Indy Social Media

Indy Bands Vie for Rolling Stone Super Bowl Gig

2012-01-25T13:34:00.000-05:00

So you wanna be a rock and roll star? Rolling Stone Magazine (along with corporate sponsor Volkswagen) is giving one lucky Hoosier band the opportunity to open for Jane's Addiction and The Roots at this year's Super Bowl in Indianapolis. Local bands like Tim Brickley and the Bleeding Hearts are activating their Facebook and Twitter fan bases to vote for the privilege of performing in front of the global audience. Vote early, vote often -- fans are being asked to vote once a day for their favorite group, with stiff competition fueled by a frenzy of social media activity the order of the day.

Hit City Recording Releases Flaming Planet Head

2012-01-04T12:56:00.004-05:00

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thereacharounds

Just prior to the ball dropping for 2012, Bleeding Heart bassist and longtime-Indy pub rocker Scott Sanders and his band The Reacharounds release their first record, Flaming Planet Head on Hit City Recording.

Produced by Hit City chief (and lead Bleeding Heart) Tim Brickley, and supported by a who's who of Indianapolis' working musicians including Larry DeMyer, Scott Ballantine, Keith Carey and Ben Wah Salami, the tightly-crafted album features a roster of original compositions written by Sanders over the past several decades.

TexMex flavored (a vestige of his time spent in Austin, Texas, just after college) and full of sad songs of lost lovers and crazy country neighbors, Flaming Planet Head is reminiscent of Joe Ely, Steve Earle, and Dave Alvin.

Buy
1. Good At Bad	3:27	+ MP3 $0.99
2. Bad x 7	3:13	+ MP3 $0.99
3. Sweet, Sweet Geez	3:25	+ MP3 $0.99
4. One Misplaced Kiss	3:47	+ MP3 $0.99
5. Rug Bum	3:04	+ MP3 $0.99
6. Hard On the Equipment	3:34	+ MP3 $0.99
7. Afterglow (Post Coitio Magnifico)	2:33	+ MP3 $0.99
8. Are You Done?	3:58	+ MP3 $0.99
9. Gomerville	4:04	+ MP3 $0.99
10. Baby I Got to Go	6:03	+ MP3 $0.99
11. Strong	3:34	+ MP3 $0.99
12. Broken Hearted Man	4:47	+ MP3 $0.99
13. Old Piano

Flaming Planet Head is available for sale at CD Baby, Daddy Jack's and from the backseat of Scott Sander's car. ***

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thereacharounds

A Very Phoenix Xmas: Our Goose is Cooked!

2011-12-01T17:13:00.001-05:00

All new sketches, dances, songs and storytelling!

CAST: Abby Gillan, Jason Gloye, Charles Goad, Scot Greenwell,
Carly Kincannon, Claire Wilcher and Gayle Steigerwald

Above photos by Zach Rosing.

ON STAGE NOW
A Very Phoenix Xmas 6: Our Goose is Cooked! Not your usual holiday fare, this variety show has singing, dancing and sketches for your holiday enjoyment...
MORE>>

2011-2012 SEASON
The tiniest gesture can mean the biggest moment on stage: joy, tension, fear, love, hate... and we embrace every moment in our 2011-2012 Season...
MORE>>

NEXT UP
Current Economic Conditions by Don Zolidis is a World Premiere, developed with funding from the Edgerton Foundation...
MORE>>

RENOVATIONS
Lots of renovations here at the theatre! See photos...
MORE>>

Tonic Ball 10

2011-11-17T15:16:00.001-05:00

Curtain Rises for Spring Awakening at Phoenix

2011-10-01T12:35:00.001-04:00

The new production of “Spring Awakening” is now live at the Phoenix Theatre, where it will run thru October 23^rd. Directed by Bryan Fonseca, with musical direction by Tim Brickley and Kevin D. Smith.

Ice Cream Social for Diabetics

2011-07-08T18:13:00.003-04:00

Cathy Kightlinger will do anything to get the scoop on the social scene in Indy. As the Indianapolis Star's TOOT (Talk Of Our Town) Girl, the stylish Kightlinger is expected to hang with Hoosierland's elite at every charitable ball, fashion benefit, bakeoff and black-tie chicken situation the Circle City dishes out.

This week, the effervescently blonde reporter could be found cheerfully manning booth #4 at the Annual Ice Cream Social on the Circle. Ice cream to benefit diabetes? Strange but true.

"I scream, you scream...We all scream: I'll be scooping from 12:30 to 1 pm tomorrow" Kightlinger posted on her Facebook wall, and tweeted to her ever-growing list of followers on Twitter. Without the slightest bit of irony, the twittering TOOT columnist went on to inform us that this year's ice cream event was being sponsored by the American Dairy Association of Indiana -- all to benefit the Diabetes Youth Foundation of Indiana.

Sweet Sponsorship? When Indy Social pointed out the rough associative fit, it resulted in the following FB Wall back and forth:

Grillin and Chillin

2011-07-07T14:36:00.001-04:00

Summertime in Indy, and the grilling is easy. Indy Social is loving its new infrared grill, all chrome and fancy! It cooks my salmon and veggies fast and clean, but the all chrome sure gets hot on these 90 degree days. Guess I'll need to spring for the optional grill cover!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

2011-05-28T18:33:00.000-04:00

Zippers of Zoomerville Returns to Phoenix Theatre

2011-04-01T11:23:00.003-04:00

Ready for more speed, greed and the dirty deed? The Phoenix Theatre will bring back an updated (and shortened) musical spoof of Indy's annual fast-track fever for a special one-month run, April 28-May 28th. Described as a "Gilbert and Sullivanesque celebration of flat-out folly and full-throttle love," The Zippers of Zoomerville, was written by Indy ad man Jack O’Hara with musical score and direction from Hit City Recording's Tim Brickley.

Thursdays (Duke Energy CheapSeats)	$15.00	7:00 pm
Fridays and Saturdays	$25.00	8:00 pm
Sundays	$25.00	2:00 pm
Individuals Under Age 21	$15.00
(Subject to change; please confirm curtain times when making reservations)	General admission seating	Doors open half hour before curtain

Blue Eyes Driving in the Rain

2011-03-29T09:19:00.004-04:00

Indy Social had the pleasure of attending a performance by the peripatetic road warrior Willie Nelson last weekend. The bio-diesel and herb-loving country singer (fresh from a pot bust in Texas) took to the stage with a giant flag from the Lone Star State - and treated a sold-out audience at the Murat Theatre to a mellow mix of his classic hits.

An enthusiastic crowd applauded his sparse pickings and ragged vocal stylings, and roared as he delivered his famous and now particularly poignant lyrics: “Almost busted in Laredo / But for reasons that I'd rather not disclose / But if you're stayin' in a motel there and leave / Just don't leave nothin' in your clothes.”

According to media reports, the blue-eyed country bard might be able to sing his way out of any jail time for this latest marijuana possession. The local prosecutor, apparently a fan, said he was willing to let Nelson off with a $100 fine -- if the cannabis-loving cowboy singer would performed "Blue Eyes Smiling in the Rain" for the Texas courtroom, this according to celebrity gossip blog TMZ.

The Gospel According to James Debuts at IRT

2011-03-23T10:17:00.007-04:00

Indy Social is looking forward to seeing the debut of The Gospel According To James at the IRT tonight. The play depicts a tale of rape, murder and racial injustice in the heartland -- "the shame of Marion Indiana" in the words of Indianapolis Star columnist Cathy Kightlinger, who grew up in the town where the notorious lynchings of three black men accused of raping a white woman and killing a white man took place.

‎Kightlinger reminds us of this quote from 2000 from one of the convicted black teens (later pardoned): "The only way to stop the Ku Klux Klan in Marion, and elsewhere, is to grant it all the permits it desires --and then do not afford them any police protection in its un-American activities. Then our whole country will be able to see how many permits it will ask for in the future, after we witness what freedom-loving people will do for their protection." ~ James Cameron, Chronicle-Tribune, May 7, 2000

We'll be bringing the digital camera, and look forward to sharing our thoughts about this powerful performance with you.

Click here for ticket information.

Chemical Envy in Broad Ripple

2011-02-28T20:57:00.005-05:00

Who needs Banksy? While West Coast art aficionados are busy scouring the streets of Los Angeles looking for the latest installations from the famous British graffiti artist -- whose Academy Award-nominated documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop has inspired renewed interest in all things street art -- Indianapolis vandals -- er I mean artists -- have been actively spray-painting, pasting and tagging their own creations throughout the back alleys and beer-stained walls of Broad Ripple.

John Hiatt and Lyle Lovett "Thing Called Love"

2011-02-24T14:22:00.000-05:00

The Murat Theatre played host to Indy songsmith John Hiatt February 12th. Joined by Texan troubadour Lyle Lovett, the pre-Valentines Day acoustic show -- in the spirit of the VH-1 Storytellers -- found the two singer songwriters taking turns telling tales and playing their original compositions. The down-to-earth duo did jam together, exchanging harmonies and guitar licks, on a couple of tunes -- most notably Hiatt's biggest hit (made famous by Bonnie Raitt) "Thing Called Love."

The two are clearly friends, having played together for the past few years. Here, for your enjoyment, is a 2009 appearance on the David Letterman Show:

Dean & Britta: Rock to Warhol

2010-12-03T09:29:00.007-05:00

Last night at the IMA's Toby Theatre, indie-art band Dean & Britta entertained a packed house with a very mellow soundtrack accompaniment to Andy Warhol’s "Screen Tests."

A dark room full of darker sounds: in the dimly lit venue the band delivered its own blend of Velvet Underground-meets-Edie Brickel downer rock ballads, while onto a suspended white screen a series of short, but equally bleak, 8-mm style black and white "mug shot" images flickered above. Warhol's famous Screen Tests -- no dialogue, just beautiful people making love to the lens -- were captured in the early 1960s at his Factory, and feature posing by a who's who of yesteryear's hip, and wanna-be scensters—from Nico to Edie Sedwick, Dennis Hopper to Lou Reed.

Our favorite performance: Lou Reed enjoying a bottle of Coca-Cola (captured here with iPhone). Things do go better with Coke. However, my thirsty gang stuck with Jack on the rocks, vodka rocks splash of cranberry (they were out of limes), and white wine and bottled water -- happy that we could bring our adult beverages into The Toby.

Tonic Ball Announces 2010 Lineup

2010-11-12T14:46:00.005-05:00

Tonic Ball, the annual music and arts celebration benefiting hunger-fighting charity Second Helpings, announced the 2010 lineup of bands and artists who'll participate in this year's event. The popular annual musical celebration, now in its 9^th year, will take place next Friday, November 19th, at Fountain Square's Radio Radio and the historic Fountain Square Theater.

More than 30 local bands will participate in this year's Tonic Ball, each taking turns performing their favorite Beatles songs and one or two originals. The musical fun begins at 7pm.

