Enjoy an in-store discount of 20% off furniture & accessories, and 15% off all regularly priced decorative lighting all month long.
COMMUNITY
Northview Church fires senior pastor after years of leadership, conduct concerns
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Northview Church has cut ties with senior pastor C.J. Johnson after several years of hearing and addressing concerns about his leadership style and interpersonal conduct.
The elder board for the Carmel-based megachurch announced the news in an email sent June 10 to church members. The church also provided the email to Current.
Report.
“The attorney said in his final report in September 2025 that Johnson’s account of events was ‘self serving’ and lacked any corroborating evidence,” the story states. “He also advised the elders to remember that where there’s smoke, there is usually fire.”
“We recognize that this news may bring a range of emotions,” the letter states. “For some, it may be surprising and difficult. For others, it may feel like the culmination of concerns that have existed for a long time. Both responses are understandable.”
The letter states that a “significant allegation” was brought to the elder team within the last year. The letter does not provide details about the allegation. Northview Executive Pastor Jason Pongratz told Current that the matter did not involve criminal activity.
However, the Roys Report, a news website that covers the Christian church and community, reported June 11 that the “serious allegation” was raised by a woman in Scottsdale, Ariz., who said Johnson propositioned her to have sex during marriage counseling sessions.
The story claims that Kerri Mosher, 55, told Northview elders earlier this year that Johnson traveled to her home to provide marriage counseling and made several sexually suggestive comments as she showed him around.
Johnson refuted most of the allegations to the law firm and said he mentioned sex and cheating as a test, which he described as a marriage counseling technique, according to the Roys
Northview’s letter states that the investigation’s findings were “inconclusive.”
Current reached out to Northview and Mosher for comment on the allegations in the Roys Report story but did not receive a response. Northview declined to provide the investigation report to Current.
The Northview letter states that three executive pastors raised their own concerns about Johnson’s leadership during a May 19 meeting with elders. While the elders made the decision to terminate Johnson, they received unanimous support from the church’s trustees and executive team.
“The elders did not arrive at this decision quickly or lightly,” the letter states. “Over an extended period of time, as noted, concerns were raised, feedback was received, accountability measures were pursued, and efforts were made to address the underlying issues.”
The letter states that the leadership culture at the church “was inconsistent with our values and expectations for anyone entrusted with spiritual and organizational leadership.”
“Our commitment is to acknowledge the unhealthy culture that developed, learn from our past, support one another, and move forward together in a healthier direction,” the letter states.
“We are committed to rebuilding trust where it has been damaged, strengthening our culture, and ensuring that our leadership reflects the values we seek to
DISPATCHES
State of the County — Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger will present the State of the County address during a special Noblesville Chamber of Commerce luncheon, starting at 11 a.m. June 24 at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Noblesville. He will provide updates on major county projects, including the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds renovation, the new 911 Communications Center and Public Safety Training Facility, Judicial Center expansion, county road infrastructure work, and parks and economic development efforts. For more and to register, visit noblesvillechamber.com.
“We recognize that this news may bring a range of emotions. For some, it may be surprising and difficult. For others, it may feel like the culmination of concerns that have existed for a long time. Both responses are understandable.”
model as followers of Christ, specifically, living a life above reproach.”
Longtime Northview minister Mark Crull will serve as interim senior executive pastor.
The letter encourages those with questions or concerns to contact Northview pastors or elders.
“Beyond that, given the sensitivity of this matter, we want to take our cares to Jesus rather than to others,” the letter states. “That means rejecting the temptation to speculate or pass along secondhand information.”
Johnson joined Northview in 2022 as the successor to longtime senior pastor Steve Poe, who retired after more than two decades leading the church.
Soon after Johnson took over, several former Northview employees shared concerns with Current about the pastor’s leadership style and background. Former members of Johnson’s previous congregation, Southland City Church in Lakeville, Minnesota, also expressed concerns.
Current reached out to Johnson for comment.
Westfield student named Horatio Alger Scholar — Cole Homan of Westfield High School is one of only 105 students nationwide named a 2027 Horatio Alger National Scholar. The scholarship awards up to $25,000 for higher education. Scholars also receive college coaching and support through the Horatio Alger Association’s College Success Program.
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Vol. XIX, No. 22
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Johnson
– NORTHVIEW ELDERS IN AN EMAIL SENT TO CHURCH MEMBERS JUNE 10.
Township launches County Intern Collective
By Hannah VanLandingham hannah@youarecurrent.com
Westfield Washington Township has partnered with Invest Hamilton County and the Westfield Chamber of Commerce to launch the Hamilton County Intern Collective.
