Stand-up comedy isn’t confined to traditional clubs
Several independent producers work outside the context of the two-drink minimums and brick-wall backdrops associated with comedy clubs.
Performing Arts
Sister Rosetta Tharpe story and ‘Come From Away’ highlight IRT schedule
The six-production lineup at the Indiana Repertory Theatre also includes August Wilson’s “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.”
Jenny Boyts leads concert company Forty5 during growth phase
Boyts spoke with IBJ about the legacy of the Vogue, how bands decide to visit Indianapolis and why it’s healthy for concert promoters to compete for business.
Indianapolis Opera perseveres to reach 50th anniversary
On March 22, Indianapolis Opera will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a gala at Hilbert Circle Theatre. The event will feature the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra accompanying a roster of high-profile singers from the opera’s past and present.
Dinner theater planned as new attraction at Murat Shrine Center
The Downtown Dinner Theatre will occupy the Arabian Room in the northern part of the 115-year-old building that also houses the Murat Theatre and Egyptian Room.
Electric violinist Cathy Morris leads nonprofit to give ‘big hug of arts’
Arts with a Purpose takes performing arts and visual arts to audiences who lack access to or can’t afford similar experiences.
IBJ Podcast: Dave Lindquist previews can’t-miss entertainment in 2025
IBJ Editor Lesley Weidenbener sat down with IBJ’s arts and entertainment reporter Dave Lindquist to find out what’s on the docket this year in entertainment.
Indiana bands and solo artists will span the globe in 2025
Rapper Mark Battles and soul band Durand Jones & the Indications are two Indiana acts planning to perform overseas in 2025.
Butler University’s Clowes Hall to expand with 1,200-capacity ballroom
The Allen Whitehill Clowes Ballroom, an 11,000-square-foot venue expected to open in 2027, will be built on the east side of Clowes Hall.
IU Indianapolis professor uses AI tool to create opera
“Lexia: An AI Opera” was created in collaboration with the AI-powered tool Avatar, developed by IU Indianapolis faculty members Scott Deal and Jason Palamara.
Commission gives positive feedback on ISO’s Hilbert Circle Theatre plans
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra presented its renovation plan Wednesday night in a preliminary review by the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission, which has purview because both the interior and exterior of Hilbert Circle Theatre are protected as historically significant.
Indoor concert venue planned to succeed Fountain Square’s Hi-Fi Annex
Concert company MOKB Presents announced plans Monday to open a 1,200-capacity venue in early 2026 at the former site of Well Done Marketing in the Murphy Arts Building.
Ron Sexton recordings showcase the best of ‘Donnie Baker’ and more
The new two-CD set serves as a posthumous celebration of ‘Bob & Tom Show’ comedian Ron Sexton, who died in July 2023 at age 52.
Leading Indiana Wind Symphony is new adventure for Purdue bands chair
The Indiana Wind Symphony’s new music director isn’t planning a solemn future for the Carmel-based ensemble made up of 80 musicians who play brass, woodwind and percussion instruments.
Iconic bass player Marcus Miller to bring ‘whole picture’ to Indy Jazz Fest
In addition to songwriting credits with Miles Davis, Luther Vandross and David Sanborn, Marcus Miller was a musical mentor to Wayman Tisdale.
Former comedy club site is newest music venue in Broad Ripple
The Turntable venue, which has a seated capacity of 150 and a standing capacity of 400, will present Bob Schneider and Kate Nash in October.
Fishers Event Center schedule filling up ahead of November opening
Violinist Lindsey Stirling and an ice performance by Cirque du Soleil have been added to the schedule at the new 7,500-seat Fishers Event Center, venue managers announced this week.
Romanus Fest artist Joshua Powell returns to his metalcore roots
Indianapolis musician Joshua Powell will showcase his fast and loud tunes Saturday as part of Romanus Fest at Black Circle Music Bar.
A&E Preview: 125+ must-see exhibits, concerts and events for the 2024-25 season
IBJ arts and entertainment reporter Dave Lindquist has scoured the calendars of central Indiana arts organizations for a list of recommendations meant to satisfy different tastes, interests and ages.
A&E Preview: Introducing Ronan Marra, the new executive director of Storytelling Arts of Indiana
Marra’s arrival marks the first time in the organization’s 37-year history that it hasn’t been overseen by one of its co-founders: Ellen Munds, Nancy Barton and Bob Sander.