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Jack Laurie Group celebrates 75 years
By Sara Palmer northindy@youarecurrent.com
This year marks a major milestone for Jack Laurie Group. Founded in 1950 by a flooring installer with a vision, the company is celebrating its 75th anniversary, with commemorative events but also with gratitude and a forward-looking spirit.
ANNIVERSARY
The story began in 1948 when Jack Laurie, a young entrepreneur at 25, trained at Armstrong Flooring’s Installation School. Two years later, he launched Jack Laurie Floors out of a 250-square-foot garage in Fort Wayne. Initially focused on installing Armstrong vinyl asphalt tile, the company steadily grew, expanding to carpets, sheet vinyl and rubber flooring.
By the 1970s and ‘80s, the company had a loyal workforce and an increasingly strong reputation in the Fort Wayne commercial flooring market. Expansion continued into the ‘90s and early 2000s under the leadership of Jack’s son, John Laurie, who became president in 1995. Major milestones included a second location in Indianapolis in 1999, launching residential and specialty surfaces divisions and earning accolades such as the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Indiana Growth 100 Award.
The company grew rapidly, acquiring multiple businesses, launching new service lines, including painting, epoxy and resinous flooring, and establishing training and apprenticeship programs. By 2024, Jack Laurie Group had nearly 450 employees and generated more than $75 million in annual revenue, with plans to reach $120 million and expand statewide.
“We’re all incredibly proud and thankful for reaching the 75-year milestone,” CEO John Laurie said. “There have been many keys to reaching this level of success, but if I had to pick just one, I would say the company’s dedication has been a driving force. Dedication to our employees, our customers and the communities we serve.”
The company that began with one man in Fort Wayne now completes more than 4,000 projects annually, with team members across Indiana. For Laurie, the company’s story is one of resilience.
“We have battled through 10 recessions,” he said. “We would pivot, implement changes, have difficult conversations and make tough decisions.
Our ‘stick-to-it-ness’ is what I’m most proud of.”
President and Chief Operating Officer Dave Foellinger echoed that sense of pride, especially in the company’s people.
“We’ve always been a company that delivers our service through people,” he said. “Beyond just being a commercial flooring company, we are a people development company.”
Foellinger watched the company grow from 40 employees to more than 400, with a culture grounded in core values — integrity, accountability, candor and teamwork.
“When you build a company with people who share these same values, and when those core values are non-negotiable, the quality and operational excellence flows through every part of the company’s daily operations,” Foellinger said.
That culture resonates with employees like Tyler Burns, business unit leader for Jack Laurie Group’s residential division.
“For me, the core values show up in the small, everyday things,” Burns said. “It’s people being honest about mistakes, stepping up to help without being asked and having real conversations — even when
they’re tough. There’s a sense of ownership and trust that comes from everyone holding themselves to a high standard.”
The company will mark its 75th anniversary with a series of events for employees, families, vendors and customers. It began with a rebranding initiative in January, including a new logo and a refreshed look that reflects the company’s forward momentum.
One of the most meaningful acknowledgments includes honoring the “original eight” — the first employees who worked directly for founder Jack Laurie.
“The big things are just celebrating to say thanks to our employees and our customers,” Foellinger said. “And telling the story of where we came from, what got us here and where we’re going.”
For both Laurie and Foellinger, the message at the heart of the anniversary is clear: Thank you.
“When you grow from 40 to hundreds, it’s no longer about John Laurie, it’s no longer about Dave Foellinger,” Foellinger said. “These other great people are running the company and making it happen. It was no one man’s vision. It was no technology breakthrough. It was all the people. And so ‘thank you’ is the only message.”
For more, visit jacklauriegroup.com.
May 6, 2025
Current in Fishers & Geist currentinfishers.com
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Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XV, No. 16
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Jack Laurie Group Chief Executive Officer John Laurie, left, and President and Chief Operating Officer Dave Foellinger. (Photo courtesy of Jack Laurie Group)
Laurie Foellinger
Burns
Indy eyes end to Nickel Plate Trail work
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
City of Indianapolis Public Works crews recently removed train tracks crossing 82nd Street between Craig Street and Castleton Road, part of the last phase of a $15 million, multiyear trail project to connect the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Fall Creek, the Monon Trail, Castleton and Hamilton County.
