required to keep phones powered off and stored in backpacks during the school day. Internet-connected smartwatches and similar personal devices also are prohibited unless students qualify for limited medical or special education exemptions. Administrators said enforcement will begin on the first day of school without a grace period.
The board also approved requests to seek quotes for a potential rooftop solar project at several district facilities, saying the proposal could reduce long-term utility costs and qualify the district for available rebates. Officials said no contract has been approved and any proposal will return to the board for further consideration.
Hacker
FREEDOM STARTS AT HOME
-Kathy
Beckwith seeks prayer ban
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith is calling for the government to ban public Islamic calls to prayer.
Beckwith, who also is pastor of the Life Church campus in Noblesville, made the comment during an appearance on the June 26 episode of the “Conservative Review” podcast.
“If you’re a mosque and you want to have a loudspeaker and you want to start pumping these out five times a day locally, the state can say, you’re not going to do that,” Beckwith, a self-proclaimed Christian nationalist, said on the podcast.
On July 10, Beckwith confirmed his position in a social media post.
“Yes, I 100% want to ban mosques in America from blaring the Muslim call to prayer through loudspeakers 5 times a day across our cities,” he stated.
Current contacted the lieutenant governor’s office with questions about Beckwith’s reasons for supporting a ban and whether Islamic calls to prayer have been reported as problematic in specific communities and received a statement from Deputy Communications Director Graham Loughead in response.
“Hoosiers across Indiana are concerned about the rise of Islam, not only in our state, but across the country,” the statement reads. “Lt. Gov. Beckwith will always stand up for American values and refuses to apologize for saying Sharia Law has no place in this country and that America is now and always should be one nation under God.”
The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations issued a July 10 statement describing Beckwith’s remarks on the podcast as “fearmongering and constitutional misinformation.”
“The adhan is a peaceful call to prayer recited by Muslims around the world for more than 14 centuries. To portray it as a call to ‘death and destruction’ is not only offensive — it is a malicious falsehood that demonizes an entire faith and the millions of Americans who practice it,” stated Hafsa Haider, communications director for CAIR-Chicago.
Beckwith
Outdoor museum honors towns’ rail heritage
news@youarecurrent.com
Visitors to the B&O Trail can now take a step back in time with the opening of a new outdoor railroad museum highlighting the community’s transportation history.
The B&O Trail Association dedicated the museum July 4 just west of the Green Street crossing. The project, created as part of the nation’s America250 celebration, is the first outdoor railroad museum in Hendricks County.
The museum was made possible through an America250 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation and serves as the first phase of a larger effort to preserve and share the history of the former Baltimore & Ohio Railroad corridor.
The B&O Trail follows a rail line that began as the Indianapolis, Decatur and Springfield Railroad, completed in 1880 between Indianapolis and Springfield, Ill. The line became part of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in 1927 and remained in service through several railroad mergers before declining freight traffic led to its abandonment between 1989 and 1993.
A new vision for the corridor emerged in 1994 when the B&O Trail Association, then known as Rail Corridor Development Inc., began converting the unused rail line into a recreational trail. Today, the trail provides opportunities for walking, running and cycling while preserving a connection to central Indiana’s railroad heritage.
The museum’s inaugural exhibit features several artifacts uncovered during development of the trail, including an
original railroad whistle post and an iron bridge plaque. Its centerpiece is an early 20th-century railroad telephone hut once used by railroad crews to communicate before locomotives were equipped with onboard radios.
Association leaders say the museum is designed to educate visitors about the railroad’s role in shaping Brownsburg while preserving pieces of local history that might otherwise have been lost.
Additional phases are planned, with future exhibits expected to include more railroad artifacts and interpretive displays that tell the story of the corridor and the transformation of the former rail line into one of Hendricks County’s most popular recreational destinations.
The outdoor railroad museum is open year-round during regular B&O Trail hours. It is west of the Green Street crossing in Brownsburg, with parking available at the nearby Green Street trailhead.
An outdoor railroad museum highlighting the community’s rail heritage opened July 4 along the B&O Trail in Brownsburg. (Photo by Alicia Kelly)
Parks expands programs
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
Brownsburg Parks is introducing several new community programs while taking a more data-driven approach to park operations, Parks Director Amber Lane told the Brownsburg Town Council during its July 9 meeting.
