June 3, 2025 — North Indy by Current Publishing

June 3, 2025 Newfields’ new immersive exhibit at The Lume celebrates Indigenous Australian art and culture / P13

$35.5M grant to fund bridges, trails / P10

THE HIXON

5 Piece Set: sofa, 2 swivel chairs, coffee table, nesting side table

THE BAINBRIDGE

3 Piece Set: sofa, 2 swivel gliders

LEEWARD SECTIONAL

7 Piece Set: 1 Sectional (4 pcs), 1 Swivel Chair, 1 End Table, 1 Cocktail Table

WATCH A MESSAGE FROM KAREN:

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Founded March 12, 2024, at Indianapolis, IN Vol. I, No. 32

525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032

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Wilburn addresses issues at Fishers town hall

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

During a one-hour town hall meeting, Indiana State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-District 32) gave a presentation and answered questions from constituents, addressing topics that ranged from public health programs, education funding, taxes and how a minority caucus can make a difference despite a supermajority Legislature.

POLITICS

state services.

Wilburn’s presentation at the Fishers Library May 22 focused on a constituent survey her office had sent out to all residents of District 32, which includes Fishers, Carmel and a portion of north Indianapolis. She said 56 percent of those responding did not want partisan school board races and she opposed a bill that will change local school board races from nonpartisan to races in which candidates declare a party.

“So, our next school board (race in 2026), we will have candidates for school board disclosing, if they so choose, if they are Democrat or Republican,” Wilburn said. “And in my opinion, that’s a loss. We are one of only six states, I believe, to have partisan school board races.”

She later said there would not be primary races for school board, and those seats will not be included in the straight-party voting option on Election Day. Candidates for school board also can choose to run without declaring a party affiliation.

Another survey question asked whether corporations should pay a larger share of taxes to support local and state services. Wilburn said 72 percent of those responding said yes, but the legislature chose to go in the opposite direction. She said nonprofit hospitals now pay more in taxes than big companies like Amazon. She added that property tax changes in the bill will help corporations more than families, in part because local governments will make up for the loss through a new income tax. The reduced revenue also led to cuts in

“Public safety, libraries and schools — their buckets of money have gone down exponentially,” she said. “You should know that I’ve heard from (Hamilton Southeastern Schools) Superintendent (Patrick) Mapes, and I’ve heard from (Carmel Clay Schools) Superintendent Michael Beresford that this means a cut in services, largely to their instructional aides and other resources that help keep our schools the best in the state and help keep these cities the best in the country.”

Wilburn said between state cuts and potential cuts to federal funding for various programs, there is a lot of uncertainty. She stressed the need for continued conversations, cooperation and civility.

An audience member asked Wilburn how she and other Democrats at the Statehouse can accomplish their goals considering the Republican supermajority. She said that can be a challenge.

“We’ve been in a supermajority situation for the last 20 years, so the problems that we’re facing today are largely because of one-party rule,” she said. “And so, it would behoove us to collaborate more.”

Wilburn said she was able to make a difference in ways that are not always visible. She gave an example of a bill that would have made it easier for patients to have access to opioid pumps for pain management.

“I know that a piece of legislation written so broadly might have unintended consequences,” she said. “When I think about the overdose rates that we used to have in Indiana not so long ago — I’m talking about three years ago — we were one of the worst states in the nation.”

Wilburn said Indiana has made great strides in reducing those rates and she was concerned the bill would undo that work. She said through her efforts, the bill’s language was made more specific to ensure it applies only to patients who really need that medication.

Regarding the state budget, Wilburn

DISPATCHES

IPL Summer Reading Program — The Indianapolis Public Library’s 2025 Summer Reading Program runs through Aug. 2 and is free and open to all. Registration is open and can be completed at any library branch, online at indypl.beanstack.org, or through the Beanstack app. This year’s theme, “Unearth Imagination,” invites readers of all ages to explore natural history and paleontology-inspired programs, earn prizes and discover new passions through hands-on workshops, reading lists and bonus activities.

said she tried to maintain state support of public health programs that focus on preventative care, but that was one area that was cut, along with funding for mental health programs for first responders.

“To me, if we are asking our neighbors to risk their lives, we have to show them that their lives matter and we just pulled the plug on that program,” she said, adding that she’s trying to find alternative funding sources so the mental health program can continue.

Wilburn also expressed concern about the expanded school voucher program that could lead to fewer students attending public schools. She said she supports parents who want to send their children to private schools, but they need to pay for it themselves. She said traditional public schools — not charter schools — are the only ones that must accept everyone, whereas private and charter schools can turn away students with special needs who require extra support.

“A student’s ability to receive speech services or physical therapy or occupational therapy or psychological or behavioral supports — all that should happen in the school, because that’s the child’s learning environment and … skilled clinicians can help teachers modify their environment, so a child feels included and is able to thrive,” she said.

An audience member asked what fuels the trend of taking services away from vulnerable people. Wilburn said part of it is that big corporations with an interest in paying less in taxes have a lot of lobbying resources. Vulnerable populations are less able to visit the Statehouse and take lawmakers out to lunch.

She said one way to change hearts and minds is to put a face to legislation and show lawmakers who will be directly affected by the laws they pass.

Wilburn was first elected in 2022 and won reelection in 2024. During the recent session, she served on the House judiciary, employment, labor and pensions, and public health committees. She is an associate professor at Indiana University.

Franchise of the Year — Debra Sexton, owner of FIT4MOM North Indy, was recently named Franchisee of the Year out of more than 200 FIT4MOM franchises nationwide. For more, visit carmel.fit4mom.com.

Wilburn

Indy continues greenways planning, implementation

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Indianapolis has about 90 miles of public greenways — paths for pedestrians, cyclists, etc. with a greenspace component — and plans are in the works to add at least another 30 miles over the next few years.

INFRASTRUCTURE

As those plans progress, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works is asking residents to get involved in planning even more greenways, providing additional trail access to more neighborhoods throughout the city and county.

Daniel Hedglin is the senior project manager for trails and greenways and was on hand to greet visitors during a recent greenways implementation plan open house at Fredrick Douglass Family Center. He said that through public meetings, surveys and more, planners will capture feedback to make sure they’re creating new greenspaces that meet the needs of residents.

“Part of this process is asking where do people want to go, what sort of experiences do they want to have, are these expe-

riences the same for people like runners and bikers and are they any different for people … walking your baby in a stroller or if you’re going out and doing something like birding or other activities,” he said.

