Founded March 12, 2024, at Indianapolis, IN Vol. I, No. 42
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Opinions
The views of the columnists in Current in North Indy are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
Indy opens Nickel Plate Trail
northindy@youarecurrent.com
The Indianapolis portion of the Nickel Plate Trail has officially opened following a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the 10-year, $14.9 million investment in the city’s trail network.
“The Nickel Plate Trail is set to become a huge public asset in Indianapolis — one that I have no doubt will soon be just as revered as the Monon Trail or the urban Indianapolis Cultural Trail,” Mayor Joe Hogsett stated in a news release. “The level of investment and partnership we have seen for this project across Marion and Hamilton County is the sort that comes only once in a generation.”
The City of Indianapolis was awarded $5 million through the Indiana DNR Next Level Trails program and $1.2 million in READi funds to help complete the project.
“Across Indiana, we see communities coming together to support strong trail connections like this new connection,” stated Chris Smith, DNR deputy director. “DNR is proud to support communities as they build trails that connect people to each other and Indiana’s great outdoors.”
The Central Indiana Community Foundation provided a $1.75 million donation as a part of the Connected Communities Initiative, through a grant by Lilly Endowment Inc.
“The Nickel Plate Trail is a prime example of how multiple municipalities, partners, counties and communities can come together to make big things happen, and be further connected through the process,” stated Jennifer Bartenbach, CEO for the Central Indiana Community Foundation.
Construction of the trail began in 2023, according to the news release. The completed project connects the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Fall Creek Trail, Monon Trail, Castleton and Hamilton County, creating a continuous north-south corridor for pedestrians and cyclists. The project includes spur trails at 62nd Street east to Eastwood Middle School and 86th Street west to Sahm Park.
A small segment of the trail near I-465 will open in 2026 in coordination with INDOT’s Clear Path 465 project.
Most of the Nickel Plate Trail is built on the railroad for which it was named. The Nickel Plate Railroad, built in the late 1800s, once connected central Indiana communities to large industrial metropolitan cities from Chicago to New York and Cleveland to St. Louis. The repurposed rail line now enhances mobility across Indianapolis by providing residents with more ways to travel without a vehicle.
With a funding match from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization, Indy DPW will construct two pedestrian bridges along the trail over major thoroughfares in the coming years. One will be built over Keystone Avenue with construction set to begin in 2026. Construction of a bridge over 82nd Street is scheduled to start in 2028.
Community Health names new CEO
northindy@youarecurrent.com
Dr. Patrick McGill has been chosen as the new president and CEO of Community Health Network.
McGill, executive vice president and chief transformation officer at the Indianapolis-based Community Health, will assume the role of CEO from Bryan Mills effective Jan. 1, 2026.
A board-certified family medicine physician with more than 20 years of clinical experience, McGill was selected following a nationwide search and evaluation process led by Community’s board of directors, according to an announcement from Community Health.
search, we are pleased to appoint a leader who already understands and embodies the mission, values and culture of Community Health Network,”
Board Chair Rafael Sanchez stated.
“The board considered candidates from across the country and Dr. McGill emerged as the clear choice to lead us forward. His clinical expertise, strategic vision and deep commitment to innovation and equity make him uniquely qualified to serve as CEO.”
nity Health.
“Community Health Network is more than a health care system, it’s a mission-driven organization rooted in compassion, innovation and service,” he stated. “I look forward to working with our exceptional team to build on our legacy and shape the future of care for the communities we serve.”
“After an extensive and thoughtful
McGill now supervises systemwide initiatives in information technology strategy, analytics, digital transformation, population health, personalized medicine, health equity and value-based care. He stated that he is honored to be chosen to lead Commu-
McGill earned his Doctor of Medicine from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his family medicine residency at Ball Memorial Hospital. He also has a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in data analytics from the University of Southern Indiana and is currently pursuing a doctorate in health care administration.
Mills announced his retirement earlier this year after more than 40 years.
