If you had told me a few years ago I would be living back in Indianapolis, I would have debated you until I was literally blue in the face. My friends and family would have agreed with me, too. You see, even though I grew up here, like many young professionals, I never thought Indy was for me. It always seemed like a great place to raise a family and to get a good education, but nothing more.
Yet, when I opened my eyes, I began to see this city in a whole new light. People are constantly telling me, “You are always doing something,” or, “I am seeing Indianapolis differently” through things they see me doing. So, I figured why not let us all take this journey together. So, sit back, relax and let’s see what Indy has to offer. And many of these things are free or at a fraction of the cost. Who knows, maybe Lex will be asking you where she should go next…
FEBRUARY
YP Democratic Debate Watch Party
As a part of the #YP(IN)GAGE Series, young professionals turned out to watch the Democrat presidential candidates tackle such subjects as crime and the economy. While there was a national debate taking place on the screen, networking and even some respectful debating were taking place in the room. Held at the sports bar 36 Degrees in downtown Indy, this was the perfect place to enjoy some wings and a beverage while proving your point in why Bernie or Hillary is the right candidate for the job. No matter the political preference, it’s about making sure everyone is civically engaged and is not only registered to vote, but also actually goes to the polls on Election Day. Visit 36 Degrees at: 36 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Lupe Fiasco at The Vogue
Indy has definitely stepped its concert game up. In one month, you can go to multiple concerts of both local and national artists. The Vogue is one of my favorite venues to catch a concert, and it’s one of the few times you will catch me in a pair of flats. Despite the frigid temperature, Indy showed up and showed out at the Lupe Fiasco concert. People from all different walks of life danced, laughed, sang together and even battled to see who could get the most hype. On that night, Indy was truly the “best city in the Midwest, the best city whole wide world.”
Blackness, Black Power and Beyonce: A Panel Discussion
With all the buzz surrounding Beyonce’s new song “Formation,” on a weeknight the city turned out to discuss this and much more as it relates to Black history, Black culture and Black power in today’s society. As part of its Meet Up Series, Pattern Magazine united panelists representing various genres of gender, cultural arts perspectives and versatile ways of thinking. To minimize this event to just Beyonce’s video is to do a great disservice. Instead, this much-needed conversation made each individual in the room address some things both collectively and individually. It wasn’t about Black or white; it was about recognizing that even tough conversations are necessary ones to have.
To learn more about Pattern, the store, magazine and meet ups, go to patternindy.com.
Art and Soul
This year marked the 20th anniversary of Art and Soul. Throughout the entire month of February, the Arts Council of Indianapolis showcases local artists at the Arts Garden in Circle Centre Mall. For one hour daily, the public can enjoy dance, music, poetry and other genres all for free. The day I went happened to feature my childhood friend Jared Thompson and his band Premium Blend. And let me tell you, they never disappoint.
Check out an upcoming free event presented by the Arts Council of Indianapolis: Matt Lehrman’s Audiences Everywhere Workshop by visiting eventbrite.com and searching “Matt Lehrman.”
Museum By Night
Have you ever wanted to explore the world’s largest children’s museum at nighttime … and as an adult? I didn’t know what to expect since I had been to this same museum other times, but this was an awesome experience. With vendors like Oceanaire, Sun King Brewery, PF Chang’s, Marco’s Pizza and many others, adults roamed the levels of the museum with the energy of a typical 5-year-old kid. As the waves of 100.9, 96.3 and local bands filled the air, you could get your face painted, hang with the Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, slide down the Chocolate Slide, take your turn on an Indy Eleven course or just the dance the night away on the main floor.
Community Day at Hot Yoga
“Just stay in the room … just stay in the room.” This is what I kept saying to myself when I finally decided to try Community Day at Hot Room Yoga. I am more of a cycling and kickboxing girl, but I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and try something new. And for just $10, why not? The room was hot, but it was more what happened outside the room that made such a big impression on me. I must have been looking nervous while waiting for the class to begin. Out of nowhere, this guy came up to me and began to encourage me and gave me some pointers for my first time experience. After the class, I was told I did a good job and to keep coming back. Check out The Hot Room at indyhotroom.com.
These are just some of the things I have been to over the past month. I am always up for a new adventure or suggestion (especially if it’s free). At the end of the day, I am just a YP exploring INDY.
