You’re not hardcore unless you live hardcore. | Photo by INDYtoday team
Whether you’re still bumping “Espresso,” living out the last days of your brat summer, or enjoying the country music crossover renaissance led by Beyoncé and Post Malone, one thing’s for sure: This has been a huge summer for music.
If you’re feeling inspired to pick up a new musical instrument, we went to the treble of composing a list of a few places around Indy where you can take lessons.
This school is the only one in Indianapolis that features an award program for students with certificates + trophies awarded at significant milestones. Lessons are priced month to month, meaning you don’t have to sign a long-term contract.
Bongo Boy Music School
Offerings: Guitar, drums/percussion, ukelele, mandolin, banjo, saxophone, harmonica, violin, viola, piano, voice, and clarinet
Bongo Boy promises you can “get groove here.” Established in 2003, the school also facilitates community drum circles + rhythmic wellness sessions for senior communities, support groups, and more.
Whether you want to learn to tickle the ivories at home, in a school, or online, there are hundreds of piano teachers for you to choose from in Indy.
Interested in a more behind-the-scenes musical journey? Instructors at this school have worked with everyone from Snoop Dogg to Alanis Morisette. Its award-winning recording studio originally opened in 1975 and offers 24-hour access.
Vibe Music Academy
Offerings: Piano, guitar, ukelele, drums/percussion, voice, strings, woodwinds, brass, and theory/composition
If location flexibility is a priority for you, check out Vibe. Many teachers can travel to your own home for lessons, or will teach you out of their houses or online.
Carmel Music Academy
Offerings: Piano, guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, voice, drum, violin, and preschool music
This school was established by bassist Jon E. Gee, who has played in the John Mellencamp Band since 1999. It holds three free music recitals yearly, including a Autumn Music Fest held on an outdoor festival stage.
Lucas Oil Stadium Tour | Friday, Aug. 30-Friday, Sept. 6 | Times vary | Lucas Oil Stadium | $15-$20 | Get a behind-the-scenes tour of the playing field, locker room, and press box.
Candlelight: Tribute to Adele | Friday, Aug. 30 | 8:45-10 p.m. | The Cyrus Place | $32 | “Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead” — so cry it out at this concert.
Saturday, Aug. 31
Blues, Beers, & BBQ | Saturday, Aug. 31 | 5-9 p.m. | Town of Cumberland | Free | Bring your lawn chairs for a night of the three Bs.
Sunday, Sept. 1
4pm in Soweto Summer Finale | Sunday, Sept. 1 | 4-10 p.m. | The Park at the Phoenix | $25 | Socialize while listening to Amapiano, Afro house, and a mix of your favorite afrobeats.
Monday, Sept. 2
Fly: The IMAX Experience | Monday, Sept. 2 | Times vary | Indiana State Museum | $16-$19 | This documentary follows three couples entwined in the world of BASE jumping, risking everything for the rush of feeling truly alive.
Tuesday, Sept. 3
Euchre Hour | Tuesday, Sept. 3 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Library | Free | Learn how to play the classic card game.
Construction on the Henry Street Bridge over the White River will kick off next week. The $43 million bridge will connect the $200 million Elanco Animal Health Inc. headquarters + surrounding business park to the southeastern side of downtown. Completion is expected for fall 2026. (IBJ)
Closing
SoChatti announced that, due to rising cacao prices + a shift in business focus, it will be closing its doors. The chocolate shop is offering two final days of in-person shopping at a 25% discount on Wednesday, Sept. 4 and Thursday, Sept. 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sports
Continuing their hot streak, the Fever beat the Connecticut Sun 84-80 on Wednesday night — and several celebrities were there to celebrate the victory. US Olympians + gold medalists Simone Biles + Gabby Thomas cheered on the team, as did David Letterman. (WTHR)
Open
This week, the $58 million mixed-use project Rise on Meridian opened at 915 S. Meridian St. downtown. The development includes nearly 300 units, 14 of which are reserved for individuals or families making below 30% of the area’s median income. (WTHR)
Announced
The Indiana High School Athletic Association announced the Indiana track and field state finals are moving from Bloomington to North Central High School in Indy next summer. Meets will be held June 6-7, 2025. (WTHR)
Arts
A new mural has appeared under the Campbell Crossing Bridge at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel. The piece was painted by Herron School of Art and Design associate professor Christina Hollering + features several native birds, including a great blue heron and a great egret. (WTHR)
Sports
Jake Arthur + Zach Hicks confirm what we all already know: Don’t count the Colts out in 2024. Get your AFC South season preview from Locked On.
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Show
🎶 Come together, right now
Celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Beatles at the Indiana State Fair
The Beatles toured the United States and Canada between August 19 and September 20, 1964. | Photo by SixtiesGirl1964 via Creative Commons
What was life like in 1964? College students from across the US traveled to Mississippi to participate in Freedom Summer, the Ford Mustang debuted, Muhammad Ali became the world heavyweight champion... and The Beatles played at the Indiana State Fair.
In honor of the 60th anniversary of the two sold-out shows played on Sept. 3, 1964, the fairgrounds are celebrating all things Fab Four once more. The festivities on Tuesday, Sept. 3 include:
The unveiling of an art installation
A listening session of the original audio from the 1964 performance
A live performance of the original setlist by cover band 1964 The Tribute
An encore performance of The Beatles’ greatest hits
Merchandise + themed food and beverage options, such as “Hard Day’s Flight” “and “Yellow Submarine Sandwich”
Tickets are still available for $5, the same price thousands of screaming fans originally paid to see the band.
The Buy
The Buy 8.30.24 (Affiliate)
A car charger adapter strong enough to provide a full-speed charge to two phones at once. Psst — it’s 35% off for Labor Day.
Hope you have a wonderful Labor Day weekend, Indy. I’ll be painting my house, having brunch with my family, and hitting up the Sunflower Festival at Stuckey Farm.
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