“We’re trying to take all of these different thoughts and experiences and be able to … bring it together to be able to help guide us on where trails should be in the future.”

The greenways planning process started in 2014, he said, with a vision of more than 250 miles of greenways. The ongoing process will determine which of those envisioned trails will serve the public best.

Gretchen Zortman, Indy Department of Public Works greenways and trails program manager, mentioned some projects that are completed or soon will be. They

include the Nickel Plate Trail, which will connect on its north end via a pedestrian bridge at 96th Street to the Hamilton County section of the trail. Completion of that project is expected in July, she said, adding that the city has received funds for additional pedestrian bridges at the Nickel Plate Trail’s 82nd Street crossing and the Monon Trail crossing at 86th Street.

“We are also in design right now for the final northern section of the Fall Creek Greenway,” Zortman said. “In collaboration with the City of Lawrence, we’re hoping to get that out to bid next year — probably for a late 2026-2027 construction.”

She said that will connect to Lawrence’s trail at 63rd Street and Lee Road, head up Fall Creek Road into Fort Harrison State Park and link to the park’s Geist Loop Trail.

Damon Richards is the chair of the Greenways Development Committee. An avid cyclist, Richards said he hopes more greenways will encourage Indy residents to choose bicycles instead of cars.

“We have a greenway network now that is probably better than most cities

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Indianapolis residents check out a map of the city during a greenways plan open house at Fredrick Douglass Family Center. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

COMMUNITY

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A display at an Indianapolis greenways plan open house allows visitors to build their vision of what a greenway should offer. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

… but it’s more recreation focused than transportation focused,” he said. “Let’s think about this being a part of the transportation network — between tying it in and having nodes that connect to the bus lines and making sure that people can get to places, as opposed to just get some exercise.”

Richards, former director of Bike Indianapolis, said that about 11 years ago, he rode his bike from the West Coast to the East Coast.

“In that six weeks, I did not exchange harsh words with another soul and every single day, somebody went out of their way to do something kind for me,” he said. “I got home and I said, ’The world will be a better place if more people rode bikes.’” Greenways could make that possible.

For more, visit indy.gov/activity/ greenways-strategic-implementation-plan.

DISPATCH

Health care summit for businesses — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce will conduct the second Healthcare Transformation Summit for Hoosier businesses June 11-12 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Indianapolis. Keynote speaker Holly Wood, senior director of health equity initiatives at the Center for Community Health Enhancement and Learning at Purdue University, will discuss how nonmedical factors like housing, income, education, food access and transportation shape employee health, healthcare costs and benefit utilization. Panel and other discussion topics include innovation in rural health care delivery, managing chronic disease in the modern workforce, case studies in cost containment, GLP-1 utilization, technology, community health and employer collaboration, the biosimilar boom and mental health. For more, visit indianachamber.com/conferences.

Pet thefts inspire petition for stricter penalties

By Les Morris news@currentinfishers.com

That large, old turtle looked familiar to Sharon Robinson.

LAW

The longtime Carmel Realtor was watching the news a few years back when a report aired about a turtle that was stolen from Westfield’s Cool Creek Nature Center, where Robinson had been a volunteer.

“I used to feed that turtle,” she said. “It was a huge turtle. I thought, ‘Who would steal that turtle?’ It wasn’t something you could put in your pocket. It was the size of a turkey platter.”

Then, in late April, Robinson was on the neighborhood-centric Nextdoor app when a post appeared about the possibility of a theft ring responsible for snatching French bulldogs from yards.

“People were responding on social media,” Robinson said. “I made the comment, ‘I think this should be a felony.’ Someone else said, ‘I think we should start a petition.’ Within five minutes, I had the petition created.”

Indiana does not have any laws that specifically address stealing a pet, according to Ryan Scherer, animal control supervisor at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. A stolen pet could lead to a theft charge, which ranges from an A misdemeanor to a Level 5 felony, based on the monetary value of the animal, Scherer said.

Robinson, who owns two rescue dogs, believes the theft of a pet should be treated differently than the theft of a nonliving object.

“We are calling on lawmakers to formulate and pass a national law, classifying the stealing of a family pet as a felony,” the petition states. “Such an amendment will enforce greater penalties and act as a stronger deterrent against such heinous acts.”

Robinson, owner of two rescue dogs, has never organized a campaign like this before. One of the factors that drew her to the cause is its nonpartisan nature.

To view the petition, visit chng.it/ bCVthZ7YZZ.

Indy composer featured at Carnegie Hall

By Jane VanOsdol northindy@youarecurrent.com

Indianapolis pianist, composer and recording artist Penny Rodriguez never dreamed her piece, “The Bowl of Light,” would be performed at one of the world’s most prestigious music venues.

MUSIC

But, on April 13, Rodriguez sat in New York City’s Carnegie Hall to hear her composition during the “Davinci’s Simple Gifts” concert.

The journey to NYC started in 2023, when conductor Russell Wagoner, director of choral activities at Tappan Zee High School in New York, called Rodriguez. He had been using some of her previously published compositions for the annual New York State School Music Association competitions.

Wagoner commissioned her to write a piece for an upcoming new choral program.

“He asked if I had ever heard of the Hawaiian concept called ‘The Bowl of Light,’” Rodriguez said.

Hawaiians believe children are born with a perfect bowl of light that represents their true identity, but throughout life, negative emotions — called pilikia — can dim the light.

Rodriguez researched the concept and crafted lyrics and music to tell that story. In December 2023, she spent two days in New York with Wagoner and the choir, where they performed a concert and premiered the piece.

Shortly before her trip to New York, Rodriguez submitted “The Bowl of Light” to Shawnee Press.

“I figured since it had been commissioned, it might give it a little more weight — if they knew someone was actually going to perform it,” she said.

She hadn’t heard anything the day before she left, so she called Shawnee and left a message.

“Shockingly, they got right back to me and said, ‘Yes, we would like to publish it,’” she said.

It took about a year, but Greg Gilpin, director of educational choral publications for Shawnee Press and an award-winning choral composer, arranger and conductor, recorded the piece with a full choir.

What happened next shocked Rodriguez.

Indianapolis musician and composer Penny Rodriguez at Carnegie Hall. (Photo courtesy of Penny Rodriguez)

“The publisher said, ‘We love it so much, we’re going to perform it at Carnegie Hall,’” she said.

Rodriguez was thrilled — but couldn’t attend as she already had a trip planned to England and it wasn’t financially feasible to do both. However, a friend stepped in and arranged an all-expenses-paid trip for Rodriguez to attend the concert.

