DINING: A worthwhile stop on the road to IU
Even the most hard-core local-restaurant advocates make exceptions when they hit the road. But on a recent drive, I found
an alternative to fast-food pit stops.
Arts & Entertainment
Articles
LOU’S VIEWS: Quality time on the Fringe
By definition, the non-juried IndyFringe festival has a crapshoot quality. My advice to new Fringe-goers is usually to
go to at least three shows and be fully prepared to hate at least one of them.
BENNER: Honoring Knight is the right thing for IU to do
Even as one of Knight’s most ardent critics during the latter half of his tenure at Indiana, I concur with the majority
of opinions expressed on the subject.
BASILE: When cruising Antarctica, comfort isn’t first priority
There are cruises to the Antarctic in large luxury ships that go near the islands—close enough to afford
magnificent views. But those ships are too big to get close enough to go ashore.
ICVA: Stadium’s retractable roof worth the cost
Three music events with direct visitor spending estimated at $28 million that were hosted at Lucas Oil Stadium offer proof,
city officials said, that the expense of the retractable roof and other features of the $720 million facility are paying off.
Indy Fringe part 4
More reviews from the Mass Ave. festival.Last night I only made it to one Indy Fringe show, due to my misreading of the program (my fault, not the designers). This
led to the last minute pick of “The Stetson Manifesto,” presented by Lebenon, Indiana’s Happy Holler Productions.
Singer Michael Feinstein signs Carmel contract
The incoming head of Carmel’s new $118 million performing arts center says singer Michael Feinstein has agreed to become the
center’s artistic director.
Overall fair attendance up, per-day average down
The longer Indiana State Fair drew a record crowd of nearly 1 million visitors, although its daily average was far short of
previous years.
Indianapolis shows up peer cities in attracting the young and educated
Cities must woo people while they’re young—in their 20s or early 30s—because after that age, people tend
to hunker down. The Indianapolis area apparently appeals to at least two key groups of young people—particularly those
already married, according to a new study by researchers at IUPUI.
Indy Fringe part 4 (plus teens)
Last night I only made it to one Indy Fringe show, due to my misreading of the program (my fault, not the designers). This
led to the last minute pick of “The Stetson Manifesto,” presented by Lebenon, Indiana’s Happy Holler Productions.
Smoking pics, Julia Child, etc.
In England, Lynn Barber, author of the memoir “An Education,” withdrew from the Books Now festival because the event organizers
refused to print her photograph in the program. Why?
Columbia Club hires Cincinnati native as GM
James B. “Jim” Rentschler, former general manager at the University Club of Cincinnati, has been named general
manager of The Columbia Club.
Indy Fringe part 3
Third in a series of blogs on experiences at Indy Fringe 2009. For more, click here and here.
I knew I had to hit the wall eventually.
That wall came in the form of what should have been a slam dunk on a kiddie basketball court. How hard is it to engage a willing
audience in a fun game of Bingo while playing a pair of silly characters?
State gambling revenue expected to stay flat
Indiana’s share of tax money generated by the state’s 13 casinos is expected to remain relatively flat for at
least the next few years, a state fiscal analyst told Gaming Study Committee members this morning.
You-review-it Monday
Did you take in any of the Fringe (there’s still plenty of time)? Catch a concert? See a film (my thoughts on “Inglourious Basterds” is tucked at the end of the review here).
Indy Fringe part 1 (and more)
First in a series of reports from Indy Fringe 2009, the non-juried festival of short theater works running through Aug. 30 at theaters on and around Mass. Ave. For a full schedule and more details, visit www.indyfringe.org. Plus thoughts on Sharon McKnight’s visit to the…
ICVA might take out loan to market city for conventions
The Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association is so desperate for more marketing funding, the organization charged
with promoting the city as a convention and tourism destination is considering taking out a loan. While that
would be the last resort, ICVA CEO Don Welsh said it is one he will have to consider if the money can’t be raised through
local taxes.
Director of Carmel performing arts center says venue will be ‘amazing’
Steven Libman believes he’ll have no trouble raising money for a $3 million operating budget, and says he plans to
pack the calendar with big-name acts.
LOU’S VIEWS: Trying out the games of Gen Con
This week, reviews of new games found at Gen Con and a nostalgic misfire from Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre.
Sept. 12 frenzy in Indy arts
I’m ready to officially declare Sept. 12 the most overloaded day of the Indy arts season.
For starters, there’s the Penrod Art Fair, occupying the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art from 9-5.
Then there’s Indianapolis Opera’s new Operapalooza…