FASHION STATE OF MIND
CHRISTY BECKER
À VOTRE SANTÉ
HIGHER DEGREE
Happy Hour 5pm to 6pm.
CONTENTS
20 24 30 42
THE ABSOLUTE AGENDA
This one's for all the lovers out there, with art, song and dance events to celebrate Valentine's Day, and even a mass wedding at the Arts Garden! One can't live on love alone, though. Check out Big Ten Women's Basketball and get ready for the 500 Festival 6-Miler.
HEART CARE
Board-certified cardiologist Anthony Bashal, MD, FACC, answers our questions about maintaining heart health and disease prevention.
GEOMETRY IN GOLD
The Roaring '20s are back! Modern jewelry favors symmetry, structure, and clean-lined brilliance.
À VOTRE SANTÉ
As Josephine celebrates its first year, the focus remains on thoughtful food, genuine hospitality, and moments worth lingering over.
for
34
FASHION STATE OF MIND
CHRISTY BECKER
HIGHER DEGREE
Designed for busy lives and long-term health, Degree Wellness brings cutting-edge wellness services together under one calm, welcoming roof.
QUIET LUXURY, IN THE DETAILS
This collaboration with Open Gate Design features a study in soft texture and sculptural form that bring instant warmth and depth to a space.
DESERT ROAD TRIP
This desert road trip features five stops that guarantee a sun-soaked, restorative, and refreshingly grown-up good-time vacation.
'ROUND THE TOWN
These upcoming live performances feature everything from Broadway favorites and symphonic spectacles to iconic voices and chart-topping tours. 50 54 56 62
CARE THAT GETS HER HEART
You might not think twice about belly weight or a complicated pregnancy from years ago. But your heart might.
Women’s heart disease risks and symptoms can be different from men. And with cardiovascular disease still being the #1 killer of women, they can’t be overlooked anymore.
Franciscan Health provides specialty women’s heart care focused on the known symptoms and risks women face throughout their lives. With quick access to cardiology appointments, you can show up for your heart right away and get a care plan based on your unique story.
Heart & Vascular Care for the Women We Love
• Quick access to cardiology appointments
• A-Fib Clinic with new diagnosis seen within 48 hours
• Same-day vascular consults
• Advanced cardiac surgery
• $49 screening bundles program (Heart Scan, Lung Scan and AAA screening)
• Specialty care in cardio-oncology, cardio-genetics, cardio-metabolics and cardio-obstetrics
• Vein Clinic at Franciscan Rejuvenate Medical Spa
Editor-in-Chief
EDUARDO PEÑA
Managing Editor
JUSTYNA PEÑA
Assistant Editor
MATTHEW HUME
Writer SUSAN SALAZ
Photography
SARA ACKERMANN GABRIELLE NOËL
Graphic Designer NICO PEÑA
Social Media Specialist CHRISTIAN PEÑA
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By SuSaN Salaz
AGENDA
February
February 13
Date Night Art Classes
Fishers Art Center fishersartcenter.org
Turn date night into a creative experience with guided art classes designed for couples. From Georgia O’Keeffe style flower painting to wheel throwing and mixed media, these relaxed, instructorled sessions invite participants to connect, unwind and create something meaningful together. No experience required—just show up, sip, socialize and enjoy an evening inspired by art and each other.
February 14
Valentine’s Day Weddings Indianapolis Arts Garden indyarts.org
Say “I do” in one of downtown Indianapolis’s most iconic settings. Valentine’s Day Weddings at the Artsgarden offers couples an intimate, beautifully orchestrated ceremony beneath the glass-domed landmark. Perfect for engagements, vow renewals or elopements, the event includes officiants, music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
February 19
Truck Stop Bingo Mercantile 37 mercantile37.com
Bingo night gets a playful twist at Mercantile 37 with Truck Stop Bingo. Expect themed prizes, lively rounds and plenty of laughs paired with comfort food favorites and craft drinks from Wheeler’s Cafe. It’s a casual, come-as-you-are evening that blends small-town charm with big fun—perfect for friends looking to shake up a weeknight routine.
February 21
Carmel Symphony Orchestra, Love Letters from Paris
The Palladium thecenterpresents.org
Romance takes center stage as the Carmel Symphony Orchestra transports audiences to Paris through lush, expressive musical works inspired by love and longing. Love Letters from Paris pairs classical favorites with elegant ambiance inside the Palladium, creating an evening that feels both intimate and grand—ideal for a sophisticated winter night out.