City of Indianapolis officials cut the ribbon to open the Indy portion of the Nickel Plate Trail, which connects to Hamilton County. (Photo courtesy of the Indianapolis Department of Public Works)
McGill
COMMUNITY
New lineup of Gainbridge guests chefs
northindy@youarecurrent.com
Pacers Sports & Entertainment, Levy Restaurants and KeyBank are bringing local flavor back to Gainbridge Fieldhouse with the return of the KeyBank Guest Chef Program, just in time for the 2025-26 Indiana Pacers season.
The culinary program is entering its fifth year and features eight local chefs who will serve signature dishes on game nights and for special events. Chosen chefs include LaToya Williams of The Grub House on North College Avenue, and Bhavna Thapar and Neeti Chaudhri of The Little India Restaurant on East 52nd Street.
Other chefs are:
• Chef Aries Crowell, The Zodiac Chef
• Chef Larry Curd, Golden Spatula
• Chef LaQuisha Jackson, Soulful Kitchen
• Chef Natasha Williams, The Coney Lady
• Chef Tasha Page, GALS
• Chef Tyler Williams, The Cooking Besties
“KeyBank is honored to continue supporting the Guest Chef program, a powerful celebration of local culinary talent and community spirit,” stated Juan Gonzalez, KeyBank’s Central Indiana Market President.
Throughout the Pacers season, fans can check out the rotating guest chefs at The Kitchen stand on the Main Concourse near Section 17. For more about the home game schedule, visit Pacers. com.
For more about the guest chef program, visit GainbridgeFieldhouse.com/ GuestChef.
Chef LaQuisha Jackson, right, of Soulful Kitchen is one of the 2025-26 guests chefs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (Photo courtesy of Pacers Sports & Entertainment)
City, industry groups file AES rate settlement
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
AES Indiana, the City of Indianapolis and a group of commercial and industrial ratepayers have announced a settlement agreement that reduces a requested AES rate increase under review by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
According to an announcement from AES, if the partial settlement is approved, residential customers would see an average increase of 3.35 percent annually over two years — approximately $10 per month by 2027.
AES also agreed to not implement new base rates again until 2030.
According to the DPW announcement, the agreement would save City of Indianapolis taxpayers millions over the next several years by locking in a reduced rate increase for city streetlights.
“Because of this intervention from the city, AES will not be able to raise rates for many years,” stated Indy DPW Director Todd Wilson. “Our team went to bat on behalf of taxpayers, and the result is a win for the community.”
The agreement was signed by AES, Walmart Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation, the City of Indianapolis and members of the AES Indiana Industrial Group — comprising Allison Transmission, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Indiana University, Ingredion, Inc., Marathon Petroleum Company LP, and Messer LLC. Kroger did not sign the document but had no objection, according to the agreement filed with the IURC.
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor and Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana, Inc. were not parties to the settlement. OUCC officials announced in mid-September that the agency recommends denying the rate increase and stated that instead of the
$192.9 million base-rate increase that AES originally proposed, an analysis shows that a $21.2 million reduction to current rates was warranted.
In an Oct. 16 news release, the CAC called on the regulatory commission to reject the settlement agreement, stating that the settlement would result in residential customers receiving a 6.51 percent base-rate increase, with large commercial and industrial customers receiving only 3.19 percent and 4.12 percent increases.
“We will vigorously oppose this unfair and unaffordable deal and do everything we can to protect the residents of Indianapolis from yet another large utility bill increase,” stated Kerwin Olson, CAC executive director. “Hoosiers have had enough with AES Indiana’s poor service, soaring bills and backroom deals. It’s time for the IURC to send a message and restore affordability and accountability at our out-of-control monopoly utilities.”
In its announcement, AES stated that the company consistently ranks among the lowest residential rates in Indiana.
“Despite rising costs, we have been disciplined in our planning through measures like our operations and maintenance costs holding flat for the past five years,” AES President Brandi Davis-Handy stated. “We have a deep commitment to operating efficiently and keeping rates as low as possible. Throughout this process, we’ve listened to stakeholder feedback and evaluated tradeoffs we will make for future investments while minimizing the financial impact of delivering safe and reliable electric service.”
To calculate an estimated bill using the proposed settlement, visit aesindiana.com/rate-review.
