What to do this week? Priority list includes beer at Conner Prairie, sweet soul music, more

What's on tap for this week? Here's a starter list of ideas.

“Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow”

Not to be confused with the annual Evening with the Stars ballet benefit (okay, maybe I just added to that confusion), this event features student ballet competition winners performing with professional dancers from MOMIX, the Joffrey Ballet, Ballet West, American Ballet Theater, and more. Those in the “stars of tomorrow” category include Carmel’s Connor Hamilton.

May 31 Tarkington Details

Cuba Gooding’s Sweet Soul of the 70’s

That’s Sr., not Jr. For those more movie- and less music-centric, Gooding was lead vocalist for The Main Ingredient, the group behind the hit “Everybody Plays the Fool.” This concert tour grew out of a Time Life infomercial repackaging and selling hit songs by his group as well as other smooth soul singers. Included on the tour: The Manhattans and Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes. 

May 31 Murat Theatre Details

History on Tap

There are lots of beer-consuming events these days. This one, true to just about everything else at Conner Prairie, makes location a key part of the experience, with demonstrations and a chance to chat with experts. In addition to 20 local craft brewers sharing their wares, Conner Prairie’s 1836 Prairietown will have historical beer brewed on site. New participants this year include Taxman, Redemption Alewerks, and Wooden Beer Brewery.

May 29 Conner Prairie Details

Also this week

Austin-based bluegrass band Wood & Wire kicks off the first of the Vonnegut Sessions concerts at the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library May 28.

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site hosts its annual Wicket World of Croquet tournament May 30.

The Indianapolis Public Library hosts a Local Authors Fair May 30.

Third Eye Blind headlines at the Lawn at White River State Park May 30.

“Weird Al’ Yankovic plays a sold-out show at the Murat Theatre May 28.

The John Hartford Memorial Festival at Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park and Campground May 28-30 includes performances by New Riders of the Purple Sage, Hackensaw Boys, Bawn in the Marsh, and much more.

New Kids on the Block, TLC and Nelly play May 31 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Bobcat Goldthwait performs at Morty’s Comedy Joint May 31.

Klipsch Music Center hosts Lana Del Rey on May 28 and Rascal Flatts with Scotty McCreery and Rae Lynn on May 30.