February 21
Shen Yun Performing Arts
Clowes Hall shenyun.com
Experience the beauty of classical Chinese dance and music as Shen Yun returns to Indianapolis. Featuring vibrant costumes, live orchestra and breathtaking choreography, the performance brings ancient legends and cultural traditions to life. This visually stunning production offers a powerful blend of artistry, history and storytelling unlike anything else on stage.
February 25
Dancing With the Stars Live Old National Centre dwtstour.com
The glamorous excitement of the hit television series comes to life on stage with Dancing With the Stars Live, in the grand setting of the Old National Centre’s Murat Theatre. Featuring fanfavorite pros and celebrity dancers, the high-energy show delivers dazzling routines, bold costumes and crowdpleasing performances. It’s a mustsee night of sparkle, rhythm and showstopping entertainment.
March 4-8
Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament
Gainbridge Fieldhouse bigten.org/wbbt
Indianapolis hosts the best of Big Ten Women’s Basketball as top teams compete for conference glory. Packed with fast-paced action, passionate fans and postseason intensity, the tournament offers an electric atmosphere inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Whether you’re a devoted alum or casual sports fan, it’s an exciting showcase of elite collegiate talent.
March 6-28
Youth Art Month: First Come, First Hung
Sullivan Munce Cultural Center sullivanmunce.org
Celebrate young creativity during Youth Art Month with First Come, First Hung, an inclusive exhibition highlighting student artwork from across the community. Featuring a wide range of ages, styles and mediums, the show emphasizes participation and expression over competition, offering families and visitors a joyful glimpse into the next generation of artists.
March 7
500 Festival 6-Miler
The Fowling Warehouse Indianapolis 500festival.com/6-miler
If you’re training for the Mini-Marathon, don’t miss the 500 Festival 6-Miler, part of a running series to help level up for the big race in May. Runners of all levels bring energy and a supportive atmosphere to this downtown course, with entertainment along the route and post-race activities at the Fowling Warehouse.
By SuSaN Salaz
HEART CARE
Q&
Awith Dr. Anthony Bashall
This month, we sat down with Anthony Bashall, MD, FACC, board-certified cardiologist with Franciscan Health who specializes in cardiometabolic care, heart failure, and preventive cardiovascular medicine. With a focus on early detection and whole-body health, Dr. Bashall helps patients understand the complex connections between metabolism, inflammation, weight and long-term heart health, shifting the conversation from treatment to prevention.
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Q: Why should people be paying attention to their cardiac health before they experience symptoms?
A: Cardiac health is about balance—how well the heart and body function together to keep us healthy. Heart disease often develops slowly over many years, and symptoms can become so subtle that people dismiss them as normal aging or weight gain. When testing shows normal results, the goal is to keep it that way through prevention. If disease is discovered early, treatments can slow or stop progression. Prevention is far more rewarding for patients and can be easy to manage with lifestyle and medical changes to help avoid surgeries, hospitalizations and invasive procedures. It also typically requires fewer medications and medical visits than treating heart attack, heart failure or atrial fibrillation after they occur.
Q: Many people still associate heart disease primarily with cholesterol. What are some of the less obvious markers that
play a major role in heart health?
A: Cholesterol remains a major contributor to arterial blockage, which can cause heart attacks, strokes or peripheral arterial disease. Knowing your cholesterol (and whether it’s at a safe level) is critical. In recent years, LDL (“bad” cholesterol) targets have dropped significantly, with levels below 55 now recommended for many high-risk patients. At these levels, plaque can actually shrink, reducing future risk.
Inflammation is another critical factor. Highsensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) has emerged as an important predictor of premature heart disease and, in some studies, is even more predictive than cholesterol—especially in women. Protein in the urine is another overlooked marker. When the kidneys leak protein, the same cardiometabolic process harming the kidneys is often harming the heart. This can more than double heart disease risk in men and nearly triple it in women. Lipoprotein(a) is a genetically determined
cholesterol that increases risk for heart and valve disease. While direct treatments are still being studied, measuring it can help guide cholesterol and blood pressure management. Finally, fatty liver disease is closely linked to heart disease. In middle-aged adults, those with fatty liver are more likely to die from heart disease than liver disease, making cardiometabolic evaluation essential.
Q: GLP-1 medications are often discussed in the context of weight loss. From a cardiologist’s perspective, how do they impact heart health?