The IURC is expected to make a decision about the proposed rate increase in spring 2026.
DISPATCH
New airport exhibit celebrates Children’s Museum — A new exhibit at the Indianapolis International Airport’s KIND Gallery, “Memories, Wonders, and Dreams: Stories from 100 Years,” offers a tribute to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. The exhibit, located after security in Concourse A, showcases a selection of objects and photographs from the museum’s collection. The exhibit will be on display through January 2026 and is accessible and free to all ticketed passengers. For more about the KIND Gallery and the airport’s arts program, visit IND.com/PublicArt.
Indy churches receive capital improvement grants
northindy@youarecurrent.com
Sacred Places Indiana has provided $2.4 million in grants to 14 congregations through the Indiana Landmarks’ Sacred Places Indiana Fund to address significant capital needs at the historic houses of worship.
Indianapolis churches that received grants are Woodruff Place Baptist Church, which received $200,000 to replace the roof membrane, repair masonry and restore a window at the 1926 church; Phillips Temple CME, which received $300,000 to replace the roof on the 1928 building; and St. Athanasius Byzantine Catholic Church, which received $90,000 for upgrades to heating and cooling, electrical and life safety systems at the 1894 building.
According to a news release, the awards mark the third round of grants since the fund was established in 2023 with support from Lilly Endowment Inc.
“We continue to receive calls for help from congregations who need assistance in maintaining their historic facilities,” stated David Frederick, director of Indiana Landmarks’ Sacred Places Program. “By offering this critical funding, we hope to help congregations and parishes continue to thrive as spiritual centers and use their landmark buildings in ways that support and serve their communities.”
Other churches that received grants are:
• Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne: $66,350 to replace the roof membrane and tuckpoint the 1929 church’s bell tower and chimney
• Centerville Christian Church, Centerville: $185,000 to complete repairs to the 1878 church’s steeple and spire
• Diocese of Gary: $400,000 to tuckpoint masonry on all elevations of the 1950 Cathedral of the Holy Angels
• First Baptist Church, Columbus: $80,000 for roof replacement and window seal repairs at the 1965 National Historic Landmark church.
• Friends of Town Clock Church, New Albany: $100,000 to update the wheelchair lift and replace ADA-compliant doors at the 1852 Second Baptist Church
• Our Lady of Hungary, South Bend: $100,000 to modernize heating and cooling systems and repair the radiator heat system at the 1949 church, which will help ensure preservation of historic sanctuary murals
• St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Vincennes: $100,000 to restore masonry at the 1826 basilica and adjacent historic library
• St. Paul Lutheran Church, Olean: $100,000 to repair masonry on the bell tower and sanctuary of the 1921 church
• St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Evansville: $285,000 for total replacement of the 1928 church’s slate roof
• St. Thomas More Academy, South Bend: $125,000 to install heating and cooling systems in the 1883 St. Hedwig Church
• Valparaiso University, Valparaiso: $300,000 to repair the slab floor and foundation in the sanctuary of the 1959 Chapel of the Resurrection
The fund awards matching grants in a competitive process. For more, visit indianalandmarks.org/ sacred-places-indiana.
Phillips Temple CME Church in Indianapolis was one of 14 churches to receive a grant through the Sacred Places Indiana program. (Photo courtesy of Indiana Landmarks)
Food truck business opens Broad Ripple storefront
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Angel Cuevas and Jasmin Martinez have come a long way in five years, from running a hot dog cart to operating food trucks and, now, opening their first storefront featuring their unique take on traditional birria — a slowcooked Mexican stew.
Cuevas said they knew it was time to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant because their customers told them — repeatedly.
“All our customers, all our people on social media, they wanted a storefront, a brick-and-mortar,” he said. “They were the ones who pushed this, to be honest.”
On Oct. 20, they opened Birrieria Iturbidence, 825 Broad Ripple Ave., and Martinez said they’re excited for the extra space and serving customers in a different way — although they’re keeping the food trucks.
“We were inspired with food trucks in California,” she said. “You know, birria over there is very popular, and there wasn’t any here. So, when we were going to open the food trucks, I was telling my husband, I was like, I want a birria food truck. I want to specialize in birria.”
