Founded Oct. 14, 2025, at Brownsburg, IN Vol. I, No. 23
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Opinions
The views of the columnists in Current in Brownsburg are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
Investigation finds church’s former pastor committed clergy sexual abuse
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
An independent investigation has concluded that former Brownsburg Vineyard Church Senior Pastor Denis Roy engaged in clergy sexual abuse involving multiple women, exploiting his role as a spiritual leader and counselor to form inappropriate relationships with congregants.
The 66-page report released Feb. 8 by The Stier Group, a Fort Worth, Texas, law firm hired by Vineyard USA, examined allegations of misconduct against Roy, the church’s response and whether church leaders were aware of previous concerns. Investigators reviewed documents, emails and witness statements and interviewed reported victims and church leaders.
The report found that Roy used his position as pastor and counselor to cultivate emotionally intimate relationships with vulnerable congregants, gradually crossing professional boundaries through personal conversations, physical contact and persistent texting.
Clergy sexual abuse occurs when a religious leader uses their authority to initiate sexual or romantic relationships with people under their pastoral care, the report states, emphasizing that such relationships are inherently abusive because of the imbalance of power. Investigators examined allegations from three women — identified in the report as RV1, RV2 and RV3 — whose accounts described similar patterns of behavior despite some of them never meeting.
Brownsburg Vineyard Church terminated Roy’s employment May 16, 2025, after completing its internal review of the allegations.
In a statement issued that day, church leaders said Roy was removed from all leadership roles “due to inappropriate conduct with women based on information that has come to light as part of an independent investigation into allegations of clergy sexual misconduct.”
Roy and his wife, who also held leadership roles at the church, had been placed on administrative leave Feb. 26, 2025, when Vineyard USA initiated the investigation.
After receiving the final report, church leadership said the findings con-
ROY INVESTIGATION
2015 — Roy arrested after Goodwill accuses him of shoplifting merchandise. He later pleads guilty and repays the value of the item.
Dec. 7, 2016 — Roy appointed chaplain for the Brownsburg Fire Territory. Feb. 26, 2025 — Roy and his wife placed on administrative leave as Vineyard USA begins independent investigation.
firmed the decision to remove Roy.
“Denis Roy committed clergy sexual abuse resulting in significant harm— harm to victims, harm to families, and harm to our congregation,” the church said in a statement released Feb. 10.
Church leaders also acknowledged failures within their processes and said they plan to implement recommendations outlined in the report.
“We grieve over the pain that our failures have caused to these victims,” the statement said. “We are committed to healing for victims and reform in our processes and culture.”
A spokesperson for Brownsburg Vineyard Church said the church continues to offer counseling resources and is working to implement the investigator’s recommendations.
“We are caring for those who have been harmed and are working hard to implement recommendations made by the independent investigator,” the church stated in a written response.
According to the investigation, Roy’s behavior followed a consistent pattern that investigators described as grooming and boundary violations.
Women interviewed during the investigation said Roy often initiated relationships through pastoral counseling or spiritual mentorship before escalating interactions through personal conversations and physical contact.
One woman in the report said Roy maintained nearly constant communication through text messages while serving as her pastor during a period of marital struggles.
Others described prolonged hugs, comments about their appearance and conversations that investigators said blurred professional boundaries.
May 16, 2025 — Brownsburg Vineyard Church terminates Roy’s employment following review of misconduct allegations.
May 28, 2025 — Brownsburg Fire Territory removes Roy as chaplain. Feb. 8, 2026 — The Stier Group completes an independent investigation report.
Feb. 9, 2026 — Brownsburg Community School Corp. officials confirm Roy resigned from his position as a school bus driver following his employment that started at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year.
Feb. 10, 2026 — Brownsburg Vineyard Church publicly announces the report’s findings.
Investigators said Roy’s explanations changed when confronted with new information, raising credibility concerns.
The report also concluded that Roy had been confronted with boundary violations earlier in his ministry career but continued similar behavior despite those warnings.
Investigators found evidence that both Brownsburg Vineyard Church and Vineyard USA had some prior knowledge of past misconduct allegations involving Roy before he began leading the Brownsburg congregation.
Roy had several ties to the Brownsburg community outside of his church leadership.