Tonic Gallery

All is not aural. Beginning at 5pm, right across the street from the Ball, Tonic Gallery will showcase donated submissions from Indy's top visual artists - all for sale for as little as $100. Bidding begins at 5 pm. Auction closes at 8 pm.

Hoosier Pickers Descend Upon State Fairgrounds

2010-11-10T14:10:00.004-05:00

Jim Kraks and Gewgaws founder Irv Rheins, originally uploaded by DRheins.

Vintage fans from around the state and around the country flocked to the Fair Grounds this weekend in search of treasures. Fueled by a mix of hard times and inspired by the free admission, thousands turned out for the Stewart Show Flea Market. While the crowds were respectable, some vendors we met complained that there were more lookers than buyers this year, and that folks were driving a hard bargain. “The economy means that buyers are tight down to the last dollar.”

My folks and I decided to do a booth after many years away from the game, and reintroduced Jim Kraks and Gewgaws at the show. We had a great time, met some fun folks and got to pass along some of our favorite finds to new collectors. We’ve relaunched Jim Kraks & Gewgaws, and plan to offer vintage and retro shoppers a wide selection of relics, rarities, and collectibles. “We only buy what we like,” Jim Kraks founder Irv Rheins, my dad, told me. That way if it doesn’t sell, it goes back on the shelf in our house!”

"Pure Prine" November 19 and 20 in Madison, IN!

2010-11-08T17:30:00.002-05:00

By Tim Brickley

   Our little musical, "Pure Prine: The Music Of John Prine" will hit the road for the first time later this month in a stripped-down, "theatrical concert" version debuting November 19th and 20th at the Riverrun Theatre in Madison, IN. Presented by the Cultural Continuum of Madison, and co-produced by both the Phoenix and Riverrun Theatres, the show will differ somewhat from the original Phoenix production of earlier this year - mostly in the lack of the elaborate bar set (we'll suggest the bar on a mostly-bare stage with some tables, a jukebox, etc.) Also, lovely and talented Jenni Gregory (waitress "Angel" in the show) must be pretty darn well showing her marvelous pregnancy by now, which is going to add in interesting dynamic to the various overlapping love triangles onstage.

   As you may know, "Pure Prine" was conceived by Phoenix Artistic Director Bryan Fonseca, a near life-long Prine fanatic, and it tells the interwoven stories of six characters in a bar, playing and singing approximately 30 Prine classics, with no dialog - the songs tell the story. Besides myself and Jenni, the rest of the cast is: the marvelous talented couple of Tim Grimm and Jan Lucas-Grimm. Bloomington singer-songwriter Bobbie Lancaster, and Phoenix stalwart Michael Shelton.

   Showtime is 7:30PM each night, and the Rivverun Theatre is at 125/127 E. Main in beautiful, downtown Madison. Click here to get your tickets now. In related news, a deal is in the works to bring "Pure Prine" for a run in Chicago early next year (it's coming right up, you know...) Stay tuned for details.

Ann Still Dancing Downtown

2010-10-20T11:13:00.000-04:00

Ann Dancing by artist Julian Opie in front of Old Point Tavern on Mass. Ave. The art installation is part of the permanent public art collection in the city.

MoFoCo and Founders "Beer Share" This Wednesday

2010-10-11T13:07:00.004-04:00

Grand Rapids, Michigan microbrewery Founders Brewing Company, well known for its handcrafted ales and lagers, is partnering with popular Broad Ripple eatery Monon Food Company for a special one day “Beer Share.”

The Founders Day Beer Share takes place this Wednesday, October 13^that 7pm, and offers food and beer aficionados the opportunity to sample 5 different Founders micro brews and a specially-prepared menu of food "nibbles" and desert all for one special tastings price of $25.

Explaining the subtleties of each brew will be John Host, Regional sales representative for Founders Brewing Co., who’ll introduce attendees to Founders’ Centennial IPA, Red’s Rye P.A., Dirty Bastard, Porter and Breakfast Stout. MoFoCo chefs have married each beer with ‘nibbles’ designed to highlight the unique quality of each micro brew. On the menu will be: apple walnut lettuce wraps; smoked salmon with fava bean puree and sun-dried tomato tapenade; coffee-seared beef with porter-hazelnut cream sauce and portabella mushrooms; and for desert a chocolate stout brownie with raspberries and crème Anglais.

We the People Demand Justice

2010-10-06T19:28:00.001-04:00

Around 50 people, many of them on motorcycles, gathered this afternoon at 56th Street and Brendon Way South Drive demanding justice for the family of Eric Wells. Wells was killed when he and the group of motorcyclists he was with including Mary Wells and Kurt Weekly -- were struck by a speeding police car while waiting at a traffic light. Behind the wheel of the squad car, a drunken police officer, whose blood alcohol far exceeded legal limits, plowed into the group. The accident killed Eric Wells and seriously injured the other two riders, but because of sloppy police work by his fellow officers, the responsible drunken cop was not charged with being under the influence.

Public outrage has barely simmered down in the two months since the accident, and the family and supporters pledge to keep the heat and public attention on full blast to ensure that justice is done.

Today they did that with prayers, their gathered presence and banners that read "Remember Eric Wells, killed by a drunk driver August 6, 2010" -- the word driver had been crossed out and replaced with COP" and "We the people demand justice for the Victims."

The somber roadside crowd stood gathered around a small shrine, prepared a sunset candle vigil and waved to the approving honks of passing cars.

Tonic Ball #9: All You Need Is Love

2010-09-05T18:10:00.010-04:00

Indy music and art fans lined the four corners at the intersection of Virginia and Woodlawn in Fountain Square last Friday, necks craning northward, following the sounds of "Get Back", which blasted from the rooftop of the Murphy Art Center. A faux British bobby, in full regalia, paced through the collected crowd, while fans waved placards emboldened with the Fab Four's philosophic proclamation: "The love you make is equal to the love you take."

Performing under the "You Are Beautiful" sign was Beatles cover band, #9, an ensemble of local musicians featuring Matt Mays, Scott Woolgar, Brian Deer, Bill Mallers and Andy Teipen, who formed especially for the event.

The street theater was all part of a guerrilla marketing effort announcing this year's Tonic Ball, at which local bands will perform their favorite Beatles' songs to help fight hunger in Indianapolis. The rooftop concert, an obvious nod to the notorious scene from Let it Be, was the brainchild of Ken Honeywell, creative director at Well Done Marketing and founder of Tonic Ball, an event that over the past nine years has become one of Indy's most popular nights of music and art -- benefiting one of the city's best charitable causes, Second Helpings.

"We started Tonic because we wanted to do something that would start to cross-pollinate the local music scene and give back to the community -- and hunger was the most important issue we could think of." Honeywell told Indy Social Media. "We took the idea to Second Helpings, they loved it, and here we are -- year nine."

Every year the city's best musicians and artists donate their time and work to the community kitchen which converts surplus food from local restaurants and groceries into nutritious meals for thousands of hungry children and adults every day.

"Hunger isn't going away," Honeywell noted. "Sadly, the need for Second Helpings' services continues to grow. Second Helpings still does amazing work: feeding our hungriest neighbors and training underprivileged people for jobs in food service, all with food that was going to be thrown away."

Over the past decade, Tonic Ball has grown dramatically -- with some 40 local bands expected to take their turns on the stages of the Fountain Square Theater and popular nightclub Radio Radio on November 19th.

"Every year, the event becomes becomes more popular. More bands want to play, more artists want to donate, more people show up to be part of it all. We always want to make sure the show lives up to the hype," Honeywell said. "It always has. It's the one show of the year that, were I not involved, I'd still tell everyone they had to see."

Weekend Wiener: Sausagefest 2010

2010-08-23T10:07:00.009-04:00

Local bands, beer and brats. Who could want anything more than that on a beautiful summer weekend in Indianapolis? How about a little gambling and a chance to dunk your favorite priest? The sixth annual St. Thomas Aquinas Sausagefest 2010 was that and more.

A wiener of a weekend! Indy's own Sun King Brewery provided the excellent beer, and a host of local bands (including Indy Social fave The Reacharounds -- Scott Sanders, Keith Carey, Ben Wah Salami with special guest guitarist John Byrne sitting in for master axeman Scott Ballantine -- pictured above) provided the goove. Parishioner volunteers and donations made the event possible, with all proceeds going towards maintenance and repair of the parish.

Pig in a Port

2010-08-19T16:35:00.002-04:00

Anyone who has ever had an Indiana tenderloin knows that Hoosiers are hog-wild about their pork. This year, that love has been taken to a new level. Officials declared 2010 the "Year of the Pig" at the Indiana State Fair, and to celebrate all things swine, a pig statue -- painted in the colors of the Hoosier Flag -- has been erected center stage at the Indianapolis International Airport.

Indy Lets It's Geek Flag Fly at Gen Con

2010-08-09T13:29:00.006-04:00

Calling all nerds. They came from near and far to let their geek flags fly: video gamers, fantasy freaks, card-playing kids and adults alike. Some came in costumes, outfitted as their favorite characters, others in kilts or covered in blood. They came for the promise of "the best four days in gaming" to the Indiana Convention Center this week to play Magic the Gathering, World of Warcraft, Dungeons and Dragons, Spoil or hundreds of other entertainments that made up Gen Con Indy.

Thousands of roleplayers filled the auditorium and corridors of the convention center, and spilled out into the halls and across the skywalks to the connected hotels. There were large rooms where attendees set up their games on long tables. There were official tournaments, draft games and pickup games alike. Not just fun and games. When not playing, Gen Conners gathered in an adjoining hall where a huge trade show took place. A full fledged bazaar where new wares were showcased, and festively-clad merchants and advents engaged in the the buying and selling of cards and dice, books, art and all things for the gamer enthusiast.

Brickley and DeMyer Rock Greek's Pizzeria

2010-07-29T13:42:00.003-04:00

Local singer/songwriter Tim Brickley and fellow Bleeding Heart Larry DeMyer take requests from the patio crowd at Greek's Pizzeria in Broad Ripple, Indianapolis. Here Indy Social features an inspired rendition of "Sweet Jane." We particularly dig the loud horn that hoots approval as it speeds by the village eatery.

Brickyard 400 Smallest Ever

2010-07-29T12:42:00.001-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

What if you threw a party and nobody showed? Well the 140,000 people who made it to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the annual running of the Brickyard 400 certainly do constitute a party, but a much more subdued one from year's past. This year's attendance was 23% lower than last year's NASCAR event, and 30% down from the 200,000 who showed up for the first Brickyard 400 in 1994. In fact, it was the fewest number of race fans to show up in the event's 17-year history.

Some blame the economy, some blame TV and the fact that many stayed home to watch the race on ESPN from the HD comfort of their living room sofas. Some say the bloom is off the NASCAR rose, in part because of rabid corporate sponsorship that covered every inch of the cars, the track, the drivers and the layers of the sport.