But it’s birria with a twist, like the birria ramen and the pizzadilla — a birria-filled quesadilla-style pizza.
“We’ve been adding different stuff, like birria sliders, birria eggrolls — exciting things, you know, something different, and the people seem to like it,” she said. “(The birria is) very authentic. We still take six hours to make it — six to eight hours. That’s been the only hard part whenever, like, I’m super tired of making the birria.”
Martinez said that while Cuevas had some prior restaurant experience, neither of them were cooks before they jumped into owning food trucks and, now, the restaurant.
“We started very young. We started when we were 24,” she said. “And nobody believed in us. I don’t think family members — they didn’t think we were going to make it. And we did.
It was not easy, though. A lot of hard work, a lot of sacrifice. Sometimes you come home and just hug each other and cry, you know. It’s not easy.”
But, she said, they love it and are dedicated to making the business succeed. Martinez said they listen to customer feedback and adjust as needed. Both also are taking business classes to continue learning.
Martinez and Cuevas said they especially love seeing customers enjoying the food they make.
“Seeing people happy, and living happy, and telling us, ‘Oh, it was amazing. It was great. The best birria I have tried,’” Cuevas said. “That puts a different feeling in your heart … and it is coming from, like, the growth me and her have had in these past years.”
Birrieria Iturbidence in Broad Ripple is open daily from 11 a.m. through 10 p.m., with later hours on Friday and Saturday nights. The business is working on a new website, but in the meantime, information can be found on various social media platforms.
Remodeling Seminar
Angel Cuevas, left, and Jasmin Martinez recently opened Birrieria Iturbidence in Broad Ripple. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
Solace unleashed
Local church’s comfort dogs provide calming relief after trauma
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
On Sept. 28, a tragedy occurred in Grand Blanc, Mich.
Four people were killed and eight were wounded when a gunman drove a pickup truck into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, pulled out a gun and opened fire. He then set fire to the church before being killed in a shootout with police.
In the immediate wake of the tragedy, Comfort Dog Ministry — a program sponsored by Lutheran Church Charities — arrived to assist. Comfort dogs and handlers based out of Carmel traveled to Michigan to help survivors cope.
Cornerstone Lutheran Church, a multisite campus church with locations in Carmel, Fishers and Indianapolis, has two comfort dogs. Magdalene, 4, has been in service with CLC since 2023. Eternity joined last month and turns 2 in December. They are golden retrievers, noted for their rapport with people and docile nature.
“It’s amazing that they know who to go to in a situation,” said Nicole Lewis, a Carmel resident, and primary caregiver for Magdalene and Eternity. “They can pick out the person who is hurting, I don’t know how they do it, but they cuddle up to that person that needs them the most.”
Comfort dogs are trained from the time they’re 8 weeks old at a Lutheran Charities facility in Northbrook, Ill. When the near-two-year training process is completed, the dogs are released to the individual churches, which are responsible for providing handlers. Handlers include primary and secondary caregivers and ministry partners.
Director of Development of CLC Comfort Dog Ministry Jane Callahan said CLC has a team of 45 people on its comfort dog team. Fourteen are handlers. Caregivers provide a place for the dogs to live. It’s a lifetime commitment to the dog. Ministry partners take care of the dogs when they’re on a mission. Magdalene and Eternity are typically deployed locally. They work six days a week and visit police and fire stations; nursing homes; afterschool programs; hospitals; rehabilitation facilities; and
shelters across the Indianapolis area.
The dogs wear vests and can interact with those who need comfort. They are trained to be comfortable with petting, and if given permission, the dogs will cuddle, too.
“When we see some of the patients in, say, memory care, they just light up and start talking,” Callahan said. “We’ve had a couple of instances where patients are nonverbal, and they start talking when we bring the dog in.”
In the event of out-of-state tragedies as in Grand Blanc, deploying comfort dogs is handled at a national level by Lutheran Church Charities. The dogs have to be requested, usually by the local Lutheran church. Magdalene and Eternity were one of five comfort dog teams sent to Grand Blanc from Midwestern states.