According to the report, Roy was arrested in 2015 after Goodwill accused him of stealing merchandise. He later pleaded guilty and repaid the value of the item, according to court records referenced in the investigation.
At the time, Roy served as chaplain
An independent investigation into former Brownsburg Vineyard Church Senior Pastor Denis Roy found evidence of clergy sexual abuse involving multiple women. (Photo by Alicia Kelly)
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School corp. agrees to $650K settlement
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
The Brownsburg Community School Corp. has agreed to pay $650,000 to settle a federal lawsuit filed by a former high school orchestra teacher who resigned after refusing to address transgender students by their preferred names and pronouns, according to court documents.
and school counselors also told administrators that the approach contributed to an uncomfortable environment in the orchestra class.
The settlement ends years of litigation involving former Brownsburg High School music teacher John Kluge, who left his position in 2018 after district officials enforced a policy requiring staff to use names and gender identifiers listed in the school’s official student database.
In January 2018, district leaders reaffirmed the policy requiring staff to use students’ preferred names and pronouns. Court records say Kluge asked whether the rule applied to him and was told he would need to follow it or face disciplinary action. Officials told him he could comply, resign or risk termination.
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Court filings in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana show the agreement resolves Kluge’s claims against the district. The settlement also requires Brownsburg schools to provide additional training for senior administrators on religious discrimination protections under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Kluge was hired in 2014 as the orchestra and music teacher at Brownsburg High School, according to court records. Three years later, the district implemented a policy directing teachers to use the names and pronouns listed in the student database, which could be updated if a parent and physician submitted documentation.
On the first day of the 2017 school year, Kluge informed Brownsburg High School Principal Bret Daghe that he had a religious objection to using the preferred names and pronouns of transgender students, court records state. School officials initially allowed accommodation that permitted him to address all students by their last names rather than their first names.
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The arrangement was intended to allow Kluge to avoid language he said conflicted with his Christian beliefs. However, the district later determined the practice created problems in the classroom.
According to court documents, at least two transgender students reported feeling singled out and harmed by the policy. Other students, staff members
Kluge submitted his resignation that year. During a June 2018 school board meeting, the board accepted his resignation even though he attempted to withdraw it beforehand, according to filings. He later filed a lawsuit alleging the district discriminated against him because of his religious beliefs and forced him from his job.
A federal judge ruled in July 2021 that the district did not force Kluge to resign and concluded that accommodating his request indefinitely would have created an “undue hardship” for the school. The court found the teacher had not provided sufficient evidence to support his claims.
The decision was upheld in April 2023 by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Judges wrote that the district attempted to accommodate Kluge but later found the last-name approach caused students to feel “disrespected, targeted, and dehumanized” and disrupted the learning environment.
After the U.S. Supreme Court revisited standards for workplace religious accommodations in 2023, the appeals court allowed Kluge’s remaining claim to proceed toward a jury trial. The case was scheduled for trial this spring before the parties reached a settlement.
In a statement provided through his legal team, Kluge said he believed the agreement demonstrates that schools must respect employees’ religious convictions.
School district officials said the settlement does not change their view that the school system acted appropriately and followed federal law.
For full statements from Kluge and School officials, visit youarecurrent. com/?p=268703.
Kluge
Build-to-rent community offers flexible housing
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
A growing housing trend is making its way to Brownsburg, offering residents a way to live in a single-family home without the commitment of buying one.
The community, called The Mural, features single-family homes built specifically for rent. The development represents what the housing industry calls a “build-to-rent” concept — a model designed to provide the space and lifestyle of a traditional home while maintaining the flexibility of renting.
Located in Brownsburg, the neighborhood will include 165 homes when construction is completed. The homes range in size and style, including townhome-style layouts and larger single-family houses with multiple bedrooms and garages.
Jillian Fikkert, vice president of sales and marketing for Buckingham Homes, said the concept helps address the need for people who want the benefits of a home but are not ready or able to purchase one.
“I think some people just don’t really understand what the vision behind the project is,” Fikkert said. “They truly are single-family homes for rent.”
Fikkert said developments like The Mural are designed to fill a housing gap for residents who want more space than an apartment.