The program helps recent high school graduates and current college interns build connections with their peers, potential employers and the community.
“Creating opportunities for students to connect with local businesses and the broader community is an investment in the future of our workforce,” Westfield Washington Township Trustee Jamie Goetz Mills stated in a news release.
“We are proud to launch this initiative here in Westfield.”
The goal is to retain young talent in Hamilton County long-term through career-focused programming, according to the news release.
“We know there are a variety of factors that influence where people choose to live and build their careers,” Westfield Washington Township’s Marketing and Communications Manager Chelsea McCarty stated. “Hamilton County offers many advantages, which is one reason our communities continue to grow and thrive. Understanding what matters most to the younger generation will help ensure our commu-
nities remain attractive places to live, work and build a future.”
Relationships with working members of the community are especially important for young people. Mike Thibideau, president and CEO of Invest Hamilton County, stated that fostering those connections will help retain talent.
“Workforce development doesn’t happen in a silo but rather when employers, educators and community partners align around a shared goal,” he stated. “INternHC is a perfect example of that alignment in action. By connecting interns and recent graduates with local opportunities and each other, we’re building the kind of community ties that turn a summer job into a career and a career into a lifetime in Hamilton County.”
INternHC will host a kickoff event from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 4 at Shamrock Station at 333 W. Hoover St. in Westfield.
“The long-term goal isn’t to just host one event; it’s to build lasting relationships and create pathways that encourage emerging talent to stay, grow and contribute to our community’s success,” McCarty stated. “This is consistent with the township’s mission of recognizing and engaging with opportunities that enhance the quality of life for current and future residents.”
For more, visit wwtownship29.in.gov/about/internhc/index.php.
DISPATCHES
Menards hosting food drive — Menards home improvement stores are serving as drop sites for local food pantries through the end of July. Donations can be placed in large collection boxes near the exit doors.
Kids Summer Series — The City of Westfield’s Kids Summer Series will take place on select Tuesdays from 9:30-11 a.m. at Grand Junction Plaza through July 28. Kid-focused fun, entertainment and activities are featured. Each week will feature alternating appearances by balloon twisters and airbrush tattoo artists, and Kona Ice will be at every event.
Featured performers are:
• June 23 — Hedgehog Hannah
• June 30 — Bongo Boy
• July 7 — Mr. Dan the Music Man
• July 14 — Ruditoonz
• July 21 — Jump and Hop!
• July 28 — Magic Man Rusty
Movies in the Plaza — Westfield’s Movies in the Plaza starts on select evenings May to August at Grand Junction Plaza. Movies will begin at 7:30 p.m. Upcoming films are:
• June 24: “Kicking & Screaming”
• July 22: “Brave”
• Aug. 15: “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”
Golf cart inspection slots open — The Westfield Police Department has additional appointment slots for golf cart inspections and registrations. Inspections cost $100. To schedule an appointment, visit tinyurl.com/36efkydz.
Open-mic nights set
By Megan Dial news@currentinwestfield.com
Every Wednesday evening spring through fall, Westfield community members can see local talent during Open Mic Night at Grand Junction Brewing Co.
Open Mic Night has become a tradition at Grand Junction Brewing, 1189 E. 181st St., bringing people together from 6:30 to 9 p.m. April through October.
“I’ve been in charge of scheduling music and live entertainment for the past two years and open mic night has been going on longer than that,” event organizer Kat Honeycutt said. “There is definitely a core group of about 10 of the same people that come week after week, but occasionally we get someone different. There’s a guy who does rap music and he will come in every now and then and I look forward to him because he has a couple of originals he performs.”
David Shakin is the regular host and has been performing since he moved to Indiana.
“He participated (in Open Mic Night) for two years and loved being here.
When we left New York, he was in a band … this is the first place we felt he could play” his wife, Melissa Shakin, said.
When he isn’t hosting Open Mic Night, he performs with The Strummers, a band made up of residents of Osborne Trails in Westfield.
Honeycutt said everyone is welcome at Open Mic Night.
“The people that come out for it are so supportive,” she said. “So, it’s a good thing for people that may be a little nervous to perform in front of people.”
For more, visit the event Facebook page at facebook.com/OpenMicGrandJunction.TapRoom.
Patti Robinson performs an original song, “Bend in the River” during a recent Open Mic Night at Grand Junction Brewing Co. (Photo by Megan Dial)
Grand Park launches light lager for World Cup
By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentinwestfield.com
In partnership with Field Brewing, Grand Park Sports Campus has launched a new lager, called We Field Champions, marketed as light, crispy and refreshing.
The partnership was in conjunction with World Cup watch parties at The Commons at Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus.