Duke Koelsch, a Carmel resident and former U.S. Marine Corps captain, was one of the handlers who volunteered in Grand Blanc.
“Our real purpose of why we were up there was to deal with first responders,” Koelsch said. “We spent time with police and the 911 call center. You could tell they were distraught. They would hug these animals, and I would say virtually half said, ‘I needed this.’”
The comfort dogs were in Michigan throughout the week. It was Koelsch’s first out-of-town mission, and it had a profound effect on him.
“This is something that is directly from your heart. I’m probably being rewarded more than the people we’re interfacing with will be,” Koelsch said.
For more on comfort dogs, visit lutheranchurchcharities.org/k-9-comfortdogs-about.html.
Magdalene, left, and Eternity are the comfort dogs that serve Cornerstone Lutheran Church. (Photo courtesy of CLC Media Team)
REIS‑NICHOLS
JEWELERS TO OPEN NEW STORE
Locally owned Reis-Nichols Jewelers has begun construction on its new 25,000-square-foot flagship store at The Fashion Mall at Keystone. The new store at 3502 E. 86th St. — in the heart of Keystone Crossing in Indianapolis — is set to open in fall 2026 and will feature an expanded selection of luxury brands, including Rolex, Cartier, David Yurman and Roberto Coin — and offer second-floor custom design and manufacturing services, including a new, regional Rolex service center. (Photo courtesy of Reis‑Nichols Jewelers)
COMMUNITY
CULINARY COMPETITION
Two Hoosiers win World Food Championships top honors at Indiana State Fairgrounds
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Two Hoosiers were among the top chefs in the Oct. 16-19 World Food Championships preliminary competition at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Bacon champ Daniel McDonald of Franklin and dessert champ Cindy Hawkins of Indianapolis will move on to the finals, set for spring 2026 in Bentonville, Ark.
While competitions were the focus of the four-day event inside the fairgrounds’ Fall Creek Pavilion, visitors also could observe live demonstrations, taste samples from local vendors, see the most up-to-date equipment and, of course, watch the 400 teams from around the world compete for a top spot in 10 categories.
In addition to McDonald and Hawkins, the other eight winners were:
• Barbecue: Al Lino from Rio Hondo, Texas
• Burger: Dave Elliot from Olathe, Kansas
• Chef: Preston Nguyen from Arlington, Texas
• Live Fire: Mike Johnson from Clayton, Missouri
• Noodle: Rocky Julianelle from East Haven, Connecticut
• Sandwich: David Casey from Brockton, Massachusetts
• Seafood: Michael Everd from Bel Air, Maryland
• Vegetarian: Surabhi Suri from Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Erica Blaire of Texas, host of the Food Network’s “BBQ Brawl,” was at the event and described how the competition works. She said chefs can bring ingredients with them — with prior approval — but they also grab items from pantries stocked by sponsor Sam’s Club.
Blaire said the chefs prepare a dish centered on the category. In the bacon category, for example, chefs make recipes with bacon as the main ingredient.
“And it can be, like, any type of bacon,” she said. “So, you might see some old-world cuts of bacon — things that are not traditional but are still technically bacon.”
The chefs have a set amount of time
(Below) Penny Knight offers samples of cheese from local business Tulip Tree Creamery, one of the vendors featured during the World Food Championship at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
to make their recipe from start to finish, arrange it on a platter and get it to the judges. “Cheferees” in striped referee-style shirts, patrol the cooking area to make sure rules are followed and to help clear a path when it’s time to race to the judges’ table.
“When these guys have to run all the way over and drop their dishes off, the dish has to stay in perfect form,” Blaire said. “The cheferees will be there to guide them and act almost like running backs to get them through. A lot of
these dishes will weigh 10 to 15 pounds, and they’re carrying it and running over cords and everything to make it over there. If their dish does not make it to the table, their whole team is disqualified.”
Blaire added that the teams wait until the last minute to deliver their food, to make sure the recipe is served at the optimal temperature.
Blaire, who has competed in the WFC in the past, said her specialty is ribs and brisket.