Corporations now seem to have grokked this, and so sponsorship dollars are way off as well. Allstate, which for the last 5 years had title sponsorship of the Allstate Brickyard 400, let it expire this year. The race ran simply as Brickyard 400 without a sponsor. All this is part of a national trend -- 20 of the top 50 sports ad spenders cut budgets in 2009. Some, such as AT&T Wireless and Chevrolet, cut them as much as 30 percent, according to a SportsBusiness Journal analysis of data from The Nielsen Cos.

And those lack of sponsorship dollars meant there was less money to spend on advertising and promotion.
The Brickyard 400 digital footprint, which includes a web site with archival footage and a blog and flickr page, was adequate but not enough to make up the lack of awareness from a dearth of TV and Print.

Meet the Tweeps

2010-07-22T00:03:00.004-04:00

Ever wonder who the heck those folks behind your favorite tweets are in real life? Can these clever communicators handle a social world that extends beyond 140 characters?

Find out this and more, and get a chance to mix and mingle with Indy's twitchy thumb set this Thursday night, as Metromix celebrates the Circle City's Top Ten Tweeps. The twittering event starts at 5 p.m. at Scotty's Brewhouse, 1 Virginia Avenue, downtown.

Indy Film Festival July 15-25

2010-07-14T15:39:00.006-04:00

"Barry Munday", the story of a would-be Lothario whose road to discovering his true manhood begins with the loss of his testicles in a freak movie-house attack, kicks off the seventh annual Indianapolis International Film Festival this Thursday night at 7pm. Held at the Indianapolis Museum of Art's Toby Theater, this year's film fest features more than 100 independent flicks, including several films made by and about Hoosiers, and shot here in corn country.

Lodge Design and the IMA are presenting sponsors of this year's festival, with help from Fifth Third Bank, Stella Artois and NUVO.

Thursday, July 15

Barry Munday (7:00 pm)

Friday, July 16

The Cutting Room Floor Filmmaking Workshop (3:00 pm)

Lights, Camera, Action! Filmmaking Workshop (4:00 pm)

"And the Oscar for the Best Original Screenplay Goes to . . . " Scriptwriting Workshop (5:00 pm)

When I Rise (5:15 pm)

Art House (7:15 pm)

Heavy Hitters * (7:30 pm)

Do It Again (9:30 pm)

My Year Without Sex (9:45 pm)

Saturday, July 17

The Next Big Buzz : Kids' Filmmaking Workshop (9:00 am)

LaPorte, Indiana (12:00 pm)

Love Bites * (1:00 pm)

Dirty Mind (2:00 pm)

Meet Our Filmmakers : Panel Discussion (3:00 pm)

Fish Out Of Water (3:15 pm)

Jeffie Was Here (4:15 pm)

It Takes Two * (4:45 pm)

The Taqwacores (6:45 pm)

A Mixed Bag * (7:00 pm)

American: The Bill Hicks Story (8:45 pm)

Twisted Roots (9:30 pm)

Jimmy Tupper VS. The Goatman of Bowie (11:00 pm)

Sunday, July 18

One Hour, Ten Films * (12:15 pm)

A Little Help (1:00 pm)

Art House (2:00 pm)

Life on Screen : Panel Discussion (2:00 pm)

Meet the Critics : Panel Discussion (3:00 pm)

Ballhawks (3:15 pm)

Matter of Fact * (4:15 pm)

A NY Thing (5:15 pm)

Paulista (6:45 pm)

NoNames (7:00 pm)

Wo Ai Ni Mommy (I Love You Mommy) (8:30 pm)

The Things We Carry (9:15 pm)

Monday, July 19

Dirty Mind (3:15 pm)

Fish Out Of Water (3:15 pm)

Exit 117 (4:45 pm)

Love Bites * (5:15 pm)

The Wayman Tisdale Story (7:00 pm)

Somewhere Between Here and Now (7:15 pm)

Everyone Says I Look Just Like Her (8:45 pm)

When I Rise (9:00 pm)

Tuesday, July 20

The Things We Carry (3:00 pm)

Paulista (3:15 pm)

World's Largest (4:45 pm)

The Kid Stays In The Picture * (5:00 pm)

Peepers (6:30 pm)

A Little Help (7:00 pm)

The Wildest Dream (7:30 pm)

Special When Lit (8:30 pm)

Amanda (9:15 pm)

Wednesday, July 21

The Wayman Tisdale Story (3:15 pm)

Jeffie Was Here (4:30 pm)

A NY Thing (4:45 pm)

Heavy Hitters * (6:30 pm)

Wo Ai Ni Mommy (I Love You Mommy) (6:45 pm)

Critics vs. Filmmakers : Panel Discussion (7:00 pm)

It's a Woman's World * (8:30 pm)

New Low (9:00 pm)

Thursday, July 22

LaPorte, Indiana (3:00 pm)

The Kid Stays In The Picture * (3:15 pm)

Everyone Says I Look Just Like Her (5:00 pm)

One Hour, Ten Films * (5:15 pm)

Phillip The Fossil (6:45 pm)

World's Largest (7:00 pm)

One Hundred Mornings (8:30 pm)

Jimmy Tupper VS. The Goatman of Bowie (9:00 pm)

Friday, July 23

Peepers (3:00 pm)

Do It Again (3:15 pm)

Only When I Dance (5:00 pm)

NoNames (5:15 pm)

Twisted Roots (6:45 pm)

Ballhawks (7:15 pm)

Somewhere Between Here and Now (8:30 pm)

What Just Happened? * (9:00 pm)

Saturday, July 24

11/4/08 (12:00 pm)

A Mixed Bag * (12:15 pm)

New Low (1:45 pm)

Movers and Stakers: Stories along the Indiana National Road (2:45 pm)

Phillip The Fossil (5:00 pm)

Skateland (7:00 pm)

Sunday, July 25

Winner: Best Matter of Fact Feature & Short (1:00 pm)

Winner: Audience Award Feature and Short (3:00 pm)

Winner: Best American Spectrum Feature & Short (5:00 pm)

Winner: Best World Cinema Feature & Short (7:00 pm)

Benefit at Birdy's Tonight

2010-07-09T08:36:00.001-04:00

photo courtesy Stacy Kagiwada

The fabulous Cara Jean Wahlers joins Jamison Harrison, Tybalt, 19 Clark 25, Chris Claire and Lines of Nazca for a benefit for Mike Gashti at Birdy's tonight, July 9th, 2010.

Monon Gets Its Groove On

2010-06-21T11:55:00.003-04:00

Riffing on the girl in the black ribbon in the front row, serenading a sleeping baby, and using a bottle of (very good) Brother Thelonius Micro Brew as an impromptu slide, Lafayette's Michael Kelsey was at his best as he played the guitar, and the enthusiastic audience at Monon Food Company last Saturday, kicking off the debut of the MoFoCo Summer Music Series.

A Hard Rains A Gonna Fall

2010-06-21T11:17:00.008-04:00

The wind began to pitch, the house, to twitch, and suddenly the hinges started to unhitch... No, there were no flying monkeys raining down from the ominous sky over Chateau Thomas Winery last Friday night, but the clouds did turn dark and threatening, as a classic Indiana thunderstorm cut short an enjoyable evening of live music with Tim Brickley and the Bleeding Hearts.

Bandleader Brickley, under an illuminated tent alongside his fellow Bleeding Hearts -- guitarist Larry DeMyer, bassist Scott Sanders and drummer Robin Reuter -- treated the date night audience to a mix of classic rock renditions (Stones, Dylan, Beatles, Neil Young, Donovan) as well as a few original compositions written by Brickley and longtime songwriting partner, David Rheins.

Until the elements sent the masses scrambling for cover, the audience members spread out on the winery grounds -- on blankets, under umbrellas, or hunkered down in camping chairs -- sipped wine, politely snacked and enthusiastically shouted out requests from a mimeographed sheet of more than a hundred crowd favorites. #66 Satisfaction.

Some of the more energetic attendees were even moved to their feet, where a variety of classic Hoosier tail-feather shaking was demonstrated to the wide approval of all those in attendance.

Neon Love Life Rocks Indy Social Media Breakfast

2010-06-17T10:17:00.000-04:00

Girls Rock. That was the theme of the 5th Indy Social Media Breakfast, held this morning at the The Indianapolis Children's Museum. More than 80 local social media marketers and communicators gathered for the event, which took place at the new "Rock Stars Cars & Guitars" exhibition.

Amidst life-size "Kiss" mannequins, vintage rocker muscle cars and memorabilia once owned by the likes of David Lee Roth, Elton John and Michael Jackson, the all-girl rock band Neon Love Life talked about how the band is using social media and word-of-mouth marketing tactics to launch a non-profit organization designed to empower young girls through rock music.

Members of the band, Sharon Rickson, Tasha Blackman, Lindsay Manfredi, and Ashley Plummer treated the audience to an acoustic performance of some of their original songs, and talked about how Girls Rock Indy was created, and thanked the Indianapolis community for its support in donating instruments and helping to drive membership around its Facebook page and attendance at the Girls Rock Camp.

Panera Bread and the Children's Museum were co-sponsors of the networking event. The Rock Stars Cars & Guitars exhibit runs through September 12th.

What to do this weekend in Indy: Talbot Street Art Fair

2010-06-11T09:55:00.003-04:00

For more than a half a century, the Talbot Street Art Fair has been delighting local art fans with its mix of funky but family-friendly arts and crafts. All manner of painting, pottery, folk and fanciful art can be found, along with a host of other entertainments and food vendors. We grew up eating BBQ from neighborhood kettle-drums, and look forward to checking out the cool local works of art and handicrafts from around the state, and around the country.

The 55th iteration of the event takes place this weekend, Saturday June 12th & Sunday June 13th, with more than 270 artists expected to participate.

Hours are Saturday 10 - 6, and Sunday 10 - 5.

Talbot Street Art Fair is located between 16th & 20th / Delaware & Pennsylvania - Indianapolis in the historic Herron-Morton Neighborhood.

Best "Tees" in Broad Ripple?

2010-06-10T09:08:00.002-04:00

Monon Food Company staffer Karoline models one of the stylish new tee shirts available at the Monon Food Company. The Broad Ripple restaurant, fast gaining a reputation for "the best fish tacos" in Indy, California vibe and a huge selection of Micro Brews, will be rolling out its Summer Music Festival the evening of June 19th, with a performance by Lafayette uber-guitarist Michael Kelsey.

Gonzo Publishers Kick It Old School at Indy 500

2010-06-02T17:30:00.008-04:00

Timeless Communications chief Terry Lowe offers up a cold Fosters to his track mates at the Indianapolis 500. The 2010 running was the hottest race in the 100 year history of "the greatest spectacle in racing."