“This collaboration brings together two organizations that are proud to call Westfield home and reflects our shared commitment to the community,” said Brad Hauter, VP of marketing and communications at Grand Park Sports & Entertainment. “With millions of visitors coming to Grand Park each year, we’re always looking for ways to connect guests with the people, businesses and experiences that make Westfield special. Partnering with a respected local brewery was a natural fit.”
“The co-branded lager provides a unique hospitality offering for adult guests while showcasing a local business to visitors from across the region and beyond.”
– BRAD HAUTER
The new beer will be offered at various events.
“While Grand Park is best known for sports, the campus also hosts corporate events, conventions, meetings, graduations and a variety of community gatherings throughout the year,” Hauter said. “The co-branded lager provides a unique hospitality offering for adult guests while showcasing a local business to visitors from across the region and beyond.”
FreedomDoc Health adds new Westfield doctor
news@currentinwestfield.com
FreedomDoc Health recently announced the addition of Dr. Derek Oldham to its Westfield office.
Oldham is a board-certified family medicine physician with more than 20 years of experience in primary care, preventive medicine and chronic disease management, according to a news release.
A graduate of the Indiana University School of Medicine, Oldham completed his family medicine residency through the joint military and civilian residency program at the University of California, Davis, and David Grant Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base. He also served 17 years in the U.S. Air Force.
FreedomDoc Health operates on a direct primary care model, which means patients pay a monthly membership fee rather than billing through insurance for routine services. Members receive unlimited office visits, sameday or next-day appointments when available, direct access to their physician by phone, text or email, and extended appointment times. All memberships are HSA eligible.
Oldham stated that the relationship-focused approach is what attracted him.
“I value time with my patients,” he said. “More time allows me to not only treat them well, but also to have a relationship with them.”
For more, visit freedomdoc.health.
NFL FLAG Championships — The 2026 NFL FLAG Championships will take place at the Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus July 23-26. Register with NFL OnePass for free entry or at NFL.com/FLAGChampionships.
Oldham
Plan commission reviews Lakes at Freemont update
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The Westfield Plan Commission heard an update June 15 about The Lakes at Freemont, a proposed residential development on 108 acres near West 193rd Street and Freemont Moore Road, but took no action on the project, which first came before the Westfield City Council in late March.
The development originally called for 220 homes, with planned rear-entry homes facing Freemont Moore Road with a limited setback. Based on feedback from the public and elected officials, the developers — Grand Communities and Fischer Homes — scaled back the number of lots to 190 and eliminated plans for rear-entry homes.
Representing the developers, Jon Dobosiewicz of Nelson and Frankenberger gave a presentation to commissioners. He said the new plans also have increased the setback from the road, allowing for a berm and more landscaping. He said developers now are working on a road evaluation to plan for road improvements, and the project could come back to the Plan Commission by early July, depending on how quickly
The Lakes at Freemont is a proposed residential development on 108 acres in Westfield. (Image courtesy of the City of Westfield)
the evaluation can be completed.
“It takes getting bonds posted for that work (and) for us to do some core sampling,” he said. “It’s a little over a quarter-mile stretch. We’ve been asked to provide a pedestrian path on the west side of the street across the Reynolds property down to 193rd, as well as improvements across our frontage and consideration of a crossing at our primary entrance.”
Commissioners expressed appreciation for the changes developers were willing to make to the proposal.
The next Westfield Plan Commission meeting is set for 7 p.m. July 6.
DISPATCH
Jams at the Junction — Jams at the Junction, a free concert series presented by the Westfield Parks and Recreation Department, is set for 7 to 9 p.m. on select Fridays on the Great Lawn at the plaza. Grand Junction Plaza is within the Grand Junction DORA District, allowing guests ages 21 and older to have alco-
holic beverages within designated areas.
For more, visit westfieldin.gov/jams.
The 2026 concert lineup includes:
• June 26: Stella Luna & The Satellites
• July 17: The Why Store
• Aug. 7: Groovesmash
• Aug. 21: Midnight RedEye Band
• Aug. 28: Jai Baker Trio
More than 60 eateries chase tenderloin trophy
By Hannah VanLandingham hannah@youarecurrent.com
Tenderloin Tuesdays have officially arrived in Hamilton County.
Throughout July, more than 60 local restaurants on the Tenderloin Trail across Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield and the Northern Towns will be competing for the title “Best Tenderloin in Hamilton County”.
The contest is a partnership between Hamilton County Tourism and Current
Publishing.
“We are excited to partner with Hamilton County Tourism on this initiative,” said Steve Greenberg, executive vice president of Current Publishing. “Hoosiers love their breaded tenderloins, so we are eager to see which restaurant will receive the most votes and take home the trophy.”
