Fans can party at Beach Bash
on Brickyard 400 Race Day
Fans looking to stay cool during the hot action of the Brickyard 400 presented by Big Machine Records on July 31 can enjoy the fun and excitement of the Second Annual Brickyard Beach Bash in Turn 3 of the IMS infield.
Besides watching some of racing’s biggest stars compete for one of NASCAR’s most important victories, all Brickyard 400 Race Day ticket holders can enjoy the Beach Bash, which is being called one of the biggest and best parties in Indy.
Hosting the festivities at the Beach Bash will be May 2008 Playboy Playmate of the Month AJ Alexander, and headlining the event will be multi-platinum R&B, hip-hop and reggae fusion recording artist Iyaz, who will perform his hit singles “Replay” and “Pretty Girls.”
Additional highlights of this year’s Brickyard Beach Bash will include:
• A Bikini and Hot Bod Contest hosted by Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee. Each winner will receive $500.
• A sandy beach with swimming pools.
• A dance party with music provided by DJs Indiana Jones and Gabby Love.
• Live Nation ticket giveaways to concerts, including Kings of Leon, Incubus and the Identity Festival.
• Go-go dancers, beer pong and volleyball.
Race Day tickets are available online at www.imstix.com or by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area.
Butterfly exhibit opens at Garfield Park
Indy Parks’ summer exhibit “Backyard Butterflies” has opened at the Garfield Park Conservatory.
The exhibit will run through Aug. 7. Hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 per person or $8 per family.
Visitors will enjoy a variety of live native butterflies in free flight in the conservatory’s gazebo room.
It’s time to Call-a-Fever
Children and families are invited to listen to their favorite stories in children’s literature recorded by a player from the Indiana Fever women’s basketball team on the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library’s free 24-hour Call-a-Story telephone line at (317) 275-4444.
Beginning Aug. 1 and continuing through Sept. 3, Fever players can be heard reading stories from such classic authors as Dr. Seuss, Rosemary Wells and Arnold Lobel.
The lineup of Call-a-Fever stories includes:
• Week of Aug. 1 – Katie Douglas reads from Courage by Bernard Waber.
• Week of Aug. 8 – Jeanette Pohlen reads from Edwards Overwhelming Overnight by Rosemary Wells.
• Week of Aug. 15 – Tammy Sutton-Brown reads from her new children’s book, Cree and Scooter.
• Week of Aug. 22 – Shyra Ely reads from Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel.
• Week of Aug. 29 – Briann January reads from Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.
In 2010, Call-a-Story received 460,878 calls from children and families who listened to representatives from various local civic, cultural and athletic organizations read popular children’s stories.
Stutz first Friday open studios
The Stutz Artists’ Association will have its first Friday open artists studios on Aug. 5 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Stutz Business Center, 212 W. 10th St.
For more information, call (317) 503-6420 or go to www.stutzartists.com.
Quartet at Jazz Kitchen
The Frank Smith Quartet will perform at the Jazz Kitchen on Aug. 1 from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Bassist Smith will play a night of great jazz classics.
The following night the Naptown Fantasy Swingers will feature a mix of 1930s and ‘40s swing and jump swing favorites at the night spot. Cost is $8.
The Jazz Kitchen is located at 5377 N. College Ave.
Get your Soul Food on
Come cool off in the Madame Walker Theatre Center ballroom and enjoy a hearty meal at Soul Food Friday on July 29.
Soul Food Friday is one of the many new signature programs that Whitt Bailey announced when she became president of the center.
The event introduces Walker neighbors and downtown dwellers to some of Indy’s favorite culinary artists. Soul Food Friday is a great platform for African-American owned restaurants and caterers. The presenting caterer changes each month, but diners can always count on some soul food that typically includes fried fish, chicken and other favorites.
People of all ages and professions are invited into the ballroom where there is a buffet line and music playing. The best part of the event is that it’s a change of pace and scenery for downtown diners.
Meals are a flat $10 and include sweet tea. Depending on the restaurant, second helpings are allowed.
Soul Food Friday is open to the public from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Diners are asked to RSVP at rsvp@walkertheatre.com.
Toy trucks and construction
The 21st annual National Toy Truck’n Construction Show will be Aug. 19-21 at the Wyndham Indianapolis West (airport location).
Show hours on Aug. 19 are noon to 6 p.m.; on Aug. 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and on Aug. 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information, call 1-800-533-8293 or visit www.toytrucker.com.