Hoosier Publisher turned New Jersey Ad Dog Don Berry returned to his Indiana roots after many years away on his compound in Tranquility, NJ.

Lowe and Berry (or Jack Merde as he was known back in his street rag days) were in town for a Taboo/Hot Potato reunion party at Radio Radio -- See IndySocial "The Return of Jack Merde". According to the duo, the event was a celebration of Indianapolis in the 1980s -- back when clubs like the Patio and Crazy Als and bands like Rods N Cones and Zero Boyz ruled the roost.

After a successful nite, where Randy King and John Byrne rocked the downtown Fountain Square House, along with Dave Fulton, with interludes by DJ Marvin Goldstein, the two publishers and their families spent Memorial Day in Indianapolis kicking it old school at the track. They began the day with a traditional powdered eggs and biscuit and gravy breakfast, with bloody Mary chasers, at the Antelope Club, after which a police motorcycle escort whisked them, sirens ablaze, to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway VIP parking. A short tussle through the throngs and the entourage found a cool spot under the Paddock overhang, where they enjoyed the 100th Anniversary of the Indy 500.

Cold Australian brew, grilled chicken sandwiches, Oreo cookies and even some vintage checkered seat cushions for Terry Lowe and his gal pal Susie.

Michael Kelsey Leads Off Monon Food Co Summer Music Series

2010-05-26T12:31:00.003-04:00

Lafayette, Indiana's Michael Kelsey plays the guitar, and anything else within his reach. The multi-talented, omni-musical Kelsey has long been a favorite for IndySocial -- we've enjoyed seeing him regularly at places like Birdy's, and even had the real pleasure of attending one of his famous house party performances, at Monon Food Company founder Tim Williams' pad.

So it is fitting that we report the news that Michael Kelsey will lead off the Monon Food Co's Summer Music Series with a performance on June 19 at 9pm at the Broad Ripple eatery.

Monon Food Company, quickly becoming known for "the best Fish Tacos in Indy" offers a fine selection of Micro Brews, and is located at the corner of 65th and Cornell (6420 Cornell Avenue) along the scenic Monon Trail.

Broad Ripple Art Fair Celebrates 40th Festival

2010-05-16T11:31:00.001-04:00

Thousands of art-loving Hoosiers took advantage of the good weather, packing the Monon Trail and occupying every parking spot for miles, to enjoy the 40th Anniversary of the Broad Ripple Art Fair.

Giant rusted lawn sculptures, live bands and the smell of kettle corn set the scene as artists from around the state, and around the country set up shop in a temporary tent city of galleries, jewelry shops, restaurants and informational booths.

The two-day festival, put on by the Indianapolis Arts Center, featured more that 225 artists, who along with dozens of food vendors and arts organizations filled the lawns of the Indianapolis Arts Center on East 67th street. "This reminds me of Penrod," one patron noted, "Broad Ripple Art Fair has gotten huge."
Despite the $15 adult admission fee (patrons who attended Saturday were offered wrist bands to return for Sunday) the two-day festival was well attended. And, to the relief of many the weather was good with only a few brief Indiana Spring showers pulsing through.

Jay Jaffe, a local attorney who has been coming to the art fair for many years noted that the caliber of the artists, and the price point of the featured art, had gone upscale. "I always buy something every year, " he said, "and I expect to leave here today with another piece of original art to add to my collection."

The Return of Jack Merde

2010-05-05T10:04:00.002-04:00

Back when Indy was still referred to as "Nap Town", before the Colts came to the Circle City, before Bob and Tom changed our mornings forever; back in the early eighties when the Hoosier Dome was still a dream, local hipsters relied on a host of free arts and entertainment magazines to keep them abreast of all the happenings. These were the wild days before the Internet put everything at our finger-tips. Anybody out there remember reading Poor Jack's, The Bloomington Free Ryder or Steppin' Out?

The publishers of two of the most notorious of the street rags, Taboo, and Hot Potato, are getting together for a gonzo renuion of sorts. Hosted by Taboo Publishers Don Berry and his long-time partner/competitor Terry Lowe (Hot Potato), the event is being promoted as the Social Event of this year's Memorial Day Weekend festivities in Indianapolis.

The evening will take place at RADIO RADIO in Fountain Square, and will feature the bands, the rockers, the punks, the artists and the glam crowd that packed venues like Crazy Al's and The Patio in the 1980s.

According to co-host Terry Lowe, "If you remember the Broad Ripple Music Festival, Taboo Nights and Hot Potato, you won't want to miss this 'one night only event' when we get the gang back together for a wild night of inappropriate social behavior."

Featured entertainment includes:

* RANDY KING AND THE FIENDISH THINGIE

* DAVE FULTON AND THE LAST DIGIT

* CELEBRITY GUEST DJ MARVIN P.

* PLUS A SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY INDIANA'S NOTORIOUS GONZO JOURNALIST, JACK MERDE

Doors open at 8 pm. $5 Cover Charge.

A Night of Vonnegut Comes to Athenaeum

2010-05-03T10:47:00.007-04:00

It was called Das Deutsche Haus when Kurt Vonnegut's grandfather designed the ornate German gymnastics club in 1898. It was renamed "Athenaeum" during WWI because of anti-German sentiment. Today, the site is best known for its Bavarian outdoor biergarten and Rathskeller nightclub.

This Saturday night, May 8th, the spirit of the beloved sardonic Indianapolis literary figure will once more fill the historical theatre as the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library Foundation hosts "A Night of Vonnegut." Proceeds from the benefit will go towards the completion of the new Vonnegut Library, which planners say will serve as a cultural and educational resource center, museum, art gallery, and reading room for readers, writers, and students.

The event is $75, with a limited number of student tickets reserved at $45, and will include dinner at the Rathskeller, jazz stylings of the Tim Brickley Jazz Band, a Kurt Vonnegut look-alike contest, game show, and a silent auction.

Tickets are available online here:

Mary Jo DeMyer brings Birds Mostly to Domont

2010-05-03T10:00:00.002-04:00

The Domont Studio Gallery, 545 South East Street, will play host to the whimsical art of Mary Jo DeMyer. "Birds Mostly" debuts on Friday May 6th, and will run through May 29th.

According to the artist, who is married to Indy musician Larry DeMyer, the show "represents the interrupted yearnings of an overly concerned middle-aged woman tending to the emotional needs of inanimate objects and the care and feeding of loved ones -- feathered or not."

Sounds like fun to us! Admission is free.

Monon Food Company Opens Today in Broad Ripple

2010-04-27T10:01:00.000-04:00

Celebrating local foods, local art and homegrown music, the Monon Food Company, 6420 Cornell, opens its doors today as the quintessential Broad Ripple hang. Right on the corner of 65th and Cornell, across from the Brew Pub, next to Plumps, the newly-repainted Grey and Red building adds a flair to the already happening corner. Inside, the amble dining room serves double-duty as an art gallery, where the work of local artists hang. The outside of the restaurant has been completely repainted and updated, with beautiful landscaping and a wide old-fashioned Indiana porch outfitted with wrought-iron tables and umbrellas. The location is perfectly situated for enjoying a cool beverage (beer and wine) and watching the beautiful people pass along the adjacent Monon Trail.

The Monon Food Company is the brainchild of Indy Musicians Timothy Williams (percussionist for The Spud Puppies, (Re) Collective ) and Dave Bigley (guitarist for Liquid Circumstance, The Spud Puppies and many others). The two artists are local boys, who see the restaurant as an extension of their community involvement, the kind of place where they would want to eat, and hang out. "Good People Sharing Great Food," is our motto, Williams tells Indy Social, "And we mean it."

"The menu offers a little something for everyone -- from our rotisserie chicken which you can have in wraps or as a complete dinner, to our signature Chipotle Fish Tacos, and the Ultimate Mac and Cheese," said Williams. For meat lovers Monon offers Steak and Potato Plate, hamburgers, Slow Cooked Porked Ribs and a State Fair Sausage Sub! For seafood lovers there are Salmon Wraps and Grilled Tilapia. Monon Food Company also offers a Kids Menu, and a Vegetarian Menu, along with gourmet salads, and good selection of beer and wine.

The Monon Food Company is located at 6420 Cornell, Broad Ripple, on the corner across from the Brew Pub. Dine In * Carry Out. 317-722-0176

Earth Day Indiana Free Festival This Saturday

2010-04-22T11:37:00.000-04:00

Live Green, and Prosper is the motto of The Earth Day Indiana Festival.
A free outdoor celebration of all things green, the Earth Day Indiana festival
takes place this Saturday at the White River State Park, and will feature 130
environmental and conservation exhibits.

The program directors promise great music, good food and special activities
for the kids.

For more details, please visit the official Earth Day Indiana website.

2010 Stutz Artists Open House

2010-04-21T16:41:00.000-04:00

The doors will swing wide for the 17th Annual Stutz Artists Association Open House this weekend, April 23 and 24, 2010. More than 70 local painters, sculptors, jewelry and furniture designers, photographers and artists who defy classification will showcase their art alongside the classic cars that still reside in the auto-plant-turned-studio-complex, 1060 N. Capitol Avenue in downtown Indianapolis.

Advanced sale tickets are $10, $12 at the gate, with a special $8 Saturday re-entry (with Friday's ticket stub). On Saturday only, kids 16 and under are free.

Weekend Day Trip: Madison, Indiana

2010-04-19T10:02:00.000-04:00

Fish and Sticks: Sculpture on the Ohio River

iPhone Pics by David Rheins

While IndySocial normally constrains its editorial coverage to include only reportage of local Indianapolis-based art and cultural happenings, today we make an exception to this rule. This weekend we followed the call of natural law and the warm weather, and took to the highway for a Spring road trip.

Escaping our normal routine of home repair, gardening and lawn maintenance, my lady and I loaded up the Elvis mobile and made our way leisurely down 65 South, past Vernon, where the local liquor store warns thirsty patrons, "One Man's Folly is Another Man's Wife."

We travel 90 miles south of Indianapolis, down State Highway 7 all the way to the border, to the historic banks of the Ohio River, to Madison, Indiana.

We take an hour-long detour to get a in quick hike, following a hilly loop-trail along the Muscatatuck River, through the woods of Muscatatuck County Park. We remount, and stop only long enough to snap the humorous sign in Vernon, before continuing on to the mighty Ohio River.

Despite the fact that, according to family lore, one of my great great relatives was a sheriff in Madison sometime back in the 1800s, I've never been. I've heard a lot of great things about it, and am excited to explore the city's shady blocks of Civil War era homes, mature Indiana growth and a robust local music and arts scene.

We arrive at the Madison town limits, and ease down a windy highway, past mansions on the hill to the historic downtown section. We find free parking in a convenient downtown public lot, and get out to stretch our legs. As we begin our exploration of Main Street, we are greeted by an aging hippie couple, who smile warmly as they stroll by hand-in-hand. We pass a number of whimsical antique shops and cool-looking boutiques. Our hike in the woods has delayed our arrival, and we find that all the shops here close at 6pm -- even on this beautiful Saturday night. Yes, they roll up the idyllic streets early in Madison, so we are forced to limit our shopping to the window variety.

