July 11-15 A&E priority list: Paul McCartney and more

Yes, Paul McCartney's coming to town. (Which begs the question: Why did I plan a trip to Chicago for this weekend?)

But that's not the only thing happening. Here's my priority list for the week. Chime in on my blog on Monday to let me know what you experienced.

Paul McCartney

Twenty years ago today … Paul McCartney was already 50 years old. Yet the man is still doing three-hour concerts for his “Out There Tour.” (For comparison, as has been pointed out by VH1, the Beatles’ final New York City concert was a mere 30 minutes long.) When the tour comes to Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Sir Paul should be playing a few rarely live-performed songs—on this tour, he’s been including “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite,” for example—but don’t expect new unknowns since there’s no fresh album being promoted. Rather, this is a celebration of a brilliant career, from “All My Loving” through “Another Day” all the way to “My Valentine.” (July 14 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

"ZirkusGrimm"

Billed as “The Grimmest Show on Earth,” this production isn’t shying away from the strangeness inherent in the original Brothers Grimm fairy tales. By the looks of things, "ZirkusGrimm" will be embracing and enhancing the bizarreness as it mines early versions of such stories as “Hansel and Gretel” and “Snow White,” mixes in original music, and adds the talents of a trio of artistic directors of up-and-coming, edgy Indy theater companies. Q Artistry’s Ben Asaykwee, Eclectic Pond’s Thomas Cardwell, and NoExit’s Georgeanna Smith headline a company that includes gloomy clowns, a live band, a cast of more than two dozen, and a tightrope walker. Plus a homicidal sharpshooter. Perhaps this is where I should mention that it’s not recommended for children. (July 12-27 at Q Artistry, 5515 E. Washington St.)

Museum Nights on the Canal/Concerts on the Canal

The Indiana Historical Society’s summer concerts are now two-part events. Part 1: From 5-8 p.m., there’s free admission to the “Indiana Experience” exhibitions at the Indiana History Center, free swing dance lessons in Lilly Hall, and family-friendly activities around the grounds. Part 2: Work your way out to the canal to hear the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra playing in concert. Tables and single seats are available for a fee, or you can park yourself across the water on the grassy hill. (July 11 at the Indiana Historical Society)

Also this week

Chef Joseph’s at the Connoisseur Room hosts "Big Broadway Sing-Along," a July 17 Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS fundraiser featuring Sean Baker and John Phillips.

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performs a program of “Broadway Standing Ovations” at Conner Prairie, followed by Symphony in the Park shows at Ellenberger Park, July 16, and Garfield Park, July 17.

Harry Connick Jr. performs at the Murat Theatre July 13 while the Egyptian Room hosts guitar great Leo Kottke.

Alonzo Bodden headlines at Morty’s Comedy Joint July 11-13.

It’s “Art on Fire” weekend July 13-14 on the Indiana Glass Trail in Brown County.

Indiana Black Expo's Summer Celebration gets started with the July 13-14 IBE Film Festival. Screenings include the documentary "Real Black Love," looking at how cinema has portrayed relationships.

Willie Nelson plays Hoosier Park Racing & Casino July 12.

Dan Wakefield, who wrote the introduction, signs copies of the new collection of Kurt Vonnegut’s advice, “If This Isn’t Nice, What Is?” at the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library Aug. 13.