A: GLP-1 medications provide significant cardiometabolic benefits that begin well before any weight loss occurs, and these benefits apply whether a patient has diabetes or not. They reduce inflammation by lowering markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, which in turn lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke, peripheral arterial disease and atrial fibrillation. Weight loss is a meaningful and welcome
additional benefit, but it is not the primary reason these medications improve heart health.
GLP-1 medications mimic a natural hormone produced in the gut after eating and help regulate blood sugar, appetite and inflammation. They can stabilize and, in some cases, reverse fatty liver disease, improve kidney function, and reduce sleep apnea. Many patients experience better diabetes control without episodes of low blood sugar, and some are able to put diabetes into remission without the need for insulin. These medications also work particularly well when combined with SGLT2 inhibitors, offering added cardiometabolic protection.
Beyond the heart, many patients report improvements in joint pain, and there is growing research into the role of GLP-1 medications in addiction management, autoimmune disease and cancer prevention. While research is ongoing, it is increasingly clear that these medications are powerful metabolic and anti-inflammatory tools,
not simply weight-loss drugs.
Q: How does excess weight contribute to inflammation? And why does that matter for long-term heart health?
A: Excess visceral fat (fat surrounding the organs) loses adequate blood supply and begins releasing inflammatory signaling molecules called adipokines. Inflammation is designed to fight infection and heal wounds, but when it targets organs like the heart, it causes damage.
This inflammation directly affects the heart, kidneys and liver, leading to heart failure, kidney disease and fatty liver. Excess weight places inflammatory tissue directly on vital organs, accelerating long-term cardiometabolic damage.
Q: What screenings or conversations should generally healthy adults be having with their doctor?
A: Testing should begin before symptoms, often in the 30s. Heart scans are a quick, affordable way to assess arterial
blockage, and everyone over 40 should consider one. A zero score is reassuring and helps guide prevention; a higher score may prompt further testing such as stress tests or advanced imaging. As weight increases, conditions like sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation become more common. Both contribute to heart disease and stroke risk, and both can be treated, often in part with GLP1 and SGLT2 inhibitor therapies.
While testing and medications are important, diet and exercise remain essential, especially preventing weight gain in the first place, starting in childhood. Even people who appear healthy can have significant cardiometabolic disease, so proactive screening is key.
Take the first step toward better heart health today. Schedule a cardiology appointment at Franciscan Physician Network Indiana Heart Physicians at 317-893-1900 or visit FranciscanHealth.org/ HeartCare for more information.
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Geometry in Gold
The Roaring ’20s return through modern jewelry that favors symmetry, structure, and cleanlined brilliance. From baguette accents to sculptural forms, these designs deliver a refined statement—sleek, luminous, and made to be noticed.
Shop the full selection at Petite G Jewelers 5609 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Christy Becker, founder of knell, brings the intimacy and intention of a New York City showroom to Main Street in Carmel.
PhotograPhy By Gabrielle Noël
Fashion State Mind
Christy BeCker
Inspired by the intimacy of New York City fashion showrooms, Christy Becker is redefining how women experience style in Carmel, Indiana…one thoughtful piece, and one meaningful connection, at a time.
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By SuSaN Salaz
On Main Street in the heart of Carmel, something rare is happening. Behind clean white walls and warm wood floors, clothing isn’t shouting for attention. There are no overflowing racks, no trend-driven urgency. Instead, there is a peaceful sense that every piece has been chosen for a reason. This is knell, the boutique founded by Christy Becker. And from the moment you step inside, it feels different. Less like a traditional store and more like walking into a New York City showroom, it’s intimate, edited and quietly confident. It’s a feeling Becker set out to create intentionally, believing that women in Central Indiana deserve the same level of care, access and refinement found in larger fashion markets.
“I’ve always stayed aware of what’s happening in fashion, even when I’m not drawn to wearing something trendy,” Christy says. “I’m naturally drawn to pieces that feel special, fashion forward without being too fleeting.” That awareness eventually turned into questions for Christy. Why was that experience so hard to find in stores? And more importantly, what would it look like to create it locally? “I wanted to create a space where women could slow down, engage with the clothing, and trust that everything had been thoughtfully chosen,” she says, adding that knell grew from a desire to create something tactile, personal and intentional.
Becker often references New York City showrooms when describing knell’s inspiration—not for exclusivity or prestige, but for the exciting and purely personal feeling that draws her in. The spaces are intimate and thoughtful. You can walk in,
look around, and immediately understand the point of view. The clothes don’t need to compete for attention. They’re simply made well and speak for themselves.