“This product type really fills that middle space,” she said. “It allows people to have a true neighborhood setting and the feel of a single-family home while still maintaining the flexibility
that renting provides.”
Unlike traditional apartment complexes, the homes are designed to offer a suburban neighborhood feel. Residents can rent full homes while avoiding responsibilities such as maintenance, which is handled by property management.
Monthly rent typically starts in the low $2,000 range and can reach around $3,000, depending on the floor plan and availability, according to the company.
Fikkert said the model appeals to a wide range of residents. Young professionals, families and homeowners transitioning out of longtime houses have all shown interest in the development.
Some renters are looking for flexibility as their life circumstances change, such as relocating for work or wanting access to certain school districts. Others may be waiting to purchase a home until the housing market shifts or until they are ready for a long-term commitment.
“It allows people to have that single-family lifestyle without having to worry about maintenance and still have flexibility,” Fikkert said.
The neighborhood is also designed to encourage a sense of community.
The project is a partnership between Onyx+East, which is developing and building the homes, and Buckingham Homes, which manages the property.
Fikkert said Brownsburg was selected because of the area’s continued growth and the demand for additional housing options.
“Brownsburg’s continued growth and strong housing market made it a natural fit for the build-to-rent concept,” she said.
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Sharla’s story began at Hendricks — so did her children’s, and she hopes her grandchildren’s will, too. A lifelong Hendricks County resident and county government employee, she’s proud to call this community home. When a routine blood pressure check revealed dangerously high numbers, Sharla turned to Hendricks for help. With her care team’s support, she tackled one issue, one goal at a time and reclaimed her health. Today, she’s walking, gardening, and thriving. We’re here to help you begin your journey — where roots run deep. Begin at Hendricks.org/OwnIt.
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School renovations continue amid enrollment growth
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
Brownsburg Community School Corp. officials say ongoing renovations at Brownsburg High School are progressing as enrollment continues to rise, pushing the school into the ranks of the largest high schools in the state.
During the March 9 school board meeting, Assistant Superintendent of Operations Shane Hacker said recent athletic reclassification data from the Indiana High School Athletic Association shows the school has grown from the 10th-largest high school in Indiana to the eighth largest.
The high school has about 3,400 students. Hacker noted that enrollment growth over the past decade has been significant. During the 2013–14 school year, Brownsburg was the 18th-largest high school in the state.
The district has been working through a series of renovations and updates to help accommodate the growing student population. One of the next major milestones will be reached this month, when the school’s main gymnasium closes for renovations after the annual Bulldog Spectacular show choir event.
The renovation will include replacing the gym floor, updating bleachers and addressing heating and ventilation systems.
The refreshed varsity gym is expected to reopen in October, in time for the girls basketball season.
Another major project milestone is scheduled for April 6, when several newly renovated areas of the school will reopen. Those spaces include a second-floor connector hallway linking the main building and the Senior Academy, updated locker rooms, art classrooms and a new television studio for the school’s growing broadcasting program.
The connector hallway is expected to improve student movement throughout the building, particularly as thousands of students travel between different wings of the school each day.
Hacker said the district is working to use every square foot of the building efficiently as Brownsburg’s student population continues to grow.
Town balances growth and tax stability
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
Brownsburg is growing, but town leaders say the goal isn’t simply adding new buildings — it’s managing that growth in a way that keeps the commu nity financially stable and livable.
From new businesses to higher-value homes, the town is carefully coordinat ing commercial and residential devel opment to ensure residents continue to receive quality services without facing steep tax increases.
“Commercial growth is important for main taining a strong tax base, but it’s only one part of the Town’s broader planning process,” said Town Council President Ben Lacey. “Our goal is not growth for growth’s sake. The goal is balanced development that supports the community financially while protecting the quality of life residents expect.”
Commercial development plays a central role in the town’s financial plan ning. Businesses contribute property taxes and generate jobs, helping offset the cost of services such as police, fire, parks and street maintenance. Since 2019, Brownsburg has added more than $350 million in commercial assessed value, reducing pressure on homeowners’ tax bills and keeping the town’s tax rate relatively stable.
“Our goal is not growth for growth’s sake. The goal is balanced development that supports the community financially while protecting the quality of life residents expect.”