“It took me about 30 seconds to say yes,” Rodriguez said. “Carnegie Hall is like the Super Bowl for a musician. I never dreamed I would have anything to do with it.”

Gilpin led the performance of the piece with a 200-voice middle school choir. At the end of the song, he turned and introduced Rodriguez to the audience. She remains in awe of the experience.

“To be in Carnegie Hall of all places, in the best seats in the house — we were in the front center mezzanine in the box,” she said, “It was such a generous, generous gift. It was so gratifying to have it performed so well. Just to think that now all of those 200 kids have taken those lyrics to heart about a different way to live … It gave me hope and it gave me joy.”

For more, visit pennyrodriguezmusic. com.

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Jacquie’s finds new home

By Sara Palmer news@currentincarmeil.com

When a fire broke out in a neighboring business in May 2024, Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering lost its Carmel restaurant and catering facility in one devastating blow.

RELOCATION

“The (unit) next door to us had a fire and took our business down,” owner Jacquie Bols said. “It was kind of chaotic, to say the least.”

The damage forced the business out of its space immediately.

“We moved that day,” Bols said. “The Palomino Ballroom jumped in and leased us their kitchen for close to a year.”

With events already on the calendar, there was no time to lose.

“We had our equipment in one location and the kitchen in another location,” Bols said. “We actually ordered a whole bunch of equipment overnight. We had a sold-out May, so we were scrambling.”

The team quickly adapted, splitting resources between the borrowed kitchen and their warehouse. Event Designer Kristopher Bereman credited the team’s quick thinking and collaboration.

“With the sudden transition last May, it was really the staff as a whole that made everything come together in the short, eight-hour turnaround that we primarily faced,” he said.

Now, the business is preparing to move into a new headquarters at 4306 W. 96th St., just south of the previous location. Bols said the site will serve as the central headquarters and that it will not include restaurant space.

Though the name will stay the same, the new space offers some big changes.

“We are going to have a nice big new showroom, which is much larger than before,” Bols said.

The cuisine will continue its signature style of scratch-made offerings with a European flair, Bols said, describing it as “simple elegance.”

“We are changing things all the time, offering different things,” Bols said. “We like to use a lot of seasonal ingredients and local ingredients.”

Bols said she hopes the new space will open soon.

Learn more at jacquies.net.

MSDWT honors superintendents

northindy@youarecurrent.com

Retiring superintendent of Washington Township Schools Nikki Woodson hosted a luncheon May 16 that brought together the district’s two living former superintendents, James Mervilde and Eugene White, along with incoming Super-

“It’s been said that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us,” Woodson stated in an announcement from the district. “I’ve been fortunate to follow in the footsteps of leaders who paved the way for the progress and standard of excellence we see today in Washington

The luncheon honored the legacy of leadership at Washington Township Schools and welcomed Taylor, who will officially assume the role of superintendent July 1. The four leaders gathered for a group pho-

“The photo captures a moment I will forever treasure — a symbolic passing of the torch and a powerful reminder of the legacy we share serving an incredible com-

Clockwise, from bottom left, are incoming MSDWT Superintendent Sean Taylor, former superintendents James Mervilde and Eugene White, and retiring Superintendent Nikki Woodsun. (Photo courtesy of MSDWT)

munity,” Woodson stated.

Woodson’s retirement marks the end of nearly 30 years in public education, with half of that time at Washington Township schools. Although she is stepping away from her role as superintendent, the announcement stated that Woodson plans to remain engaged in education through philanthropic work, mentoring current administrators and supporting master’s and doctoral students who are pursuing careers in educational leadership.

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$35.5M IMPO grant to help fund Indy trails, bridges

northindy@youarecurrent.com

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization recently awarded approximately $35.5 million to the Indianapolis Department of Public Works to help build bridges, roundabouts, trails and other infrastructure projects in Indianapolis.

FUNDING

“Each and every year, our team is thorough in tracking down every creative funding source available to help bring transformative projects to fruition in our city,” Indy DPW Director Todd Wilson stated in an announcement from the city. “With the help of the IMPO, we’re excited to be able to build these projects for our residents.”

Among the projects selected for funding is a new $7 million pedestrian bridge over 86th Street for Monon Trail users in the Nora area.

“The Monon Trail is one of our city’s greatest community assets and this new pedestrian bridge over 86th Street will significantly improve safety and accessi-

Indianapolis Department of Public Works officials, city and state leaders and representatives of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization celebrate a $35.5 million IMPO grant for DPW projects. (Photo courtesy of Indiana State Sen. Fady Qaddoura)

bility for trail users,” City-County Councilor Brienne Delaney stated. “This investment reflects our commitment to intentional infrastructure that enhances quality of life for residents in Nora and beyond.”

Also receiving funding is an approximately $6 million Nickel Plate Trail pedestrian bridge over 82nd Street. Last year, the IMPO also approved funding for a Nickel

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Plate Trail bridge over Keystone Avenue. “The IMPO is proud to partner with the City of Indianapolis to invest in infrastructure that improves mobility, safety and quality of life for residents across the region,” stated Anna Gremling, executive director of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Other Indianapolis-area projects selected for funding include:

• Raymond St over Bean Creek Bridge ($10.4 million) — Rehabilitate the bridge by repairing the substructures, replacing the bridge deck and building new bridge rails and barrier-separated 8-foot shared-use paths along bridge edges to replace the bike lanes.

• 71st Street and Dean Road Roundabout ($1.5 million) -- Construction of sidewalks around the roundabout with ADA curb ramps, stormwater improvements, utility relocation and right-ofway acquisition.

• Bike Share Expansion ($1.5 million) — Expand the footprint of the Pacers Bikeshare system and increase the number of e-bikes available.

• Eagle Creek Greenway Phase 3 ($8.2 million) — A .71-mile extension from Washington Street to the existing greenway at West McCarty Street. This final section connects to earlier Eagle Creek Greenway phases, creating a 16.71-mile path from the southwest side of Indianapolis to the north side of Eagle Creek Regional Park.

For more, visit indy.gov/agency/ department-of-public-works.

DISPATCHES

Chamber appoints new CEDO — The Indy Chamber recently appointed Jason Hester as Chief Economic Development Officer. Hester brings 25 years of experience in economic and community development to the region’s business leadership organization, and will lead the Indy Partnership and drive regional business strategy across central Indiana.