That clarity became the blueprint for knell. From the beginning, every decision was deliberate. Clean, white walls allow the clothing to breathe; warm, wooden floors soften the room; and minimal décor keeps the focus exactly where it belongs, on the clothing. More than aesthetics, Becker wanted to recreate the emotional experience of an NYC showroom, giving her guests the permission to slow down, to linger and to discover in a calm space that invites them to slow down and spend time with the garments.
That slower pace extends beyond the physical and into knell’s philosophy. Rather than chasing trends or flooding the floor with options, Christy focuses on timeless, subtly unique pieces. Clothing found here is meant to be worn, lived in and returned to again and again. When curating the selection, she is known to spend hours in showrooms, envisioning how each piece might live in her customer’s closets.
Her approach is hands-on in the truest sense. Becker tries many of the pieces on herself, even when models are available, wanting to understand how each garment feels on a real body—how it moves, where it’s effortless and where it’s not. “That approach matters to me,” she says. “In the early days, I bought what I genuinely loved. I didn’t yet know exactly who would walk through the door, so I trusted my instincts.” Over time, those instincts have been refined by the women who shop knell, but the foundation hasn’t changed. For Christy, every piece has to feel considered, wearable and quietly special.
Rooted in connection and community, Christy Becker’s knell offers timeless clothing designed to be worn, lived in and returned to season after season.
Inside knell, clean lines, warm textures, and thoughtfully curated collections invite women to slow down and discover pieces that feel quietly special.
Another defining element of knell is its commitment to limited runs. Becker intentionally avoids abundance, choosing instead to preserve a sense of discovery. This philosophy has always been important to her, especially now, in order to ensure knell is rooted in connection, not excess. She says, “I believe people are craving spaces that feel thoughtfully curated, where pieces aren’t mass produced and shopping feels personal rather than transactional.”
In a world saturated with constant choice, Christy wants knell to offer something more grounded. Limited runs allow each piece to feel special, considered and genuinely earned. She continues, “There’s something meaningful about finding a garment that feels like yours—and not something you’ll see everywhere else.”
When considering where knell would call home, Carmel felt like a natural fit, with a community that values craftsmanship, connection and local small business. She describes Carmel as sophisticated without being flashy, refined without feeling precious. This balance allows knell to feel aspirational yet approachable, built on styling, conversation and knowing how a woman actually lives in her clothes. Its central location also makes it accessible to women from surrounding communities, expanding its reach while maintaining its intimate feel.
When asked what she hopes women take with them when they leave knell, Christy’s answer goes well beyond the shopping bag. “I hope she leaves with clarity and confidence, but also genuine happiness,” she says. More than anything, Becker wants women to feel seen and understood, not just sold to. “If she walks out feeling confident in her choices, excited about what she’s bringing into her closet, and a little more like herself,” she adds, “knell has done its job.”
As knell has grown, so has the community around it, something Christy says she never takes for granted. With a depth of gratitude, she shares, “knell exists because of an incredible support system—my husband, our children, my friends, our team and the community that has grown around the store.” What began as a belief that there were women who shared her point of view has become something much larger. Today, knell is more than a boutique. It’s a gathering place. A space for connection. Through private parties and intimate events, Christy and her team continue to bring women together in ways that feel natural and meaningful.
Visit knell at 110 W. Main Street, Suite 104, Carmel, or explore the latest collections and upcoming events at knellboutique.com. Follow along on Instagram @knell.boutique for new arrivals and behind-the-scenes moments.
In knell, Christy Becker has recreated the emotional experience of a New York City showroom. Clients leave with clarity, confidence and genuine happiness.
"If she walks out excited about what she's bringing into her closet, knell has done its job."
À votre sAnté
As Josephine celebrates its first year, the focus remains on thoughtful food, genuine hospitality, and moments worth lingering over.
On Main Street in Carmel, Josephine has settled into something every great neighborhood restaurant hopes to become— familiar, beloved and quietly special. For co-owner Daniel Cage, the milestone is less about the calendar and more about the community that has grown around the tables. “It’s amazing that it’s already been one year,” Cage says. “It’s been such a rewarding experience to develop a unique concept from scratch and now have a presence in Carmel.” That sense of gratitude extends beyond guests. Much of Josephine’s staff has been there since opening day, which is a testament to the culture behind the scenes and the consistency guests feel when they return. “We’re so grateful to have built such a loyal, hardworking and talented team,” Cage adds.