The Tenderloin Trail celebrates a Hoosier specialty in many forms, featuring traditional pork tenderloins as well as creative takes on the classic
More than 60 Hamilton County restaurants will compete for the title of “Best Tenderloin” during the annual July promotion. (Graphic courtesy of Hamilton County Tourism) sandwich.
“Tenderloin Tuesday has always been about celebrating local restaurants through Indiana’s iconic breaded tenderloin, and this year we are turning up the heat in exciting new ways,” stated Todd Bolster, Hamilton County Tourism’s executive vice president of mar-
keting, sales and sport. “The Hamilton County Tourism team is thrilled to welcome more restaurants than ever to the 2026 Tenderloin Tuesday passport and looks forward to crowning our first ever winner in the ‘Best Tenderloin’ competition in partnership with Current.”
Customers can take advantage of discounts and earn prizes every Tuesday during the month of July at participating restaurants. Participants can vote daily for their favorite pork tenderloin in Hamilton County. The winner will be crowned at the end of the month.
Redeem Tuesday-only deals at four participating restaurants to earn a commemorative T-shirt while supplies last. Event and promotions will take effect every Tuesday from June 30 to July 28. For more and to claim a Tenderloin Tuesday pass, visit tenderlointuesday. com.
Motor District All-Americana set — Motor District, 1516 W. Tournament Trail in Westfield, will host All-Americana, a celebration of American automotive design and performance from noon to 2 p.m. July 18. Guest access without lunch is free. Guest access with lunch is $35. To register, visit artomobilia.org/store-2026sq/p/ all-americana-2026.
- Federico Fellini
COMMUNITY
SPLASH INTO SUMMER
Westfield Parks leads weekly expedition into Grassy Branch Creek
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
On a warm, sunny day in downtown Westfield, a group of young residents from toddlers to elementary-school age gathered at Grand Junction Plaza’s Grassy Branch Creek, each carrying a small net and bucket, ready to get their feet wet while looking for minnows, crawdads and other native flora and fauna.
The weekly Creek Stomp expedition was led by the city’s Recreation and Program Manager John Capes. He said it was one of the first programs the city’s Parks and Recreation Department started at the Plaza, and it’s been well received.
“It’s really just a chance for kids to come out, get in the water, cool down and learn a little bit about the creek — some of the wildlife that lives around here,” he said. “We get into ecosystems a lot, the origin of the water and where it goes as this runs into Cool Creek, which ends up in the White River, so the water travels a long way — and we talk about the importance of … the watershed being healthy, promoting life.”
It’s also fun, which is the perfect way for kids to learn. Capes said the young explorers often find more critters than he does, which makes sense because they’re lower to the ground.
“So, we really learn together,” he said. “They’re showing me things I’ve never seen before. Sometimes we have to Google it and figure out what it is. Is it a native species? Something that’s common this time of year? The handson aspect is very beneficial.”
The park area was built a little more than four years ago, he said, and the Creek Stomp started soon after.
“We started that first summer, just a few kids at a time, and then we’ve kind of grown,” Capes said. “We have up to 20 kids per week, and I think we’re filling up almost every day. We incorporated a bucket and a net that they can use while they’re here and then take home with them — and, hopefully, they come back and explore on their own with friends or family or something. We highly encourage that.”
For kids who can’t walk down to the creek — or don’t want to — Capes set up “water tables,” which are elevated bins containing creek water and samples of water life that he collected just before the event. That Thursday, though, all the kids who showed up with a parent or grandparent in tow were eager to get down to the creek.
Volunteers Summer and Presley Gilliatt were there to help, along with their mother, Lisa Gilliatt. Lisa said the
girls do a lot of volunteer work through the National Charity League, like putting up flags for Flag Day, helping with Colts Camp and, that day, checking in Creek Stomp participants and keeping an eye on the kids as they splashed, explored and learned.
Before heading down the stone steps leading to the creek, Capes gave a short introductory talk about what they might find that day.
“Minnows — tiny little fish. I saw
SUMMER PARKS AND REC EVENTS
The Westfield Parks and Recreation Department has numerous summer activities scheduled for all ages. In addition to the Thursday morning Creek Stomp, programs include:
• Owl pellet dissection — The last one on the schedule is 10 a.m. July 15
• Whiffle Ball — 10 a.m. every other Wednesday through July 22
• Kids Summer Series — Kid-focused entertainment starting at 9:30 a.m. on select Tuesdays through July 28
• Jams at the Junction — A free concert series, with performances starting at 7 p.m. on select Fridays through August.
