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
We can probably all name a dozen songs about Los Angeles, NYC, or Nashville — but what about Indianapolis?
We might not be making the Billboard 100, but there are plenty of bops about the Circle City. Here are a few to add to your jam session.
“Broadripple Is Burning” by Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s
It doesn’t get more local than this song, which reached listeners nationwide thanks to an appearance on Season 15 of “American Idol.” Learn about its backstory.
“Can’t Get Indiana Off My Mind” By Bing Crosby
This song was written by Hoagy Carmichael, who was born in Bloomington in 1899 and moved to Indy as a teenager. Ironically, Carmichael’s most famous song is a similar tribute to another state: “Georgia On My Mind.”
“Indiana” by Jon McLaughlin
The Anderson native penned this song for his debut album of the same name in 2007. Fun fact: Even though she was living in California, this was one of Editor Shea’s favorite songs in high school.
All American Horse Classic | Tuesday, Sept. 9-Saturday, Sept. 13 | 10 a.m.-9 p.m. | Fall Creek Pavilion, Indiana State Fairgrounds | Free | Watch 600+ beautiful horses compete for $400,000 in national championship awards.
Teddy Bear Picnic | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Elm Street Green, Zionsville | Free | Bring your favorite stuffed animal friend + lunch to celebrate National Teddy Bear Day with a picnic, games, and a bear hunt around the park.
Swiftie Trivia | 5:45-8:30 p.m. | Metazoa Brewing Company | $7 | You’re not on your own, kid for this team trivia night.
Wednesday, Sept. 10
Landmarks Off the Beaten Path | 6-7 p.m. | Indiana Landmarks | $12 | Take a virtual road trip to Indiana’s weirdest + wackiest roadside attractions.
“Garcia’s Gardens: A More Than Corn Story” | 6-7:45 p.m. | Arts for Lawrence Theater at the Fort | Free | This film follows one family’s journey to creating a thriving farm in their Indianapolis backyard.
Thursday, Sept. 11
Indianapolis Indians vs. Iowa Cubs | 6:30 p.m. | Victory Field | $15+ | Bring your pup along for Bark in the Park on the lawn, or relax in the stands with Thirsty Thursday deals.
INDOT released potential improvement plans for one of the biggest bottlenecks in central Indiana: The downtown loop. Learn about the proposals and submit your feedback. (WTHR)
Listen
Win for Jim. Get all the highlights of the Colts’ first season opener victory in 11 years with Locked On.
Open
Daisy Bar, a new concept from the owners of La Margarita, is now open at 1125 Mass Ave. Stop by during operating hours for inventive, flavorful food + drinks; we have our eye on the birria mandu and the pork jowl tikka masala.
Closed
After six years of operations, LouVino announced the immediate closure of its Mass Ave location. Fill the cabernet-shaped hole with these local wine bars. (IBJ)
Sports
For the second year in a row, the Fever is going to the WNBA playoffs — but without Caitlin Clark. The playoffs start Sunday, Sept. 14, with the Fever hosting a hometown game on either Tuesday, Sept. 16 or Wednesday, Sept. 17. (IBJ)
Festival
Indy Jazz Fest returns today, with toe-tapping talent taking over Indy’s stages through Saturday, Sept. 20. Check out the lineup, get tickets, and prepare your jazz hands. (WTHR)
Arts
Theater lights dim. Music swells. A shimmering 30-ft silk opens above the stage — and Dance Kaleidoscope’s 2025-26 season begins. Indiana’s longest-running professional contemporary dance company opens with Cloudline, a new work by Robyn Mineko Williams and the centerpiece of NOW VOL. 1 LAUNCH Sept. 12-14. Snag tickets.*
Try This
Hosting a party soon? From intimate gatherings to festive holiday parties, Clancy’s Hospitality Private Events are chic and sophisticated. Their in-house culinary and event teams provide customers with an unforgettable experience. Planning a private event? Let them help you find the perfect space.*
Wellness
Let’s glow, girls. Girls Night Out Indy returns on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 12-7:30 p.m. for a day of shopping, sipping, and self-care at the Ritz Charles in Carmel. Discover skincare, beauty, health, and wellness insights from local experts. Grab tickets.*
Watch
College football Saturdays, NBA playoffs, championship golf — it’s all included on ESPN Unlimited, plus Disney+ and Hulu for your first 12 months. Stream everything for $29.99.*
The Buy
We’ve built your new go-to fall outfit. Grab the complete look below for under $200.
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🍁 Accessorize with this top-rated crossbody featuring vegan leather and a practical design with multiple pockets.
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.
Forget all your troubles, forget all your cares, and go Downton. “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” premieres on Friday, Sept. 12, and Alamo moviegoers can snag a limited-edition china teacup and saucer to sip from as they enjoy the film. Pinkies up.
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