CHILI CHAMPIONSHIP
In conjunction with the World Food Championships, the Indiana State Fairgrounds hosted the International Chili Society’s 58th World Championship Chili Cook-off Oct. 17-19.
According to a news release from the World Food Championships, the chili cook-off resulted in bold flavors and signature styles.
“Chili lovers from across the nation gathered to witness three days of flavor-packed cook-offs, live music, food experiences and activities for all ages,” the release stated. “Fans flocked to the (sponsor) Bush’s Beans activation area
to meet Duke the Dog (and) sample past winning chili recipes from the Chili Challenge team.”
The top winners included:
• Traditional Red — Don Cullum of Houston
• Chili Verde — David Ronge of Wake Forest, N.C.
• Homestyle — Karen Cullum of Houston
• Vegetarian — Dave Kelley of Loudon, N.H.
• Grand Slam — Chuck Edwards of Downsville, La.
For more, visit eatgreatchili.com.
“Nobody can beat me, and if they do, my mama is my runner — she knows how to trip people,” she joked.
Outside of Fall Creek Pavilion were the barbecue and live-fire competitions, with different teams getting their smokers started, including a team from Japan that brought their own Wagyu beef to prepare for the event.
Inside the cavernous Fall Creek Pavilion were various vendors, including locally owned Tulip Tree Creamery. Indy resident Penny Knight was at the booth, offering free samples of its Indiana cheeses. She said the booth was funded by the American Dairy Association.
“They invited us to be here,” she said. “So, we’re very fortunate to be here through the American Dairy Association. We make everything right here in Indianapolis and we buy (milk) from a farm in northeast Indiana.”
In a secluded area separate from everyone, red-shirted judges sat, waiting to taste dishes. Blaire said anyone can become a judge by taking a simple certification class, offered during the event.
“Once you take that class, you are a judge that can do almost any food competition,” she said.
The World Food Championships debuted in 2012 and since then has grown in popularity.
“Each year, the World Food Championships raises the bar for culinary excellence and 2025 was no exception,” CEO and founder Mike McCloud stated in a news release. “From fiery competitions to unforgettable flavors, this year’s champions truly showcased what food sport is all about. We’re incredibly proud of their achievements and can’t wait to see who rises to the top at the Final Table this spring.”
Last year, an Indianapolis chef brought home the $150,000 top prize. For more, visit worldfoodchampionships.com.
ON THE COVER: Hoosier chefs Cindy Hawkins of Indianapolis, left, and Daniel McDonald of Franklin were among the winners at the recent World Food Championships preliminary competition at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. (Photo courtesy of Indiana State Fairgrounds)
Chefs get ready to compete in the World Food Championship competition at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. (Photos by Leila Kheiry)
Worthington offers free design seminars
news@youarecurrent.com
Worthington Design & Remodeling is hosting two free seminars in November for homeowners who are considering a kitchen or bath remodel and want help with planning.
The first session is scheduled for 7 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at Worthington’s Meridian-Kessler showroom, 5912 N. College Ave., Indianapolis. The second is 7 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at the business’ Carmel showroom, 99 E. Carmel Dr., Suite 100.
Each 90-minute session walks homeowners through the stages of remodeling, from setting a realistic budget and timeline to designing a space that fits their lifestyle. Worthington’s team members will share practical advice on layout, materials and design trends, followed by a Q&A.
“Whether you’re updating your first home or your forever home, understanding the process makes all the difference,” stated Larry Greene, president
of Worthington Design & Remodeling. “Behind every remodel is a reason to live better. Our goal is to help homeowners shape that vision into something real and lasting.”
Each event includes light snacks, refreshments and giveaways. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Interested homeowners can call 317-846-2600 to reserve a seat.
Project Developers Dawn Ashburn and Sydney Spurgeon lead a recent remodeling seminar at Worthington Design & Remodeling in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Worthington Design & Remodeling)
Commentary by Larry Greene
This Windemere home in Carmel underwent a remarkable transformation featuring a sunroom addition, new deck and sunken porch designed for year-round outdoor living.