CONNECTIONS
After 82nd Street was done, crews moved to 75th Street for similar track-removal work. That road was expected to be closed through May 7 and is the last anticipated road closure related to trail work.
The 9.6-mile multiuse trail segment will connect to and extend Hamilton County’s portion of the Nickel Plate Trail, the former route of the Nickel Plate Railroad. The Indy portion runs from 42nd Street and the Monon Trail to 96th Street, where a pedestrian bridge will connect the Marion and Hamilton county segments.
During a kickoff presentation before construction began in 2023, Gretchen Zortman, Indy Department of Public Works greenways and trails program manager, said the project was funded in part through a state Next Level Trails grant, along with city and private funding.
City County Councilor Dan Boots, District 3, said the project was identified through the Castleton Revitalization Plan as a catalyst for improving the Castleton area. He noted that the trail work is key to revitalizing the corridor but will be just the beginning.
“This is going to put in drainage and a 10-foot-wide path of asphalt,” he said. “It’s going to be up to us to turn it into a beautiful commercial success.”
Railroad tracks on 82nd Street have been removed for the Nickel Plate Trail. A bridge is planned for that crossing. (Photos courtesy of Indy DPW)
Construction of the Indianapolis portion of the Nickel Plate Trail is its final stages.
Doug Valmore, project manager, said the trail will follow about 90 percent of the former train tracks. There were a few sections that had to be rerouted because of busy traffic lanes, such as Keystone Avenue. However, he said there are future plans for a pedestrian bridge at Keystone and the trail could be rerouted if construction funding is secured.
The crossing at 82nd Street also is a challenge because it’s such a busy road.
“Let’s just be honest — there’s no way it’s easily going to get across 82nd,” he said. “The plan is to put a bridge there when money becomes available.”
Until then, he said some of the busier road crossings will have various methods for alerting vehicle traffic to pedestrians and other trail users, including raised crossings, lighted overhead warning signs, flashing signals and stoplights that trail users can activate by pushing a button.
Zortman noted that one portion of the trail is within the ongoing ClearPath highway construction project, which is due for completion in 2026. That segment of the trail will have to wait until after the ClearPath project is done.
For more, including weekly construction updates, visit indy.gov/activity/ nickel-plate-trail-gt-06-001.
NEXT LEVEL Preparing Students for the
Lawrence North students to present ‘Hadestown’
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Students from Lawrence North High School will present a modern musical adaptation of the classic Greek love story of Orpheus and Eurydice in their production of “Hadestown,” with performances set for May 9 and 10.
THEATER
The classic version of the story is about Orpheus, a demigod and a talented musician. He falls in love with Eurydice, who dies after their marriage and goes to the underworld. Orpheus goes after her and through his music convinces the god Hades to let Eurydice come back with him. Since it’s a Greek tragedy, though, the story doesn’t have a happy ending.
The musical incorporates jazz, rock and pop music in an Industrial Age setting, said Director Paul Pitts, who added that the production is the one of first high school performances of the Broadway musical.
“I think the kids are really doing a great
job by taking this new show that no one’s ever really done, except for people on Broadway … and making it their own and finding themselves,” he said.
Actors playing some of the main characters are Clive Guidry as Orpheus, Maya Maloof as Eurydice, Brianna Baariu as the goddess Persephone, Keaton Rehmel as Hades, Taylor Smith as the god Hermes,
Continued on Page 7
Lawrence North students practice a song from the school’s upcoming musical production of “Hadestown.” (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
Randy Shaffer Custom Homes celebrates 40 years
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
For Randy Shaffer, building houses is an inherited profession.
BUILDERS
“My dad was a builder, so I guess that pretty much says it all,” Shaffer said.
The owner of Randy Shaffer Custom Homes in Zionsville is celebrating his 40th anniversary in business this year.
