Indy-Biz

indy’s fourth fringe festival is off to a great start, with many plays selling out.  We saw five today, and by far my favorite was Assholes and Aureloes

When Andy looked at the Fringe schedule to suggest plays to see today, this was the first one he mentioned. Was it because it began with an “A” and was first on the list, because it was early in the day or was it because the description was intriguing?

Whatever the reason he suggested it, I am glad he did. Comedians Karen Irwin and Diane Kondrat deliver a script by Eric Pfenninger that is filled with rapid fire raunchy humor in 5 very short and one longer skits. From breast feeding to office sex, very little is sacred. Our favorite skit involves a job interview at a women’s shelter.

Clever dialogue is matched with broad physical comedy that will leave you believing there are more than two people on stage. And finally no review would be complete with out acknowledgement of Diane’s amazing facial expressions. Her uncanny ability to convey everything she is thinking with a nod or roll of her eyes seals the performance.

This show is definitely not family friendly,  but it is fun.

For a brief look at what you will experience if you add this to your list. Go to: ASSHOLES AND AUREOLES

And if you see it, share your thoughts here!

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN – August 13, 2008) – Mark Roger of Art & Texture, the Finish Studio in the Village of WestClay will be teaching a Decorative Painting class at the 2008 Mickey’s Camp for Women. Even participants who have never picked up a paintbrush before; they will discover their “artist within” and be amazed at the artwork they have created.

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Indianapolis, IN - August 14, 2008 – Zing Restaurant, located at 543 Indiana Avenue, serves small plate dishes that are designed for sharing among friends and are brought to the table steadily and continuously throughout the meal.

Zing’s Chef, Richard Larsen, will feature his favorite preparations of interesting fare, filled with extraordinary flavors. Menu items include spicy calamari, grilled lamb chops, pepper seared ahi tuna, roasted beef and signature pizza-ettes - just to name a few.

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Indianapolis, IN, August 8, 2008 – A new social networking website for young adults ages 18-24, called Young Dream Achievers, was recently released by entrepreneur speaker Jamar Cobb-Dennard.   

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Lisa Sirkin wrote the blog I meant to write.   In response to the Mayor’s proposal to cut funding for the arts she said: For a world-class city such as Indianapolis, I find this unacceptable. To that end, she has created SaveIndyArts which includes a petition. Her goal, to generate 1,000 responses.  In just a few days, she has already generated 1/2 of what she was hoping for.

And I think it is worth doing.

The tax base is generated by companies and individuals who chose to live and work here.

The arts do more then improve the quality of life in the city.  A vibrant arts community gives us a competitive edge when competing for the best talent, and corporate expansion. Attracting the very people who will help us expand our tax base.

In addition, the arts typically generate more in revenue and taxes then they accept in subsidies.  If you read the IBJ article, what you discover is the programs at risk are youth program, designed to introduce our children to the arts.

Some of this boils down to what type of city we want.  The culturally dead naptown of the 80’s or the vibrant Indy of today.   My vote:

Vote yes for the arts.  Vote yes for our quality of life, and the health of our community.  Go to: SaveIndyArts to voice your support!

Summer is in full swing, and that means it is almost time to be thinking about Indy Fringe!

This year, the 4th Annual Ten Day  Indianapolis Fringe Festival will include 53 performers. 270 shows. Six stages.

Organizers describe the event as a big, bold and bodacious celebration of alternative theater and performance arts.

If you have never been to Fringe, you are in for a treat.

The following are my suggestions on ways to get the most from the experience, for more suggestions, check out the tips on Smaller Indiana

• Check out the schedule
• Read reviews and descriptions
• Plan on attending several shows, with time in between to enjoy the activity on Mass Ave
• Go with Friends, and then split up, watch different shows and compare notes.
• Build in time for a few drinks at some of Mass Ave’s best locations.
• Hold on to your button, and come back several times!
• Post your own mini reviews on Smaller Indiana

(INDIANAPOLIS)— Elegant Funk announced its roster of artists for the upcoming First Friday event on Friday, August 1.

On August 1, ELEGANT FUNK will be a part of the IDADA First Friday lineup, featuring artists from around Central Indiana. The event will be held from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm at wUG LAKU’S STUDIO & gARAGE, 1125 Brookside Ave. Suite C7 in the Circle City Industrial Complex. Original works of art will include paintings, photography, sculpture, and jewelry. The majority of the submitted pieces will be for sale.

Notable artists will include Todd Bracik, Amber Davis, Nancy Digman, Wug Laku, Pat Mack, Sally Mills, Kate Oberreich, Lauren Oosterlinck, Mark Pack, and Tom Willhoite. There are a total of 24 artists who will be featured that night.

“ELEGANT FUNK will provide a unique opportunity for artist members of Smaller Indiana to showcase their work in a professional urban/industrial gallery space,” said Laku. “We’re showcasing painters, sculptors, and jewelry designers, as well as offering wine tasting from Mass Ave Wine Shoppe, food, music, and a chance to meet other arts supporters in the area.”

For more information, visit Smaller Indiana - Elegant Funk

Indianapolis’ third major public art exhibition goes on display this morning. “Chakaia Booker: Mass Transit” features 10 sculptures made from tires that are cut, folded and woven. Booker will join Deputy Mayor Nick Weber and representatives from the Arts Council of Indianapolis and Cultural Development Commission downtown to open the exhibition.

This type of public art is an important part of the fabric of Indianapolis.  It demonstrates we have grown beyond the painted race cars as our artistic tastes have matured.   The public exhibit gives local residents one more reason to drive downtown and visitors one more thing to make their visit memorable.

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