THE BLUEPRINT
• Replaced the dated deck and concrete patio with a multilevel outdoor retreat that flows seamlessly from the home.
• Added a bright and airy three-seasons room with panoramic windows for natural light and weather-protected comfort.
• Built a spacious new deck ideal for dining, grilling and entertaining.
• Created a cozy sunken porch with integrated seating for relaxing around the fire.
• Unified the design with cohesive finishes and architectural detailing that complement the home’s exterior.
Legend’s concert to celebrate 20th anniversary of 1st album
By Dave Gil de Rubio editorial@youarecurrent.com
For John Legend, 2025 represents the junction where his creative past, present and future meet.
Although last year was the official 20th anniversary of his 2004 debut “Get Lifted,” this year’s tour finds him hitting the road full force with a 10-piece band to commemorate a collection of songs that reflects that seminal part of his life when he was in hardcore hustling mode.
“This is the true celebration of the 20th anniversary of my first album and first tour,” said Legend, who will perform at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at Fishers Event Center. “It’s really celebrating 20 years of my relationship with my audience and the connection we’ve built over all these years. And it all started with this album. I decided I would do a tour in celebration of that album and really in celebration of all of it thinking about the journey we’ve been through that started with this album. We’re doing songs from throughout my career as well, but we’re focusing on the entirety of “Get Lifted.” I also do some storytelling about the making of the album, what I was inspired by and some of the other artists that were kind of in my orbit and inspired me.”
Legend recalled the journey to getting the album off the ground.
“Most of that album was recorded when I was still trying to get a record deal,” he said. “I was working by day as a management consultant and then going to the studio at night, playing gigs and open mics around Philadelphia and New York at night and on the weekends. I was kind of burning the candle at both ends, being rejected by every major record label. I was really working hard and fighting to be heard and seen, believing that I had something special to offer, but not having it come to fruition at the moment when I thought I was ready — having to
keep working for years to finally get to the place where the gatekeepers were ready to let me through the gate.”
As results reflect, Legend has arrived in the subsequent two decades. Besides seeing “Get Lifted” go double-platinum and earn him three Grammys out of eight nominations that year, the Ohio native has gone on to become an EGOT (winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony). He also spent a decade as a vocal coach for the NBC reality competition “The Voice” and expanded into publishing (Get Lifted Books) and cosmetics (founder of Loved01, a skincare brand for melanin-rich skin). But it’s his role as family man in which Legend
takes the greatest pride, having been married to Chrissy Teigen since 2013. Legend took inspiration from his role as a father to the point where he released 2024’s “My Favorite Dream,” his 10th studio album and first collection of children’s songs.
The album was, outside of a handful of covers, all original material solely penned by him. “My Favorite Dream” notched a pair of 2025 Grammy nominations. Written on the piano next to Legend’s kitchen, Legend said the songs were “directly inspired by the things we say to our kids and inspired by the energy and love we feel in our home every day. I just sat at the piano and wrote some songs rooted in that.”
Legend asked indie folk multi-instrumentalist Sufjan Stevens to produce “My Favorite Dream.”
“I reached out to Sufjan Stevens, who is one of the artists I’ve loved for 20 years or so, and I thought he would be perfect for producing and arranging the album,” Legend said. “The only hitch was that I’d never met him before or spoken to him before. And so, I had to find him and his information and reach out to him and hope he didn’t think this was a ridiculous idea. He was interested, but wanted to hear the music first, so I sent him all the simple demos I did on piano and vocal of the songs. He loved the songs, felt inspired by them and felt we could do something special together, so we did it.”
Legend is delighted with the final product.
“I’m truly so proud of it. It’s one of my favorite albums I’ve made, and I am so happy with how it came out. It’s exactly what I hoped and beyond when I was hoping that Sufjan would want to do this with me,” he said. “When he got his hands on it and added his unique musicianship to it, he made it the dreamy album that I wanted it to be.”
For more, visit fisherseventcenter. com.