“I followed my dad’s footsteps,” he said. “He was a builder and, in my teens, I was mostly just helping out and working on framing crews. I became a licensed electrician in my 20s and did that for 10 years or so, and that’s kind of how I got into the business — basically more or less, a second-generation builder.”
Shaffer built his first home — his personal residence — in the Village in Zionsville in the late 1980s, a classic Village-home style reflecting traditional architecture. Since then, Randy Shaffer Custom Homes has built scores of homes in and around central Indiana, with the help of a small crew, including a home designer, superintendent, office manager and social media coordinator.
Shaffer said no two custom homes are exactly the same.
“That keeps it interesting and I like the challenge every time,” he said. “Also, getting to meet new people, new homeowners, it’s rewarding, and that’s something that really matters to me.”
Shaffer said the key to success was starting at the ground level and working his way up. He said there is no substitute for hands-on experience and onthe-job training when it comes to home construction.
“Out of the 40 years that I’ve been doing this — I was 25 when I started, so even before that — I was working on jobs with a hammer,” he said. “On-the-job training is absolutely the best that you can do. I can go on a job right now and see problems before they happen — look at the structural things and say, ‘That’s not going to work’ or ‘That’s going to work.’ There’s no way that I could ever do that without actually knowing houses and using my hands to build a house.”
Shaffer said he was drawn to starting his own business because of a simple desire to have creative control of the process
from start to finish.
Randy Shaffer’s first custom home was his own residence in the Village in Zionsville built in the late 1980s. (Photo courtesy of Randy Shaffer)
“I wanted the freedom to do things my way and to build the homes I’m proud of and work directly with my clients,” he said. “Starting my own business allowed me to take control of the projects, the quality and the relationships I built along the way.”
Shaffer said owning a business has its own rewards and challenges. As a home builder, he said the biggest challenge is not knowing what the future might bring.
“One year you could be fully booked with more work than you know what to do with, and then the next year you might have zero,” he said. “You have to really know how to juggle that and have to stay flexible and ready to adapt as things change. Of course, the biggest reward of being a small business for me is flexibility to grow my business on my own terms.”
Shaffer said keeping up with trends helps to design what people want.
“Everybody says, ‘This is my last home’ or ‘I’m never moving,’ but nobody knows what’s going to happen,” he said. “I would say to sell the home if it needs to be sold. You want to have it fit your needs and your lifestyle, but also (have it) appeal to others down the road if you ever decide to sell.”
Shaffer said when choosing a custom home, the lot and size come first. But there are many other details to consider.
“One thing that’s very important is schools,” he said. “You want to be in a good school district. It’s also important to keep your budget in mind throughout the process. Custom homes should reflect your vision, but they should be financially where you want it. The goal is to build a home that fits the land, your lifestyle and your budget. And this should be part of a home — it should be sellable.”
Randy Shaffer Custom Homes serves clients throughout central Indiana. Learn more at randyshafferhomes.com.
Hamilton Southeastern softball pitcher continues dominance
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Hamilton Southeastern High School junior Grace Swedarsky is one of the most dominant softball pitchers in the state. But she understands there are more aspects to the game besides wins and losses.
“For the rest of the season, the goals I have for myself are to stay connected with everyone on the team and also just have fun and a good time,” she said. “My goals for the team would be that we play together and for each other and have a good time together because it is just a game and we should be having fun.”
Swedarsky helped lead the Royals to last year’s Class 4A IHSAA state title with an 18-2 record, a 1.05 earned run average and 270 strikeouts in 140 innings. She had 13 strikeouts in a 2-1 victory over New Palestine in the 4A title game. She was named MaxPreps Indiana Softball Player of the Year. As a freshman, she was 12-5 with a 1.35 ERA.
So far this season for the Royals (9-5), the right-hander is 7-2 with a 0.88 ERA and
GRACE SWEDARSKY
Favorite TV shows: “Survivor” and “Big Brother”
Favorite subjects: Math, physics and engineering
Favorite athlete: Steph Curry
Favorite musician: Taylor Swift
115 strikeouts in 56 innings.