– BEN LACEY
said this high occupancy underscores the town’s focus on attracting businesses that provide meaningful employment opportunities, generate assessed value and strengthen the long-term economic base while requiring relatively few municipal services.
Brownsburg is also intentionally guiding residential growth. Town officials are targeting higher-value single-family homes that provide sustainable revenue to support municipal services. At the same time, the town recognizes the need for diverse housing options to accommodate young families, first-time buyers and local workers.
“Future planning efforts will continue to consider opportunities for young families, first-time buyers and the local workforce,” Lacey said.
He emphasized that managing growth isn’t only about money.
The town has also used tax abatements as a tool to attract new employers, particularly in industries that provide high-paying, stable jobs. Lacey said abatements are considered only when a project meets strategic goals, contributes to local employment and will increase assessed value over time.
A recent example is the HarperCollins Publishers project. Before development, the site contributed roughly $6,000 a year in property taxes. Once operational, it is projected to generate more than $310,000 annually, even under a phased-in abatement.
Demand for industrial space in Brownsburg has been strong in recent years, with nearly all new facilities fully occupied. Of the 11 industrial buildings constructed since 2020, 10 are leased and one remains partially available, totaling about 45,000 square feet. Lacey
“All projects are evaluated for traffic impact, infrastructure capacity, land use compatibility and potential effects on surrounding neighborhoods,” he said.
The town’s TECH Committee includes representatives from the school corporation, fire territory, utilities and other partners, ensuring that new development doesn’t overburden existing services.
Looking ahead, Brownsburg is preparing for continued expansion with major infrastructure projects, including a potential new Interstate 74 interchange, North Green Street corridor improvements and planning for a fourth fire station. A new police training facility and expanded Street Department operations are also planned.
By coordinating commercial investment, residential growth, and infrastructure planning, Lacey says the town is setting a foundation that protects taxpayers, maintains essential services and prepares the community for sustainable growth in the decades to come.
Lacey
Continued from Page 2 for the Brownsburg Police Department but was removed from the role immediately following the arrest.
Roy was later appointed chaplain for the Brownsburg Fire Territory Dec. 7, 2016. Fire officials removed him from that position May 28, 2025, after learning he was no longer serving as pastor at Brownsburg Vineyard Church.
Roy also briefly worked as a school bus driver for Brownsburg Community School Corp. during the 2025-26 school year. School officials confirmed he resigned Feb. 9, 2026, after several months working for the district’s transportation department.
Letta Cartlidge, a victim advocate who supported one of the women interviewed in the investigation, said the emotional impact of clergy abuse can be especially profound because it undermines a person’s faith and sense of identity.
“You can’t even imagine how that twists somebody’s spiritual beliefs,” Cartlidge said. “They’re trying to figure out who they are again and what they believe.”
Cartlidge said transparency and accountability are critical to preventing similar abuse in religious communities.
“Awareness is the only way this stops,” she said. “Secrets protect the person who caused the harm.”
DISPATCHES
Indy Design Week set — Indy Design Week has announced the schedule for its 8th annual festival celebrating the Greater Indianapolis area’s design community. Indy Design Week 2026 is set for April 20-25, with a kickoff party, coffee meetups, lunch and learn speakers, a walking tour, an art and design market and more. For more, visit indydesignweek.com.
Egg hunt at Washington Township Park — Families can celebrate spring at a community egg hunt April 4 at the Upper Field of Washington Township Park in Avon. The free event runs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and will feature age-group egg hunts for children under 2, ages 3 to 5, 6 to 9 and 10 and older. There will be photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. Participants are encouraged to bring baskets for collecting eggs. The event is open to families throughout the community.
COMMUNITY
MAIN STREET DREAMS
New shop blends custom apparel, local vendors and family entrepreneurship
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
When customers step inside The Rodriguez Way, they’ll find more than racks of boutique clothing and custom T-shirts.
They’ll also find a story of entrepreneurship, family support and a desire to showcase local creativity.
Owner Lauren Pardo-Rodriguez opened the boutique Feb. 28 along East Main Street in Brownsburg, turning a small storefront into a shop that features custom apparel, locally made goods and books from area authors.