We do make one excellent discovery -- an independent book and art gallery Village Lights Bookstore, which is not only open for business, but alive with piano music. A local musician in the Mark Twain Room teases the house Steinway grand piano as we enter, welcoming us into the beautifully-restored shop. Owner Nathan, along with his wife and cat Oscar Wilde, man the till. The trio work and live amongst the original art, books and the music, and personify everything we were looking for in Madison.

Not merely a bookstore, but a local community culture center, Village Lights plays host to a wide variety of local art happenings, author readings, poetry recitals, and live music performances. We later learn that the shop is part of the Indie Bound "Love Your Local" network. According the the Indie Bound website, it is better to buy from independent merchants: that for every $100 a consumer spends at a local business, $68 dollars stays in the community, while that same $100 spent at a national chain recirculates only $43 into the local economy.

Now, IndySocial is all about supporting local and independent artists, merchants and creative types of all stripes, so we are happy to get behind the "Love Your Local" banner, and to provide this free plug to Village Lights and the other indie merchants on Madison's Main Street.

One example, right next door to Village Lights, is a great all-things-birds shop, Birdhouse, whose mission includes exploring the connections between art and nature. They too support the local arts community, and host the popular Birdhouse concert series -- where regional artists like Cara Jean Whalers, Grover Parido, Micheal Kelsey, Greg Ziesemer, Kriss Luckett, and many others come to perform their original compositions.

We do our part, and load up on a bag full of great used books -- paperbacks of vintage Anne Sexton poetry, and gently used copies of Waiting for Godot and Bertolt Brecht at great prices -- and while we're there, pick a copy of Greg and Kriss' latest CD, Bare Bones. We are well on our way to spending our $100 locally.

We leave Village Lights, and bundle up for a windy three-block walk to the 605 Grille, a Pepto-Bismol pink antique building with no sign. They'll be open, we were assured, their local foods menu features desserts that are to die for. That sounds just right to us.

Once there, we enjoy a great appetizer of humus, topped with red peppers and feta cheese, and served with fresh, hot baked pita triangles. We order the local ribeye, which is served with asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes. Everyone at the friendly eatery knows each other, but we feel quite welcome among the locals as "guests." After dinner we are disappointed to find that they've sold out of the to-die-for desserts, so we skip the coffee course and made our way back to the car. Full-bellied from the Grille's large portions, we decide to walk off supper and meander past an impressive green bronze fountain on Broadway, to admire some of the restored historical homes.

IndySocial enjoyed our peregrinations this weekend, and are planning to come back down to Madison for the upcoming Ohio River Valley Folk Festival, to be held May 21-23rd. We'll be sure to time our visit to ensure we arrive before the sun sets.

Brains Behind Pa Tonight

2010-04-16T11:45:00.000-04:00

Any band named after a Dylan lyric is alright by us. Tonight at the Wheeler Arts Building in Fountain Square, IndySocial fave's Cara Jean Wahlers and Grover Parido will share the stage with indie folk artists Brains Behind Pa.

While not quite a Dylan Tribute band, the BBP count themselves among the many bands influenced by the poet laureate of Rock.

What better way to begin the weekend than with a real Hoosier Hootenanny. Be there, or be square.

LL Cool J, Goo Dolls and STP headline Final Four Block Party

2010-03-30T13:56:00.000-04:00

Indianapolis will be rocking this weekend, as basketball fans from across the country make it to Lucas Oil Stadium to witness the NCAA Final Four basketball tournament.

The sports action kicks off this Friday as Indy's own Butler Bulldogs face off against Michigan State. All is not b-ball, however. Buff hip-hopper turned TV star LL Cool J joins the lineup of acts who'll treat NCAA fans to a series of free concerts as part of The Big Dance Concert Series.

The three-day event, sponsored by AT&T, will including performances by Stone Temple Pilots, Goo Goo Dolls Daughtry and Darius Rucker. The fun begins Friday afternoon at The Lawn at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St, and continues all weekend.

Those not fortunate or affluent enough to get tickets to the big game, are not out of luck. Sports Bars and nightclubs across town are dusting off their big screens, and gearing up for the onslaught of the hordes of liquid revelers -- with the party action expected to be especially intense at Butler Bulldog watering holes.

Final Four will put Indianapolis in the national spotlight, and give the Circle City an opportunity to address those out-of-state critics who complain that there is nothing to do in Indianapolis, a.k.a. "nap town." Satirical newspaper, The Onion, suggests that TV views will be depressed at commercial breaks when treated with the traditional shots of the host city skyline. "Who wants to be caught in Indianapolis at night when everything is closed and there's nothing to do?" the paper scoffs.

"Writers + Restaurants = Rock"

2010-03-11T16:48:00.000-05:00

In this week's episode of Different Beat Radio, Indy musician-cum-podcaster Tim Brickley takes a look at local "Writers + Restaurant =Rock"

The Hit City Recording Studio owner is getting his groove, delivering the third installment of his Different Beat Radio podcast with a slower, cooler hand.

Now available on iTunes and RSS, this week's DifBeat Radio features West Virginia's Richard Sullivan (below, L, with band) and J.J. Pearson, punk drummer/guitarist from Vancouver, BC.

As a "bonus" for loyal listeners, Brickley included some rare archival material this week -- a live, 1986 performance of Brickley at the Vogue in Broad Ripple sounding all Elvis Costello-y (see original band flyer above).

Check out David Rheins, expert in Online Marketing on @LivePersonInc #askLP

2010-03-10T14:47:00.000-05:00

Check out David Rheins, expert in Online Marketing on @LivePersonInc #askLP

Indianapolis Radio Wars: WIFE v. WNAP

2010-03-10T09:01:00.000-05:00

Indy Social is happy to provide you with a first-look trailer sneak of the documentary "Radio Wars - The History of Rock n Roll Radio in Indianapolis."

For those of you old enough to remember the "Good Guys" on WIFE-AM who spun the top forty hits and those long-haired Buzzards at WNAP-FM, who cranked up those long album cuts from all our favorite sixties and seventies super bands, this vids for you.

Ah, those were the days. Cranking the portable FM radio on those long summer days in Broad Ripple and Holliday Parks. Hanging out at Raft Race, or lining up early waiting for the gates to the snake pit to open.

We can't wait for the film to be released (reportedly this summer), but in the meantime, are enjoying this trailer!

--

First Friday Art Tour Photo Highlights

2010-03-06T14:29:00.000-05:00

The crowds turned out en masse downtown for last night's First Friday Art Tour. Hundreds of art lovers enjoyed the offerings of more than 25 galleries and artists studios who participated in this month's event, presented by IDADA.

Indy Social spent much of the evening at Harrison Center Artist Studios, where dozens of artists opened their spaces for hors d'oeuvres, art, storytelling and even a bit of audience participation Haiku.

For more images from last night's event, please check out the First Friday Art Tour flickr Gallery here.

Jennie DeVoe Rocks Wine and Whiskers

2010-03-05T10:11:00.000-05:00

Indy recording artist Jennie DeVoe will herald in tonight's Wine. Wag and Whiskers charity event at the Humane Society for Hamilton County. The event takes place at The Mansion at Oak Hill in Carmel, 7:00 -9:00 PM.

While listening to the sultry vocal styling of the Hoosier songstress, attendees of the charity event will be able to sample a variety of fine wines and hors d’oeuvres, participate in silent wine auction. Tickets are $55, and may be purchased at the Humane Society, Monroe Bank in Noblesville or reserved by phone at 317.219.4630.

Get Your Art On -- It's First Friday Art Tour Tonight

2010-03-05T09:26:00.000-05:00

The trees are budding, the snow is melting and Indianapolis is ready for Spring. With the weather threatening to reach the mid fifties this weekend, it is a great time to get out, stretch your legs and enjoy the city's bountiful arts and culture scene. Tonight Mass Ave is the place to be as more than 25 galleries, spaces and art studios will participate in the First Friday Art Tour. Presented the first Friday of every month by the Indianapolis Downtown Artists & Dealers Association (IDADA), First Friday is has a bit of something for everyone. Part Open House, part street party, the event is a great way to start your weekend, and support local Indy artists.

Kate Lamont debuts new album at Indy Hostel

2010-02-28T09:28:00.000-05:00

Surrounded by the modern primitive artwork of Mike Graves, local songbird Kate Lamont captivated a standing-room only audience, who packed the alternative space at Indy Hostel last night. Performing songs from her upcoming record, "After the Traffic," Lamont kept her heartfelt set short and sweet.

"I'm performing almost all of the songs from my new record," the waif-like songstress told the crowd. It's only 27 minutes long. "I'm hoping you'll want to hear it a couple of times. Plus, I ran out of time in the recording studio."

Located in a suburban SoBro neighborhood, the Indy Hostel serves as economical crash pad for world travellers of the backpack variety. It's walls, a homegrown art gallery, its living room, chairs and sofas pushed into a side room, convert into a makeshift music venue.

This is house rock. The latest thing. No need for fancy bars, just a homey way for like-minded music fans to listen to artists in a warm and informal setting.

This was Indy Social's first visit to Indy Hostel, but we'll be back.

ChaCha On A Roll

2010-02-24T13:30:00.000-05:00

The hits just keep on coming for super-hot ChaCha. The Carmel, IN-based free mobile search company has hired a new Chief Revenue Officer and begun the integration of Localeze local business directory listings into its search service.

Steven Goldstein joined ChaCha last week, stepping into the newly-created role of chief revenue officer. As CRO, Goldstein will oversee the company's advertising sales and business development efforts. Goldstein, who'll be based in New York, was executive vice president of Latino Interactive Network in New York. Prior to that, he managed digital ad sales for BET Networks.

The Localeze alliance will help bolster the already-popular Q&A service, and will enhance ChaCha’s website by now including in-depth information about 15 million+ US businesses. Visitors to ChaCha.com will be able to access the local business listings in a search bar and through a direct listings page, along with Google maps, directions, phone, and other contact information.

According to a company announcement, plans call for ChaCha’s listings to be integrated with its chachacoupons.com site.

ChaCha Releases APIs for Developer Community

2010-02-22T16:03:00.000-05:00

Indianapolis-based free mobile and web Q&A service ChaCha this week announced the release of three Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to the developer community. Activity is buzzing around the Carmel offices of ChaCha. The API announcement comes on the heels of the launch of a ChaCha Twitter channel (@chacha) and the debut of two new apps, one for the popular iPhone and a Facebook app that allows you to ask questions to your Facebook Friends, as well as ChaCha's expert guides.