‘TOOTSIE’
“Tootsie” runs through Nov. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Carmel Arts Council presents dinner and “Dueling Pianos” Nov. 5, followed by “Esque: Burlesque” Nov. 6, “Divas of the Songbook” Nov. 7 and “Sweet Caroline: The Music of Neil Diamond” Nov. 8 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. except for 5:30 p.m. Nov. 5. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN’
Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “Young Frankenstein” through Nov. 9 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
LISA LOEB & JOAN OSBORNE
Lisa Loeb and Joan Osborne will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 7 p.m. at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘VOICE OF WHITNEY HOUSTON’
“The Voice of Whitney Houston: A Symphonic Celebration” is set for 8 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘WITH
HEARTS OF GRATITUDE’
Indiana Wind Symphony presents “With Hearts of Gratitude” concert at 4 p.m. Nov. 9 at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
HENDRICKS LIVE!
Feverup Presents “We Call it Ballet: Sleeping Beauty Dance and Light Show” at 6:30 and 8 p.m. Nov. 8 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. For more, visit hendrickslive.org.
John Legend will perform Nov. 16 at Fishers Event Center. (Photo courtesy of Gaelle Beri)
ENTERTAINMENT
IWS concert honors veterans
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Indiana Wind Symphony’s concert has a fitting theme for a performance two days before Veterans Day.
“With Hearts of Gratitude” will include patriotic songs and marches. The concert is set for 4 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
The concert opens with Robert Jager’s “Esprit de Corps,” which was written for the United States Marine Band.
“That piece is probably Jager’s most famous piece next to his original composition for the band, which was called the ‘Third Suite,’” IWS Music Director Jay Gephart said.
Gail Robertson, who will make an IWS debut, is the euphonium soloist for “Up All Night” by Eric Knechtges. Robertson is the visiting professor of euphonium at Indiana University and associate professor of euphonium and tuba at the University of Central Florida.
Another piece in the first act is “Hymn To The Fallen” by film composer
Gail Robertson will be a guest soloist for the Indiana Wind Symphony’s Nov. 9 concert. (Photo courtesy of IWS)
John Williams. The piece is from “Saving Private Ryan.”
Robert Russell Bennett’s “Suite of Old American Dances” concludes the first act. Bennett is an American composer known for his orchestrations of many well-known Broadway shows.
The second act opens with Morton Gould’s “Fourth of July.”
“It sounds like a musical version of fireworks,” he said.
The second act includes “Proud to Serve,” which is a medley of all the service songs.
The concert closes with John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
AI powers Houston’s voice
editorial@youarecurrent.com
Whitney Houston’s voice moved generations of fans, and through a collaboration between The Estate of Whitney E. Houston, Primary Wave Music and Park Avenue Artists, it has now returned to the stage.
“The Voice of Whitney: A Symphonic Celebration,” which debuted in August 2024, brings Houston’s legendary vocals to concert halls across U.S. cities. The tour will stop in Carmel for an 8 p.m. Nov. 8 concert at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.
The concert transports fans into Houston’s musical world, as live orchestras perform alongside Houston’s vocals and rare footage. Audiences experience the power of Houston’s voice in a live setting, with a fusion of technology and artistry that celebrates her enduring legacy.
To bring the unique performance to life, The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and its creative partner, Park Avenue Artists, needed isolated vocals from Houston’s songs. However, many of her
“The Voice of Whitney: A Symphonic Celebration” is set for Nov. 8 at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. (Pho to courtesy of Allied Solutions Center)
key original multitrack recordings are no longer available, presenting a significant technical obstacle for the project, according to a news release.
To overcome the challenge, the partners turned to Moises, an AI-powered music platform with stem separation technology that isolates individual instruments and vocals from recordings. Using Moises’ advanced algorithms, Park Avenue Artists successfully extracted Houston’s vocals from her songs, producing near-studio quality audio that enabled the creative team to fulfill their vision while honoring her legacy.
For more, visit thecenterpresents. org.
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The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman.
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The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman.
The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman.
Choose fabric, arm style, seat depth, back height, silhouette, back pillow and seam detail, base and wood finishes.
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The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman. Choose fabric, arm style, seat depth, back height, silhouette, back pillow and seam detail, base and wood finishes.
