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Greetings,
These wrestling photos by Ted Somerville are a perfect midweek pick-me-up. They have grunt, they have ouch, they have wow.
We have been out and about at Mirror Indy — museums, parties, restaurants and even the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
So we have lots of good recs for you, as well as tips for getting into museums for free (or on a budget), help for those that are afraid of the dark and a Time Machine memory that got us thinking about The Simpsons, but also about Kendrick Lamar. It’s all connected!
WHAT’S NEW IN ARTS & CULTURE
Reporter Breanna Cooper put together a “splash” themed Play List to help you stay literally and spiritually hydrated throughout the rest of the month. Besides great tips, the list also has some splashy illustrations by artist Jannell Summers.
Breanna also wrote about the new Polklore Micro-Museum in the Martindale Brightwood neighborhood. The museum displays personal artifacts from neighbors who recorded their stories and memories.
Are you afraid of the dark? Writer Kirsten Eamon-Shine has the scoop on the new exhibit at the Indiana State Museum. “Good Night Forest” has props, like flashlights and cute animal displays. It uses art and exploration to help children get comfortable with dark spaces and nurture science thinking.
Kirsten also wrote this cheat sheet for visiting Indy museums on a budget.
WHAT WE’RE DOING
- “Last Friday my family biked the Monon Trail to Half Liter BBQ for dinner and live music. We plan to do it again this week — I think we found a new weekly tradition.” — Darian Benson, eastside reporter
- “I’ve been listening to ‘Bando Stone and the World,’ Donald Glover’s sixth and final album as Childish Gambino. My favorite track, ‘Lithonia,’ is a certified banger. Don’t watch the music video if you’re squeamish, however — the ending has a gory surprise.” — Peter Blanchard, local government reporter
- “I recently ordered takeout from The Med, a Mediterranean spot in Irvington started by the people who own Lincoln Square. I’m a big Lincoln Square fan, so I figured I’d give The Med a try. My daughter got the dolmades, and I got an Athenian salad with gyro meat. The Med did not disappoint.” — Oseye Boyd, editor in chief
- Next Thursday, Aug. 1, I’ll be getting gussied up for Identity Art Gala at Salesforce Tower, hosted by my friends over at Y’all, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ+ Hoosiers. Local art, a ‘queer couture’ dress code and an 8 p.m. end time? Say no more. The caveat: Ticket sales end July 29, so act quick if you want to go. Can’t afford a ticket? They’ve got you. Email info@yallforall.org for a code. — Jenna Watson, art director
Looking for other things to do? Check out Mirror Indy’s events calendar.
CITY CHATTER
What’s Good, Friends!
Fun fact, in 2020 Chaka Khan saved my life. I am absolutely being hyperbolic as I wasn’t at any more of a risk of dying than your average person at that time (cough, Covid, cough) and as far as I know, Chaka Khan has no idea I exist.
Her music, in particular the song “So Naughty” off her second solo album aptly titled “Naughty,” kept my spirits high during a globally trying time. The infectious beat and her signature trill turned my studio apartment into the hottest discotheque there ever was.
So, needless to say I am thrilled that she is headlining Indy Jazz Fest on Saturday, Sept. 28 this year! I know it’s going to be a legendary moment. Be sure to check out her NPR Tiny Desk in preparation for the festivities. As an honorable mention, one of my childhood celeb crushes Malcolm Jamal Warner will be performing during the Fest as well. I don’t know any of his music, but looking at him will surely be entertaining enough.
Other things I’m looking forward to enjoying soon are the Chreece Car Wash happening on July 27 at Cargo Street Wear (picture it: a ‘90s rap video come to life. Much less misogyny tho!) and the Black Pride Summer Fest on August 3 on Monument Circle! Mirror Indy is a proud sponsor of the latter so come by our booth to chat with our reporters and grab some swag. We’ll be happy to see your smiling face.
—Ebony Chappel, Free Press Indiana market director
PARTY NEWS
Mark your calendar for Aug. 2, 6-8 p.m.!
We’re celebrating the launch of Mirror Indy’s Play List (the newsletter you are reading right now) with a First Friday Mixer at the Schwitzer gallery, 1125 Brookside Ave.
Have a first look at “Living Waters & Earthly Visions,” an exhibit featuring the art of Adrian Smith and Rebeka Sweetland, enjoy small bites, wine and music, AND connect with Mirror Indy’s arts and culture team.
See you there!
TIME MACHINE
Mirror Indy’s managing editor of innovation, Amanda Kingsbury shared a memory about Ice-T at the symphony.
“The London Symphony Orchestra just performed a night of Cypress Hill songs, making fans of “The Simpsons” really happy. It made me think of the time, 16 years ago, that Ice-T played with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. On June 18, 2008, the rapper joined the ISO and the Ron McCurdy Jazz Quartet for The Langston Hughes Project: ‘Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz.’
I was the editor of Indy.com and got to go to Ice-T’s rehearsal the afternoon before with Whitney Smith, the IndyStar’s classical music critic. Only about 10 people were in the auditorium at Hilbert Circle Theatre. Ice-T was on the stage, but keeping a low profile. His wife, Coco? Not so much. She came in with a flourish and a small entourage and took a seat. He gave her a sly smile.”
Amanda’s memory reminds me of when the ISO performed a Stravinsky ode to my hip hop generation’s GOAT, Kendrick Lamar.
What cool memories do you have? Send them to me with a photo at ariana.beedie@mirrorindy.org.
— Ariana Beedie, community journalism director
CULTURE JOURNAL
Our latest Culture Journal is by our very own service reporter, Sophie Young. In it, she attends Sampson Levingston’s Haughville Walk & Talk, floats on the river and discloses her source for finding pickleball partners.
Here’s an excerpt from her journal:
“10:45 a.m. I’m writing notes on my genealogy story. Two experts shared their tips with me for the story, and both talked about interviewing family members while you still have the chance. It makes me think of a book I just checked out from the Brownsburg Public Library. It’s called ‘The Collected Regrets of Clover,’ and the main character is a death doula, someone who sits by the bedsides of dying people, comforting them and documenting their last words.”
CLASSIFIEDS
- New! Artist studio available for rent in the near eastside for $1,300 / month.
- Here’s another art studio available in the near eastside for $1,200 / month.
- Cat Head Press prints on a wide range of fabric and paper goods, including apparel, tote bags, drink coolers, canvas patches, posters and more.
- Damien Center and Empact Art are hosting eight community art workshops July 22-28. All materials provided!
- Paul Cento repaired the soles for Pope Pius XII, made custom shoes for Sophia Loren and then moved from Italy to Indianapolis in 1971 to open Cento Shoes.
Send us your creative service ad to hello@mirrorindy.org and write “Classifieds” in the subject line.
Thanks for reading.
You can reach me at jennifer.delgadillo@mirrorindy.org. I’d love to hear from you!
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This newsletter was written by Jennifer Delgadillo and edited by Mirror Indy’s service reporter, Sophie Young.
The music in the audio version of this newsletter is “Treasure Everywhere” by Forestero.
Play List’s illustrations are by Rebekah Nolan.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