From the beginning, Josephine was designed to balance refinement with warmth—French in technique but grounded in hospitality. The menu leans confidently on classic foundations, while the experience itself remains relaxed and welcoming. “French cuisine established many of the fundamentals of fine dining,” Cage explains. “We honor that through meticulous technique, high-quality ingredients, and thoughtful menu structure. But the most important thing to us is hospitality.” Whether a guest is savoring coq au vin or enjoying a beer and pommes frites at the bar, the goal is the same: to feel at home.
That philosophy carries through the seasons. Winter menus showcase deeply comforting dishes like beef bourguignon and wild boar cassoulet, plates that feel both indulgent and timeless. As spring approaches, the kitchen will turn toward lighter, seafood-forward fare, with whispers of classics like vol-au-vent making an appearance. Under the direction of Executive Chef Andrew Popp, Josephine’s menus evolve without losing their soul.
To mark its first anniversary, Josephine is celebrating in its own quietly playful way. Earlier this month, as part of its popular “Late Night at Josephine” programming, the restaurant welcomed professional magician David Ranalli for an evening blending culinary craft with a little unexpected magic—a fitting nod to a restaurant that believes dining should delight all the senses. The late-night programming has become a defining feature of Josephine’s rhythm. Every Friday and Saturday from 10 to 11:45 p.m., the dining room takes on a livelier energy, complete with live entertainment and a special late-night menu. Looking ahead, Sundays are about to get brighter as well. By mid-summer, Josephine plans to introduce another new chapter by offering brunch service to its eagerly anticipating guests, complete with crêpes, mimosas and patio dining.
Josephine is part of a broader vision from Ambrosia Hospitality Group, whose growing portfolio reflects a commitment to thoughtful concepts rooted in experience and place. For Cage, the first year is just the beginning. “We’ve shared so many special moments with our guests,” he says. “And we can’t wait to celebrate many more nights in Carmel.” As Josephine moves into its second year, it continues to do what it does best—offer a space where elegance feels easy, tradition feels alive, and every visit is worth lingering over.
"French cuisine established many of the fundamentals of fine dining," says Cage. "We honor that at Josephine through meticulous technique, high-quality ingredients, and thoughtful menu structure." The most important thing to the Josephine team, though, is hospitality and warm welcome.
Plan your rendezvous at Josephine, located at 110 W. Main Street, Suite 100, in the Carmel Arts & Design District. Visit josephinecarmel.com or follow @eatjosephine_carmel for menus, reservations, and updates.
HIGHER DEGREE
At Degree Wellness, high-performance recovery feels approachable, woven naturally into everyday life.
New to Carmel, Degree Wellness is redefining recovery with a modern, membership-based approach to feeling better every day. Designed for busy lives and long-term health, the studio brings cutting-edge wellness services together under one calm, welcoming roof.
By SuSaN Salaz
(promotional content)
Step
inside Degree
Wellness and the intention is immediately clear: this is a space designed to help people slow down, reset, and take a smarter approach to feeling their best. Rather than chasing the latest wellness trends, Degree Wellness introduces Carmel to a more thoughtful model—one built on consistency, comfort and real results. High-performance recovery feels approachable here, woven naturally into everyday life.
Owned by Rajan and Janice Bhavnani, Degree Wellness is a modern recovery and wellness studio focused on helping people feel better, recover faster, and improve overall health. “It’s designed for everyday wellness, whether you’re active, busy, aging well or just want to feel your best,” says Janice.
The studio’s services are intentionally curated to support longevity and wholebody well-being. Offerings range from cold-based therapies like cryotherapy and cold plunge to warmthdriven options such as infrared sauna and red-light therapy. Guests can also
incorporate compression and oxygen therapies, along with IV infusions and nutrient shots, depending on their goals. Each modality plays a role—whether boosting energy, supporting recovery, easing stress or strengthening immune health.
Rather than treating these services as standalone experiences, Degree
Wellness focuses on how they work together. The philosophy is simple: when recovery becomes routine, the benefits compound. This approach is reinforced through the brand’s membership-based model, which encourages regular use instead of sporadic visits. Memberships offer flexibility and value, allowing clients to apply sessions across multiple services as their needs change. More importantly, they support a rhythm of care, helping members build habits that improve mobility, resilience, and overall performance over time. The emphasis shifts from quick fixes to sustainable wellness.