Airport offers new direct flights to Dublin — Indianapolis International Airport and Aer Lingus now offer nonstop transatlantic flights between Indy and Dublin, Ireland. Dublin Airport is one of two airports in Europe with preclearance services for U.S.bound travelers. Those traveling on nonstop flights to the United States complete immigration and customs procedures in Dublin. For more, visit aerlingus.com.

Free remodeling seminar returns

news@currentinfishers.com

After a five-year hiatus, Worthington Design & Remodeling has announced the return of its Remodeling Seminar in Carmel.

HOMEOWNERSHIP

The free seminar will explore the latest trends in kitchen and bath design. Attendees will be given practical insights on budgeting, timelines, space planning and tips on how to avoid common remodeling pitfalls.

“Our goal is to empower homeowners with the

knowledge they need to make smart remodeling decisions,” stated Larry Greene, president of Worthington Design & Remodeling. “This seminar has always been a trusted resource in the community, and we’re excited to bring it back after COVID.”

The first seminar will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 4 at the Worthington Carmel Showroom, 99 E. Carmel Dr. The evening will include a Q&A session with design experts, raffles and giveaways. The second seminar is June 12.

Admission is free but space is limited. To reserve a spot, call 317-846-2600.

Children who need heart surgery can get world-class care close to home

DISPATCH

Summer Badge Camp — Girl Scout Troop 1887 from Carmel High School will host a Summer Badge Camp for girls ages 5 through 10 this summer. The weeklong, half-day camp will be from 8 a.m. to noon July 14 through 18 at the Carmel Lion’s Club. The camp is a fundraiser for the troop’s Gold Award projects, the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve. Campers will earn five badges during the week: Mechanical Engineering, Outdoor Arts, Performance, Democracy and Citizenship. Activities are hands-on, creative and designed to inspire curiosity and confidence. The camp is open to all girls, regardless of whether they’re enrolled in Girl Scouts. Learn more at my.cheddarup. com/c/troop1887-summer-badge-camp/items.

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LAND, WATER, SKY

Newfields’ new immersive exhibit at The Lume celebrates Indigenous Australian art and culture

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

A kaleidoscope of images and music transports visitors to The Lume at Newfields to the world and culture of Indigenous Australians through the museum’s new immersive exhibit, “Connection: Land, Water, Sky,” featuring work by contemporary visual and audio artists who celebrate their history, but with a modern take.

Entering The Lume can be a dizzying experience, especially at first. Images shift on large screens on the floor and walls throughout the large space, providing the immersive sensory experience that it’s known for.

“If you look back at the other Lumes that have been here, we’ve transported you into a Van Gogh painting as it’s being painted around you and then you go to Monet and the Impressionists; we introduced you to Toulouse-Lautrec, … we’ve transported you into the magnificent dreamscape of Salvador Dali and now we’re transporting you to the other side of the world to really immerse yourself in contemporary art of Australia,” said Jonathan Berger, vice president of marketing for Newfields. “This is over 30,000 square feet of projection space. We have over 120 high-definition projectors that bring this show to life — literally larger than life.”

The exhibit opened mid-May and remains on display through February 2026. Belinda Tate, the Melvin & Bren Simon director of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, noted that Indigenous Australian cultures are the oldest continuous civilizations.

“These cultures date their history back 65,000 years, and that is really reflected in their stories, their way of life, their approach to being and the way that they can interact with each other and the world,” she said. “‘Connection’ explores the concept of country, revealing the deep ties between land, water, sky — and this is a very important shared responsibility through storytelling, contemporary art and music. This experience centers on the beauty that surrounds us and our collective role as caretakers of both this small, fragile planet that we share and … each other.”

Kate Constantine, one of the artists featured in the exhibit, was on hand for its

opening weekend. In addition to contributing to the main exhibit, Constantine helped design the adjacent interactive activity space, in which children — and the young at heart — can color pictures of native Australian animals — kookaburras, platypuses and kangaroos — and then scan the images into a digital animation that plays on large screens in the room.

The backdrop for the animation display features the three elements — land, water and sky — that Constantine said are key to

the Indigenous cultures of Australia. It’s all connected, she said.

“It’s about reciprocity and it’s about living in a circular fashion,” she said. “Traditionally, we don’t believe in linear time. We don’t believe in the past, the present and the future. We believe in everywhere … what this does is it gives us a reciprocal relationship with our kin, with our families, and means that we are constantly responsible for ourselves and each other. So, respect doesn’t finish when you die and the

ABOUT AUSTRALIA

Australia is the smallest continent on Earth, but is the sixth-largest country by land mass, roughly the same size as the contiguous United States — the area not including Alaska or Hawaii. Australia is the world’s flattest and driest inhabited continent.

Australia was first colonized by Great Britain in the late 1700s. It now is home

to about 26 million people, with Indigenous Australians making up just under 1 million — about 3.8 percent of the overall population. There are about 500 different Indigenous peoples in Australia, each with their own languages and customs.

For more about Indigenous Australian people, visit aiatsis.gov.au.

respect is as great for an ancestor as it is for a newborn baby. It’s a really different philosophy to a Western society, which is why a lot of First Nations cultures are generally quite misunderstood.”

The exhibit also includes some Indigenous Australian artwork from Newfield’s collection that hasn’t previously been displayed. Robin Cooper, manager of curatorial affairs, said the bark paintings were made with natural pigments, adding that the smaller ones, created in the 1960s and ‘70s, were painted as souvenirs that could fit into a visitor’s suitcase.

Keeping with the theme, The Lume cafe has Australian-inspired food and drinks on the menu; and the gift shop offers images from the exhibit on various items, along with books and kookaburra and kangaroo plush toys.

For more, visit discovernewfields.org/ lume.

ON THE COVER: Visitors to Newfields experience

The Lume’s new immersive exhibit, “Connection: Land, Water, Sky.” (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

(Above) A bark painting by an unidentified Kunwinjku Indigenous Australian artist is part of Newfield’s “Connection: Land, Water, Sky” exhibit, on display through February 2026. (Right) Newfields’ new immersive exhibit, “Connection: Land, Water, Sky,” features art and music by Indigenous Australian artists. (Photos by Leila Kheiry)

Blueprint for Improvement: Zionsville kitchen gets modern makeover

Commentary by Larry Greene

This Zionsville kitchen went from cluttered and dated to sleek and sophisticated with a stunning renovation that maximizes both style and functionality while preserving the original hardwood floors. THE BLUEPRINT

• The remodel replaced beige granite and brown tiles with crisp white countertops and a herringbone backsplash.