The Royals have six varsity players, including five starters, returning from last year’s 25-4 team.
Royals coach Emily Pusti said Swedarsky’s calm presence and focus have been her biggest improvements.
“She puts a lot of work into her skills
and technique so that she can step on the mound feeling calm and ready,” Pusti said. “Her leadership is greatly, and positively, improving. She is finding a confident voice when addressing the team and enjoys being able to motivate her teammates.”
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Swedarsky said she has made the most strides with her athleticism.
“Being a pitcher, you don’t have that much fielding, but I have been putting in a lot of time working on it to prepare for anything coming my way,” she said.
Swedarsky said the Royals might have more versatility this season.
“This year, I feel like we have a lot more athletes that can play multiple positions, so that allows for us to be more flexible,” she said. “Although not bad, last year (we) had more athletes that specialized in a specific position.”
The highly-recruited Swedarsky, who plays for coach Jeff Bennett’s Indiana Magic Gold team during the travel softball season, committed to Virginia Tech University in the fall of 2024.
“I feel like it had the best balance of softball and academics, because I want to major in aerospace engineering,” she said. “Virginia Tech is also a home run-hitting team, and (having) that extra run support as a pitcher is important.”
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
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Hamilton Southeastern High School junior Grace Swedarsky was named MaxPreps Indiana Softball Player of the Year. (Photo courtesy of Ava Swedarsky)
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Editor,
Re: 4/29/25 — “Council unanimously approves rental cap”
“Congrats to the city council of Fishers, as once again, it chose the facts, data, and common-sense logic of the overwhelming number of Fishers’ homeowners in defeating the opponents of the ‘rental cap’.
This — despite an all-out opposition campaign to defeat the ‘cap’ proposal spearheaded in great part by, the Hamilton County Democratic Party, (lead proponent-antagonist, Jocelyn Vare). And by — the advertising-promotion efforts of, and newspaper content provided by, as well as authored by — Current Publishing, LLC (i.e., Current in Fishers & Geist).
...The opposition, cited on behalf of numerous misplaced arguments — while the Current was breaching it’s own mantras (alleging “fair & balanced” integrity) in promoting (if not ‘advertising’) for yet another favored, and politically motivated, ‘left leaning’ position.
The breached mantras include, Current Publishing’s own ‘CONTENT’ statement (See it’s web site); and, per it’s own “letter to the editors policies” (Current in Fishers & Geist): “...(letters) may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature.” Hmmm ? ...Is that so, Current ?
So, while we proud Fishers homeowners (Those of us with connected braincells), celebrate the “passing” of the rental cap — we must also ask ourselves: What kind of “news” (wink wink) are we really getting in Hamilton County from the Current, it’s self-proclaimed “community’s newspaper” ? “ Larry Bessert, Fishers
Editor’s note: Current’s policy regarding letters to the editor does not in any way preclude letters from residents expressing opinions on current events, including votes that will be coming before public bodies. Current published letters for and against the Fishers rental cap. To read all of Current’s published letters and news stories about the cap, visit youarecurrent.com.
VIEWS
READERS’ VIEWS
Actions speak louder than words
Editor,
A majority of the Hamilton Southeastern Schools board didn’t fight for your students’ education funding this legislative session. Instead, they fought for politics.
Actions speak louder than words. When someone shows you who they are, believe them.
After the 2025 session, these two adages were ringing in my ears.
Last year, the HSE community worked their collective tails off to ensure passage of our referendum. Tireless and thankless work was done by community members to secure adequate funding for our schools, since it doesn’t come from our state Legislature.
This year, as always, more cuts were on the Republican agenda. Our school board could have used their voices to change this. After all, the ethics of their positions
say to: “Ensure adequate facilities and resources are provided for the proper functioning of schools.”
Instead of showing up to testify on behalf of HSE for adequate funding, Board
President Juanita Albright, Vice President Tiffany Pascoe and Secretary Dawn Lang showed up to the Statehouse to testify for Senate Bill 287, a bill bringing political agendas to our school boards.