“Degree Wellness is about whole-body wellness, not
just one treatment. It’s designed for real results, real comfort and real value,” Janice explains. That sense of comfort is evident from the first visit. New clients are welcomed with a tour of the studio and guided through each step of the experience. A goal-based conversation helps the team tailor recommendations depending on their focus, ranging from recovery or pain relief to energy, stress reduction or overall wellness. Every service is clearly explained, making the experience accessible even for first-time visitors.
“We want to ‘wow’ anyone that comes into our space,” shares Janice. From the clean, spa-like environment to private treatment areas and attentive service, every detail is designed to help guests relax, reset and leave feeling noticeably better than when they arrived. With its balanced blend of innovation, personalization and consistency, Degree Wellness offers something increasingly rare—a wellness space that fits into real life, supporting how people want to feel today and how they want to live tomorrow.
Degree Wellness is located at 1685 East 116th Street, Suite 130, in Carmel. To learn more about services, memberships, or to book your first visit, visit degreewellness.com/locations/ carmel-in and follow @carmelwellnesscouple on Instagram.
Quiet luxury, in the details
A study in soft texture and sculptural form—woven art, elevated pillows, natural stone accents, and timeless vessels that bring instant warmth and depth. It’s the little details that make a space feel complete. In collaboration with Open Gate Design 200 S Rangeline Rd., Suite # 225 Carmel , IN 46032
By SuSaN Salaz
Desert Road Trip
Slow down and enjoy this incredible moving vacation over vast, captivating landscapes.
Spring break doesn’t have to mean crowded beaches or long airport lines. Across the American Southwest, a different kind of escape unfolds—one defined by open roads, desert light, and destinations where culture, design and nature converge. In the desert, the pace shifts, the landscapes stretch wider, and every stop feels intentional rather than rushed.
This desert road trip invites travelers to slow down and savor the journey itself, moving from midcentury glamour to red-rock landscapes and centuries-old spa traditions. These five stops offer a vacation that feels sun-soaked, restorative—and refreshingly grown-up.
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Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs sets the tone with its iconic blend of midcentury architecture, poolside culture and desert glamour. Beyond the vintage-modern hotels and palm-lined streets, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers a dramatic shift in perspective, gliding through the Chino Canyon from the desert floor into the cool alpine air of Mount San Jacinto State Park. Spend the day exploring design landmarks, browsing art galleries, and dining under the stars before retreating to a resort where relaxation is practically an art form.
Sedona, Arizona
Red Rock State Park
A half-day drive from Joshua Tree, Sedona’s red rock formations and spiritual reputation make it one of the Southwest’s most distinctive destinations. At Red Rock State Park, hiking trails wind through dramatic sandstone cliffs and serene canyon landscapes, offering both physical challenge and meditative calm. Between outdoor adventures, Sedona’s wellness culture (think spa treatments, yoga studios and crystal shops) adds a restorative dimension that feels tailor-made for spring break travelers craving balance.
Joshua Tree, California
Joshua Tree National Park
Just east of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree feels worlds away. Known for its otherworldly rock formations and namesake trees, the national park draws artists, climbers and creatives seeking solitude and inspiration. Days here are best spent hiking hidden trails, stargazing under vast skies, and exploring the area’s growing roster of minimalist cabins and art installations. Joshua Tree’s quiet intensity provides a striking contrast to Palm Springs’ polish, and an ethereal reminder of the desert’s raw beauty.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Take a day to make the journey from Scottsdale to Santa Fe, where the road trip culminates with adobe architecture, worldclass galleries and a vibrant culinary scene reflecting centuries of cultural exchange. Just north of the city, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs offers a deeply restorative finale. With geothermal pools fed by mineral-rich waters long revered for their healing properties, the spa provides a perfect counterpoint to days spent on the road. In Santa Fe, history and relaxation intertwine—bringing this desert road trip to a soothing, unforgettable close.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Taliesin West
From Sedona, take I-17 South for two-and-a-half hours to Scottsdale, a natural next stop where desert scenery blends with refined urban energy. Be sure to visit Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s former winter home and architectural laboratory, offering insight into how modern design can harmonize with the desert environment. Pair architectural exploration with contemporary art galleries, upscale dining and luxury resorts, and see how Scottsdale reveals itself as both culturally rich and effortlessly indulgent.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs
By SuSaN Salaz
’Round the Town
Spring Spotlight – Your Mini-Guide to Upcoming Live Performances
Spring hits a high note with curtain calls, concert encores and showstopping performances across the city. From Broadway favorites and symphonic spectacles to legendary voices and chart-topping tours, these can’t-miss concerts and shows usher in the season with music, movement and main-character energy.