Providing for free access to ChaCha's database of questions and answers, the new ChaCha APIs will give web and app publishers an easy way for their audience to ask questions and get immediate answers by category, keyword or trends. ChaCha's database is updated in near real-time, providing an ideal way to gain insights into what other people are asking.
"Through our unique SMS- and web-based answer service, we've collected hundreds of millions of answers since early 2008. We are excited to put our API into the hands of the developer community to see all of the interesting things they come up with in leveraging our vast database of content," said Scott Jones, CEO of ChaCha. "It's all about taking our viral, popular service and giving people the ability to use ChaCha from anywhere."

"With traditional search engines, people have to enter keywords and subsequently receive pages of links that force users to further hunt, sort, sift, and digest the various destination web pages, often yielding no relevant results. With ChaCha, which is the fastest growing SMS search service, the unique power lies in the ability to ask a question and get a specific and fast answer. ChaCha's answers have proven to be a great way to reach teens and young adults across a variety of media and this launch enables developers to bring ChaCha's answers to an even larger audience," Mr. Jones said in a press release issued this week.

To encourage developer participation, the company is sponsoring a contest with three prize levels to reward the most innovative uses of ChaCha's new APIs. The winner of the six-week contest will get $10,000; second place will earn $5,000 and third, $2,000. Additionally, all will get recognition on Chacha.com. The judges will consider how creative the idea, the quality of the product, the success of its implementation and how many people interact with the program.

Developers can find detailed information about the ChaCha APIs here: http://developer.chacha.com/, and complete contest information here: http://challengepost.com/chacha. The APIs complement other newly launched applications available from ChaCha including Facebook, iPhone and Twitter, making the company's unique service accessible across multiple platforms for its loyal user base.

Mellencamp Populist Movement Gains Momentum

2010-02-19T17:03:00.000-05:00

The Draft Mellencamp for Senator of Indiana Movement is officially underway and very much for real.

Since the notion was introduced by The Nation Editor Katrina vanden Heuvel earlier this week on an MSNBC morning show, and later in greater depth on The Nation's web site, thousands have joined impromptu Fan Pages on Facebook, and voices ranging from rock fans to professional politicians have signaled their support.

As of yet, no official comment from the Mellencamp camp. His web site's news section is promoting an upcoming performance headlining Rock Fest 2010 in Cadott, WI on Saturday, July 17th, and makes no mention of any senatorial aspirations. Rock Fest is four day music festival.

The controversial leftist editor's proposal that the scrappy Hoosier Rocker might actually make a viable candidate, and a palpable alternative to big-business-friendly Dan Coats, who is widely believed to be the Republican candidate.

Every newspaper in the country, from the New York Times to USA Today, and hundreds of blogs large and small have endorsed the notion, and the idea of a 'real populist' Senator, someone with impeccable Indiana roots and a long history of using his power as a popular musician to stand up for the common man. John Mellencamp has long worked with fellow musicians like Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen, Ben Harper, Dave Matthews and others in support of causes important to the working man, the farmer and local communities. His best known effort, Farm Aid, has been helping small farms -- a cause near to his fellow residents and potential constituents in Indiana -- since 1985.

As one of his songs says, John is all about the small town. Not a bad place for a politician to be these days.

Indiana Senator John Mellancamp?

2010-02-17T14:58:00.000-05:00

With the unexpected announcement by Indiana Democratic Senator Evan Bayh that he will not be running for re-election, Hoosier Dems are furiously trying to field a serious replacement.

The editor of The Nation has a suggestion: country rocker and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Mellancamp. In an interview on MSNBC talk show "Morning Joe," Katrina vanden Heuvel suggested he would make a great Senator. "He has had a long track record with working for farmers and demonstrates true populist politics, " she said. "But beyond Mellencamp, the true problem with the country must come from deep structural changes in the Senate, that must focus on the working middle class."

Indy Social wants to know what you think of John Mellencamp for Senator. Drop us a note at: indysocial@gmail.com, or feel free to comment below.

You can check out the interview here:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Indy Film Fest Presents: Disturbing the Universe

2010-02-16T15:51:00.000-05:00

Here's a reason to venture out onto the snowy roads. This Thursday evening, Indy Film Fest will be showing a biopic about the radical civil and political rights activist William Kunstler.

William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe, a product of the infamous attorney's two filmmaker daughters, is a wild ride, examining the life and times of one of the civil rights lawyer who was center-stage in some of the biggest, most controversial cases in American History.

Centerstage during some of America's most significant trials, Kunstler's client list includes the likes of Martin Luther King, Lenny Bruce, Malcom X, The Black Panthers and SDS and Yippie activists "The Chicago Seven."

The event begins at 6:30 PM in the lobby of the Toby Theater at the Indianapolis Museum of Art with a cocktails hour. Show starts at 7:30.

Katterjohn Exits Indianapolis Business Journal

2010-02-12T15:25:00.000-05:00

The Indianapolis Businsess Journal today reports that IBJ Media President Chris Katterjohn will leave the business publication at the end of February.

With more than 30 years at the august business publication, two decades of which he served as publisher, Katterjohn, 59, was the first employee hired by founding publishers Jim and Nancy Cotterill in 1980.

There is no immediate word as to who'll assume his presidential duties.

Snowstorm Blows Across Indiana

2010-02-10T14:09:00.000-05:00

Good time to stay home and do some blogging. For the second time in a week, Central Indiana was rocked by a snowstorm, resulting in between 4 and 8 additional inches, most of it blowing across, and drifting on top of the similar amount which fell this past Super Bowl weekend. The heavens have not been hospitable to the Hoosiers.

Oh well. Now for some photoblogging:

Captured above, Indiana's famous grey skies, this time seen poignantly paired with slick icy roadway, as seen through the lense of a dirty windshield wiper, smeared with road salt.

And the Groundhog says only 6, now 5, more weeks of winter.

Is Manning Simply The Greatest of All Time?

2010-02-07T14:43:00.000-05:00

The game today may come down to a battle of the quarterbacks. With no disrespect, some say the Colts Peyton Manning may just be the best QB of all time. So just how do the best arms of the NFL stack up? The IndyStar takes a look:

http://www.indystar.com/article/99999999/SPORTS/100205029?xt=undefined Is Manning The Greatest of All Time? Read the Indy Star report

After Thundersnow

2010-02-06T12:45:00.000-05:00

After Thundersnow, originally uploaded by DRheins.

Indy Colts fans dig out after the biggest snowstorm of the year -- perhaps of decades -- slams its way across the country.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

White blue deep snow fall

Scrape the bricks to clear the path

ready for game day

***

David Rheins

SuperBowl Weekend: It's On

2010-02-05T18:32:00.000-05:00

Graphic from official website of South Florida Super Bowl XLIV:

Madden 10 Super Bowl 44 Sim Video

2010-02-04T16:04:00.000-05:00

What would our roundup be if we neglected the fantasy side of football. Anyone who has an Xbox 360 and a Big Screen TV knows that there is nothing more fun than going HD with Madden Football.

And if any game is fun, imagine how much fun it is to watch the Colts beat the Saints in Super Bowl 44. Go Colts!

Crank Dat Colts Fan Video

2010-02-03T12:42:00.000-05:00

Continuing our theme of highlighting the best, funniest or just plan most amusing Super Bowl 44 videos, Indy Social presents:
Crank Dat Colts Fan by Black N Mild

Now, turn it up and Crank Dat Colts Fan!

And for some Super Bowl Haiku, please be sure to visit David Rheins Blogger.

SuperBowl Preview Sizzle Video

2010-02-02T11:01:00.000-05:00

Indianapolis Colts will meet with New Orleans Saints in Dolphin stadium for Superbowl XLIV.

YouTube SuperBowl 44 Poll. Vote Colts!

2010-02-01T23:35:00.000-05:00

Mudkids 'Do it Again' (Colts in '10)

2010-02-01T15:31:00.000-05:00

Hit City Debuts Different Beat Radio

2010-01-29T13:13:00.000-05:00

Hit City studio owner and long-time Indy musician Tim Brickley shares with IndySocial the debut of his new podcast channel, Different Beat Radio. The first installment of the show features an exuberant Brickley breathlessly presenting two indie bands from Michigan who've recently laid down tracks at Hit City Ann Arbor's Monument Valley and Rosetta Pebble from Detroit.

"Different Beat was the name of a Indianapolis music magazine I helped publish for two runs, in the late-80's, and mid-90's, " Brickley writes on his blog. "It's going to be a radio show about all the music I'm involved with at the studio: recordings-in-progress, interviews, live performances, material from the vast Hit City archives. The approx. 20 minute show was a blast to do, and I hope it will become a great way to share all the good stuff we're doing here with all of you."

COLTS ADVANCE TO SUPER BOWL

2010-01-25T14:09:00.000-05:00

A message to all members of Smaller Indiana

photo from MyColts.net
What can you say about the Colts? Share your thoughts here

Visit Smaller Indiana at: smallerindiana.com

Tab Dis Ignites Hoosier Blogosphere

2010-01-22T10:48:00.000-05:00

A furor has erupted across the Hoosier blogosphere, over some not-so-complimentary comments by a New York City tabloid reporter. In his New York Daily News column and blog, Matt Lysiac wrote that being a tourist in Hoosierland was about as exciting as watching corn grow. The rude East Coaster complained that there was nothing to do in Indy for the tourist, beyond Starbucks and cow tipping.

Apparently things are tough in the big city, because the Big Apple tab hack felt compelled to detail just how much better NYC is as a tourist destination. Duh. It is the #1 Tourist Destination in the country.

However, the obvious slight has hit a sensitve local nerve. Indy Social has heard and seen plenty of chatter today from the likes of Indy Star columnist Cathy Kightlinger who have a thing or two to say in defense of the Circle City.

What do you think?

Another Saturday Night

2010-01-10T21:08:00.000-05:00

By IndySocial Columnist Sally Staffer

“First things first. Let’s go over the rules of the road.”
The voice belonged to this evening's designated driver. We were four grown-up girlfriends who had set out for a night on the town, and he had agreed to play chauffeur.

“There’ll be no smoking,” he continued in a friendly but firm tone. “Let’s keep the car conversation down to a small roar. No screaming. And, please, ladies, contain your backseat driving to polite instruction…I know I can’t restrain you completely.”

The gaggle erupted into giggles, and we were off. Destination downtown: Athenaeum.

The sisters and I were headed to a rock show. We’d read a lot about this “Hoosier Dylan” tribute, and were curious. The event was put together by Indiana’s departing poet laureate, Norbert Krapf, and the roster read like a who’s-who of Indy's working rock community. We were excited to go.

“Now I don’t know much about Dylan,” said one of girls as our journey began. “I think there’s only five songs I can sing.”

The giggle gaggle pulsed. They knew the driver was a Dylan freak, and had agreed to squire the group tonight, and to remain sober, in part because he was eager to hear the local heroes perform some of his favorite songs.

