Since 2021, the Ruins have come back to life each summer with the Rock the Ruins outdoor concert series. | Photo by @dfellegy + @rocktheruins
With one of Indy’s most cherished summer traditions, Rock the Ruins, officially underway, we’ve been wondering: Where did the mysterious, beautiful structures that make up The Ruins come from?
Most of the pieces are actually the remains of the former St. Paul building in Manhattan. Completed in 1898 and demolished in 1958, it was once one of the tallest skyscrapers in New York City, standing 26 stories tall.
The most prominent feature of the St. Paul building was the three squatting figures, collectively known as “The Races of Man.” Created in the 1890s by sculptor Karl Bitter, the bodies represent people of different ethnicities working together to hold up the building.
Many of the sculptures and structures seen within The Ruins were made from Indiana limestone.
When the building was scheduled for demolition, The Committee to Preserve American Art stepped in to save the building’s artistry. Several US organizations made requests for the sculptures, with Indianapolis ultimately winning, thanks to Elmer Taflinger’s detailed plans for The Ruins.
The Decades of Music Trivia | 5:45-8:30 p.m. | Metazoa Brewing Company | $7 | Time travel through your mental jukebox to ace this competition.
Do Tell: A Night of True Stories | 8-10 p.m. | White Rabbit Cabaret | $12+ | Hear true coming-out stories from local storytellers in celebration of Pride Month.
Wednesday, June 18
Dino Dash | 10:30-11 a.m. | IPL Garfield Park Branch | Free | Time to find out how fast your kids can run from a T-rex.
Puppy Dog Basket Floral Workshop | 6-8 p.m. | George Thomas Florist | $55 | Take home an adorable pup you’ll make out of fresh blooms.
Thursday, June 19
Juneteenth Workshop | 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Polk Stables | Free | Learn about the history of this important holiday + the military service of Black Americans in Indiana.
Grab tickets to “City Lights,” a musical journey about dreaming big
Presented by On-Stage LIVE! Entertainment
Get ready for an exciting performance. | Photos courtesy of Downtown Dinner Theater
Get ready to explore the heart of the city with “City Lights,” a musical extravaganza.
Inspired by the legendary Liza Minnelli and evolving into a broader tale of dream-chasing, “City Lights” features hits like “New York, New York,” “All That Jazz,” “Georgia on My Mind,” and “Pink Pony Club.” Immerse yourself in the rhythms of jazz, soul, and pop, all set against the backdrop of big city life.
“City Lights” is about life in the city where dreams are bigger, brighter, and sometimes impossible to achieve,” Director Jennifer Richins said. “Where there are so many people, it’s easy to blend in; so how do you stand out from the crowd?”
Where else can you dance in the streets and have Georgia on your mind? Step into a world where big dreams are waiting to be discovered.
Catch it on stage on:
Friday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 21 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m.
Perfect for families who are in town for graduations and weddings, this show is a blend of iconic songs and captivating performances.
The hottest day of the year so far is coming up this week — complete with severe storm clusters and flash flood warnings. Keep an eye on the forecast. (WTHR)
Giveaway
Want a chance to watch the Pacers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals? IU Health Foundation is giving away two tickets to the game, with each $100 donation counting as a sweepstakes entry. But you better hustle like Hali — the contest closes at 8 p.m. tonight. (WTHR)
Development
The City-County Council cleared Indy-based developer Davis Homes to build a new housing subdivision on 61 acres of urban forest in Perry Township. According to plans, just ~13 acres will be preserved as green space, though some neighbors voiced support for broader environmental preservation. (WTHR)
Sports
Heart hands up. Caitlin Clark returned to the court on Saturday following a five-game injury absence, contributing 32 points and helping the Fever beat WNBA champs the New York Liberty, who were undefeated this season so far.
Number
60,000. That’s how many people attended the Indy Pride Parade this last weekend. The fun’s not over yet — find other events coming up soon with our Pride guide. (WTHR)
Cause
For nearly 100 years, the Indy Art Center has been a cornerstone of creativity and inclusion in our community. Now, it’s raising $8.8 million to enhance its facilities, expand community programs, and foster a dynamic haven for cultural enrichment. Help keep Indy’s creative community thriving.*
Try This
Seasonal dishes, housemade favorites, patio dining (and more) await at 101 Craft Kitchen — a chef-owned, scratch-made restaurant serving up bold flavors in Fishers and Carmel. Oh, and did we mention the brunch + happy hour deals? Plan your visit.*
Call it a fumble. The Irish lost three big recruiting battles in the last week. How will the team move forward? Locked On’s Tyler Wojciak gives his take.
The Buy
Don’t spend hours at the mall looking for new summer dresses. We’ve done the work for you. These five stunners are available at Nordstrom:
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Next weekend, I’ll be experiencing a total eclipse of the art. Indiana’s oldest juried art fair, the Talbot Street Art Fair, returns on Saturday + Sunday with more than 200 artists showing off their incredible work. Check out some of the participants.
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