“It’s kind of a pinch-me moment,” Pardo-Rodriguez said. “People came in on opening day and said they’ve been following me for years. That was really cool to hear.”
The boutique grew from humble beginnings. Pardo-Rodriguez first began designing custom T-shirts in 2022 while pregnant with her first child, working out of a small vendor booth at Gizmo’s Galleria.
At the time, she was working long hours and looking for a way to balance work with raising a family.
“I started small and just figured it out as I went,” she said. “You try things, you learn what works and what doesn’t.”
Over time, her custom apparel business began gaining recognition among local customers, eventually leading her to consider opening a storefront.
The opportunity came when she and her husband, Andres Pardo-Rodriguez, were searching for office space for his tile installation company, Andy’s Clean Lines Tile & Stone.
The couple rented the building, which had previously been used as a garage and later an office space. The tile business occupies part of the property next door, but there was more space than they needed.
Rather than leave it unused, they decided to transform the extra room into a boutique.
“We were originally just looking for an office,” Pardo-Rodriguez said. “Then we realized we had more space than we needed, and I thought, ‘What if we turned this into a storefront?’”
The building required significant renovation before opening. Pardo-Rodriguez said the interior was outdated and worn, but the couple saw potential in the space.
Her husband installed new flooring and tile features while the pair repainted both the interior and exterior.
Pardo-Rodriguez even worked on the renovations while pregnant with their second child.
“I was outside painting the front around one in the morning while pregnant,” she said, laughing. “But when you’re determined, you just keep going.”
Today, the boutique reflects both businesses. Decorative tile accents and displays showcase the craftsmanship of Andy’s Clean Lines Tile & Stone while the boutique offers apparel, accessories and custom designs created by Pardo-Rodriguez.
Besides clothing, the shop also highlights local creators.
Among the items available are books by retired Brownsburg police officer Pete Fleck and Indianapolis author Lauren Helms, along with diffuser oils from Boles Homemade and custom signage by Tag Sandwich Productions.
Pardo-Rodriguez said featuring local vendors is a priority for the boutique.
“It’s really easy for boutiques to just order everything from big wholesale websites,” she said. “But I’d rather connect with local people first and support them.”
The store also includes a pickup station outside for customers who place custom orders online and prefer quick curbside retrieval — a feature designed with busy parents in mind.
“I try to think about working families,” she said. “Sometimes, people don’t want to unload three kids just to grab something.”
While the business is still new, community support has already made an impact. Pardo-Rodriguez said fellow small-business owners stopped by during opening weekend, including local entrepreneurs who welcomed the boutique to Brownsburg’s small-business community.
For Pardo-Rodriguez and her husband, both graduates of Brownsburg High School, the shop represents years of hard work and a chance to contribute to the town they grew up in.
“We were both raised by single parents,” she said. “Nothing was handed
LOCAL BRANDS AND AUTHORS FEATURED AT THE RODRIQUEZ WAY:
• Author and retired Brownsburg police officer Pete Fleck
• Indianapolis-based author Lauren Helms
• Tag Sandwich Productions custom signs
• Boles Homemade diffuser oils
to us. We just work hard and hope the community supports us.”
The boutique is open Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sundays and Mondays.
For Pardo-Rodriguez, the future of the shop will depend on that community support — but she’s optimistic.
“Right now, it’s sink or swim,” she said. “But we’re excited to see where it goes.”
ON THE COVER: Lauren and Andres PardoRodriguez outside new storefront, The Rodriguez Way, on opening day Feb. 28 in Brownsburg. (Photo provided by The Rodriguez Way)
Custom apparel, accessories and locally sourced goods inside The Rodriguez Way, which opened Feb. 28 on East Main Street in Brownsburg. (Photo by Alicia Kelly)
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Ale Emporium opens fourth restaurant in Avon
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
A popular Indianapolis-area sports bar known for its signature wings and pizza has expanded west with a new location in Avon.
Ale Emporium opened its fourth restaurant March 9 at 7510 Beechwood Road, marking the company’s first venture into Hendricks County after more than four decades in business in the Indianapolis area.
The Avon site follows additional locations in Castleton, Fishers and Greenwood and is designed to mirror the layout of the company’s newer restaurants. The 12,000-square-foot space includes family dining areas along with a bar restricted to guests 21 and older.
