The crowd at Metro during karaoke nights is so encouraging, anybody will feel like a star. | Photo by @baileeloganphotography
City Editor Shea here. As a former musical theater kid, one of my favorite ways to enjoy a night out on the town is with some good old-fashioned karaoke. I firmly believe that you don’t have to be good at singing to do karaoke — you just have to have fun (and maybe have some liquid courage).
In case you didn’t know, this week is National Karaoke Week. In honor of this momentous holiday, I’ve put together a karaoke guide that will have you singing every night of the week. You’re welcome, Indy.
Monday
If you love “Jeopardy!” almost as much as you love “American Idol,” this is the double hitter for you. The Mousetrap hosts trivia at 7 p.m. and karaoke at 9:30 p.m., so you can spend the whole night showing off your intelligence and your talent.
Tuesday
Serving the south side since 1912, Colonial Tavern has karaoke every night of the week. Each weekday features a different preceding event — Tuesday is also music bingo night.
Wednesday
Downtown Olly’s hands the mic over to karaoke performers every Wednesday and Saturday night. The venue is so popular that it won the Best Things 2023 award for karaoke bars.
Thursday
Stop by Metro, one of Indy’s hottest gay bars, for “Queeraoke” from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Thursdays and Sundays. When you need a change of scenery, take a half-mile walk down Mass Avenue to Burnside Inn, which also has Thursday night karaoke starting at 9:30 p.m.
Friday
Wild Beaver Saloon, the self-proclaimed “best dam karaoke bar in America,” has triple the karaoke with Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights dedicated to the craft. On a busy night, the bar will stay open until 3 a.m. — so you better beef up your song list.
Spotlight 2024 | Monday, April 22 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Clowes Memorial Hall, 4602 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis | $25 | Enjoy a night of song, dance, and theater at the largest HIV prevention arts fundraiser in the Midwest.
Tuesday, April 23
IndyHub Exclusive: gOD-Talk Documentary Film Tour | Tuesday, April 23 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $15 | Watch and discuss this documentary that explores the spiritual journeys of seven Black millennials — soft drink and popcorn included.
Wednesday, April 24
White River State Park Walking Tour | Wednesday, April 24 | 6 p.m. | White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $7-$12 | Embark on this one-hour, one-mile tour that highlights historic landmarks within the park.
Thursday, April 25
Homeschool Day: Birds and Blooms | Thursday, April 25 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis | $0-$10 | Adventure outside with fellow homeschool families for a day of learning and fun — make sure to bring a picnic lunch.
Fred Armisen: Comedy For Musicians But Everyone Is Welcome | Thursday, April 25 | 8-9:30 p.m. | Shelton Auditorium at Butler Arts Center, 1000 W. 42nd St., Indianapolis | $40 | Get ready to laugh at this show put on by the 11-season SNL veteran.
Friday, April 26
Adult Recess 2024 | Friday, April 26 | 7-9 p.m. | Lilly Boys & Girls Club, 801 S. State Ave., Indianapolis | $50 | Enjoy old school playground games, a DJ, bar, and silent auction, with all proceeds going to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis.
Friday, May 3
Romeo & Juliet | Friday, May 3, Saturday, May 4, Saturday, May 4 | Times vary | Clowes Memorial Hall, 4602 Sunset Ave, Indianapolis | Grab tickets for the Indianapolis Ballet premiere of this story of love and tragedy with Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra leading the Prokofiev score.*
Over the weekend, the owners of Chalet in Butler-Tarkington and Landlocked Baking Company in Irvington announced that the last day of business for both restaurants would be Sunday, April 21. Strange Bird, which shares a space with Landlocked Baking Company, will remain open.
Opening
The GOAT has quietly reopened in Carmel. During its hiatus, it made several changes including enclosing a section of its patio and adding more upscale menu options. The tavern’s official grand reopening will be Saturday, May 4 with live music, menu specials, and possibly some live goats. (IndyStar)
Trending
In preparation for “The Eras Tour” coming to Indy Friday, Nov. 1-Sunday, Nov. 3, two new Taylor Swift-themed local events have been announced. Tickets are now on sale for the SWIFT + SHIMMER Pre-Party (Heirloom’s Version) and SWIFT + SIP Cocktail Party (Crane Bay Version). (WTHR)
Eat
As the North Mass area undergoes extended development efforts, a new Cunningham Restaurant Group project called Shin Dig is coming to 1351 Roosevelt Ave. It’s projected to open by fall, with lunch + dinner menus focused on pizza, sandwiches, and salads. (IBJ)
Development
Community development organization Northeast Indianapolis Community Service Corporation plans to turn 12 vacant buildings on the northeast side into 250 affordable apartments. Construction on the $48 million project will begin in October and wrap in 2025. (IndyStar)
Regional
Lafayette’s Vinton Elementary School will be the first school in the state to transition to a four-day school week beginning in August. The change will last for three years before reevaluation, during which time other central Indiana school districts are expected to be watching closely. (WTHR)
Hoosier
A potential future Olympian walks among us... or, technically, runs. Reigning 800-meter national champion Allie Wilson has been training at Butler University, and at the end of June, she will compete for her spot on Team USA at the US Olympic Track and Field Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon. (WTHR)
Sports
Go behind the scenes of Game 1 of the Pacers vs. Bucks playoffs series with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcast.
We’re giving local businesses two green thumbs up. This Earth Day, we’re getting in the sustainable spirit by highlighting our environmentally-friendly brands.
Bring the Earth Day celebration inside with an organic coconut wax candle. Pro Tip: Use the vessel as a planter after it’s fully burned.
Strut your sustainable style with a retro beanie from Rainier Watch, plus 5% of your purchase goes towards National Parks protection. If you’re looking for more modern (but equally environmentally-friendly) styles, give Seaav a glance.
Colorful old fashioned glasses that are perfect for spring and summer. They have the look and feel of glass, but are made from unbreakable and BPA-free Tritan material, meaning they’re pool and party-proof.
Voices of Indy features live music from talented local acts. | Photo by @voicesofindy
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Not that you asked — but my all-time favorite song to whip out at karaoke is “I Drove All Night” by Celine Dion. But depending on the vibe of the bar, I might opt for “Alone” by Heart or “Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’” by Journey instead.
My top tips? Choose something that allows you to showcase whatever is unique to you, whether that’s an incredible vocal range, a great sense of humor, or dancing chops.
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