Lane said the department recently began tracking splash pad usage four times each day to better understand how the amenity is being used. During the first month of data collection, staff counted 2,864 splash pad users, with an average of 95 visitors per day.
“The team is taking a more data-driven approach to look at some of our daily operations,” Lane told council members. “We’re happy that we can look at those numbers.”
The information will help guide future operational decisions and provide measurable figures on park usage.
July also features several new recreation offerings. Among them are Pints & Paddles, a pickleball program for adults; Pretty Fast Run Club, a free women’s running club that already has about 35 participants registered; and a new senior program sponsored by Brownsburg Meadows Assisted Living.
The department also has launched Trails of Honor, a volunteer-led walking group for veterans that meets at 9 a.m. on the second and fourth Mondays at Williams Park. The program is led by a member of the Parks Advisory Board and is designed to encourage fellowship and outdoor recreation.
Lane also told council members the Parks Advisory Board has begun reviewing the town’s 2027-29 recreation program plan. Board members are gathering feedback from residents while parks staff develops recommendations before the plan is presented to the council for approval.
Council members briefly discussed Stephens Park, where sound-mitigation improvements are planned for the pickleball courts. Officials agreed to wait to consider changes to court hours until fencing and other noise-reduction measures are installed, citing neighborhood concerns, player safety and ongoing police responses to complaints. Town staff said contracts for the approximately $130,000 project could be approved later this month if funding moves forward.
Brownsburg officials recognize the service and sacrifice of Korean War veterans by proclaiming July 27 as Korean War Armistice Day during the July 9 town council meeting. (Photo by Alicia Kelly)
Korean War veterans honored
news@youarecurrent.com
The Town of Brownsburg has proclaimed July 27, 2026, as Korean War Armistice Day, recognizing the service and sacrifice of American military members who served during the Korean War.
Approved during the July 9 Brownsburg Town Council meeting, the proclamation commemorates the 76th anniversary of the conflict, which began June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces crossed the 38th Parallel and invaded South Korea.
The proclamation notes that approximately 36,500 Americans died during the war, more than 103,000 were wounded and more than 7,500 remain listed as missing in action or were taken prisoner.
It also recognizes the challenges faced by American and allied forces, who fought for three years under difficult conditions in defense of democracy, liberty and human rights.
The full text of the proclamation reads:
“Whereas, on June 25, 1950, armed forces from North Korea shattered the peace as they crossed the 38th Parallel and invaded South Korea; and
“Whereas, 76 years ago, the Communist invasion of the Republic of Korea summoned a generation of Americans to serve. Through three years of combat, American service members and allied forces overcame some of the most unforgiving conditions in modern warfare; and
“Whereas, during the war, approximately 36,500 American lives were lost in combat, more than 103,000 were wounded, and more than 7,500 remain listed as missing in action or taken prisoner; and
“Whereas, their distinguished service reminds us of the words engraved on the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., ‘Freedom Is Not
Free’; and
“Whereas, we honor all who served in the Korean War, and we pay lasting tribute to the brave men and women who gave their lives for our Nation; and
“Whereas, the Town of Brownsburg is proud of the men and women who fought and died in the Korean War to defend democracy, liberty, and human rights.
“Now, therefore, I, Ben Lacey, Town Council President of the Town of Brownsburg, do hereby proclaim July 27, 2026, as Korean War Armistice Day in the Town of Brownsburg and commend its observance to all residents.”
Commentary by Farah Myers
Did you know that simple, everyday habits can naturally boost your body’s own GLP-1 with no prescription required? Primarily produced in the lower intestine, GLP-1 helps control mealtime blood sugars, slows digestion and signals fullness to your brain.
One of the simplest strategies I encourage with patients is to slow down at mealtimes. When you stretch a meal to 20 to 30 minutes, nutrients enter your digestive system gradually instead of all at once. This longer exposure stimulates more natural GLP-1 release and leads to longer-lasting fullness. Habit changes we focus on include eating meals with companions, avoiding screens and even taking time to appreciate your food.
Closely related is chewing food thoroughly. Chewing doesn’t just have a mechanical purpose. It sends signals to your brain and gut to prime the hormone release before food even reaches
is here” so it slows down digestion, further increasing natural GLP-1 release. Another powerful habit is enjoying carbs at the end of your meal. Starting with fiber and protein slows digestion to allow more nutrients to reach the lower intestine, where GLP-1 is primarily produced. This simple change reduces blood sugar spikes up to 42 percent, all without reducing the overall amount you eat.
