Build your fall playlist with these artists from Indy
While he was a student at Highland High School in Anderson, McLaughlin shattered both wrists in an accident and temporarily interrupted his musical career. | Photo by Butler Corey via Creative Commons
Last week, we talked about a few musicians (both well-known and up-and-coming) that hail from Indy. We asked if you knew anyone else we should add to our list, and y’all came through.
Here are several more famous or soon-to-be-famous artists you should add to your playlist. Shout out to readers Elisa E., Claire B., Jenna D., Dennis M., Patti M., Grete S., and Joyce S. for their recommendations.
Wes Montgomery | Before this jazz guitarist became a nationally-recognized star, his first performances were at the 440 Club at 440 Indiana Avenue, where the Canal Overlook Apartments now stand.
Jon McLaughlin | One of Anderson’s biggest stars reached mainstream success in 2007 with an Oscar-nominated song in a Disney film. He’s toured with Kelly Clarkson and Sara Bareilles, and one of his songs was even covered by Beyoncé.
The Los Angeles Times called John Hiatt “one of rock’s most astute singer-songwriters of the last 40 years.”
John Hiatt | This Broad Ripple High School graduate has been releasing music since 1973. He’s been nominated for nine Grammy Awards and released his most recent album, “The Eclipse Sessions,” in 2018.
zakè | The man behind the mysterious name, Zach Frizell, utilizes archaic synths, sound manipulation, and tape machines to create drifting soundscapes that are perfect for getting deep work done or unwinding for the day.
Spring Term | Nathan Davis makes “songs that sound like spring,” with a hazy, sunny visual presence on social media. Those who like early Vampire Weekend will enjoy his tunes.
Robin Raps has been publicly releasing music since 2019.
Robin Raps | Like pop rap? You’ll dig Robin Raps, whose musical presence is as hyperlocal as it is groovy — he’s organized shows at HI-FI, at Patron Saint, and even on an IndyGo bus.
Samuel David Sharik | This talented artist has one EP under his belt. He describes the band as “Midwestern guys making Midwestern music” — the first track on their album is called “Michigan.”
Eat Smart Move More with Purdue Extension | Thursday, Sept. 19 | 1-2 p.m. | IPL Fort Ben Branch | Free | Learn how meal planning, grocery shopping, healthy eating, and physical activity can improve your family’s wellbeing.
Friday, Sept. 20
Indianapolis Ballet Presents: Square Dance | Friday, Sept. 20-Sunday, Sept. 22 | Times vary | The Tobias Theater at Newfields | $35+ | Neoclassical folk dance meets elegant artistry in this mixed-repertoire ballet.
Saturday, Sept. 21
Treo Foundation’s Walk from Obesity | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 8-11 a.m. | IU Health North Hospital, Carmel | $30+ | Set your own pace + take steps for your health.
Newfields 2024 Fall Horticulture Forum | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Newfields | $50+ | Three horticulturalists will share their expert tips + secrets for everything from rock gardens to native flowers.
Lagers in Lawrence Oktoberfest 2024 | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 2-6 p.m. | Fort Ben Cultural Campus | $42 | Enjoy unlimited pours of 100+ craft beverages, a DJ set, food, and games.
Make The Friendship Bracelets | Saturday, Sept. 21 | Times vary | The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis | $13+ | Bejewel, bedazzle, and braid your way to creating enchanting accessories for “The Eras Tour.”
Sunday, Sept. 22
The Grotesque of Notre Dame | Sunday, Sept. 22 | 2-4 p.m. | Arts for Lawrence | $15+ | Witness a dark reimagining of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”
See how hundreds of local, national, and international artists transform 30+ blocks of Cincinnati and Northern KY into a mesmerizing canvas from Thursday, Oct. 17, to Sunday, Oct. 20.
Here’s what to expect from the free event:
80+ dynamic light sculptures, projections, and murals
IMPD’s Community + First Responders Appreciation Day. Head down to Georgia Street between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for free food, live music, entertainment, meet and greets with Colts cheerleaders, and a close up look at the department’s specialty units. (WISH)
Development
The City of Westfield announced it’s planning a $27 million multi-use development in the downtown area. “Ambrose on Main” will include 90 apartments, a restaurant, plaza and courtyard areas, a rooftop patio, and 12,000+ sqft of commercial space. Construction is expected to take place from February 2025 to July 2026. (WTHR)
Announced
Smoothie King is making some smooth moves. The chain announced four new stores coming to central Indiana. Two will be located in Indy, at 8603 S. Emerson Ave. and 7411 N. Keystone Ave., while the others will pop up in Speedway + Franklin. All will open in 2025. (IBJ)
Drink
Upland Brewing Company has unveiled its first non-alcoholic drink, “HopRX.” The sparkling hop water features natural lime flavors with zero alcohol, calories, sugar, or carbs. Just in time for Sober October. (WTHR)
Seasonal
Calling all local singers, musicians and entertainers: Auditions for the 62nd anniversary of Downtown Indy Inc.’s Circle of Lights are now open. You can submit your video application until Thursday, Oct. 3. (WTHR)
Sports
Tyler Wojciak has some... thoughts about Notre Dame’s blowout win over Purdue. Which team are you cheering on?
Trending
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Holiday
How to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month events around Indianapolis
Global Village’s exhibit features art from around the world. | Photo by @globalvillageindy
Feliz Hispanic Heritage Month, Indy. The observance started Friday, Sept. 15 and runs through Sunday, Oct. 15 — spotlighting the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic Americans with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central + South America.
Here are a few events around town commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month:
Celebrating Latino and Hispanic Heritage | Sept. 14-Oct. 12 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center | Museum admission | Learn about different cultures with the exhibit “Be Heard: Latino Experiences in Indiana,” a display of historical Folklorico costumes, and sculptures by Justin Favela.
FIESTA Indianapolis | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 12-8 p.m. | Military Park | Free | Enjoy a day of music, dancing, food, children’s activities, and information booths.
Latino Heritage Celebration | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 12-4 p.m. | Global Village Welcome Center, 4233 Lafayette Rd., Indianapolis | Free | Check out the multicultural exhibit highlighting 20+ countries across the Americas through art, music, dance, food, and a health fair.
I want to reiterate my gratitude for all of the readers who emailed us with the names of their favorite local musicians. I’ve been adding so much new music to my playlists; my current favorite bop is Pellegrino by Spring Term.
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