Free concert of great music
In the mood for a great evening’s entertainment? If the songs of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Billie Holliday, Lena Horne, Rosemary Clooney, Cab Calloway and Ethel Waters mean anything to you, don’t miss this concert.
On July 24, Barton Rogers Big Band will play a free concert of great songs made famous by great singers in Zionsville Lions Park at 7 p.m. Bring a blanket or chair, friends, and enjoy this great evening.
The play list includes “In the Mood,” “How About You?” “You Make Me Feel So Young,” “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” “Stormy Weather,” “Do Nothing Till You Hear from Me” and “Foggy Day in London Town.”
Accompanied by the band, singers Julia Bier, Jim Washington and Steve Harris will belt out these old favorites. Jane Poio leads the whole evening.
Free music and fun times in Indy Parks
Celebrate the performing arts this summer as Indy Parks produces a full season of outdoor music and more.
A community rap and hip-hop concert featuring neighborhood artists sharing their talents with the community will headline the Indy Parks 100 Year Celebration event at Windsor Park July 30 at 2 p.m.
Indy Parks also will host presentations of “Is That Your ‘Reel’ Hair?” by Tiffanie Bridges at family centers in Washington Park, 3130 E. 30th St., at 2 p.m. July 29 and again at Douglass Park, 1616 E. 25th St., at 6 p.m. July 29.
“Jazz on the Point” continues at Eagle Creek Park Marina with Blackberry Jam performing July 27. All concerts are free (park entrance fees still apply) and start at 6:30 p.m.
The “Pops” series at the Garfield Park MacAllister Amphitheater will feature the Pride of Indy Band and Jazz Ensemble July 28 at 7 p.m.
The Broad Ripple Park “Original Music Series” will continue with The Black Lillies, an Americana band from Knoxville, Tenn., as they pass through Indianapolis on their Midwest tour July 22. The concert begins at 7 p.m.
The concert season continues at Holliday Park with Living Proof July 28 at 7 p.m.
Also free in July is the blues and jazz series at Watkins Park, 2360 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St., with Billy Wooten and Vida Bole July 31. The concert begins at 5 p.m.
Auditions for young performers
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre will host auditions for young performers next month.
The theater is casting roles for boys and girls ages 6-15 for the following three shows: “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “A Christmas Carol” and “A Beef & Boards Christmas.”
All auditions are by appointment only, and will be Aug. 13. Performers auditioning should have one song prepared and bring sheet music. They should also dress in sneakers or dance shoes. No fancy attire or costumes. A picture should be provided.
To request an audition appointment, go to the theater’s web site: www.beefandboards.com. Deadline to request appointments is 5 p.m. Aug. 9.
‘Indy Klez’ to perform July 29
There will be dancing, laughing and singing along with Central Indiana’s premier klezmer band “Indy Klez” on July 29 at the Carmel Community Playhouse, 14299 Clay Terrace Blvd., Suite 140, in Carmel.
Founded in 2002 by violinist Ginny Womack, the group brings to life the rich tradition of klezmer music – Jewish soul music in which the players become “instruments of song.” The energy and spirit of klezmer music is celebratory, intoxicating and haunting all at the same time.
The six members of Indy Klez boast a wealth of professional experience in its membership.
“Indy Klez” will be performing at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at www.carmelplayers.org/tickets or by calling the box office at (317) 815-9387.
All That Jazz returns to zoo
Once again, the Indianapolis Zoo will be the coolest place to be on hot Thursday nights as the Animals and All That Jazz concerts return.
Concerts begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Café on the Commons plaza near the lemur and flamingo exhibit. In case of inclement weather, the show will go on in the Party Pavilion. Animals stay on exhibit until 7 p.m. to enjoy the performances with guests, and the fun wraps up at 8:30 p.m.
Children can enjoy the Splash Park presented by Kroger located just across from the plaza, and families can make the evening complete with delicious offerings of food and beverages with special menus each week. There is plenty of seating, but lawn chairs are welcome.
Animals and All That Jazz concerts are free for zoo members and are included with regular admission. The summer’s lineup includes:
July 28 – Sunset Stomp Jazz Band: This traditional/Dixieland band is led by banjoist Robin Hopkins and vocalist Kathleen Miller, who provide a hot two-beat rhythm with solo improvisations.
Aug. 4 – James Bell & Paradigm Jazz Quartet: Bell is a seasoned baritone who is returning with the Paradigm Jazz Quartet in this tribute to Lou Rawls that includes an evening of ballads, standards, and show tunes.
Aug. 11 – Con Alma: Con Alma is a Latin jazz band led by trombonist Carl Poposki, and their spicy and very cool musical style is perfect for dancing the salsa, mambo and cha cha.
Aug. 18 – Clifford Ratliff Big Band: Trumpeter Ratliff brings his hard-swinging soulfulness to this 12-person ensemble that features big band sounds and the tones of vocalist Larry Greene.
Secondhand Prose Book Sale
Buy new and used books at discount prices at the Secondhand Prose Book Sale, Aug. 19-21 and 25-27 at the Library Services Center, 2450 N. Meridian St. Prices of books range from 50 cents for kids’ paperback books to $2 for adult hardbacks. For more information, call (317) 275-4700.
Computer help at East Washington Branch
Adults may receive free one on one computer help, and learn how to do things such as open an e-mail account or prepare a resume during August library hours at the East Washington Branch Library. For more information call (317) 275-4360.