Although meds work by mimicking and amplifying GLP-1, they are costly and not for everyone. However, these simple habits tap into the same biological pathways with clear evidence to back it up. Most importantly, they are accessible, sustainable and powerful tools to improve your metabolic health, starting with your very next meal.
Farah Myers is a double board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in family and
Carmel filmmaker focuses on tragic story
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The tragic story of Sylvia Likens has long weighed on Carmel filmmaker Ashton Gleckman’s mind, even though it happened long before he was born.
Gleckman, 25, has made a short documentary about Likens, who — at age 16 — was tortured and murdered in 1965 by her caregiver Gertrude Baniszewski, her children and neighbors. Likens’ parents, who were carnival workers, left Sylvia and her sister in Baniszewski’s care.
“From the time I was growing up I remember hearing about this case,” Gleckman said. “My grandparents, who grew up in Indianapolis, recalled that memory. I continued to return to this case because what makes this is the element of communal silence.”
Gleckman’s documentary will make its debut during the Indy Shorts Film Festival July 21-25. The film will have its premiere at 5 p.m. July 23 at Frank Basile Theater in Indy Art Center. It will be shown at 2:30 p.m. July 26 at the same location.
“The fact that you have this horrific crime taking place, and as I discovered talking to neighbors, people could hear the screams,” Gleckman said. “Children were participating in this and there was a sense of silence. We see in the film that when Sylvia’s best friend went to the teachers and tried to ask where she was and what was going on, the teachers would just shake it off. It’s the ultimate example of what reporting could possibly do to save a life. There were so many instances where someone could have and should have intervened.”
Gleckman said the neighbors next door heard the scraping of a shovel and the screaming going on for hours and never called police.
The documentary is 33 minutes long. Gleckman said he wanted to tell Sylvia’s story and interviewed her Tech High School best friend, Sheila Jane Johson Wells.
“At the time, Sheila was a young
African American student in her first integrated school, and Sylvia had no friends and (the) two of them came together,” Gleckman said. “This was the time she was being abused before she was pulled out of school for the last few weeks. Sylvia would go to school with all these marks on her body and Sheila would sit there with her in the gymnasium locker room. It went from a story about the case to being a story about friendship, about empathy and the way these two people came together amid extraordinary circumstances.”
Wells still lives in Indianapolis. The neighbor interviewed is Colleen Marsha Moore, who lives in Tennessee. Her mother, Phyllis Vermillion, lived next door.
“She tells us she could hardly go to sleep because she would be hearing these sounds,” Gleckman said. “You could see the pain in this woman’s eyes. She’s now in her 60s, but the memory is still there of hearing these sounds. Her mother and father made a conscious decision not to get involved because they felt it wasn’t their business.”
Gleckman interviewed Andy Wysong, who had been friends with Richard Hobbs, a participant in the abuse. Hobbs, who was tried as a mi-
Ashton Glickman gets ready to interview Sylvia Likens’ best friend, Sheila Jane Johson Wells. (Photo courtesy of Ashton Gleckman)
nor, was convicted of manslaughter and spent less than two years in the Indiana Reformatory. Wysong was affected when he learned his close friend was one of the abusers.
“One of the elements of Sylvia Likens’ story in Indianapolis is the pain that leaks down all the way through the generations,” Gleckman said. “The people that were there and the descendants of the perpetrators are still affected by it. Every one of the people that I came into contact with had vivid emotional memories of this period. One of the interviews was with the daughter of the first police officer to respond to the crime scene, and she told me he was traumatized by the situation.”
Gleckman reached one of Baniszewski’s children, who was indicted but not convicted in the case.
“She did not admit anything to me, would not talk or take responsibility at all, so even within some of the perpetrators, there was no interest in confronting what had happened 60 years ago,” he said.
The producers are Sam Mirpoorian, Amy Pauszek and Andie Redwine. Daniel Ronacher is an executive producer. For more, visit heartlandfilm.org/ events/indyshorts.
‘THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG’
“The Play That Goes Wrong” runs through Aug. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
IBC SUMMER GALA
Indiana Ballet Conservatory’s Summer Gala is set for 5:30 p.m. July 23 at Studio Theatre at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianaballetconservatory.org.
