Priority list includes Penrod Art Fair, Indy Jazz Fest, more

The performing arts season officially begins. (And for more to be excited about, check out the IBJ A&E Season Preview). 

Indy Jazz Fest 

I’ll tell you more next week, but for now know that Indy Jazz Fest begins with a Sept. 10 opening night tribute to Frank Sinatra at the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, a Sept. 11 concert by Dr. Lonnie Smith at the Jazz Kitchen, and  a Sept. 12 show with Take 6 at the Madame Walker Theatre.

Various locations  Sept. 10-19  Details 

Penrod Art Fair

More than 300 artists display and sell their wares, more than 50 arts organizations share info on upcoming shows, and six stages house a wide range of music and dance styles. IBJ will be there to chat with you about the upcoming arts season and hand out A&E Season Previews to those who don’t already have one (like you do). For an additional fee, you can be a part of Evening with Penrod on Sept. 11.

Indianapolis Museum of Art  Sept. 12   Details

“Little Women”

“The Fantasticks”

It’s a busy weekend at the Center for the Performing Arts—and that’s without anything happening at the Palladium. In the building across the green, Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre kicks off its season with the musical adaptation of the beloved Louisa May Alcott book. It’s up to you whether to explain to the kids you are with why you have extra tissues in your pocket.  Meanwhile, the Center’s resident Equity theater company, Actors Theatre of Indiana, launches its season with the beloved musical best known for “Try to Remember.”

Tarkington Sept. 11-26

Studio Theatre Sept. 11-27  Details

Quest for the West Art Show and Sale

Want some insight into what collectors are buying in the Western art market? Ask them yourself when they converge on Indianapolis for this 10th annual event. No worries if you miss the opening—when most of the bidding and buying takes place. The work of the 50 artists remains on display (with some stragglers still on sale) through Oct. 11 before retiring to new collections.

Eiteljorg Museum  Sept. 11-13   Details

Also this week

The sold-out “Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs” performances Sept. 12-13 at the Cabaret at the Columbia Club feature the theater/film/tv star in an intimate concert.

Zac Brown Band helps wind the season down at Klipsch Music Center Sept. 13.

Fauxchella, Sept. 12, brings six tribute bands to Tiki Bob’s Party Lot.

Theatre on the Square opens its season with“Enter Love,” an original airport-set musical directed, choreographed, and co-written by Kenny Shepard. The show runs Sept. 12-27.