In the heat of summer, when the air is heavy with moisture, sound moves slowly. But because we humans move so fast, it feels like there is so much sound all around.
When going out, don’t forget to let your busy mind breathe — deep listening is a great way to slow down, collect some good happy brain chemicals and cool off.
When you need a little break, listen intentionally to the sounds of summer I’ve collected below.
1. Garcia’s Hot Dogs, 5102 E. 16th St.
Abacuc Garcia Martinez makes the best hot dogs in Indianapolis Monday through Saturday, from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Period. Eating one knocked my socks off — I’ve been sockless since!
When I recorded the sounds of this man cooking, he had a great time clanging, scraping, sizzling and chatting it up, mingling his voice with the traffic. A local legend, Garcia’s Hot Dogs are a quintessential taste and sound of summer.
2. Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St.
Growing up, I looked forward to going to the zoo every year. Where else can you hear macaws, waterfalls, flustered parents, dolphins, popcorn and carousels, while learning about reducing our eco-footprint?
When you listen deeply at the Indianapolis Zoo, you will hear so many kinds of birds and science lessons being shared, but the loudest sound is the infectious excitement of young humans as their curiosity blossoms.
3. Frog Bog off the Monon, near 42nd Street
Do you want to hear animal sounds for free and with no crowds? There is the cutest little bog near the Indiana School for the Deaf. Go on a walk at dusk and be immersed in the sound of thousands of freaky amphibians, singing to attract their Prince and/or Princess Charming.
4. The Artsgarden, 110 W. Washington St.
Whenever you find yourself downtown, take a stroll through the Artsgarden. Its high glass dome creates an enchanting echo, making any overheard conversation sound captivating.
There is usually a visual art exhibit, and if you stop for a minute you can hear what other people have to say about the pieces. Plus, the Indy Arts Council also curates a free lunchtime concert series — follow them on Instagram for a full list.
The clip below is from a lunchtime concert in June featuring me (Clockwork Janz), Rob Funkhouser and Airport People, of new ambient music ensemble “the project acre.”
5. Glendale Library, 3660 E. 62nd St.
When you crave some introvert time, this new library branch is perfect because it’s tucked away and so cozy. They also have wonderful air conditioning.
Go there and sign up for the summer reading program. Then listen to pages turning, families enjoying time together, bouts of sweet silence and neighbors gossiping.
6. Warren Woods, near 9500 E. 16th St.
I asked my good friend, Brent Aldrich, the best place to go to hear plants growing. He recommended a spot of old growth forest by Warren Central High School he calls “Warren Woods.”
He said to go in until you can’t hear the road anymore, and listen deeply to roots digging deeper, wind carrying sunlight down to the forest floor, and leaves slowly expanding to meet one another.
7. Krannert Park, 605 S. High School Road
When I went to the aquatic center at Krannert Park, there was a line out the door. This new facility is loved and trafficked thoroughly by south-westside residents. One of the best public pools for sure.
Hear the unadulterated joy of kids on summer break and adults with whistles trying to keep them from running and busting their heads open on the concrete.
8. Garfield Park Farmers Market, 2345 Pagoda Drive
Nestled near the tennis courts in Garfield Park, the Garfield Park Farmers Market is a map of summer sound excitement. Go there and walk slowly through the vendors, then take a little walk through the Sunken Gardens. Listen for old friends catching up, acoustic tunes, happy produce exchanges, new babies cooing and old dogs barking.
9. A rainy day, wherever you are
When we are lucky enough to have a rainy day this summer, plan to stay at home and listen intently. Don’t fight it.
We are all moving too fast during this season of long, hot days. Steal away some time for yourself and show love for your rest. Hunker down with a good book when it pours, and listen deeply to the steady rhythm of Mother Nature on your rooftop — healthy street pools receiving big drip drops, and your avian neighbors singing in the shower.
Do you remember my Spring Sounds story for Mirror Indy? I’m mapping all the sounds I collect into my growing “Indy Sounds Like” project.
Special thanks to my partner, Lydia Campbell-Maher, for the amazing soundscaping at the Glendale Library. I was outside holding our new baby, Delight, when she was a little too vocal for this quiet space. And thank you to fellow sound nerd Leah Whitmire for recording at the Frog Bog.
Clockwork Janz is a freelance reporter for Mirror Indy. They can be reached at clockworkmakesmusic@gmail.com. Follow them on Facebook, Clockwork Music, or on Instagram @clockworkmakesmusic.
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