‘WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD’
Art Garfunkel’s “What A Wonderful World Celebration’ concert is set for 8 p.m. July 24 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Hoagy and Cole: Indiana Music on the Mind” is set for July 22, followed by “Now That’s Funny” July 23, “Thank You for the Music! An ABBA Party” July 24 and “Unbreakable Voices: An Evening with Effie Passero” July 25 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
CARMEL COMEDY CLUB
Carmel Comedy Club presents a show at 7 p.m. July 25. For more, visit thecat.biz.
‘ALICE
IN WONDERLAND’
Main Street Productions presents “Alice in Wonderland” through July 26 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
‘CHICAGO’
Civic Theatre will present Young Artists Program’s production of “Chicago: Teen Edition” July 23-26 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more,, visit civictheatre.org.
Blues festival returns to Arbuckle Acres Park
news@youarecurrent.com
Award-winning blues artists, local food vendors and family activities will return to Arbuckle Acres Park when Blues in the ‘Burg takes place Sept. 12.
Presented by Meijer, the free annual music festival begins at 4 p.m. and features five consecutive hours of live performances on two stages. Since launching in 2017, the event has brought nationally and regionally recognized blues, soul, rock and jazz-blues musicians to Brownsburg.
This year’s lineup is headlined by the Nick Moss Band, a five-time Blues Music Award winner, and Texas blues artist Carolyn Wonderland. Other performers include Jennie DeVoe, Blackjack Davey and the Moga Family Band.
In addition to live entertainment, attendees can purchase food and drinks from a variety of local vendors, including Smash Daddy’s Burgers and Fries, Stadium 1 BBQ, Kickstand BBQ, Books & Brew, Papaw’s Ice Cream, Circle City Kolache, Lumpia Creations and Merrill’s Munchiez. Beer, wine and band merchandise also will be available for
Festivalgoers enjoy live music during a previous Blues in the ‘Burg event at Arbuckle Acres Park. This year’s free festival returns Sept. 12 with five hours of live performances, local food vendors and family-friendly activities. (Photo provided by the Town of Brownsburg) purchase.
Festival organizers also are planning activities for all ages, including a children’s zone and lawn games. Accessibility features include a wheelchair-accessible path to the festival lawn and a sensory-friendly tent designed to provide a quieter space for attendees who may need a break from the event.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. More information about the festival and performers is available through Brownsburg Parks.
Brickman joins lineup
news@youarecurrent.com
Hendricks Live! has added another nationally recognized performer to its 2026 calendar, announcing that Grammy-nominated pianist Jim Brickman will bring his holiday concert, “A Christmas Celebration Live!”, to downtown Plainfield Dec. 9.
The performance is one of several upcoming events scheduled at the performing arts venue as it continues to expand its lineup of national touring acts, local arts organizations and community performances.
Brickman, known for his contemporary piano style and holiday concerts, has earned 21 No. 1 albums, 32 Billboard Top 20 radio singles and two Grammy nominations during his career. His Christmas program will feature seasonal favorites and original music. Public ticket sales began July 17.
The venue’s late summer and fall schedule offers a mix of musical genres
and live entertainment. Upcoming performances include Christian artist Colton Dixon on Aug. 22, blues guitarist Jimmie Vaughan on Sept. 3, bilingual musical revue Cabaret Latino on Oct. 3, and tribute concerts celebrating The Doors, Foreigner, Journey and the Dave Matthews Band throughout October and November.
Comedy also returns to the stage Nov. 13 with comedian Hannibal Buress, followed by rock band The Smithereens Nov. 20.
In addition to touring performers, Hendricks Live! will host productions by resident arts organizations. Hendricks Civic Theatre will present Anastasia July 31 through Aug. 9, while the Hendricks Symphony’s upcoming season includes concerts in September, October, November and December. Additional information and tickets for upcoming performances are available through hendrickslive.org.
ENTERTAINMENT
YAP challenges teens with ‘Chicago’ production
By Piper Bailey piper@youarecurrent.com
For 37 teens ages 14 to 18, Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program production of “Chicago: Teen Edition” is more than simply a community theater opportunity. It’s nearly five hours every weeknight of training, rehearsal and community.
The musical runs July 23-26 and is based on the Broadway musical with mature themes modified for younger performers. The production is directed and choreographed by YAP Coordinator Anne Beck, who trained with Ann Reinking, the director, choreographer and star of the 1996 Broadway revival of “Chicago”.