• Movies in the Plaza — A free screening of movies, with three left on the schedule: “Kicking & Screaming” June 24; “Brave” July 22; and “Star Wars — The Last Jedi” Aug. 15, each starting at 7:30 p.m.
For details, visit in-westfield.civicplus.com/558/ Community-Events-Programs.
some down there when I was kind of checking things out,” he told the kids. “They’re very important because they eat things and things eat them. We see fox here, we see them along the shoreline a lot, and they look for food. A few minutes ago, before you got here, I saw a mink. For the last three or four years, we’ve had this family, they’re called black minks. They kind of look like little weasels, real dark color, and they like to get in these tall grasses.”
The kids and Capes named other things they might see — dragonflies, crawdads, turtles, snakes. The group did find a few of those, and one participant also found a freshwater leech — one of only a few Capes had seen in the creek.
The weekly Creek Stomp is 10 a.m. every Thursday at Grand Junction Plaza. For more, visit westfieldin.gov/500/ Creek-Stomps.
Kids and their parents explore Grassy Branch Creek during the weekly Creek Stomp, led by the Westfield Parks and Recreation Department. (Photos by Leila Kheiry)
ON THE COVER: Children and their parents participate in the Westfield Parks and Recreation Department’s weekly Creek Stomp at Grassy Branch Creek in Grand Junction Plaza. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
Volunteers Presley, left, and Summer Gilliatt set out nets and buckets for Creek Stomp participants to use.
big trees now!
price includes installation & warranty
Ben’s BBQ Shack reopens
news@currentinwestfield.com
The popular Ben’s BBQ Shack in Westfield opened its new brick-and-mortar restaurant June 11 at 1000 E. 181st St. near Grand Park Sports Campus.
The restaurant previously served — and reguarly sold-out of — its barbecue favorites from a smaller building, which closed mid-May as it transitioned to a new building.
In a social media post, the City of Westfield congratulated owner Ben Hoffman on his new restaurant.
“We are so excited for this beautiful new expansion of your business in Westfield,” the post stated. “From brisket to ribs to pulled pork and more, this truly is a must-visit restaurant in our community.”
According to the company website, the business started about five years ago.
“Originally from Kentucky and proud to call Indiana home, Ben brought more than recipes to Westfield — he brought a philosophy,” the website states. “Every brisket, rib and smoked favorite is prepared the old-fashioned way in a
real pit using hickory and cherry wood. No gas. No electronics. No shortcuts. Just carefully tended fires and the kind of attention that can’t be rushed.”
The new store will be open limited hours for the first few weeks — Thursday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until sold out.
“We’ll be open for walk-up and now walk-in ordering at our new home,” the restaurant announced in a social media post. “We’re taking these first couple of weeks to get our feet under us in the larger space and dial in the bigger volumes.”
For more, visit bensbbqshack.com.
Graeter’s opens in Westfield
news@currentinwestfield.com
Close on the heels of celebrating new stores in Zionsville and Fishers, Graeter’s Ice Cream officially opened its newest scoop shop in Westfield June 10 following a wintertime soft opening.
The new store at 391 East Tournament Trail has dine-in seating and a covered patio area. It will offer the brand’s full menu of ice cream flavors, frozen drinks, sundaes and other treats.
The Westfield scoop shop also has a drive-thru, which is not available at all Graeter’s stores.
“The Westfield scoop shop joins additional Indiana stores located in Butler-Tarkington, Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers’ Ambleside Drive and Fishers’ Lantern Road,” the business announced in a news release. “Conveniently located right off Highway 32 and just a five-minute drive from Grand Park, this new scoop shop is the perfect place to celebrate after a game.”
In an earlier interview with Current, company co-owner Chip Graeter said they are excited about expanding into the Greater Indianapolis area. Includ-
June
ing Westfield’s, Graeter’s has 57 stores nationwide.
“It’s a 156-year-old brand and it started with my great grandfather,” Graeter said. “It’s been a family business for 156 years, and so I’m part of the fourth generation — and the fifth generation is going to start (soon). We are really excited about the opportunities for them and Graeter’s, so we’re looking forward to continuing the family business tradition.”
Summer hours of operation for the new Graeter’s scoop shop in Westfield are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 11 p.m. on Sundays.
For more, visit graeters.com.
Ben Hoffman is Ben’s BBQ owner and pitmaster. (Photos courtesy of Ben’s BBQ)
A ribbon-cutting ceremony
10 officially opened the new Westfield Graeter’s scoop shop. (Photo courtesy of the City of Westfield)
Commentary by Larry Greene
This East Carmel backyard transformation replaced an aging deck and patio to create a stunning outdoor retreat designed for entertaining and everyday enjoyment.
