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‘Songbook Academy in Concert’ Introduces Stars of Tomorrow

July 25, 2024

On Saturday, a packed house was regaled by the outstanding vocals of forty exceptionally talented high school students at the “Songbook Academy in Concert” held at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts.  Representing nineteen states, the young artists arrived in Carmel the... read more

‘Simply Sandi’ Is A Praise Worship Love In

July 18, 2024

Hendrick’s Live!, the new performing arts center in Plainfield, was transformed into a house of worship Saturday when singer Sandi Patty, electrified a full house in her concert titled “Simply Sandi.” Accompanied by her pianist-music director Jay Rouse, and her backup singers, husband Don Peslis... read more

‘Ultimate John Williams’ Is A Primer Of Composer’s Repertoire

June 13, 2024

Whenever I attend an Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Pops concert, led by irrepressible Jack Everly, I can always expect to benefit from his prodigious talents as a conductor, arranger, and recontour, while enveloping myself in the electric sounds of the world-class ISO performance of the “Ultimate... read more

‘Beethoven x Beyonce’ Is An Effervescent Mix of Classic & Current

June 8, 2024

When conductor-composer-producer-DJ-arranger-songwriter-singer-pianist Steve Hackman, introduced his most recent, groundbreaking fusion of the music Ludwig van Beethoven and Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter in “Beethoven x Beyonce” on Wednesday night, he described the work as “ebullient” which it unquestionably was.  Calling the two artists, the “King” and “Queen,”... read more

‘The Wedding Singer’ Affectionately Recalls the 80s

June 3, 2024

    Energy and exuberance were the hallmarks of “The Wedding Singer” presented by Eclipse, the professional offspring of Summer Stock Stage, at Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre, Friday. The romantic comedy, which premiered on Broadway in 2006 has a rock score with music by Matthew... read more

IBC ‘Phantom of the Opera” Is A Singular Triumph

May 29, 2024

  Indiana Ballet Conservatory (IBC) more than proved it deserves its distinction as the third best ballet school in the U.S. when it presented its interpretation of ‘The Phantom of the Opera, “ Saturday at the Tarkington Theatre at The Center of the Performing Arts... read more

Inspired Partnership Results In Sumptuous ‘Romeo & Juliet’ Ballet

May 12, 2024

Ensconced in the immense house of the venerable Clowes Memorial Hall on the campus of Butler University, it felt like a momentous, rarified experience when I attended an Indianapolis Ballet and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestr co production of Septime Webre’s “Romeo & Juliet.” Based on Shakespeare’s tragedy... read more