Students have requested “Chicago” for years, Beck said. She is trained in the dance techniques of Bob Fosse, choreographer of the original 1975 production, and teaches classes on it. His style is minimalist, satirical and requires more energy and containment than other techniques.
“Many of these kids are from top show choirs all over central Indiana where they are told to be bigger and energized,” said Beck, who also serves as an assistant professor of musical theater and tap dance at Ball State University. “(Fosse’s style) is having all of that energy, but super, super pointed. I have to reel them back and contain their energy to be really specific.”
The costumes are all black, mirroring the revival’s attire, and feature wigs designed by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Drew Bryson, also known as Blair St. Clair. This production also features the orchestra on stage as the revival did.
“Chicago: Teen Edition” draws students from 14 Indiana schools for intensive summer training. Beck calls the program “a conservatory and a rehearsal process all at the same time” and treats students like professionals.
Maaike Mora, who will be a senior at Carmel High School in the fall, plays Velma Kelly. Mora hopes audiences don’t let the musical’s subject matter overshadow its comedy.
“I hope that people laugh,” Mora said. “It’s a really funny musical, and I hope they find the satire in it too and not just think it’s a dark story.”
Kate Boice, a recent Noblesville High
THE SONGBOOK ACADEMY® IN CONCERT
7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
HARRY CONNICK, JR.
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ART GARFUNKEL: WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD CELEBRATION CONCERTS
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BRIAN SIMPSON, JACKIEM JOYNER AND JESSY J 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
STEWART COPELAND: HAVE I SAID TOO MUCH 7:30PM | THE TARKINGTON
GLADYS KNIGHT
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
School graduate who will attend the University of Oklahoma to study musical theater, has performed with Civic Theatre since fourth grade and plays the lead Roxie Hart. She enjoys portraying a character unlike herself.
“Theater is literally the personification of empathy,” she said. “You’re stepping into someone else’s shoes, literally and figuratively. I think that makes it really special, even though I’m so different (from) my character … To get to play in this new light and new character is really fun because it helps you learn about the world around you and different perspectives.”
Blake Valentine, another 2026 NHS graduate who is entering his first year at Ball State University studying media production, has performed since age 12. He hopes his role as Amos Hart, Roxie’s forgotten husband, connects with audience members who are going through a hard time.
“I think a lot of people have had moments where they have felt alone or overlooked,” Valentine said. “I think (my solo ‘Mr. Cellophane’) shows them that there’s other people like this out there. You’re not alone in feeling alone.”
“Chicago: Teen Edition” is at 7 p.m. July 23; 7 p.m July 24; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. July 25; and 2 p.m. July 26 at the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, 3 Carter Green in Carmel.
For more, visit civictheatre.org/ chicago.
LOU GRAMM: THE ORIGINAL VOICE OF FOREIGNER
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
DEMOLA LIVE!
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE & PABLO CRUISE
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
THE BILLY JOEL LEGACY: CELEBRATINGTHE PIANO MAN
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BRUCE HORNSBY & THE NOISEMAKERS: INDIGO PARK TOUR
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
THE WAR AND TREATY
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
THE SIXTIES SHOW
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
INVINCIBLE: A GLORIOUS TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
DANIEL EMMET: THIS THING CALLED LOVE
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
NILADRI KUMAAR: THE SPACE BETWEEN THE NOTES –HONORING ZAKIR HUSSAIN
7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
HASTA LA MUERTE
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BLKBOK
7:30PM | THE TARKINGTON
THE FOUR PHANTOMS IN CONCERT
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BONEY JAMES
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
A CONVERSATION WITH AMY SEDARIS
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
SIMPLY THREE
7PM | THE TARKINGTON
MAVIS STAPLES
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
AN EVENING WITH BERNADETTE PETERS
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
PUNCH BROTHERS
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND: LEDBETTER HEIGHTS
30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY’S WILD & SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY PARTY
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
LESLIE ODOM, JR.: THE CHRISTMAS TOUR 2026
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
MICHAEL FEINSTEIN IN COMING HOME: THE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
HOLIDAYS IN HARMONY WITH GIRL NAMED TOM 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JON MCLAUGHLIN
GLADYS KNIGHT BONEY JAMES HASTA LA MUERTE MARCUS MILLER
Maaike Mora, left, and Kate Boice play rivals Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart from July 23 to 26 at Civic Theatre. (Photo courtesy of Joshua Hasty)
H. Conor Angell,
perform
“People Will Say We’re in Love” from Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s musical “Oklahoma!” at Indianapolis Opera’s Lobster Palooza fundraiser July 11. (Photos
Indianapolis Opera closes curtain on Lobster Palooza
By Piper Bailey piper@youarecurrent.com
Indianapolis Opera held its 16th and final Lobster Palooza July 11 at the Basile Opera Center in Indianapolis.