I’ll say that again more plainly: They used their time and their voices for politics and not for HSE students.
The ethics also say they should: “Refuse to or in any petty sense play politics in either the traditional partisan sense or in the petty sense.” Yet, that’s all they seem to do, work for,or care about. Their actions have shown us who they are and it’s time we believe them.
Alyssa Roberts, Fishers
Kidney donor sought
Editor,
My name is Scott Goodwin. I have been living in Fishers for the past 20 years with my wife and three children. Today, I am searching for a living donor who can donate a kidney to me in the near future. You see, since May 2022, my life has turned upside down when I was told by medical doctors that I have reached Stage 4 kidney failure.
Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disease that I inherited from my father. This disease grows cysts on and inside your kidneys. As you age, the cysts continue to grow until they take over and the kidneys lose functionality. This disease has been taking my family members for threeplus generations.
I am currently on the national kidney transplant list waiting for a deceased donor kidney to come my way. I carry a special flip cellphone and it will only ring one time. When that call comes in, I will have to drop what I am doing and rush to the transplant center, because a deceased kidney has come in for me.
However, the waitlist for a deceased donor’s kidney can be long, which brings me to the reason I am writing today. I am hoping to find a living donor who is willing to donate a kidney to me in order to help me get my life back on track.
If you would like additional information, visit my National Kidney Registry microsite: nkr.org/KRS378.
Scott Goodwin, Fishers
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday.
CONSUME
1933 Lounge in Carmel features sophisticated, welcoming design
Compiled by Zach Ross
The new 1933 Lounge in Carmel features an interior design that blends sophistication with a welcoming atmosphere, according to Craig Huse, CEO and co-owner of parent company Huse Culinary. In a recent Q&A, Huse detailed the vision behind the space, the intentional layout and key design elements that aim to create a distinct yet inviting experience for patrons.
What was the overarching vision or design concept for the interior of the 1933 Lounge?
Our vision for the 1933 Lounge in Carmel was to blend timeless sophistication with the welcoming warmth of a neighborhood retreat. We wanted to create an environment that felt both elevated and approachable – a place where guests could relax with a handcrafted cocktail or enjoy a full dining experience in a setting rich in character and detail. Shea Design out of Minneapolis helped bring that vision to life through classic materials, thoughtful finishes and a layout that invites guests to settle in and stay awhile.
While you have two other locations with this restaurant concept, the Carmel location feels distinct. What feeling did you aim to evoke in customers through the interior design?
With Carmel, we wanted to lean into the building’s high ceilings and comfort with polish. As guests walk in, they’re met with natural light, layered textures and an immediate sense of intimacy. It’s refined but not intimidating –familiar but special. Each 1933 Lounge has its own personality, and in Carmel, the design evokes a sense of calm sophistication that fits both the community and the space itself.
Could you describe the layout and flow of the space? The different areas within the restaurant feel cohesive yet retain their character?
The layout was very intentional. We created distinct zones – the bar, a multiuse private event/ dining area, patio, and dining and cocktail lounge
Natural light fills the dining and cocktail lounge areas of the 1933 Lounge in Carmel. The design includes layered textures and intentional sightlines throughout the space. (Photos by Curious Courtney’s Photography)
The centerpiece of the bar at Carmel’s 1933 Lounge is a customdesigned light fixture created by Bloom Lighting Group of Montreal. The fixture, measuring over 12 feet in diameter and
was assembled on-site.
areas — each with its own vibe using various design elements and materials. We focused heavily on sightlines to the bar and spacing to ensure guests could move comfortably through the space without disrupting the experience of others. The bar located deep into the space allows for both energy and intimacy, allowing guests to enjoy a quiet dinner, cocktails and conversations with friends or a lively evening out.
What were your key priorities when selecting the furniture, including tables, chairs and booths?
We wanted comfort without compromising on style. Every piece was selected to support relaxed visits – high-quality materials, plush upholstery and solid craftsmanship. Booths were designed for a cozy, enveloping feel, while chairs and barstools offer structure and support without being overly formal. Durability was also key, given the number of guests we anticipate, but we didn’t want anything to feel utilitarian. Everything had to contribute to the mood of the restaurant and lounge.