“Hmm. And what five are those?” he inquired.
“I don’t know the names,” she said. “but I like the one that goes something like, and stiffly she began: ‘you’re a big girl now.’ ”
Immediately, in a voice resonant of Hokey Wolf, our chauffeur recognized the tune, and completed the lyric with a cartoonish caricature rendition: “you-Re Invisi-Able now, You’ve-got-no SeCrets to reveaaal. How does it feeeeal?....”
And together the car erupted in a glad chorus:
“TO-BE-ON-YOUR-OWN, LIKE A ROL-LING STONE.”

"Take Fall Creek,” a lone voice interrupted the singing.
“No. No” disagreed another. "Keystone to 70 West."
This last one belonged to the girlfriend of our designated driver. Long ago we discovered that she was the one among us who always carried the good purse -- the one with the tissues and gum and other lifestyle essentials -- and ever since we'd naturally agreed to listen to her.

Excuse me dear readers, I have forgotten to mention the reason for tonight’s designated driver. You see, we four old friends had decided that this particular Saturday Night soiree out was to be a slumber party – and we envisioned a sloshy one at that. We began the evening early with an extended cocktail hour, and we had stuffed our jammies into our purses and were on the road to staying out late. One of us had even decided to wear a swim suit under her clothes, because, as she explained, you never know -- any night could end in hot tub splash, and she wanted to be prepared.

“Get in the middle lane. Take Michigan Street” a voice called.
“There’s no right turn," retorted another take Delaware.
“Alabama”
“No, no, no, New York”
It was hard for the driver to distinguish the individual voices. The gaggle spoke in tongues. A cacophony of competing instructions filled the vehicle.
“Just pick one, ladies,” he pleaded, taking a long gulp from his bottled water. “I feel like Washington crossing the Delaware.”

“Did you see that truck?" Screamed Drunk Girl No. 3.
“Where? Where” returned the chorus.
“Keep your eye on the road cupcake,” responded the ever-diligent driver.
“Where do you want me to go?" he pleaded as he pointed the touring car toward the exit, and began our quest for convenient parking. And again, everyone had an opinion.
“It’s colder than a witches tit out there, let’s park close. I don’t want to walk too far.”
“Not here, too slushy.”
“There, there.”
“Back it up, baby,” instructed the girlfriend, and dutifully the driver complied and eased the sedan into a snow-packed spot.

The group spilled onto the curb, and after making several mis-attempts at “entering the building,” paid our $18 entrance fee and made our way into the auditorium. Following the bass boom into the dark room, we discovered the place to be packed, but eerily still. Hardly a sound could be heard, as a sleepy crowd sat numbly through the elongated set.

There were no vacant seats left to accommodate all of us , so I left the gaggle and made my way on my own. I had, of couse, reserved a place with a friend of mine, so I push my way through the crowd and settled in to enjoy the show with him.

My compatriots, left to stand in the wings balancing their cocktails and craning their necks around ornate columns to catch the show, quickly grew impatient with the Dylan tribute.

"Snooze Rock" sniffed the driver. "Adequate but uninspired." The gaggle agreed, and they departed after the first set, in search of livelier fare. Later, I found them downstairs at the Rathskeller, where they had crashed a Polish wedding - Rumba-ing the night away alongside a bevvy of college girls in short skirts and long boots and their guys in sneakers, buzz haircuts and Colts colors.

While my friends rocked it out to Benny and the Jets, I stayed upstairs, enjoying the tinkling sounds of Gordon Bonham, Jason Wilber, Jennie DeVoe and Tim Grimm. So many of my Indy Social friends were there. David Yosha, joined the party for some drinks, fresh from the studios of Magnet Films, where is he putting the final touches on a very cool, very top secret project. The Phoenix Theatre's Bryan Fonseca was there with the lovely Sharon Gamble (Art of the Matter). IBJ heavyweight Lou Harry was ensconced in one of the comfortable seats, holding court while we watched from the periphery. And so many more.

Back downstairs at the bar, I found the rest of my entourage munching away on fried German mustard balls and doing the hokey pokey. I returned upstairs for the rest of the second set, and was happy I had stayed to catch the lovely dark Stella.

I really enjoyed the show. But out of my friends, apparently I was the only one.

The gaggle moved en masse down the street, and alighted at the nearby Chatterbox, where the erstwhile David Andrichik was standing his usual weekend animated watch: “Great to see you” he effused, grasping our hands and welcoming us into his club.
He warmly pushed us through the crowded venue, and whispered into my ear, “I’ll talk to you later, Sally”

The Chatterbox was all aglitter and still quite festive even after the holidays. This place is a tiny slice of Hoosier Manhattan. I made my way through the storefront-bar and found my friends happily snapping away on iPhones, spouting impromptu haiku.

Despite the cold outside, the place was steamy, and everyone was bopping to the sounds of The Impossible Jazz Collaboration, accompanied by a talented young reed player. When I asked around, a fellow imbiber told me her name was Shawn Plonski, and then recounted a most curious tale. According to the story, this young talent had begun her jazz career at the Chatterbox. As an 18 year-old she could not legally get past the diligent doorman, so she used to camp outside the club on weekends instead, even during the long brutal Indiana winters, just so she could listen and learn her trade.

The Chatterbox is not a large venue, and the stage is situated just inside the club’s front door, and so the young reed player had no trouble hearing the stray notes that seeped from the ancient stage. Watching the seasoned musicians work their magic through the etched glass, for the price of enduring the elements she was able to learn the classic songbook, and master the art of passing the tip bucket from barfly to barfly to booth.

Five years later, and she had arrived on stage: one of the anointed few. Her dream had come true, and she was now a Chatterbox troubadour, helping to make my sisters and I feel good about staying out late. We had a blast. It had turned out to be quite an IndySocial kind of Saturday night after all.

Stella Artois Happy Hour at the Symphony

2010-01-08T12:46:00.001-05:00

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra 1941-42

Bill Withers BioPic This Thursday Night

2010-01-05T15:55:00.001-05:00

ALERT: STILL BILL CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER.

Got Soul?

This Thursday Earth House will have soul in suplus as the venue presents the Indianapolis premiere of the Bill Withers documentary Still Bill as part of its ongoing Thursday Night Film Series.

Filmmakers Damani Baker and Alex Vlackhis have created a compelling biographical documentary, knitting together seldom-seen concert footage, tv appearances, and intimate interviews with friends, family and the super smooth man himself to present a stirring portrait of the 70s and 80s R&B legend known for such classic hits as “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean On Me,” “Lovely Day,” “Grandma’s Hands,” and “Just the Two of Us.”

The soulful result is STILL BILL, and it is highly-recommended. This week's one-night-only showing is presented by the Indianapolis Black Professionals and NCNW Millennium Section. A $5 suggested donation is required.

Hoosier Tribute to Bob Dylan@ the Athenaeum

2010-01-04T19:05:00.000-05:00

Calling all Hoosier Dylan Fans. This Saturday promises to be an amazing evening of all things Bob, as some of Indiana's finest homegrown musicians, along with the Indiana Poet Laureate, gather together at the Athenaeum to pay homage to rock's reigning poet king.

The fun begins at 7:30 (doors 6:30) in the Athenaeum Theatre this Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010.

Jennie DeVoe, Gordon Bonham, Jason Wilber, Tim Grimm, Bobbie Jane Lancaster, The White Lightning Boys, and Joyous Garde will perform, while Norbert Krapf, Indiana Poet Laureate, will recite Dylan-related poems with backing by Bonham and Grimm. Producer Grimm observes: "Dylan has served as the model for all singer-songwriters to follow. He was the first folk musician to go electric and the first successful writer of political and social commentary on a mass scale." Krapf says this show is his best vehicle for accomplishing his IPL mission of "reuniting those kissing kin, poetry and music."

Advance tickets for Hoosier Dylan are now available for $15 at Luna Music, both the Mass Ave. and College & 52nd St. locations, and Indy CD & Vinyl, Broad Ripple Ave. Door price: $18.

More info: http://krapfpoetry.com/hoosier_dylan_comes_to_indy.htm
Queries: (812) 603-3503; nkrapf@indy.rr.com

PSA: Social Media Breakfast

2009-12-21T13:05:00.000-05:00

Tickets for this pancake breakfast sold out like hotcakes this past month. Attendees are still crowing about the event. Make sure you sign up early!

It's That Time of the Year!

2009-12-20T22:33:00.000-05:00

Tim Brickley and the Bleeding Hearts ask: How do you spell Channukah?

2009-12-20T10:30:00.000-05:00

Indianapolis singer/songwriter and infrequent blogger Tim Brickley, has been busy. He and his merry band, the Bleeding Hearts, have been putting in the hours at Hit City, and have come up with a little seasonal offering. The lads' latest holiday diddie is titled: How do you spell Channukah, and is available free on Reverbnation.

http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/2150462

Gigging Tonight: Friday, December 4

2009-12-04T11:49:00.001-05:00

Leon Chance and his Honky Tonk circus will bring their special brand of hillybilly rock to Indianapolis tonight in not one but two performances. Leon , along with The Longshots, will begin the evening by sitting in with Hank Haggard at THE MONKEY'S TAIL in Broad Ripple at 8 PM. They'll do it all again at an 11 o'clock set, as part of Coot Crabtree's Country Showcase at LOCALS ONLY.

***
Cara Jean Wahlers, Grover Parido with Lou Stant. Indy Hostel (49th and Winthrop). 7pm. Indy Hostel is family-friendly and non-smoking. Light snacks will be served. Please bring the alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage of your choice.

***
Tim Brickley will be opening the new Chateau Thomas Winery in Fishers tonight. Fishers Town Commons 8235 116th Street, Suite 235.

Playing Friday Night: Cara Jean Wahlers and Grover Parido with Lou Stant

2009-12-01T19:48:00.000-05:00

Singer/Songwriter Cara Jean Wahlers writes to tell us about a must-see performance this Friday, December 4th at Indy Hostel (49th and Winthrop in a red house), where she will be sharing the stage with Grover Parido and Nashville musician Lou Stant.

"We'll be playing unplugged in this intimate environment. I'm particularly excited about this show because we'll be performing a lot of new songs that you've never heard before. And it's going to be great to be back at the Hostel. John and Karen are wonderful friends and very sweet hosts."

Sounds like a great show, we know we'll be there and hope to see all you Indy Socialites there as well.

Pali, the fire chick

2009-12-01T19:24:00.000-05:00

One of the highlights of last Friday's Day-After-Thanksgiving house party featuring Michael Kelsey (held at Tim Williams' super cool ranch) was an impromptu performance by Pali, the fire chick.

Indy Social took a whole bunch of pics of the amazing fire artist, but unfortunately lost them in the transfer from iPhone to MacBook.

To the rescue comes Indy soundman Alex Mark, who contributes this picture.

If you ever have a chance to see Pali, do, you won't regret it.

