Lou’s A&E priority list for this week

Here are some of the main events to look forward to this week.

Penrod Arts Fair

In addition to the rows and rows of visual artists (yes, maybe it’s time to add more original art to your life)—and an opportunity to see the new Roy Lichtenstein “Five Brushstrokes” installation—the annual fair also includes live performances from Dance Kaleidoscope, Motus Dance Theatre and others. And it offers an opportunity to learn about the upcoming seasons for these and other performing arts groups in the area. Get there early, find me in the C area, and tell me what you are most looking forward to this season. If you want to get a jump on the fair—and enjoy complimentary food samples and live entertainment with more elbow room—consider the $100-per-person preview event, Evening with Penrod at the IMA, on Sept. 5.     Sept. 6  Indianapolis Museum of Art.  Details

“Hoosiers Win the Pennant: Indiana Roots of American Baseball”

Baseball season isn’t over at Victory Field, but up the road a few blocks at the Indiana History Center, the game continues with this exhibition. Did you know Indiana was the site of the first major-league baseball game? That’s just one tidbit you can glean from this exhibition, populated by items from the private collection of Scott Tarter of Bose McKinney & Evans. Included are early-19th-century baseball cards and memorabilia related to the Indianapolis Hoosiers’ pennant-winning year (1914).  Sept. 9-Nov. 15 Indiana History Center Details

Colts Kickoff Concert

Blues Traveler headlines a free—yes, free—concert to get the Indianapolis Colts’ season off on the right foot. Half-price concessions, Colts giveaways, the Colts cheerleaders and, of course, Blue are also part of the festivities. Opening act is The Easthills. Events begin at 6 p.m. Sept. 5 Lucas Oil Stadium Details

“1776”

One of the least likely Broadway hits, a musical about the signing of the Declaration of Independence, kicks off the season for Bloomington’s professional theater company, Cardinal Stage. Indy theatrical stalwarts Rob Johansen (John Dickinson), Adam Crowe (Samuel Chase) and Mark Goetzinger (Ben Franklin) are among the great debaters housed in Philadelphia for a long, hot summer. Trivia fact: “1776” contains one of the longest stretches without music of any Broadway musical.     Sept. 4-13 Buskirk-Chumley Theater, Bloomington  Details

Also this week

Fifty contemporary Western artists bring their latest to the Eiteljorg Museum for the annual “Quest for the West” show Sept. 5-Oct. 4

IDADA’s First Friday gallery events downtown on Sept. 5 include the return (for one-time only) of the First Friday Trolley Tours. Gallery events are free but a ride on the trolley runs $15 … and includes a swag bag.

The 50^th anniversary of the Beatles’ Indiana State Fair concert is celebrated Sept. 5-7 at the Phoenix Theatre (a much smaller venue) with a performance of the original set list featuring the band Mathew Street.

The preliminaries for the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis begin, with competition running Sept. 5-21 at various locations. In conjunction with the competition, the Stutz Gallery features “Photography and the Violin” Sept. 5-27.

“Big Car Turns 10”and celebrates with a performing and visual art fest Sept. 10 at the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center.

Keith Anderson plays the 8 Second Saloon Sept. 5.

Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre opens its season with the musical “Swing!” Sept. 5-20 at the Tarkington.