• The designers introduced a striking twotone cabinet scheme with sage green accents and modern brass hardware.

• New terracotta pendant lights and a built-in beverage center add contemporary flair while the custom island’s sleek design creates a more inviting entertainment space.

• Original wood flooring adds warmth and continuity throughout.

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.

Shop CarmelFest merch online at CarmelFest.net/shop Get updates & sign up to volunteer at CarmelFest.net

Wang Chung set for Fishers tour stop with other 1980s bands

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Nick Feldman is eager to share Wang Chung hits with other 1980s bands.

Wang Chung is part of the “I Want My ’80’s Tour” with Rick Springfield, John Waite and Paul Young, which will perform a 7:30 p.m. June 17 concert at Fishers Event Center.

“We know Paul from way back and have toured with him a few times,” said Feldman, who plays bass guitar and keyboards for Wang Chung. “His music fits in nicely with ours. We’ve never worked with John Waite and Rick Springfield before, but we’re excited to play with them and for their audiences. Hopefully, we’ll pick up some new fans that maybe haven’t seen us before. But we feel the musical spectrum of these bands fit really well together. I think it’s going to be a nice musical experience for the audience.”

Feldman said there should be time to play their biggest hits and a couple of other songs.

“We’re quite adaptable,” said Feldman, whose band typically plays a 90-minute set when it headlines a show.

Feldman and Jack Hues, the lead singer and guitarist, formed Wang Chung in 1980 along with Darren Costin, who left in 1984 to pursue a solo career.

Feldman said the band was fortunate to be signed by Geffen Records.

“They were clearly motivated to help us be successful in America because we’re a U.K. band,” he said. “That tied in with the British Invasion, so a lot of English bands started to get traction in America and around the world, largely because of MTV. The advent of MTV was a huge help to bands like us. When we started touring in America, we would be recognized in some of the most out-of-the-way places. It kind of blew our minds.”

Feldman said the U.K. bands at the time were making slightly more quirky videos,

so that helped. He also said the band was open-minded about mixing and using the musical technology that was developing.

“It’s a combination of our traditional musicianship and the fact we like to write good songs,” he said. “The melodies are memorable. I think that’s helpful in songs enduring beyond the ‘80s to now.”

After some breaks through the years, Feldman said Wang Chung has been touring regularly since 2009.

“I worked for record companies and worked for the TV show, ‘The Voice,’ Feldman said. “Jack did some solo stuff. We’ve been on the road, playing for bigger and bigger audiences, not just in the States but all over the place. This year, for example, we’re touring America and Mexico. Apart from when the (COVID-19) pandemic was raging when we couldn’t tour for a couple of years, we’ve been touring a lot.”

A retrospective compilation, ‘Clear Light/Dark Matter’ via SING, was released May 9. It includes Wang Chung’s biggest

hits, “Dance Hall Days,” “Everybody Have Fun Tonight,” “Let’s Go,” “To Live and Die in L.A.,” “Hypnotize Me” and “Fire In The Twilight.”

“It’s a walkthrough of what we’ve done over the years,” Feldman said. “It’s all the hits and some deeper cuts as well that people may be less familiar with. It’s got some rarities and unreleased stuff. For instance, the original demo for ‘Dance Hall Days’ is on there. You can see the origins of that particular song. It’s all been remastered and sounds great. It’s a really fresh take on our history. It sort of ties in with what we’re doing, touring in support of it. We’ve also repurposed and remixed ‘Everybody Have Fun Tonight,’ so that’s on it as well. There are songs we only recorded live, which (listeners) wouldn’t have heard unless they were at the concert.”

“Clear Light/Dark Matter” is available on CD, digital and a double set on black or white vinyl.

For more, visit fisherseventcenter.com.

‘THE LITTLE MERMAID’

“The Little Mermaid” runs through July 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Kevin Cole’s “Have Fingers Will Travel” is set for June 5, followed by Human Jukebox June 7 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Both performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘SUMMER SOLSTICE’

Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents “Summer Solstice” at 7 p.m. June 6 and 5 p.m. June 7 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

‘WIT’

Main Street Productions presents “Wit” through June 8 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse. org.

‘TOBY’

“TOBY: A Tribute to Toby Keith” is set for 7 p.m. June 8 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center. For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals will perform at 7 p.m. June 8 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

DISPATCH

Late Night on Main returns — Late Night on Main, hosted by Carmel PorchFest Inc., returns to Carmel’s Main Street on the third Saturday of each summer month. The street party begins at 6 p.m. Straight Up Chumps, an original four-piece rock band from Greenwood, set for June 21. Jai Baker Trio, a country music band from Fishers, returns to Late Night on Main July 19. The Big 80’s Tribute Band will perform Aug. 16. Carmel PorchFest is noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 21. The final Late Night on Main features The Brothers Footman Oct. 11.

BEN HARPER

Wang Chung will perform as part the ‘I Want My ‘80’s Tour’ June 17 at Fishers Event Center. (Photo courtesy of Wang Chung).

THE SONGBOOK ACADEMY® IN CONCERT SAT, JUL 19 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS: MAN ON THE MOON TOUR WED, AUG 6 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

HERB ALPERT & THE TIJUANA BRASS & OTHER DELIGHTS THU, AUG 7 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

BURTON CUMMINGS OF THE GUESS WHO: A FEW GOOD MOMENTS TOUR SUN, AUG 10 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

FOUR80EAST FRI, SEP 12 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

STORIES AND SONGS WITH ROGER MCGUINN SAT, SEP 13 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

THE CENTER CELEBRATION 2025 PRESENTED BY ICE MILLER SAT, SEP 20 AT 5PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

AN EVENING WITH BRIAN MCKNIGHT FRI, SEP 26 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

JAY LENO SAT, SEP 27 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! WE WILL CHOIR YOU! AN EPIC QUEEN SING-ALONG THU, OCT 2 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

RICK BRAUN & MINDI ABAIR SAT, OCT 4 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

IL DIVO BY CANDLELIGHT THU, OCT 9 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

AIDA CUEVAS:

50 YEARS SINGING TO MEXICO FRI, OCT 10 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

MATTHEW MORRISON: RHYTHMS & REVELATIONS FRI, OCT 17 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

AN EVENING WITH TOMMY EMMANUEL, CGP SAT, OCT 18 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

VIENNA BOYS CHOIR SUN, OCT 19 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

U.S. NAVY BAND COMMODORES THU, OCT 23 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS: JAZZ FROM THE BACK O’ TOWN FRI, OCT 24 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

