Articles

Robert Rauschenberg R.I.P.

Few artists in history have changed the rules the way Robert Rauschenberg, who died Monday at age 82, did.

By incorporating found objects (a pillow, a stuffed goat…) into his paintings, Rauschenberg challenged contemporary art and artists to connect their work…

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The ‘Times’: Nothing in Indy

Readers of the New York Times received their “Summer Stages” preview in Sunday’s Arts & Leisure section.

The annual piece offers a rundown of what’s happening around the country in Dance, Theater, Pop/Jazz and Classical Music. And while the Cleveland and…

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Black history museum loses site, may land on Indiana Ave.

The clock is running out on plans to build the Indiana Museum of African American History in White River State Park, but the
ambitious project may find a new home on nearby Indiana Avenue. Less than two weeks before the museum’s option on a two-acre
parcel of park land expires, backers were talking with IUPUI about locating the museum on unspecified university-owned land
along Indiana Avenue.

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You-review-it Monday

It was a low-key weekend for me, with my only arts stop being a visit to Fountain Square for Primary Colours’ Allotropy event–which I may get to in a later blog.

Okay, I also watched “Lucky You,” the terrible Drew Barrymore/Eric Bana poker romance…

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‘Wicked,’ ‘Ave. Q’ &…’Happy Days’?

The big news on Broadway in the 2003-2004 season was the Tony-Award battle between mega-musical “Wicked” and where-did-that-come-from upstart “Avenue Q.”

(For an up close and personal look at the development of both shows, check out the documentary “ShowBusiness,” which…

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Dessert at intermission

A while back, I was asked by a charitable foundation if I’d be willing to be part of a silent auction package at a fund-raising dinner. The prize? The highest bidder would join me on one of my reviewing assignments….

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One for the books: Barden/Obama

One of Indy’s most notable writers, Dan Barden, earned national acclaim for his book “John Wayne: a novel,” published in 1997 by Random House. He’s also penned essays for such publications as GQ and Details, teaches creative writing at Butler…

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Go *$%#*&@ Speed Racer!

Last night I caught a sneak preview of “Speed Racer,” the would-be summer blockbuster from the makers of “The Matrix.”

This overlong adaptation of the cheesy kids show of yesteryear has a cool color palate, a lead performance from Emile Hirsch…

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Enochs’ blocks added to Saxony

This Thursday, the folks behind Saxony, the latest let’s-make-a-town-from-scratch in Hamilton County, will be dedicating a new sculpture by Bloomington artist Dale Enochs. The piece will be a prominent part of the 725-acre housing/office/retail community.

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NY notes: Upright Citizens

About a year ago, on a previous trip to NYC, I happened to be in town with a free Sunday evening. That’s usually not the most happening time in any town, but I knew there had to be something outstanding…

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You-review-it Monday

So I’ve been away from town for a few days and had to skip the weekend arts and entertainment activity in Indy.

So what did I miss?

Were you at Clowes Hall for Indianapolis Opera’s “Tales of Hoffman”? Catch the new comic…

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NY notes: Jazz at Birdland

The last time I was in New York City was about a year and a half ago. I was doing a story on things to do when you are in town on business and you find yourself with a few…

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From NY II: celeb spotting

I’m jazzed to write about both the Lincoln Center revival of “South Pacific” and the new Broadway musical “Cry-Baby” when I return to Indy. And to catch two more shows Saturday. And to share, perhaps tomorrow’s blog, some thoughts on my…

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Movie night: ‘Young @ Heart’

Pass are still available for tonight’s screening of “Young @ Heart” at Landmark Keystone Art’s Cinema. They are available while supplies last at the IBJ front desk.

Go.

If you do make it, remember to post comments here tomorrow….

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Greetings from New York I

The line is short at the temporary TKTS half-price ticket booth (although just about everyting is available), every third non-tourist woman seems to want to be Tina Fey, and Central Park looks great. Wish you were all here.

I’m blogging from…

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What outsiders think

Conner Prairie landed its own four-page section in the current issue of Smithsonian magazine and, of course, the powers that be at the rustic landmark are thrilled.

In a press release, Brenda Myers, executive director of the Hamilton County Convention…

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IBJ Night at the Movies

I’m going to be out of town later this week, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be part of another IBJ Night at the Movies in my absence.

This time, it’s the critically praised documentary “Young @ Heart,” sneak previewing Thursday…

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You-review-it Monday

For me, it was a whirlwind of a weekend, especially if you start with Thursday (OK, so I’m still a college student at heart).

I started with a road trip to Louisville to catch the national tour of “Avenue Q,” found…

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500 Festival retools after growth spurt

May is show time for 500 Festival Inc., and the local not-for-profit should have more than enough gas in its tank to cross
the 2008 finish line. In the past five years, it has doubled its budget, improved attendance–and quality–at its signature
parade, and continued to grow the nation’s largest half-marathon. But once the checkered flag flies, festival leaders will
sit down to consider whether they can maintain that pace without losing focus.

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