IBJ A&E Priority list for March 7-13

Here's my priority list of A&E events for this week. Make sure to let me know what you experienced on the You-review-it-Monday blog at www.ibj.com/arts.

“Guitars”

March 9-Aug. 4

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

After success showcasing motorcycles, the Eiteljorg finds another popular item that loyalists trick out for their own artistic ends. This show looks at guitars from the late 1700s to the present, with pieces from collections around the country—including Dobros, since this is the Eiteljorg. Also on hand: guitars owned by Jimi Hendrix, Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams, Gene Autry and more. And there will be concerts, of course. Details here. 

Anne-Sophie Mutter

March 8

Palladium

A longtime champion of contemporary composers, world-renown violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter offers a program mixing the music of Schubert and Saint-Saens with that of Witold Lutoslawski and Mutter’s ex-husband, Andre Previn. Details here. 

 

“Akhnaten”

Indianapolis Opera and IU Opera Theatre

March 8-9

Clowes Hall

Rare is the case where I get to preview a show after I review it. How is that paradox possible? Well, in this case, IU Opera Theatre opened its production of “Akhnaten” two weeks ago, at which time I shot down to Bloomington to see it. You can find my review in this week’s IBJ. “Akhnaten,” however, has an afterlife. It will be presented this weekend at Clowes Hall by Indianapolis Opera, which makes this a preview. Are you following?

Whatever the case, this is a rarity for Indianapolis: A full-scale production of an opera that isn’t more than 100 years old. For those unfamiliar (which should be just about everyone), “Akhnaten” is Philip Glass’ 1984 opera about the pharaoh who introduced monotheism, briefly, to Egypt . Details here.

 

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

March 7, 9, 10

Hilbert Circle Theatre

Let’s say you are in a social mood. You want to nosh a little, chat, hear some music, chat some more. Well, on Thursday, Hilbert Circle Theatre is the place to be for the latest Happy Hour at the Symphony, where drink samples and food in the lobby are followed by a shortened concert, including a mash-up of Radiohead and Brahms.

Now, let’s say you wanted something even further on the symphonic cutting edge. Then consider the Saturday concert where IU alum Son Lux is one of the composer/performers in a concert of new music as part of the ISO’s partnership with the NewAm record label.

All of that too edgy for you? Then whether you have kids or not, pop into the ISO’s family concert featuring guests from Dance Kaleidoscope. Details on all three here.

 

Also this week

Surrealistic dance company Momix—familiar to some from Target and BMW commercials—performs March 9-10 at the Tarkington. Details here. 

Diva Fest 2013 offers new plays by women playwrights, March 8-17. Details here. 

Barb Jungr sings the music of Bob Dylan at the Cabaret at the Columbia Club, March 8-9. Details here. 

Dolores Hydock tells tales of immigration in “Putting Down Roots,” presented by Storytelling Arts, March 9 at the Indiana History Center. Details here.

Illusionist Jason Bishop performs March 7 at the Tarkington. Details here. 

Brickworld Indy offers 30,000 feet of Lego creations and interactive opportunities at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, March 9-10. Details here.