THE BLUEPRINT
• Replaced the existing deck with a larger, more functional outdoor living space.
• Added a covered porch with integrated grilling station and fireplace feature.
• Installed low-maintenance Trex decking with black aluminum railings.
• Created a spacious patio below, complete with a custom fire pit gathering area.
• Incorporated Weather Ledge stone and Black Pearl Suede granite accents.
• Enhanced circulation, views and yearround enjoyment throughout the backyard.
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.
East Carmel home’s outdoor space reimagined
Folk trio I’m With Her set for Palladium
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Singer-songwriters Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan have collaborated to form a powerful folk trio.
The musicians, who all have had success with other projects, formed I’m With Her in 2014 and released the album “See You Around” in 2018. A single from that release,“Call My Name,” won the 2020 Grammy for Best American Roots Song.
The group’s second album, “Wild and Clear and Blue,” was released in 2025. It won two Grammy Awards, one for Best Folk Album, and the song “Ancient Light” won Best American Roots Song. The group released a live album, “Sing Me Alive,” in April.
I’m With Her will perform at 7:30 p.m. June 25 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Watkins plays the fiddle, guitar and ukulele. O’Donovan plays guitar and piano and Jarosz plays banjo, mandolin and guitar.
“We are drawing from both of the I’m With Her records and a couple of covers here or there thrown in,” Watkins said. “It’s been really neat developing the songs from the stage over the last year. They continue to kind of shift and adapt to the stage from the album and we’re really enjoying playing the music.”
Watkins said the setlist might vary each concert.
“We get into a groove of a certain group of songs that feel good for a few days and then we might shift it,” Watkins said. “With just the three of us on stage, all the songs are pretty exposed. They are arranged quite vigorously, so that we can support each other at all the moments that need to be supported. We’ll find some magical combinations and that really helps us execute all the songs and have them be featured in the right way based on a sequence. The nice thing about not being hugely popular with ‘hits’ is that
we get to do whatever we want to do.”
Watkins said it’s not a situation where every popular song has to be played each concert.
“One of the lovely things about being a folk band is there’s some flexibility and the audiences are very happy to go on the journey with us,” she said.
Watkins said they enjoy playing together.
“We are big fans of each other individually, our individual projects and other collaborations,” she said. “We love to support each other and there is a huge amount of things that we have in common, but the thing that makes it most interesting is where our musical histories and personal histories vary. We’re all bringing different things to the table while having enough of a common language that we collaborate really well together. We travel really well together, and for those reasons, and for all the mysterious ones that I’m sure not all of us realize, it’s just a really gratifying project.”
Watkins said they wrote the “Wild and Clear and Blue” album together.
“We came together with very small starts of songs, little seeds of ideas, and every song was built up from there,” Watkins said. “We were staying in the same house, living together, writing together. All of these songs were constructed, arranged and written by all
three of us, basically all in the room at the same time.”
Watkins said the debut album also was a collaborative effort.
“We hadn’t written together before and we had eight days to write together for that first record,” she said. “We came in with a verse and a chorus and then the other two bandmates would help finish the song or tweak the lyrics. There would be a pretty good chunk of lyrics already for most of these songs.”
Watkins debuted as the fiddler in Nickel Creek in 1989, joining her brother Sean Watkins and mandolinist Chris Thile. Nickel Creek released a new album and toured in 2023. Watkins and her brother also tour together.
“It’s nice to be able to step away and then come back together and not feel that every bit of our individual creativity has to come into this one project,” she said. “We get to step away and dig into these other parts of ourselves. It’s neat to have all these outlets, and then when we come together with I’m With Her, it’s different. I think that’s why the collaboration is so fun because it’s a unique thing that happens only when we do an album. We get to write by ourselves other times and co-write with other people.”
For more, visit thecenterpresents. org and imwithhertheband.com.
‘CINDERELLA’
“Cinderella” runs through July 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Jennifer Magley, Stooge Quest-Live is set for June 24, followed by Now That’s Funny June 25, “Esque, Burlesque” June 26 and “I Want My 80s: A Totally Tubular Party!” at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
JERRY GARCIA
The York Automotive Concert Series presents Andy Falco and Travis Book playing Jerry Garcia music at 8 p.m. June 27 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. For more, visit hendrickslive.org.
‘SHREK JR.’