February 19
New Edition, Boyz II Men & Toni Braxton
Gainbridge Fieldhouse
gainbridgefieldhouse.com
Three generations of R&B royalty share one stage for a night packed with chart-topping hits and pure nostalgia. From smooth ballads to high-energy classics, this powerhouse lineup delivers a soulful, sing-along celebration of timeless sound. The downtown arena’s stadium-scale production and electric crowd energy make it an unforgettable live-music moment.
February 24-25
Nate Smith
The Jazz Kitchen thejazzkitchen.com
Acclaimed polymath musician, drummer and composer Nate Smith brings his genreblending sound to Indianapolis for two energetic nights of jazz, funk and soul. Known for collaborations with top contemporary artists, Smith’s performances are rhythmdriven and electrifying. The Jazz Kitchen’s legendary stage and cozy club setting make this a must-see live experience.
March 20-22
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra x Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Hilbert Circle Theatre indianapolissymphony.org
Experience the iconic film projected on the big screen while John Williams’ legendary score is performed live by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. From sweeping battle themes to emotional motifs, this cinematic concert brings The Empire Strikes Back to life. The historic Circle Theatre’s ornate interior heightens the drama and immersion.
March 17-27
The Wiz Clowes Hall butlerartscenter.org
This Tony Award-winning reimagining of The Wizard of Oz returns with bold choreography, dazzling costumes and a soul-infused score. Following Dorothy’s journey through Oz, The Wiz blends Broadway spectacle with gospel, funk and pop. Clowes Hall’s grand proscenium and acoustics provide the perfect stage for this vibrant production.
April 11
Randy Travis: More Than Life Tour
Paramount Theatre, Anderson andersonparamount.org
A tribute to one of country music’s most iconic voices, More Than Life celebrates the enduring legacy of Randy Travis through classic hits, personal storytelling and heartfelt performances. The evening unfolds inside Anderson’s historic Paramount Theatre, a beautifully restored 1929 venue whose ornate architecture, intimate seating and warm acoustics create a nostalgic, unforgettable concert experience.
April
17
Michael Feinstein with Special Guest Sandi Patty
The Palladium thecenterpresents.org
The Center for the Performing Arts' Artistic Director Michael Feinstein unites with the legendary vocalist Sandi Patty for an evening of classic American song. Feinstein’s signature interpretations meet Patty’s soaring, emotive voice in a concert that blends Broadway standards, beloved ballads and heartfelt storytelling in an elegant, intimate performance. Known for world-class acoustics and Europeaninspired elegance, the Palladium sets the tone for a refined performance.
April 17-19
Indianapolis Ballet: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Tobias Theater, Newfields indianapolisballet.org
Shakespeare’s enchanting tale of love and mischief comes alive through movement in this lush ballet production perfect for families. Whimsical fairies, romantic entanglements and Mendelssohn’s iconic score create a magical springtime performance. Set inside Newfields, the intimate Tobias Theater allows audiences to experience every expressive detail up close.
April 18
Ana Gasteyer
The Cabaret thecabaret.org
Best known for her Saturday Night Live fame, Ana Gasteyer brings sharp wit and powerhouse vocals to this cabaret performance. Expect clever storytelling, Broadway flair and musical comedy that’s equal parts polished and playful—perfect for an evening that blends laughs, sophistication and standout talent in this premier nightlife destination in downtown Indianapolis.
May 5-10
Beauty and the Beast
Old National Centre Theatre broadwayinindianapolis.com
Disney’s enchanting stage adaptation brings the classic tale to life with lavish costumes, stunning sets and unforgettable music. Follow Belle and the Beast on a journey of love and transformation. The historic Old National Centre Theatre adds grandeur and scale, enhancing the fairytale magic for audiences of all ages.
April 24-26
Billy Strings
Fishers Event Center fisherseventcenter.com
Grammy-winning bluegrass phenom Billy Strings brings his electrifying sound to Fishers for a multi-night run. Known for genre-blending performances and jaw-dropping musicianship, Strings fuses bluegrass roots with rock and folk. The modern event center’s state-of-the-art sound and sightlines amplify every note and improvisation.
