Priority list includes Tonic Ball, Dr. John, more

Tonic Ball

The annual blockbuster benefit for Second Helpings overloads its 15^th anniversary event with a multi-venue celebration of the music of David Bowie (White Rabbit Cabaret), the Beatles (Fountain Square Theatre), the Rolling Stones (Radio Radio), Prince (The HiFi) and the Grateful Dead (Pioneer).  Various locations  Nov. 18 Details

Dr. John

Malcolm John Rebennack, better known by his musical moniker Dr. John, has racked up a shelf of Grammy Awards. He’s been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and was the inspiration for the Muppet character Dr. Teeth. With a uniquely New Orleans take on R&B, he blurs the line between performance and party.  Nov. 19 Palladium Details

Renee Elise Goldsberry

OK, so maybe you didn’t get a chance to see her stunning performance as Angelica Schuyler Church in the musical “Hamilton.” Here’s a chance to experience her talent in a much more intimate venue during the annual benefit for the Cabaret.  Nov. 18 Cabaret at the Columbia Club Details

“Birth of a State: The Indiana Exhibit”

This touring exhibit features the state’s original constitution and the first state flag, Indiana’s historic rifle (I’ll plead ignorance on that one, having had no idea we had such a thing), early territorial documents, and more.  Nov. 19-Dec. 18 Indiana State Capitol Rotunda Details

Also this week

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site hosts a Civil War Dinner Nov. 16 catered by the University Club.

Maxwell and Mary K. Blige bring their King and Queen of Hearts tour to Bankers Life Fieldhouse Nov. 19.

Indianapolis Opera stages "The Barber of Seville" Nov. 18-20 at the Tarkington.

Ron Chernow, author of the acclaimed biography “Alexander Hamilton” (which inspired the musical), speaks at Loeb Playhouse in Bloomington Nov. 15.

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra covers John Williams’ score while “Raiders of the Lost Ark” plays large Nov. 18-19 at Hilbert Circle Theatre

Singer/songwriter John Prine returns to town Nov. 19 for a concert at the Murat Theatre

Jonny Lang plays the Vogue Nov. 15.

The Jazz Legacy Showcase, Nov. 17 at the Indiana Landmarks Center celebrates the past, present and future of the art with dinner, awards, and music from the Indianapolis Jazz Collective.