Enjoying live music with friends and family has long been a favorite pastime.
If you enjoy the fun of live music but would like to be able to plan your schedule (and budget) ahead of time, the Indianapolis Recorder has presented a list of upcoming concerts in Indianapolis that have the potential to be unforgettable.
Yolanda Adams and Kirk Franklin
When: Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Gospel Fest at Clowes Memorial Hall.
Summary: Powerhouse gospel vocalist Yolanda Adams and groundbreaking choir director and songwriter Kirk Franklin will appear with local artists during the 25th Annual Gospel Music Fest hosted by Butler University.
What to expect: An energetic an uplifting succession of praise and worship favorites from Adams and Franklin, as well as songs from Butler’s Voices of Deliverance Gospel Choir.
What you should do: Get ready to get into the Spirit and to be an active participant in this concert. You will more than likely be clapping, lifting your hands in the air or shouting with gratitude as you surprise even yourself by how engaged and moved you get with this music.
Did you know: Kirk Franklin delivered a highly acclaimed concert at Eastern Star Church during his Fearless Tour in 2011?
KC & The Sunshine Band
When: Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. at the Indianapolis Marriott downtown for the Giving Gig, a fundraiser to fight cancer sponsored by Community Health Network.
Summary: With founding leader Harry Wayne “KC” Casey and original percussionist Fermin Goytisolo, this Florida based band is back from the disco era with ‘70s songs that will get everyone on their feet.
What to expect: Although most of his original musicians have retired, Casey’s band can still crank out the hits and keep the party going for as long as an audience can stand it. Get ready to jam to cuts like “Get Down to Tonight,” “That’s the Way (I Like It),” “Shake, Shake, Shake” and “I’m Your Boogie Man.”
What you should do: Wear comfortable shoes and be ready to stand up most of the show, because you will be dancing.
Did you know: Richard Finch, original bass player for the band and a co-writer of many of its hits, is from Indianapolis?
The Temptations
and The Four Tops
When: Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Palladium at the Center for Performing Arts in Carmel.
Summary: With original members Otis Williams of The Temptations and Abdul “Duke” Fakir of The Four Tops keeping the Motown magic alive, these two legendary groups will take the audience on a fun trip down memory lane. The Temptations and Four Tops have toured together occasionally since their heyday in the 1960s.
What to expect: A sophisticated but warm show with crisp choreography and heartfelt versions of favorites such as The Temptations’ “My Girl,” “Get Ready” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and The Four Tops’ “Reach Out (I’ll Be There),” “Bernadette” and “Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I Got).”
What you should do: Just enjoy the music and don’t worry if new lead singers Bruce Williamson and Harold “Spike” Bonhart don’t sound exactly like David Ruffin and Levi Stubbs. Check out the unique spin they put on some of the classics.
Did you know: The last time The Temptations and The Four Tops performed in Indianapolis together was in 1999 at the Indiana Convention Center?
Johnny Gill, 112
& Dru Hill
When: March 21 at 8 p.m. at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre.
Summary: Singer Johnny Gill, best known for his tenure with the groups New Edition and LSG, is expected to perform solo hits such as the romantic 1990 smash “My, My, My” and the uptempo “Rub You the Right Way.” He will be joined by popular 1990’s R&B groups 112 (“Only You,” “Cupid”), which has reunited with all four of its original members, and Dru Hill, best known for the quiet storm favorites “In My Bed,” “Never Make a Promise” and “How Deep Is Your Love.”
What to expect: In recent shows, Gill has shown that his baritone vocals and energetic stage presence have not diminished with the passage of time, and the harmonies of 112 and Dru Hill are reportedly as nice as ever. As charming as a Dru Hill reunion is, many people will be expecting lead singer Mark “Sisqo” Andrews to break out into his scandalous 1999 solo jam “The Thong Song.”
What you should do: This is the kind of show to bring that special someone to, because plenty of romance will be in the air, along with memories of a time when traditional R&B songs were still popular.
Want to go?
Those who would like tickets to any of the featured concerts can call Ticketmaster at 800-982-2787 or visit ticketmaster.com. You may also check with the following venues.
– Clowes Memorial Hall (for Yolanda Adams and Kirk Franklin) by calling (317) 940-6444 or visiting cloweshall.org.
– The Community Health Network (for KC & The Sunshine Band) at (317) 355-GIVE or visiting aws.passkey.com.
– The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts (for The Temptations and The Four Tops) by calling (317) 843-3800 or visiting thecenterforperformingarts.org.
– The Murat Theatre at Old National Centre (for Johnny Gill, 112 and Dru Hill) by calling (317) 231-0000 or visiting oldnationalcentre.com.