Co-owner Scott Baun said the expansion responds to longtime customers who have traveled across the region to visit the restaurant.
“For years people have told us they drive across town just for Hermanaki wings,” Baun said. “Opening in Avon lets us bring Ale Emporium closer to a lot of those guests. Hendricks County has a great local energy, and we’re excited to become part of the community and give people a place to watch games, hear live music and hang out with friends and family.”
The restaurant features 36 beer taps with a mix of local, domestic and imported options, more than 100 televisions and a 136-inch LED screen positioned above a stage designed for live music. A covered patio and a dedicated carryout area are also part of the layout, allowing guests to pick up food separately from dine-in traffic.
Ale Emporium first opened in 1982 in Castleton and has grown into a wellknown Indianapolis sports bar brand, particularly recognized for its Hermanaki wings and Honest Pizza.
Sensory Easter egg hunt — The Washington Township Parks and Recreation Department will host a sensory-friendly Easter egg hunt March 28 at Pecar Nature Park in Avon. The event runs from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and is designed for individuals who may benefit from a quieter, personalized egg hunt experience. Organizers will schedule five separate hunts at 15-minute intervals. Families are asked to note if siblings will participate so organizers can prepare enough eggs. Registration is available at the department’s website, washingtontwpparks.org/.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Representatives from David Weekley Homes present a replica check for $11,587 to the Riley Children’s Foundation, marking 13 years of partnership between the builder and the hospital. Since the collaboration began, the home builder has
$107,000 to Riley Hospital for Children through its CARE philanthropic program. (Photo Courtesy of David Weekley Homes)
Discover the power of nutrition
Commentary by Lisa Maccaroni
March is National Nutrition Month, an annual celebration created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 1973. The month encourages everyone to explore how everyday food and lifestyle choices can support a healthier, happier life. This year’s theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” highlights how nutrition fuels both mind and body.
NUTRITION AS DAILY FUEL
What we eat influences energy, focus, physical performance, recovery from illness, and even the quality of our sleep. Good nutrition isn’t about perfection; it’s about making small, meaningful changes that add up over time. Simple steps, such as planning meals ahead and creating a grocery list, can ease stress and support healthier choices throughout the week.
LONG-TERM HEALTH ADVICE BACKED BY SCIENCE
Nutrition also plays a key role in disease prevention, mental well-being, and long-term health. One goal of National Nutrition Month is to help individuals seek reliable, science-based information to guide their choices. The Academy offers practical resources through the National Nutrition Month Hub and the Nutrition Fact Check series at eatright.org and eatrightpro.org/ nutritionfactcheck.
BUILDING PRACTICAL SKILLS
This month also emphasizes building everyday skills that make nutritious eating more achievable, such as choosing foods from all food groups, preparing meals safely, reducing food waste, and using what you already have to create balanced meals. Nutrition is not only about what’s on your plate but also about the confidence and knowledge to prepare nourishing meals in your own kitchen.
Lisa Maccaron is the clinical nutrition manager of Nutrition and Dietetics at Hendricks Regional Health. She is a certified specialist in oncology nutrition.
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Idol’ alum set for Feinstein’s
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Casey Abrams is known for his upright bass and musical blend of blues, jazz, soul and rock.
Abrams will perform with singer Hunter April 10-11 at Feinstein’s at Carmel’s Hotel Carmichael as part of a series presented by Allied Solutions Center. Hunter’s full name is Hunter Elizabeth, but she prefers to go by Hunter. The series, featuring four acts, opens with country singer-songwriter Maggie Baugh March 20-21. Morgan James will perform March 27-28, and the series closes with Will Hoge May 8-9. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
Abrams also performed at Feinstein’s last year.
“It was awesome,” he said. “It looks like such a cool place. I’ll do a bunch of my songs, and I’ll have (Hunter) come out and do some of her songs. We’ll do some nice duets. She’ll put her velvety voice on some of the songs.”
Abrams’ website is caseybassy. com, and social media accounts are @caseybassy, a nod to his playing the upright bass.