JESSE COOK: LIVE IN CONCERT SUN, OCT 26 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON

BUGS BUNNY AT THE SYMPHONY SAT, NOV 1 AT 8PM & SUN, NOV 2 AT 2PM PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

HEATHER LAND: LIVE SAT, NOV 1 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

LISA LOEB & JOAN OSBORNE FRI, NOV 7 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

TITO PUENTE JR. AND HIS LATIN JAZZ ENSEMBLE SAT, NOV 8 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

THE VOICE OF WHITNEY: A SYMPHONIC CELEBRATION SAT, NOV 8 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

BRANDON WOODY’S UPENDO SUN, NOV 9 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON

SAMARA JOY FRI, NOV 14 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

PEABO BRYSON FRI, NOV 21 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

WISH YOU WERE HERE:

THE SIGHT AND SOUND OF PINK FLOYD SAT, NOV 22 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

LES ARTS FLORISSANTS: VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS AT 300 SUN, NOV 23 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH DAVID FOSTER & KATHARINE MCPHEE TUE, DEC 2 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

WHITE CHRISTMAS FILM SCREENING THU, DEC 4 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS FRI, DEC 5 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND: CREOLE CHRISTMAS MON, DEC 8 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS FRI, DEC 12 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

CHRIS ISAAK SAT, DEC 13 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA WITH RAY CHEN FRI, JAN 30 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

CECE TENEAL’S DIVAS OF SOUL SAT, JAN 31 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

WAYNE NEWTON: UP CLOSE & PERSONAL SAT, FEB 14 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

MARIACHI HERENCIA DE MÉXICO: LA NUEVA GENERACIÓN TOUR FRI, FEB 20 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

GREAT AMERICAN CROONERS: A JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER PRESENTS PRODUCTION

WED, FEB 25 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

PEKING ACROBATS THU, FEB 26 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

CHRIS BOTTI FRI, MAR 6 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

JEROME COLLINS: REWIND A JOURNEY TO MOTOWN AND BEYOND SAT, MAR 7 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

ORPHEUS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA & MARC-ANDRÉ HAMELIN SAT, MAR 7 AT 8PM | PAYNE

DAVID FOSTER & KATHARINE MCPHEE PEABO BRYSON

SAMARA JOY

JAKE SHIMABUKURO

JAY LENO

BRIAN MCKNIGHT

AIDA CUEVAS

DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE

CCP play follows lives of triplets

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Amber Roth was convinced this was the perfect play for young audiences. Roth saw her Ball State University mentor Michael Dane direct “This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing” in his final play at BSU.

PERFORMANCES

“I thought this was a great time for students in the (age) range of 12 to 18 to learn how to explore and expand their creativity,” Roth said. “They get to play various characters, whether that is playing a Viking, getting to be an animal and use puppets.”

Roth, an Indianapolis resident, is the director for the Carmel Community Players Rising Star production for younger performers June 13-22 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel.

Sydney Weitz, who will be a sophomore at Carmel High School in August, plays Albienne in the play.

“The show is about three sisters who, after the death of their mother, go on different paths in life and end up dealing with

From left, Vivienne Thibodeau, Sydney Weitz and Maile Alpizar portray triplets in Carmel Community Players production.

(Photo courtesy of Indy Goodnight)

their trauma in their own unique ways,” Weitz said. “Each sister has a different approach to life — one cries, one laughs and one chooses to do nothing.”

Roth said the play begins when the triplets are 10 years old and ends when they are 31.

Carmel resident Vivienne Thibodeau, a homeschooled student who will be an eighth-grader, plays Carmen.

“I feel like I also relate because I love to be in the woods and love animals and that kind of thing, and I’m more quiet,” Thibodeau said.

Maile Alpizar, who will be a sophomore at Westfield High School, plays Beatrix. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

British Invasion hits Carmel

Saturday, July 26, 2025

Basile Opera Center • 6pm

Join us to celebrate summer, connect with friends, and make new memories in the heart of the historic Meridian-Kessler neighborhood. Featuring live singers, dancing, an open bar, and a delicious lobster and/or beef tenderloin dinner, this fun-filled summer event will be an evening to remember!

To purchase tickets visit IndyOpera.org call 317-283-3531 or scan the code

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Doug Wilson has a lifelong love affair with The Beatles.

MUSIC

“I saw The Beatles live when I was 9 years old (in 1964) at the Coliseum (at the Indiana State Fairgrounds),” he said. “I’ve been to Liverpool twice in the last two years.”

Wilson is the drummer for the cover band 45RPM, which will perform at 7 p.m. June 21 in the Summer Music Festival at Clay Terrace in Carmel. Barometer Soup, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, will perform between 5 and 6:45 p.m. on the main stage. The oneday celebration will take place at the Village Green near Dick’s Sporting Goods. Clay Terrace, which has a 14-year concert series tradition, shifts to a concentrated one-day music festival format as it makes room for redevelopment plans.

Although heavy on Beatles songs, Willson said the entire band has a love for the British Invasion era of rock ‘n’ roll.

“We’re all of the age that it played a very important part in our youth,” Wilson said. “We still think it was the greatest music

ever put out. Our goal is to recreate the records as closely as possible. We don’t do (new) arrangements on anything.”

Wilson, a southside Indianapolis resident, said the band also specializes in one-hit wonders.

“Not everything we do is by British bands. We do stuff by The Beach Boys, The Turtles, The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Monkees and The Mamas & the Papas,” he said. “We know well over 100 songs at this point.”

The band has performed together since 2014. Keyboardist/guitarist Mik Hideg is from Fishers and lead guitarist Richard Breedon is from the north side of Indianapolis.

For more, visit 45rpm60s.com

‘Leading Ladies’ opens season

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The mission of Red Barn Summer Theatre’s season is simple.

PERFORMANCES

“It’s a chance for people to get away from the drama of the world and just have a good time,” Red Barn

Artistic Director Michael Taylor said.

The season at the Frankfort venue opens with “Leading Ladies” June 11-15 and 18-22, followed by “The Cottage” June 25-29 and July 2-6, and “Xanadu” July 10-13 and 16-20.

direct “Leading Ladies” and “Xanadu,” a musical comedy, and will act in “The Cottage” while associate artistic director Luke McLaughlin directs.

“Leading Ladies” was written by Ken Ludwig, who also wrote “Lend Me a Tenor,” which Taylor previously directed at Red Barn.

Taylor

“It’s going to be very light and a lot of fun,” Taylor said. “They’re all comedies but they all have a different feel to them. So, if someone comes to each show, they’re going to get a different experience.”

