Priority list includes one man, two guvnors, a Carrie Newcomer musical, more

World music, British comedy, a homegrown musical and more offer plenty of options this week.

Lotus World Music & Arts Festival

Let’s not pretend we’ve heard of Kardemimmit or Zedashe. Instead, let’s just remind you that a veritable U.N. of world musicians converges on Bloomington for an overwhelming weekend of concerts. A ticketed wristband is required for most, but there are also a free Lotus in the Park concert and a parade for those who need to sample before committing.

Various locations, Bloomington Sept. 24-27  Details

Circle City Classic weekend

Circle City Classic is more than a game. It’s also an opportunity to see a comedy jam with Tommy Davidson, a concert led by R&B singer Charlie Wilson, a gospel gathering at the Madame Walker Theatre, and more.

IndianaConvention CenterSept. 25-26 Details

“One Man, Two Guvnors”

As the title suggests, this comedy concerns a hapless gent trying to please a pair of bosses. What it doesn’t suggest is that it contains one of the funniest sequences I’ve ever seen on stage (in the NYC production) and that it features a live skiffle band. The Phoenix is offering its regional premiere.

Phoenix Theatre Sept. 24-Oct. 18  Details

“Betty’s Diner, the Musical”

Well, it’s about time someone turned Indiana folk music star Carrie Newcomer’s character-based songs into a musical. Gary Walters serves as musical director. Anyone up for eggs and toast afterward?

Mallett Theatre, West Lafayette  Sept. 25-Oct. 10 Details

“Seeking Asylum: Preservation at Central State”

This two-hour walking tour takes you into three of the remaining buildings of the former complex that opened as the Indiana Hospital for the Insane and became Central State Hospital. Sponsored by Indiana Landmarks and the Indiana Medical History Museum.

IndianaMedical History Museum Sept. 26 Details

Also this week
 

Buckwheat Zydeco, responsible for the three highest-selling zydeco albums of all time, brings its joyful sound to the Jazz Kitchen Sept. 25.

New songs, blues songs and, of course, Led Zeppelin songs are on the set list for Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters, Sept 22 at the Murat.

At “Plain Airs: Contemporary Takes on Reality and Realism,” Sept. 25-Nov. 11 at the Indianapolis Art Center, contemporary and conceptual artists from around the country explore what realism can be. A concurrent show features Concurrent shows feature artist K.P. Singh and contemporary glass from the Midwest.

Patty Griffin plays the Egyptian Room Sept. 26.

Time for Three and violinist Joshua Bell join the celebration at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Opening Gala, Sept. 26 at Hilbert Circle Theatre.