Priority list includes the Rolling Stones, Audra McDonald, more

Tops on my list this week: A legendary band, a legendary Broadway performer, and some fun and games.

The Rolling Stones

Celebrate American independence with one of England’s greatest exports. The Rolling Stones launch a 15-city tour at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Having trouble grasping the impact of these guys? Consider that Rolling Stone magazine (no relation) recently pulled together a panel to come up with the 100 greatest Rolling Stones songs. How many other bands can even come close to those levels of quantity and quality? Tickets start at $59.50 and go up to Tower Terrace Suits where you and 39 of your friends can pitch in to a $14,500 package.

July 4  Indianapolis Motor Speedway  Details

Audra McDonald

My fascination with Audra McDonald began after seeing her stunning, star-making performance in the Lincoln Center production of “Carousel.” My admiration for her has only grown after seeing her in “Ragtime” and “Master Class” and listening to her many recordings, in which she often champions up-and-coming composers. Now, after previous needed-to-be-rescheduled efforts, she’s finally getting to perform here in Indy. Anyone up for a road trip in August to see her in “A Moon for the Misbegotten” in Williamstown?   

June 30   Hilbert Circle Theatre   Details

InConjunction

I have the honor of serving as toastmaster for this volunteer-run science fiction/fantasy/gaming convention. What does that job entail? Well, in this case it means running a pub trivia game, serving as charity auctioneer (benefiting Indy Reads and the Society of Women Engineers), hosting a sing-along screening of “Little Shop of Horrors,” presenting a play reading, emceeing a costume contest, and more. But you can avoid me completely if you like since there’s plenty of other events on the schedule including panels with author guest of honor Timothy Zahn, a Weird World of Science presentation, a Dr. Who room with almost non-stop episode screenings, and tabletop games being played around the clock.

July 3-5 Indianapolis Marriott East   Details

Also this week

World Party, the band with only one member (Karl Wallinger) plays the Jazz Kitchen July 1  

Fountain Square Music Festival,July 1-4, features performances on Fountain Square Plaza, The Hi Fi, Radio Radio, and more.

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra keeps a holiday weekend tradition going with Star Spangled Symphony July 2-4 at Conner Prairie Amphitheatre.

Wiz Khalifa is joined by Fall Out Boy and Hoodie Allen for a concert July 1 at Klipsch Music Center. Ed Sheeran follows on July 2.