A&E priority list for April 18-24

This week, you can see many of Indy's finest performers on one stage, it's up-and-comers on another, or, on a brand new stage, both. 

Spotlight

April 22

Clowes Hall

Undecided about which arts group to favor with your subscription dollars? New to the city—or just to the live arts in Indy—and want a sampler platter to see what groups you might like? Want a smorgasbord of an A&E evening out? Then consider catching this annual benefit for the Indiana AIDS Fund featuring just about every professional performing arts outfit in central Indiana. The show opens with members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performing the rousing “Candide” overture, ends with the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus and, in between, includes spots by the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, Indianapolis Opera and many more. Newcomers this year include Know No Stranger, Indianapolis City Ballet and Bobdirex, the last of which will offer a song from its upcoming production of “Spamalot.” Tickets are as low as $15 (but I suggest bringing what you can for the silent auction). Details here.

Butler Artsfest

April 18-28

Various locations at Butler University

Yes, there will be a ribbon cutting for the opening of the Schrott Center for the Arts at Butler University. But that’s just the beginning. That ceremonial clip will mark the start of a first-ever performance festival that includes an opening night “Best of” performance by Dance Kaleidoscope and offerings from Butler Ballet, Butler Percussion Ensemble, Butler Theatre, the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, and Butler Wind Ensemble with guest Steven Stolen. Also, talent from the American Pianists Association, Indianapolis Children’s Choir, Butler Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Raymond Leppard) and more will take the stages. Many of the events are free. Details here. 

APA Finals

April 19-20

Hilbert Circle Theatre

Last week, I alerted you to the American Pianists Association’s Classical Music Fellowship competition. This weekend, the five finalists square off in two concerts with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Go Friday to see three of the competitors. Go Saturday to hear two more and find out who has won the $100,000 prize package. Details here.

Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra’s “Show People”

April 19

Indianapolis Museum of Art

It’s cliché now, but the story of a young actress trying to make a name for herself in Hollywood was much fresher in 1928 when the comedy “Show People” was released. Marion Davis stars as wannabe Peggy Peper, who later becomes Patrice Pepoire when she joins the ranks of High Art Studios. The film was also one of the first to make a sport of dropping in cameos by big stars. While movie buffs may spot Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks and John Gilbert, you’d have to be a hardcore TCM watcher to recognize the likes of Robert Z. Leonard, William S. Hart and Norma Talmadge. Not only does this screening give the pleasure of seeing the kind of film that inspired “The Artist,” it’s also a chance to hear the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra providing the live musical accompaniment. I’ll be there to provide a brief pre-show talk. Details here.

Cabaret: The Next Generation

April 19

Cabaret at the Columbia Club

If you ever had any doubts about the wealth of young, talented performers in this town, prepare to have them put to rest at this event. The Cabaret presents some of the finest up-and-coming performers from around central Indiana in an intimate evening of songs and stories. All singers have been selected from their participation in the Cabaret’s “Cabaret Conservatory” educational programs and master classes. Details here.

Also this week

It’s back-to-back-to-back concerts at the Palladium with Doc Severinsen April 18, Chick Corea and Gary Burton April 20, and Michael McDonald April 21. Details here.

The Heartland Film Festival offers a “Best of the Fest” two-day event at the Artcraft Theatre in Franklin with screenings of “All Me: The Life and Times of Winfred Rembert,” “Cairo 678,” “Trash Dance,” “Starry, Starry Night” and more April 19-20. Details here.

Jazz pianist Brad Mehldau teams up with singer/mandolinist Chris Thile for a concert at Hilbert Circle Theatre April 18. Details here.

Five-time Grammy-winning guitarist Victor Wooten plays the Jazz Kitchen April 23. Details here.

Josh Ritter performs April 18 at the Vogue. Details here.