June 7, 2021
The first and last time I saw singer-songwriter-pianist Spencer Day perform was in 2015 when he made his Indianapolis debut at The Cabaret, then located at the Columbia Club. I recall he was then, and remains, not only one of the finest jazz crooners, but... read more
May 25, 2021
In my role as an arts reporter, I have had the great pleasure of attending several live performances during the last few weeks and witnessing the interactive joy and gratitude happening between audiences and performing artists. My most recent expedition was Friday at the historic... read more
May 21, 2021
It was a inspired stroke of innovation, not to mention showmanship, for Indianapolis Opera to present Giacomo Puccini’s beloved opera “Madame Butterfly” beneath the dramatic looking Bicentennial Pavilion at the Indianapolis Zoo. Presented in concert form, it was the first opera ever held at the... read more
May 19, 2021
Unfortunately, I was not present when Michael Feinstein surprised Melissa Manchester on Saturday night during their “An Evening with Michael Feinstein and Special Guest Melissa Manchester” concert at the Palladium, with an induction into the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame. But I did... read more
May 17, 2021
The first time I saw Michael Feinstein perform live was in the late 90s at Feinstein’s at Loew’s Regency Hotel in New York City, which closed in 2012. Never did I dream that one day I would see him years later at yet another club... read more
May 14, 2021
Artistic director David Hochoy and managing director Jan Virgin always projected closeness and came off as the quintessential dynamic duo each time they gave curtain speeches before Dance Kaleidoscope performances. But now after 25 years of loyally standing at Hochoy’s side, Virgin, the good-natured, fashion-forward,... read more
May 4, 2021
A few years ago, I became acquainted with Westfield resident Haley Lawrence, an enterprising entrepreneur and producer. At the time, she was interested in bringing a franchised, annual storytelling show called “Listen to Your Mother” to Indianapolis. She explained the goal of the production is... read more
April 26, 2021
As expected, seeing a live, in-person performance and hearing enthusiastic applause after a year of semi-isolation was a highly emotional experience for yours truly. Making it all the more rarefied was the performance of what many consider to be a national treasure, singer Marilyn Maye.... read more
