A&E priority list for May 9-15

This weekend's A&E is dominated by the festival marking the completion of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. But that's not all that's happening. Read on….

Get Down on It 

May 11

Indianapolis Cultural Trail

What’s going on to celebrate the official opening of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, the 7.5 miles of downtown bike and pedestrian paths? Well, that depends on where you step onto it. Mucca Pazza, the funky “circus punk marching band,” will be performing at Fountain Square’s White Rabbit Cabaret. You’ll find a street festival at Indiana Avenue and St. Clair Street featuring live music and storytelling. A mock railroad camp will be found at the end of Massachusetts Avenue near Indy Reads Books. Sarah Fisher signs autographs in the Wholesale District. Sidewalk chalking is actively encouraged outside the Central Library. And lots more. For a full lineup of activities, click here.

“The Flying Dutchman”    

May 10, 12

Clowes Hall

Happy 200th birthday, Richard Wagner. And here’s the present being wrapped by Indianapolis Opera: a full-scale production of his opera “The Flying Dutchman,” with scenic design and direction by Joachim Schamberger, who was responsible for IO’s knockout production of “Faust” last season. The three-act opera concerns a shot ship and its cursed captain. The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra accompanies. Details here.

Brad Paisley

May 10

Klipsch Music Center

The country star kicks off the music season at Klipsch Music Center with a May 10 concert featuring Chris Young and Lee Brice. But that’s just the beginning. The season includes concerts by Kenny Chesney (June 13), Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (June 15), Dave Matthews Band (June 21-22), or course Jimmy Buffett (June 27), Bob Dylan (July 5), Bon Jovi (July 16), Blake Shelton (July 27), Heart (July 30), Wiz Khalifa (Aug. 4), Miranda Lampert (Aug. 9), John Mayer (Aug. 10), Lil’ Wayne (Aug. 13), Keith Urban (Aug. 24) and Kid Rock (Aug. 25). Plus more to come. Full lineup here.

Also this week

Actors Theatre of Indiana celebrates music popularized by Frank Sinatra in “My Way,” May 10-June 9. Details here.

500 Festival Kids Day, May 11 on Monument Circle, features mini-car racing, arts & crafts, Kidz Bop performers and more. Details here.

Asian Fest, May 11 at White River State Park, includes games, food and cultural performances. This year’s featured country is the Philippines. Details here.

The Phoenix Theatre presents the local premiere of Amy Herzog’s “4000 Miles,” May 9 to June 9. Details here.

Bill Staines headlines an Indy Folks Series concert May 11 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis. Details here.

The Rhythm! Discovery Center opens a new exhibition, “Drums From the Circle City: The Leedy Drum Company from 1895-1930” May 11 and offers free admission that day. Details here.

Dennis Regan performs at the Broad Ripple Crackers Comedy Club through May 11. Details here.