With all the excitement of March Madness, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter–this has truly been a busy month. Even with a demanding schedule, there were so many things I was able to do in the city. Hopefully, you were too. Whether your brackets were busted early in the series or Spring Break snuck up on you, the conclusion of March and the entrance into Spring means there are just more things to experience in the city–both indoors and outdoors. So let’s see just some of the things that this past month had to offer…
First Fridays- Fountain Square
Think back to what you were doing on the first Friday of last month. Do you even remember? Whether or not you remember, just be sure to not to miss out on anymore First Friday happenings across the city. Last month, it was all about Fountain Square. From exploring the art work of local artists, to sampling libations, and listening to bands from across the city, you can do all this and more on this one day of every month. To make matters even better is that it is free, including the parking on the street. You can’t beat that…I mean free parking, free local music, and free local art work amounts to one heck of a night.
To find out about more First Friday events around Indy, check out: do317.com/firstfriday
Brian McKnight at Old National Theater
So, let me just put it out there that I am a huge Brian McKnight fan. When I found out he was coming to the city I knew my face had to be in the place (ignore the rhyming—it just flowed better ☺). Well, with all my travels this month, I barely landed on the airport tarmac in time to make it to the show. But, I made it and it was well worth it! For many it was “Date Night,” for others it was “Girls Night Out,” and for some it was a “I was coming to this show, even if I had to come alone” night. The individual reasons that got everyone there faded when Brian McKnight took the stage. I don’t know who was more entertaining, him or his bass player (you should have seen his dance moves). Let’s just say if Indy keeps bringing all the artists in concert on a monthly basis then I might see an exclusive “concert” bank account opening up in my very near future.
Do you know about the upcoming events at Old National Theater? Go to: oldnationalcentre.com.
Tea’s Me Café
If you know me, then you know I spend a fair amount of time in coffee shops. Well, I try to support local if at all possible. That’s why I want to share with you the gem of Tea’s Me Café. Actually, you will see me here every month. Unlike the traditional coffee shop, Tea’s Me exclusively serves tea. On any day of the week you can get a small pot of hot tea or a tall glass of cold tea. The owners, Stacy and Wayne along with their staff welcome you into a warm environment where it feels so at home that you might want to stay for hours…believe me. If you are hungry, then there are food choices and that oh so delicious lemon cake. The next time you need to have an appointment over coffee; I would challenge you to think outside the box and opt for a spot of tea at Tea’s Me Café. FYI…the Pear tea is really on point!
Visit Tea’s Me Café: 40 E 22nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46205 (Hours- 11am-2:30pm)
The Renaissance at Georgia Reese’s
If you are looking for an opportunity to share some of your poetry or octave levels then you should check out The Renaissance on the 1st and 3rd Sundays. This new venture is hosted by Douglas Morris and Januarie York. I must admit when I attended this month it had already been a long day and the option of relaxing at home sounded like a really good idea. But, I am so glad I didn’t succumb to the couch. The Renaissance experience was the perfect opportunity to chill, sit back, and enjoy the verses and flow that exuded from the stage. Each performer; whether young, old, Black, or White took a chance to share their own artistry with the Indy community. I would definitely snap to that…wouldn’t you?
Come out every 1st and 3rd Sunday from 7pm-10pm: 14 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 ($10 Admission)
Take That Tuesday’s 10th Anniversary
If you have never fell in love with hip-hop, then I know that it’s only because you have never been to Take That Tuesday’s at Coaches Tavern. Every Tuesday, no matter rain, sleet, or snow you will hear DJ MetroGnome (ssshhh..he’s my favorite DJ in Indy) on the 1’s and 2’s starting at 10:30 p.m. This month just happened to be the 10th Anniversary of this weekly Indy staple. The line was out the door as we listened to 10 different DJ’s spin all night. J Moore, the dopest MC in Indy had already established the “rules” for the night, and all that was left to do was let go and enjoy the ride. To my left, I saw people rapping lyrics to whatever song was playing at the moment. To my right, I saw people dancing like nobody was watching. But, all around I saw group of people that even though they had to go to work the next day (and believe me that early morning meeting snuck up on me), knew that for that night it was not so much about the great music and questionable dance moves; it was about Indy loving Indy and supporting such a monumental anniversary of the best hip hop party in the city.
Experience your own taste of Take That Tuesdays every week at: Coaches Tavern- 28 S Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (Free Admission)
These are just some of the things I have been to over the last 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….
-Lex