All three shows are making their debut at Red Barn.

Taylor helped present “Xanadu” several years ago at Frankfort High School. He will

“It’s a very challenging show, which is why people steer away from it sometimes,” Taylor said. “They play Shakespearean performers but it’s not a Shakespeare show in any way whatsoever. It’s set in the 1950s.”

The plot centers on two struggling English actors, Leo and Jack, who disguise themselves as Maxine and Stephanie to claim an old American lady’s fortune. McLaughlin plays Jack and Xander Haan portrays Leo.

“Ludwig is a great writer,” Taylor said. “He has great dialogue. He has great timing.”

For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

From left, 45RPM members, Mik Hideg, Jack Fazio, Bill Rumely. Doug Wilson and Richard Breedon. (Photo courtesy of 45RPM)

A deep dive into the season’s artistic offerings

Variety of concert options throughout area SOUNDS OF SUMMER

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Music lovers will find options nearly every night of the week in the Hamilton County, Zionsville and northern Indianapolis areas.

Along with the free community concerts in Noblesville, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield and Zionsville, Noblesville’s Ruoff Music Center’s concerts heat up in June with several concerts. Summer highlights include Keith Urban, June 28; Dave Mathews Band July 11-12; Chris Stapleton, Aug. 1; Rod Stewart, Aug. 9; Luke Bryan, Aug. 28; and Outlaw Music Festival with Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, Sept. 18.

The Rock the Ruins schedule at Holliday Park includes The Wallflowers, led by Bob Dylan’s son Jakob Dylan, June 14, and The Fray: How to Save a Life: The 20th Anniversary Tour, Aug. 14.

There also are shows at Broad Ripple Park, including Shakey Graves with special guest Hovvdy, July 20, and Toad the Wet Sprocket & Semisonic, Aug. 8.

The Symphony on the Prairie series runs in Fishers on weekends from June 27 to Aug. 30 with primarily tribute acts.

The Nickel Plate District Amphitheater schedule in Fishers includes Sam Barber, June 7; Chase Rice, June 14; and Here Come the Mummies, Aug. 9.

The Late Night on Main, sponsored by Carmel PorchFest, returns to Carmel’s Main Street on the third Saturday of each summer month. The street party spans two city blocks and begins at 6 p.m. with food and beverage vendors.

The schedule includes Straight Up Chumps, June 21; Jai Baker Trio, July 19; and The Big 80’s Tribute Band, Aug. 16.

There are also a variety of indoor concerts, including several at The Vogue Theatre in Broad Ripple, along with options at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Concerts at The Vogue include the Allman-Betts Band with Greg Koch, June 11; Aimee Mann, June 26; and Quiet Riot, July 25.

The 2024-25 Center Presents season ends with Ben Harper June 8 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

In celebration of the 15th anniversary season, Allied Solutions Center Artistic Director Michael Feinstein has selected 15 performances to highlight from the 2025-2026 schedule. Series ticket sales began May 19.

Feinstein’s 15 selections are: Songbook Academy in Concert, July 19; The Center Celebration 2025 with Richard Marx, Sept. 20; Il Divo by Candlelight, Oct. 9; Bugs Bunny at the Symphony, Nov. 1-2; Tito Puente Jr. and His Latin Jazz Ensemble, Nov. 8: Samara Joy, Nov. 14; Peabo Bryson, Nov. 21; An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee, Dec. 2; Great American Songbook Foundation: “White Christmas” film screening, Dec. 4; Dave Koz & Friends, Dec. 12; Chris Isaak, Dec. 13; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Ray Chen, Jan. 30; CeCe Teneal’s Divas of Soul, Jan. 31; Wayne Newton: Up Close & Personal, Feb. 14; and Joshua Bell, April 23. Besides the Songbook Academy, the summer schedule includes Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Aug. 7, and Burton Cummings of the Guess Who, Aug. 10.

The Fishers Event Center to features the 1980s June 17 with “I Want My 80s Tour,” will feature Rick Springfield, Wang Chung, Paul Young and John Waite. Ken Carson: The Lord of Chaos Tour is set for Aug. 15.

EVENTS CALENDER

SUMMER FAMILY CONCERTS AT THE GAZEBO

June 4 - Sept. 19

Enjoy free Wednesday evening entertainment from 7-9 p.m. at the Carmel Gazebo. Bringing blankets and lawn chairs is suggested.

For more info and concert lineup visit, carmelgazeboconcerts.org.

NOBLESVILLE SUMMER CONCERTS AT DILLON PARK

June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 10, 17 and 24

The free weekly Noblesville Summer Concert Series will be held at Dillon Park from 7 to 9 p.m., beginning on June 5. The lineup includes The Doo Band, The Blue River Band, Dave & Rae, Jai Baker 3, Endless Summer Band, Stell Luna & The Satellites, and The Nauti Yachtys. For more visit noblesvilleparks.org.

JAMS AT THE JUNCTION

June 6, 27, July 25, Aug. 8 and 15

This free concert series will take place on the Great Lawn at Grand Junction Plaza in Westfield. 7 p.m. Featuring Doogie Hazzard, The 1985, Groovesmash, The Flying Toasters and Fleetwood Gold.

For more, westfieldin.gov/402/Jams-at-the-Junction

SUMMER SOLSTICE

June 6 & 7

Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre concludes its season at The Tarkington with “Summer Solstice.” This energetic performance features world premieres and past favorites, promising an explosion of dance, music, emotion and color. For more, visit thecenterpresents.com.

SAM BARBER

June 7

Sam Barber with special guests at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in Fishers. For more, visit npdamp.com.

TOBY: A TRIBUTE TO TOBY KEITH

June 8

TOBY is a must-see show for country music lovers, a journey that will transport you to the heart of Nashville and leave you yearning for more. For more, visit thecenterpresents.com.

BEN HARPER & THE INNOCENT CRIMINALS

June 8

Ben Harper is one of the boldest and most versatile songwriters of his generation, working in a cross-section of genres from pop, reggae and soul to blues, rock, funk and folk. For more, visit thecenterpresents.com.

Community concerts are featured throughout the area. (FIle photo)

TWO DEBUTS AND A ‘FIDDLER’

Civic Theatre announces upcoming shows

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The 2025-26 season will feature two Civic Theatre debuts along with some old favorites.