Civic Theatre presents “Shrek Jr.” through June 24 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
‘WAIT UNTIL DARK’
“Wait Until Dark” runs June 24-28 and July 1-5 (except July 4) at Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
Wilco’s Tweedy concert set — Singer-songwriter Jeff Tweedy, best known as frontman and founder of rock band Wilco, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tweedy will bring his solo acoustic tour with opening act Case Oats. Tickets starting at $55 are on sale at thecenterpresents.org, by phone at 317843-3800, or in person at the Payne & Mencias Palladium’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office, 1 Carter Green.
From left, Aoife O’Donovan, Sara Watkins and Sarah Jarosz form the folk trio, I’m With Her. (Photo courtesy of Shervin Lainez)
ENTERTAINMENT
Lobster Palooza set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Rachelle Woolston is ready to take a spin at opera jukebox.
The soprano from Carmel will be one of the Indianapolis Opera singers at the annual Lobster Palooza fundraiser, set for 6 p.m. July 11 at the Basile Opera Center in Indianapolis.
“It’s a fun, fast-paced fundraising opportunity, and our guests are treated to opera snippets as a reward for raising money for the education and outreach efforts,” Woolston said. “They make a donation through an online link, and when they unlock a certain tier, the opera singers treat them with solos or duets from little snippets from operas that are super famous.”
these capacities,” she said.
Joining her will be Ganson Salmon, who grew up in the Lawrence area of Indianapolis. He is participating in Lobster Palooza for the first time.
“I’ve gone to the event with my family and my (grandmother),” the 2011 Heritage Christian graduate said. “I’m very familiar with the tradition of the event, but this is my first time being part of the entertainment.”
Salmon said he likes the opera jukebox concept.
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
Woolston couldn’t attend last year but said it sounded like fun.
“It’s a really creative way to get donations,” she said.
Woolston said the funds help Indianapolis Opera target underfunded and underserved schools, libraries and after-school programs and community organizations.
“It really helps us bridge the gap to reach these communities that wouldn’t be able to afford a program like ours with the education and outreach programs that we offer,” she said.
Woolston, formerly the education director for Indy Opera, teaches at Ball State University. She works in productions for the opera and runs its summer vocal camp for teenagers
“I’m so grateful that Indy Opera hires local singers and involves us in all
“It’s a creative way to make the evening really fun and spice up the evening and the fundraising,” he said. “It won’t be as tightly wound as a formal concert. It will be a hair-down evening. Lobster Palooza has seemed to me like not only a fundraiser but (also) so tied to the history of Indianapolis Opera. It’s been going on so long, so it always feels like a celebration of Indianapolis Opera, kind of a coming together of the family of Indianapolis Opera, the supporters, the donors, the singers of the company.”
Salmon, a tenor, made his Indy Opera main stage leading role debut in a production of “Rigoletto” in November 2025.
“That was a very important moment for me,” said Salmon, who moved back to the Indianapolis area during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Salmon’s grandmother, Sarah Jane Gradison, died in January at age 97.
“She got to see my performance in ‘Rigoletto,’” he said. “She was my main draw for staying here.”
For more, visit indyopera.org.
PUZZLE ANSWERS
J 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
STEWART COPELAND: HAVE I SAID TOO MUCH 7:30PM | THE TARKINGTON
GLADYS KNIGHT
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
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
SIMPLY THREE 7PM | THE TARKINGTON
MAVIS STAPLES
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
AN EVENING WITH BERNADETTE PETERS
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
PUNCH BROTHERS
Woolston Salmon
Summer Tour of Homes
THURSDAY, JUNE 25-SUNDAY, JUNE 28 12-6 pm
During Epcon’s Summer Tour of Homes, visit The Courtyards of TowneRun and discover a new take on low-maintenance living. These thoughtfully designed 2-story luxury townes offer the convenience of a first-floor owner’s suite with the flexibility of additional space upstairs. Enjoy walkable access to shops, dining and Life Time® Fitness, all coming soon. A private lounge is also set to open this summer—adding even more ways to connect and unwind.
Red Barn has new take on classic thriller
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Red Barn Summer Theatre will present a new adaptation of a classic thriller play and movie.
Red Barn’s presentation of “Wait Until Dark” is set in 1944 in Greenwich Village in New York City. That differs from the 1967 movie, “Wait Until Dark,” featuring Audrey Hepburn playing a blind character threatened by criminals.
“The new adaptation takes some creative liberties with the original story that I believe pay off in the end,” said Red Barn Associate Artistic Director Luke McLaughlin, who is directing the production. “Audience members familiar with the 1967 film or the original stage version will experience a different perspective on the classic story. To retain the thrill and mystery, that’s all I’m willing to share.”
The show is set for June 24-28 and July 1-5 (no show July 4) at Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort.
