 |
 |
 | | | |
|  Thursday, June 12, 2008 |
| | |
|  |
Indy Jazz Fest
 June 13-15
Military Park
As in the past, much attention and Monday-morning water-cooler conversation will revolve around Indy Jazz Fest's headliners (which this year include Ramsey Lewis, John Legend and Buddy Guy). But the strength of a jazz festival - or any music festival for that matter - lies in the quality of its undercard. After all, that's what makes it a festival and not just a concert.
This year, one of the non-headliners I'm interested in is the Stephanie Browning Quartet. Opening the Saturday show, she's a smooth vocalist and songwriter who's skipping her usual Saturday evening spot at Chicago's swanky Peninsula hotel to join the local lineup. For this gig, she put together an ad hoc combo featuring bassist (and IU grad) Jason Ellis, Indy drummer Kenny Phelps, and keyboardist Hamilton Hardin.
For a sample of Browning's sound, click here.
For more details on the festival, click here.
"Hooray for Bollywood"
June 13-14
Pike Performing Arts Center
Over-the-top musicals that would make Busby Berkeley blush are alive and well in India. The genre - and the films - are both referred to by the moniker Bollywood and it's just a matter of time before the U.S. catches on.
For a sample, check out this clip from the Bollywood crossover film "Kal ho na ho". I dare you not to smile.
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, ahead of the curve, celebrates the music of the Indian film industry in this performance. For more details on the show, click here.
"Some Men"
June 12-July 19
Phoenix Theatre
Terrence McNally's 2006 play "Some Men," which has it local premiere at the Phoenix Theatre this week, got mixed reviews in previous productions. Those who didn't like it saw it as a disconnected series of familiar scenes. Those who did appreciate it saw it more as a tapestry than a traditional play.
| | | |
|
McNally has earned the right to experiment. One of the country's leading playwrights, he scored big with "Love! Valour! Compassion!" and "Master Class" as well as the books for the musicals "Ragtime" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman."
Time-hopping back and forth over 80 years, "Some Men" explores the lives of McNally's favorite subject, gay New Yorkers. The cast here includes Dave Ruark (fresh from "Victor/Victoria"), Scot Greenwell, and former Dance Kaleidoscope principal Ricardo Melendez. Warning: The production contains nudity.
For more details, click here.
Jack Johnson
June 8
Verizon Wireless Music Center
Why was the soundtrack from "Curious George" one of the best albums of 2006? Because its singer/songwriter Jack Johnson understands that music for little ones doesn't have to be condescending and, at the same time, doesn't need to wink knowingly at grown-ups. Instead, it just needs to be cool, musically solid and friendly - as displayed in such low-key charmers as "We're Going to Be Friends" and "Jungle Gym."
|  | | | |
| Don't get me wrong. Johnson's concert at Verizon isn't a kids' show. But kudos to the Hawaii-born musician for being consistent musically whether he's playing for children, adults, or both.
For a listen to his recent grown-up single "If I had Eyes," click here.
For more details on the concert, click here.
Independent Music + Art Festival
June 14
Harrison Center for the Arts
Eighteen local bands offer continuous music at this annual free event.
For some samples, check out Mandy Marie and the Cool Hand Lukes, MudKids and Everything Now.
For more details on the festival, click here.
Ice-T with the ISO
June 18
Hilbert Circle Theatre
 Take a brief trip in the not-so-wayback machine to 1992 and ask whoever you find on Monument Circle (if you find anyone on Monument Circle) what they think of the idea of Ice-T performing with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
Don't expect a positive reaction.
But time has been kind to the notorious rapper. He once attracted the ire of Tipper Gore and her lyric-labeling brigade with such lyrics as "Cop Killer." Now he's best known for being on the order side of "Law and Order: Special Victim's Unit."
Now he'll be on the side of poetry, reading Langston Hughes' "Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz." The Ron McCurdy Quartet supplements the ISO sound at this world premiere concert, just one more creative move on the part of the symphony.
For more details on the concert, click here.
This week's contest
 This week, win tickets to see the June 22 Murat Theatre concert by Return to Forever, the legendary jazz/rock group comprised of Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White and Al DiMeola.
For more details on the concert, click here.
To enter our contest, just fill out the form here. We'll pull one name at random next week.
Oh, and while filling out the entry form, tell us your favorite foursome.
Last week, we offered a pair of tickets to opening night of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's Symphony on the Prairie season. The winner? Sarah Terrill.
We also asked for your suggested casting for a "Little House on the Prairie" remake. Our favorite responses are here.
And don't forget to visit Lou Harry's A&E blog here.
| | | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Indy Jazz Fest. Headliners and more. 
No comments:
Post a Comment