Micheal Kelsey Rocks the House (Party)

2009-11-28T13:45:00.001-05:00

Lafayette, IN singer/songwriter and acoustic guitar innovator Michael Kelsey rocked a packed house last night for the 3rd Annual Day After Thanksgiving house party. Hosted by long-time Indy musician Tim Williams (Spud Puppies, ReCollective) and his sister Tammy, the standing room only event included two forty-five minute performance by Kelsey, as well as a group jam featuring some of the best of the Indy music scene.

Reporters, filmmakers, fans, fire artists and mostly musicians packed the instrument-laden home. Indy Social left the action still in progress sometime after 2:oo a.m., as the drum circle began its all-night jam.

Pics From Tonic Ball VIII

2009-11-21T10:15:00.000-05:00

Last nights eight ball ( Tonic Ball VIII) was a raging success. Ah what a night! We bid and won a great piece of art at Tonic Gallery (AV Framing Gallery, Fountain Square, 1139 Shelby St) then we took in the Led Zep and Dylan sets at Radio Radio and the adjoining stage at Fountain Square. Radio Radio was jam packed, with a long line of folks waiting to get in, so we started the evening at FS where Dylan was the prevailing wind. Here the scene was mellower, and we were even able to grab a seat and chat with our friend Cathy Kightlinger, who was covering the event with her trusty photographer in tow for TOOT. We enjoyed a beverage and saw some fine Dylan performances by Jon Martin, Shelby Kelley, Brian Deer and the Achievers and Tad Armstrong.

Then we decided we needed more strong drink, and so gave up our seats and we headed over to take in the Led Zep scene at Radio Radio.

In our opinion Radio Radio is one of the great rock venues in Indy. Great vibe. Good layout. Nice glass and pills bar, great bar staff, and a sound system that really works (unlike the muddy sound on the Dylan Stage at FS). Only suggestion would be to upgrade the TVs to some flat panels.

The crowd at Radio Radio was in full Friday night party mode, Tufty, in regular black leather, was working the room like the pro that he is. The bands were tight. Everyone was there.

To end the evening, we made our way back to the FS, and despite the weak sound, we enjoyed the short but sweet performances of long-time favorites Otis Gibbs, followed by the Vulgar Boatmen.

We left the night happy, with some great new art, and the knowledge we were able to help a great cause like Second Helpings.

Indy Film Fest Looking for Tweet Friends

2009-11-20T13:46:00.000-05:00

Looking for some great film chatter? Fan the Indy Film Fest on FB and get in on the conversation. http://bit.ly/4jN9YN

Tonic Ball VIII

2009-11-19T09:30:00.000-05:00

Set your clocks. Dust off your dancing clogs, Second Helping's annual Tonic Ball has arrived, and everyone will be there.

Tonic Ball VIII will feature more than 30 of Central Indiana’s top rock, folk, jazz, funk, country, and pop artists celebrating the songs of Led Zeppelin at Radio Radio, 1119 E. Prospect St….and the songs of Bob Dylan right next door at the Fountain Square Theatre—all beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 20th.

According to the Second Helpings web site, more than 1,000 people attended last year's event at Fountain Square.

Note: Fountain Square Theatre is an all-ages venue. Under-age tickets may be purchased separately. Call or email Ben Shine at 632-2664 X. 29, or ben@secondhelpings.org.

This year's artists:

Radio Radio (Led Zeppelin stage)
Bat Tattoo
The Misprintz
The Old Fair and Square Band
Ebenezer and the Hymnasters
The Last Domino
Frankie Camaro’s Atomic Bombay
Big Betty
Yoko Moment
We’re Not Squibnocket
Jennie DeVoe
The Cocaine Wolves
The Common
Healing Sixes
Bigger Than Elvis
Mandy Marie and the Cool Hand Lukes

Fountain Square Theater (Bob Dylan stage)
The Jethros
Ladymoon
Sanuk
Coolidge
Jeff Byrd and the Wingmen
Jon Strahl Band
CW and the Working Class Trio
The Odyssey Favor
Luke Austin Daugherty Jam Band
Joel Henderson
Everest
Susan and the Desperate Seekers
Jon Martin and…
Shelby Kelley
Brian Deer and the Achievers
Tad Armstrong
Mardelay
Everthus the Deadbeats
Everything Now!
Otis Gibbs
The Vulgar Boatmen (w/special guest Jake Smith from the Mysteries of Life)

Daphane Parks -- Superconductor Rocks Austin

2009-11-17T11:34:00.000-05:00

Superconductor is making big noise in Austin. Indy artist Daphane Park (seen above building guitars as part of her performance art installation) is sharing the experience via Facebook. Check out her gallery here.

Cheech & Chong Fire Up the Murat Theatre

2009-11-16T17:41:00.001-05:00

Legandary stoner-comedians Cheech&Chong have alighted here in the Circle City. The notorious duo will perform Jan. 22 at the Murat Theatre as part of the “Get It Legal” tour. Is it legal yet?

Tommy Chong was arrested for selling Bongs, and ended up serving time. The story was chronicled in a very good documentary: a.k.a. Tommy Chong.

Tickets, $45 and $35, go on sale at 4:20 p.m. Friday. Visit www.livenation.com or call (877) 598-8703.

In other concert news, Jack’s Mannequin will perform Feb. 24 at the Murat Egyptian Room. Tickets, $24, or $21 if purchased in advance, are available by visiting www.livenation.com or by calling (877) 598-8703.

Daphane Park Asks: Do You Do VooDoo?

2009-10-29T12:13:00.000-04:00

Carmel artist (now living and working in New York City) Daphane Park writes to tell us about her latest project:

hello all
if anyone happens to be in New Orleans...
I have a couple of pieces installed in City Park.
'hammock mother' an enormous hammock for 20 - 30 people to rest in at once, that I just made in the upper amazon with the Zapara.
and 'Super Conductor' a silk tent that functions as an orgone accumulator. I will be doing a performance inside of the tent
during the Voodoo Fest. This piece travels to Austin's Creative Research Laboratory mid Nov.
Be Well Xdp

Life is Art Foundation | KKProject

VOODOO EXPERIENCE

30 international and regional artists respond to the natural environment of the park and the supernatural environment of the giant rock festival. To the music of Kiss, Jane's Addiction, Justice, Quintron + Miss Pussycat we present...

Rachel Wingfield + Mathias Gmachl
Hans Sachs / Manuel Kretzer
Benson Trent / Eyetrap
Molly Gochman
Stefan Beese
Mark Griffin
Elliott Coon
Daphane Park
Kristian Hansen
Emiliano Maggi + Tora Lopez
Thaddeus Zarse / Joseph Keppel
TungstenMonkey Collective
Generic Art Solutions
Deirdre Sargent
Mickey Sumner
Strangebone
Jen Lewin
Rikki Hill
John Oles
Lisa Lozano
William Murphy
Andrew Slaughter
Mantis, Miniman + Hotshot the Robot
Thomasine Bartlett / Minka Stoyanova

Oct 30 - Nov 1 2009
11 am into the night
VOODOO Experience
City Park New Orleans
(see Voodoo website for details)

Opening 12 November 2009, a selection of the art works will move into the New Orleans Botanical Garden for a public exhibition through January 2010.

We look forward to seeing you in the Gardens and the Mayhem!

xo

Life is Art Foundation | KKProjects
2448 north villere street
new orleans | la
70117 usa

info@kkprojects.org
www.kkprojects.org

2009 Dream Home

2009-09-29T09:31:00.000-04:00

Art or Vandalism?

2009-09-15T10:34:00.000-04:00

Don't call it a weiner roast; It's SausageFest!

2009-08-21T17:35:00.000-04:00

Flickr pic of Indy Hipster Namey McNamerson at last's year's SausageFest

Singer/Songwriter Tim Brickley asks Indy Social to remind everyone that tonight St. Thomas Aquinas kicks off its annual "SausageFest."

The outdoor fundraiser runs form 6 pm to midnight, on the parish grounds at 46th and Illinois. Tim Brickley and his Bleeding Hearts band will take the stage round 10 pm.

We're thinking this might be a nice place to stop after we hit the Fringe Festival at the Earth House.

Indy Gets Its Fringe On

2009-08-21T13:30:00.001-04:00

We're excited about tonight's line up at the Indy Fringe Festival. Hope to see you all at the Earth House Collective. Get there early to rock out with DJ Dicky Fox, and stay for the performances (we are particularly psyched to see the debut of (Re)Collective Company's new show) and open mic.

Indy Social Media

Indy Bands Vie for Rolling Stone Super Bowl Gig

Hit City Recording Releases Flaming Planet Head

A Very Phoenix Xmas: Our Goose is Cooked!

Tonic Ball 10

Curtain Rises for Spring Awakening at Phoenix

Ice Cream Social for Diabetics

This week, the effervescently blonde reporter could be found cheerfully manning booth #4 at the Annual Ice Cream Social on the Circle. Ice cream to benefit diabetes? Strange but true.

Sweet Sponsorship? When Indy Social pointed out the rough associative fit, it resulted in the following FB Wall back and forth:

Grillin and Chillin

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Indy Film Festival July 15-25

Barry Munday (7:00 pm)

Friday, July 16

When I Rise (5:15 pm)

Art House (7:15 pm)

Heavy Hitters * (7:30 pm)

Do It Again (9:30 pm)

My Year Without Sex (9:45 pm)

Saturday, July 17

LaPorte, Indiana (12:00 pm)

Love Bites * (1:00 pm)

Dirty Mind (2:00 pm)

Fish Out Of Water (3:15 pm)

Jeffie Was Here (4:15 pm)

It Takes Two * (4:45 pm)

The Taqwacores (6:45 pm)

A Mixed Bag * (7:00 pm)

American: The Bill Hicks Story (8:45 pm)

Twisted Roots (9:30 pm)

Jimmy Tupper VS. The Goatman of Bowie (11:00 pm)

Sunday, July 18

One Hour, Ten Films * (12:15 pm)

A Little Help (1:00 pm)

Art House (2:00 pm)

Ballhawks (3:15 pm)

Matter of Fact * (4:15 pm)

A NY Thing (5:15 pm)

Paulista (6:45 pm)

NoNames (7:00 pm)

Wo Ai Ni Mommy (I Love You Mommy) (8:30 pm)

The Things We Carry (9:15 pm)

Monday, July 19

Dirty Mind (3:15 pm)

Fish Out Of Water (3:15 pm)

Exit 117 (4:45 pm)

Love Bites * (5:15 pm)

The Wayman Tisdale Story (7:00 pm)

Somewhere Between Here and Now (7:15 pm)

Everyone Says I Look Just Like Her (8:45 pm)

When I Rise (9:00 pm)

Tuesday, July 20

The Things We Carry (3:00 pm)

Paulista (3:15 pm)

World's Largest (4:45 pm)

The Kid Stays In The Picture * (5:00 pm)

Peepers (6:30 pm)