“At Civic, we take pride in offering a diverse lineup of entertaining productions that engage both our audiences and our performers,” Executive Artistic Director Michael Lasley said. “We love to kick off each season with something fresh, ideally a show that’s new to our stage, and this year we’re thrilled to open with the uproariously funny Shakespearean spoof ‘Something Rotten!’ It’s a high-energy musical that sets the perfect tone for the season ahead.”

The 2026 portion of the season opens with “The Great Gatsby” Feb. 6 to Feb. 21 at The Tarkington, followed by “The Scarlet Letter” March 13 to March 28 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center.

“This marks its Civic debut and brings F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic American tale to vivid life onstage,” Lasley said. “Both ‘The Scarlet Letter’ and ‘The Great Gatsby’ will also feature weekday student matinees, aligning with literature curricula in central Indiana schools.”

The glamour and decadent excess of the Jazz Age of Fitzgerald’s classic novel is adapted by Simon Levy, according to Lasley.

“Something Rotten” is set for Oct. 3 to 18 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Created by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick and successful screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, “Something Rotten” is a Shakespearean spoof set in1590.

“Our holiday production, ‘A Christmas Story,” is quickly becoming a Civic tradition,” Lasley said. “Back by popular demand after its hit 2022 run, this Indiana-based holiday favorite captures the warmth and humor of the season, making it a perfect outing for the whole family.”

“A Christmas Story,” based in the fictional town of Hohman, Ind., runs Dec. 5 to Dec. 27 at The Tarkington.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

COOL CREEK CONCERT SERIES

June 13, 20, July 11, 18 and Aug. 1

The Cool Creek Concert Series at Cool Creek Park features Der Polkatz, The Flying Toasters, Classic Rock Experience, Mike and Joe, Uptown Funk and Echoes of Pompeii, all starting at 7 pm. For more, visit hamiltoncounty.in.gov/1928/ Parks-and-Recreation

CONCERTS AT THE COMMONS

June 14 - Sept. 27

Noblesville Parks will present free Concerts at the Commons from 7 to 9 p.m. at Federal Hill Commons, starting June 14. The concert series lineup features Steely Dane, Southern Accents, Jump, Shining Star, 16 Candles, Thunderstruck, Separate Ways, and

The Scarlet Letter” is making its Civic debut as well. The classic tale follows strongwilled Hester Prynne as she tries to find her own moral compass and raise her daughter in a society that harshly punishes women for independent thought, sexuality, or defiance.

“Fiddler on the Roof” will close the season, running April 24 to May 9 at The Tarkington.

“‘Fiddler on the Roof’ is a timeless classic our audiences always cherish,” Lasley said. “Its heartfelt themes of love, family, acceptance and tradition continue to resonate across generations.”

Subscriptions will be available beginning May 28 and can be purchased at civictheatre. org or by calling or emailing the box office of the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts at 317-843-3800 or tickets@thecenterpresents.org.

The Eagles Project. For more visit noblesvilleparks.org.

CIVIC IN CONCERT: ‘JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR’

June 14

Set against the backdrop of a full orchestra, “Jesus Christ Superstar” explores the final week in the life of Jesus Christ, delving into the complexities of his relationships with his disciples, followers and the Roman Empire. For more, visit thecenterpresents.com.

THE WALLFLOWERS

June 14

The Wallflowers with special guest The Wild Flowers live in concert at Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park in Indianapolis. For more, visit rocktheruins.com.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Lasley

Join us under the sea!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

CHASE RICE

June 14

Chase Rice with special guest Drake White at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in Fishers.

For more, visit npdamp.com.

RICK SPRINGFIELD

June 17

Rick Springfield: I Want My 80’s Tour live at the Fishers Event Center.

For more, visit fisherseventcenter.com.

BAND OF HORSES

June 18

Band of Horses will perform at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in Fishers.

For more, visit npdamp.com.

“SEUSSICAL, JR.’

June 20-25

Civic Theatre presents a journey from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, narrated by the Cat in the Hat. The story centers on Horton the Elephant and his discovery of a dust speck inhabited by the Whos.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.com.

‘TITANIC THE MUSICAL’

June 20 & 21

Actors Theatre of Indiana presents a soaring musical depicting the triumphs, tragedies and intimate stories of diverse passengers, from poor immigrants to the wealthy elite like aboard the “Ship of Dreams.”

For more, visit thecenterpresents.com.

WATCHHOUSE

June 20

Watchhouse with special guest Two Runner live in concert at Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park in Indianapolis.

For more, visit rocktheruins.com.

JAMES ARTHUR

June 21

James Arthur live in concert at Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park in Indianapolis. For more, visit rocktheruins.com.

PEACE ON EARTH: BEETHOVEN’S 9TH SYMPHONY

June 22

Experience the joy of fellowship with Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s season finale. Experience the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Choir’s season finale, a dream of peace featuring Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, humanity’s monument to universal love, and Schoenberg’s Peace on Earth.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.com.

REVUE!

June 23

Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program presents REVUE! Central Indiana high schoolers will showcase scenes, dance, solo, trio and small group performances in a fun, cabaret-style evening. For more, visit thecenterpresents.com.

THE RETURN OF THE KING

June 27

See award-winning Tyler Christopher and The Roustabout Showband in The Return of the King, a top Elvis tribute show. For more, visit thecenterpresents.com.

ELTON & ME

June 29

Pianist and singer-songwriter Salvadore Liberto delivers a solo concert of piano and voice, playing the Rocket Man’s songs alongside his own.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.com.

SUNDAY SUMMER CONCERTS AT LIONS PARK

July 6 - Aug. 3

Enjoy the music in Zionsville’s Lions Park Sunday evenings July 6 - Aug. 3. Beginning at 7 p.m. enjoy the annual concerts by the gazebo. Food is available for a donation. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music! For more, visit zionsvillelions.com

ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES AND THE WOOD BROTHERS

July 10

St. Paul & The Broken Bones and The Wood Brothers with special guest Yasmin Williams live in concert at Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park in Indianapolis.

For more, visit rocktheruins.com.

LA TENGO + BUILT TO SPILL

July 17

Yo La Tengo and Built to Spill live at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in Fishers.

For more, visit npdamp.com.

‘WAITRESS’

July 17 - Aug. 31

Beef & Boards presents Sara Bareilles’ musical, a heartwarming story of friendship, motherhood, and finding happiness through pie in a small town.

For more, visit beefandboards.com.

SHAKEY GRAVES: AND THE WAR CAME - 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

July 20

Shakey Graves with special guest Hovvdy at Broad Ripple Park in Indianapolis. For more, visit broadripplepark.com.