The event raised more than $28,000 to support the organization’s Fund-A-Need campaign, which will provide programming for 46 underfunded schools and libraries in Indiana.
“(Being able to perform thanks to the education program) planted such an important seed for me,” said Lyndsay Moy, Indianapolis Opera’s director of education and former resident artist. “I know, especially now when so many music programs are getting cut from these schools, that these experiences mean so much to these kids.”
The event included a cocktail hour with caricature and balloon artists, a four-course meal and a live performance by five opera singers: H. Conor Angell, baritone; Rachelle Woolston, soprano; Ganson Salmon, tenor; Angela Brown, soprano; Moy, mezzo-soprano; and pianist Elizabeth Goodenough. The concert was modeled on a jukebox. For every goal met, performances were unlocked.
Angela Brown is the organization’s artistic cultural ambassador. She won the National Metropolitan Opera Council Auditions in 1997 and has since performed as a professional opera singer on six continents. She gave a live rendition of Giacomo Puccini’s “Vissi d’arte” once donations reached $24,000.
David Craig Starkey, Indianapolis Opera’s general director, hosted the event and stressed the importance of supporting arts programs throughout the fundraiser.
“(Performing arts programs are) not extra,” Starkey said. “It’s not a cute opportunity — this is essential … AI will never be able to duplicate (what live singers do) because it’s original, it’s one-of-a-kind.”
“Opera looks like me, too,” Brown said before her performance. “Without a company like this in the state of Indiana, who else is going to do what we do? We do it so well … I want so many of those little babies to be able to come and enjoy what we do.”
Ganson Salmon, left, and Rachelle Woolston perform “O soave fanciulla” from Giacomo Puccini’s “La Bohème” at Indianapolis Opera’s Lobster Palooza fundraiser July 11.
From left, Lyndsay Moy, H. Conor Angell, Rachelle Woolston and Ganson Salmon perform “Va pensiero” from Giuseppe Verdi’s “Nabucco” after donations surpassed the $25,000 fundraising goal.
left, and Lyndsay Moy
by Hannah Vanlandingham)
Seal of disapproval
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
I don’t have a lot of friends. I know lots of people, but that’s not the same. The people I do call friends sometimes disappoint me. Alex won’t take me to the airport at night (something about cataracts. Oh, please). Jenny wouldn’t feed our cat when we went away for the weekend (yes, Angel had bitten her, but no stitches were required … either time), and Janie won’t water our plants (sure, philodendron makes her windpipe contract, but what are friends for?).
The need for dependable friends was made clear when I was down in the basement recently and found an old box filled with expired coupons. CONGRATULATIONS, YOU’VE WON!
Feed the Seals at the Indianapolis Zoo
4 people (No Expiration)
It was an auction bid I placed at an event long ago. I always put my name on a list of items so people will see my signature and think I’m a big spender. Then I devote the rest of the evening hoping someone will outbid me. That’s how I ended up with a lifetime supply of bubble wrap.
Reality began to set in. Even though there was no expiration date, I’m 80 years old, and I have an expiration date. I really needed to invite three friends soon.
But who?
“Hi, Rob, it’s Dick Wolfsie. Say, I’m trying to get a group of people together to feed some seals …”
“Gee, Dick, only you, in landlocked Indiana, could find homeless, hungry seals.”
“These are not homeless seals. These are well-fed, happy seals at the zoo.”
“Then you need to find a more deserving charity. Aren’t we saving elephants anymore?”
I tried Heidi.
“How would you like to feed some seals with me?”
“Dick, does that require holding dead fish?”
“Yes, that’s why Mary Ellen won’t go.”
As I recall, I bid about $300 for this opportunity to provide nourishment for our slippery friends. As of today, I have not reaped a single benefit from my generous donation.