“I will do songs that I’ve written about food,” he said. “I’m a really big food person, so I have to do that. There’s a grand piano on stage, so I’ll probably play some piano and a guitar just to shake things up a bit. I’ll be the band for the night.”
Hunter plays a percussion instrument called a cajon.
Abrams performed in the Dave Koz holiday concert last year at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Abrams will perform on Dave Koz’s cruise later this month before the Feinstein’s shows. In June, he is doing a one-month residency in Hong Kong.
Abrams enjoys sharing stories and interacting with the audience.
“I love walking into the audience and making it a 4D experience and you never know what’s going to happen,” he said.
Abrams finished sixth in the 10th season of “American Idol” in 2012. His favorite moment was performing a song with actor Jack Black, who has a band called Tenacious D.
“I was a huge fan of Jack Black’s band,” he said.
So, when a producer asked Abrams who he wanted to sing with in the fina-
le, he said it might sound crazy, but he wanted to sing with Black. Abrams said the producer didn’t know Black was a singer. They performed Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls.”
Abrams said Black appeared in one of Abrams’ music videos after “American Idol.” Abrams views the overall “American Idol” experience as a positive.
“There was a time where I was, ‘Oh man, get that away from my name,’” Abrams said. “The more I go on, I realize it turned me into a full-time musician, so I have to thank it for that.”
In addition, he launched an “American Idol” weekly podcast in December 2025 called “Idols with Casey Abrams,” where he interviews former “American Idol” contestants and others who have been on reality shows.
Abrams occasionally performs with Scott Bradlee’s “Postmodern Jukebox” band.
Abrams’ most recent album is “Jazz,” and he recently rereleased his live album, “Casey Abrams Live.” He also has released some singles, including the unique “Spin Me Round.”
“This is why I love the internet,” he said. “I was on TikTok and I saw a guy filming his dryer with shoes or something in it. It was making a cool beat. So, I did a duet where I played my upright bass over it on the other side of the screen. That took over and all these random people started playing drums or guitar or even rapping over it. Then there was a saxophone player named Augie Bello, who played saxophone over it.” For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
Casey Abrams will perform with Hunter April 10-11 at Feinstein’s at Carmel’s Hotel Carmichael. (Photo courtesy of Feinstein’s)
BAKERY
Rise’n Roll Bakery risenroll.com (317) 798-0800
Long’s Bakery longsbakery.com (317) 632-3741
Eat & Drink
BAR
3UP
3uprooftop.com (317) 740-0930
Crate Escapes Dog Park + Bar crateescapeswestfield.com (317) 785-7872
BBQ
Big Hoffa’s Smokehouse bighoffas.com (317) 867-0077
Rusted Silo Southern BBQ & Brew House rustedsilobrewhouse.com (317) 994-6145
BREAKFAST
Rosie’s Place rosiesplace.net/ (317) 688-7350
Cafe Patachou cafepatachou.com (317) 569-0965
BREWERY
Field Brewing fieldbrewing.com (317) 804-9780
Guggman Haus Brewing Co. guggmanhausbrewing.com (317) 602-6131
Titus Bakery and Deli titusbakery.com (317) 763-1700
Thank you for naming IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center to the “Best of Suburban Indy 2026.”
We are proud to serve Hamilton County and surrounding communities with the highest level of cancer care. Congratulations to our team for this recognition and their dedication to excellent patient care.
Learn more at iuhealth.org/cancer
GREEK / MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT
ATHENS ON 86th athenson86th.com (317) 879-8644
Canal Bistro canal-bistro.com (317) 254-8700
HAPPY HOUR
1933 Lounge by St. Elmo 1933lounge.com (317) 758-1933
At Meridian Audiology we give our patients the time and care that they deserve and expect. We are a small private Audiology practice and we promise to provide you with the most up to date testing, information and treatment while listening to your needs and concerns. We provide Hearing Evaluations, Hearing Aid Sales and Service, Tinnitus Consults, Hearing Protection Devices and Adult Auditory Processing Disorder Evaluations and Treatment.
HOME MORTGAGE
Chad Justice-U.S. Bank Mortgage mortgage.usbank.comin/indianapolis/ chad-justice-1051969 (317) 264-2508
Union Savings Bank usavingsbank.com (317) 843-1006