What role does lighting play in establishing the overall ambiance?
Lighting is one of the most powerful design tools influencing mood, and we approached it very intentionally. During the day, the natural light floods the space, highlighting the textures and details of the design. In the evening, layered lighting –pendants, sconces, accent lights –creates a warm, flattering glow that enhances the richness of the materials and makes the space feel intimate and inviting. It’s about setting a tone that reflects our restaurant mood intent and evolves with the time of day while remaining consistently welcoming.
Are there any lesser-known or hidden design features within the space that you could share?
Yes, the Solarium with operable windows is a versatile space with ample natural light and can transform into a private event area. It’s a subtle yet impactful feature that enhances the dining experience.
For an extended version of this story, visit youarecurrrent.com. For more on the restaurant, visit 1933Lounge.com
A detail of the high-back, curved seating at the 1933 Lounge in Carmel showcases the “Panthera” leopard fabric by Mokum in gold and olive, used on custom chairs from Lily Jack. (Photos by Curious Courtney’s Photography)
Form, scale and materials combine in the lighting selections at the 1933 Lounge in Carmel, including this decorative fixture.
Wall decor adds character to a space within the 1933 Lounge in Carmel.
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Hamilton County businesses join viral chocolate craze
By Jessica Todd
The Dubai chocolate craze has arrived in Hamilton County.
Dubai chocolate, a chocolate bar typically consisting of chocolate, knafeh and pistachios, was first created by Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai in 2021. It was popularized over the last year after videos promoting the treat went viral on social media platforms such as TikTok.
Several Hamilton County businesses, such as Yafa Golden Coffee in Noblesville, Melt n Dip in Fishers and Noga International Market in Westfield began selling versions of Dubai chocolate within the last year.
Yafa Golden Coffee, a familyowned coffee shop and bakery at 14160 Mundy Dr., offers several treats inspired by the viral chocolate, including croissants, strawberry cups, cheesecake and chocolate bars.
“It all started with the bars,” Assistant Manager Abdullah Ali said. “Dubai chocolate bars started going crazy in the Middle East, and through TikTok, it reached America.”
Ali said the business opened in the summer of 2024, and Dubai chocolate helped draw customers.
“The demand wasn’t super high at first, but once we started pushing it out through our social media pages, it was like boom,” Ali said. “In our treats, we use premium pistachio cream, fresh strawberries, Belgian chocolate and knafeh — shredded dough.”
Noga International Market at 3026 Ind. 32, a grocery store offering baked goods, coffee and international foods, also sells Dubai chocolate. The store’s owner, who simply goes by the name Bebo, said posting about it on social media also drew crowds to the small market.
“Social media was not an environment we knew about, but once we saw Dubai chocolate getting popular, we started selling small and large Dubai chocolate bars and posting on Facebook about it,” Bebo said.
Bebo said customers come in every day requesting the bars, which he makes fresh daily with pistachios and pistachio paste, crispy knafeh and a mixture of milk and dark Belgium chocolate.
“We could barely cover the demand,” Bebo said. “Most of the regular stores in Indiana sell the chocolate bars made in a factory, which are made with cheap products and are super thin. Ours are made fresh and have a thick layer of the filling.”
Melt n Dip at 9840 E. 116th St. also has had several videos go viral on social media for its Dubai chocolate strawberry cups — a combination of strawberries, Belgian chocolate, creamy pistachio butter and crunchy knafeh. No one from the restaurant responded to requests for comment.
For more, visit yafagoldencoffeeusa.com, facebook.com/p/NogaInternational-Market-Westfield-100088365364987 and meltndip.com.
Dubai chocolate offerings at Yafa Golden Coffee in Noblesville. (Photo by Jessica Todd)
Noga International Market in Westfield sells small and large Dubai chocolate bars. (Photo by Jessica Todd)
Feinstein’s concert to feature Songbook timeless classics
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Michael Feinstein is eager for his first collaboration with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra.