“The main character is newly blind, which presents a challenge for the actress portraying her and as a director,”
McLaughlin said. “We rely so much on eye contact and energy in the theater, and that aspect of the role is stripped away in this production. I’m super excited about the actress we’ve brought in to portray the role. ‘Wait Until Dark’ also includes a child actress, which we don’t often do at the Barn because of our limited rehearsal window. The young lady (Abi Hampton) playing that part will be a sophomore at Frankfort High School, so it’s exciting to see young, local talent getting a chance on our stage. Lastly, it is a period piece, which always presents unique challenges for the set, costumes and props.”
Eloise Brown, from New York City, plays Susan, the blind woman. Red Barn Theatre Artistic Director Michael Taylor plays Mike, one of the criminals. Taylor, who lives in Frankfort, is a Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate. Matthew Reich, from Los Angeles, plays Carlino and this is his second summer at Red Barn. Ben Brickner, from Chicago, plays Sam and also is in his second summer at Red Barn. Aaron Moon, Whitestown, plays Roat.
For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
Abi Hampton, left, and Eloise Brown rehearse for “Wait Until Dark.” (Photo courtesy of Luke McLaughlin)
1. From around here
6. Piece of cake?
11. Jr. and Sr. at NHS
14. Sheep-related
15. Vietnam’s capital
16. Have a steak at Bowdie’s
17. Insurance giant
18. Taylor’s Bakery cake topping
19. Caustic solution
20. *Post-infraction restart
22. Lowest deck on a ship
24. “Raiders of the Lost ___”
25. Countries
27. Lock horns
31. Bone filler
32. V-formation flier
33. Singing Sledge
34. Babe in the woods
37. October birthstone
38. *Game
39. Hawaiian tuber
40. ___ Aviv
41. 19th US President
42. North Dakota’s largest city
43. Danish coins
45. Cow chow
46. Nail polish remover
48. TTYL part
49. Aerodynamic
50. Quadrennial soccer event being played in the US now...and a hint to the answers to the starred clues
55. Chatter
56. Big name in multilevel marketing
59. Sculpted figure
60. Poet’s “before”
61. Bookstore section
62. Mosque leaders
63. I-69 road goo
64. Rotisserie rods
65. One of six US vice presidents from Indiana DOWN
1. Shapiro’s bread unit
2. Finished
3. Quote as a source
4. “Green Gables” girl
5. Fluid loss
6. Young fowl
7. Poolroom accessory
8. Numerical prefix
9. Sun. follower
10. Prejudice
11. *Penalty signal
12. Synthetic fabric
13. There are 780 in the Bop to the Top race
21. Fury
23. ___ de Janeiro
25. DEA agents
26. St. Louis landmark
27. Showbiz award “grand slam”
28. Slangy refusal
29. *Last line of defense
30. Lip-reading alternative, briefly
31. Taxi ticker
33. Name on a check
35. Desire
36. Party pooper
38. Road with an exit on I-465
39. Tiny bit
41. Pipes at some bars
42. Ball that may hit an umpire
44. GPS suggestion
45. Gift tag word
46. Thus far
47. Santa ___, Calif.
48. They have their ups and downs
50. Light bulb measure
51. Indiana Statehouse roof
52. Start of some juice names
53. Gomer Pyle’s org.
54. Model
57. Floor cleaner
58. It ended on 11/11/1918
ANSWERS ON PAGE 15
WE DO INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING ESTIMATES
HIRING PARISH FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
The assists the Accounting Manager and Business Manager by maintaining census information, doing data entry, and assisting with financial record keeping. The Office Professional is accountable to perform these duties according to the Mission and Values of the Roman Catholic Church.
Responsibilities
• Provides a hospitable welcome to callers or persons having business in the parish.
• Assures the existence of a current record for each parishioner in the Parish Data System (PDS). This includes Census, Contribution, Sacramental, Talent, and other information as determined by the Pastoral Coordinator. Maintains files of original parish registrations
• Assures all envelope and check contributions to the parish are accounted for in an accurate and timely manner and reconciles amounts with the bookkeeper. This is accomplished by posting all weekend collections in the PDS immediately after counting is accomplished by the counters. Reviews offering envelopes for notes from parishioners and/or visitors regarding census information or requesting to register.
• Schedule Counting Teams; work with Counting Teams when necessary to maintain consistency.
• Update parishioner records. Log donations and contributions. Maintain ministry rosters and attendance.
• Organize digital files, generate reports, other data entry requests.
• Assist Accounting Manager and Business Manager as needed. Other duties as assigned by supervisor or Pastor.
Qualifications
• Strong attention to detail
• Data entry experience
• Some spreadsheets familiarity
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and Interest in nonprofit/church work preferred
