A&E priorities for March 21-26

Here are some highlights for the week in A&E.

American Theatre Critics Association Conference/Mini Fringe

March 21-24

Various locations

Arts journalists from around the county are converging on Indianapolis this weekend for the first time. What will they see? Well, mostly the same things you can see, including Barbara Cook and Michael Feinstein at the Palladium (see below), “The Lyons” at the Phoenix Theatre, “The Whipping Man” at the IRT, and more. There’s also a Mini-Fringe happening on Sunday the 24th that’s open to the public (and includes lunch from Yats). See full story here.

Barbara Cook

March 23

Palladium

For years, Barbara Cook was on my bucket list. Last year, I finally saw her in New York, not realizing that this year she’d be back here on my turf. No complaint from me. Any chance to hear the magical soprano who wowed Broadway as the original Marian the Librarian in “The Music Man,” created Cunegonde in “Candide,” and survived the original production of the musical “Carrie” should be seen and heard whenever possible. Here, she’ll share the stage with host Michael Feinstein. I’ll be the guy in the audience hoping she includes her amazing combo of “The House of the Rising Sun” and “Bye Bye Blackbird.” Or the song “Errol Flynn.” Or one of the songs she sang in “Plain and Fancy.” Or … OK, I’ll admit it. I’d happily listen to Cook sing just about anything. Details here.

“One Thing Leads to Another”  

March 23-24

Indianapolis Museum of Art’s 100 Acres park

An overturned hot air balloon provides the stage for artist Tamar Ettun’s outdoor performance piece that incorporates music and movement in and out of her shifting-with- the-breeze stage. It’s part of the IMA’s Spring Equinox events that also include art making, a birding tour, and yoga in the park. Details here.

Also this week

Hot Glass Infusion Weekend, March 23-24 at GRT Glass Design Studio, 6400 Brookville Road, features demonstrations, an exhibition and a glass shop. Details here. 

Henry Leck offers his last concert, March 23 at Clowes Hall with the Butler Symphony Orchestra, before retiring after 27 years. Details here. 

Author James Reeves (“The Road to Somewhere: An American Memoir”) speaks at IUPUI’s Lecture Hall March 21. Details here. 

Andi Smith from “Last Comic Standing” performs at Crackers Broad Ripple through March 23. Details here.

The latest “If These Walls Could Talk” storytelling event features Bob Sander telling “It’s Alive! The Life and Death and Rebirth of the Lerner Theatre” March 22 at the Indiana Landmark Center. Details here. 

Pianist Michael Wolff and drummer Mike Clark, playing as the Wolff & Clark Expedition, launch their self-titled CD at the Jazz Kitchen March 23. Details here. 

The Saw Doctors play the Deluxe at Old National Center March 23. Details here. 

March 17’s Massapalooza at Northminster Presbyterian Church features performances of masses by Bach and Haydn by the Northminster Chancel Choir, Chamber Ensemble and Orchestra. Details here.