Feinstein will perform “Celebrate the Songbook” with the ICO at 8 p.m. May 10 at the Payne and Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“They are world class in their musical ability, so I’m certainly looking forward to making music with them,” Feinstein said. “I do enjoy collaborating with Indy-area groups because there is so much talent and it’s always educational for me to collaborate because I learn in the process. That’s one of the reasons I love the Songbook Academy because I learn so much from the students and it’s always, for me, about learning.
“The concert is one that I’m particularly excited about doing because this is the first time I will have really been able to mine the wonderful treasure trove of music in the Songbook archives and bring it to life locally. So, it’s going to be quite an exciting evening and there will be a lot of stories and anecdotes that put the songs in context, which I think will make it fun for everyone, even the people that might not know the classic music. And to hear the swing arrangements and the beautiful string writing is life changing. So many people listen to music in a canned form, they mainly listen on devices, and to hear the acoustic sound is pretty extraordinary.”
Feinstein said some of the featured songwriters include Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, Harry Warren, Irving Berlin and George Gershwin.
“(They are) all in beautiful symphonic arrangements, some of which are held in the Songbook archives,” Feinstein said. “Some of these arrangements were originally sung by Andy Williams and other popular singers. They are exquisitely craft-
ed by such legendary arrangers as Nelson Riddle, Johnny Mandel and others, so it’s a great joy to be able to revive them and bring them back to life.”
The ICO, in its 41st year, is led by music director and conductor Matthew Kraemer.
Feinstein has spent the past year paying tribute to Tony Bennett, who died at 96 in 2023.
“The Tony Bennett tribute is quite a rousing success on the road. I’ve performed it in so many cities, and the last Tony Bennett tribute shows will be (this month), and then I’ll move on to another project,” he said. “I think I’ve done this show about 75 times, and the interesting thing for me is that it never gets old. I think the enthusiasm of the audience for him and his songs makes it fresh for me.”
Since Feinstein’s last concert at the Center in April 2024, the venue has added a naming rights agreement for the Center and Palladium.
Michael Feinstein will perform May 10 with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra at the Payne and Mencias Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Allied Solutions Center)
‘CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES’
“Church Basement Ladies” runs through May 18 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Ben Jones’ “Temptation” concert is set for May 8, followed by Indy Nights with Ryan Ahlwardt & Friends with a ‘70s theme May 9 and “All the Way Frank: A Sinatra Tribute” May 10 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘9 TO 5’
Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “9 to 5” runs through May 11 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.
CIVIC THEATRE
Civic Theatre presents “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” through May 10 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
ILUMINATE
“As the Center’s artistic director, I am absolutely encouraged by the recent support in the naming rights for both the Center and the Palladium,” Feinstein said. “To have such support is perhaps rarer these days because the amount of philanthropy or philanthropic experience has changed with so many changes in our world. And yet we have such stalwart supporters and visionaries who understand how important the arts are and how they change lives with music, dance and all the other disciplines, and that is something that has always inspired me about being the artistic director at the Center, that there are so many people that are clear about what the arts bring to our lives. So, after all these years, being connected to the Center and the City of Carmel is still a tremendous blessing.”
The Allied Solutions Center will begin its 15th season this fall.
For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
A concert by iLuminate is set for 4 p.m. May 11 at the Payne and Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘WEST SIDE STORY’
Indianapolis Opera’s presentation of “West Side Story” is set for 7 p.m. May 9-11 at the Bicentennial Pavilion at the Indianapolis Zoo. For more, visit indyopera.org.
DISPATCH
‘Lord of Chaos’ tour to land at Fishers Event Center — Breakout artist Ken Carson announces “The Lord of Chaos” arena tour in support of his new album “More Chaos” which just earned him his first No. 1 on the Billboard 200. A major milestone for the Atlanta-born artist, the project marks his biggest debut to date. The North American tour, presented by Live Nation, will make a Aug. 15 stop at the new Fishers Event Center Tickets are now on sale via kencarson. xyz/tour.
