Happy New Year and welcome to a new year of community-based arts, culture and entertainment.
With the snow cleared and the kiddos back in school, Hoosiers are gearing up for a month full of events, activities and performances to quell the winter blues. The Recorder has put together a list of things you do not want to miss during January.
Saturday, Jan. 12
Book-to-Film Club at Kan-Kan Cinema: “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory”
Kan-Kan Cinema, 1258 Windsor St.
4 p.m.
$7-$12
Indy Reads’ monthly Book-to-Film Club kicks off 2025 with a screening of “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory.” Following the screening, guests are invited to stay for a free book discussion.
Tuesday, Jan. 14
Duckwall Artist Series: Liliana Guerrero
Eidson-Duckwall Recital Hall, LIVESTREAM
7:30 p.m.
Free
Lily Guerrero, a Mexican and Cuban American soprano presents “She Se Puede: Latina Composers of the Americas.” The recital features 20th and 21st century women composers from México, Cuba, Argentina and the U.S. exploring art song and popular song accessible to most collegiate level singers.
“King James”
Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St.
7:30 p.m. (Recurring through Feb. 9)
Tickets start at $25
Written by Rajiv Joseph, “King James” is a heartwarming comedy about two young men — one Black, one white — who bond over a shared love of the Cavaliers during LeBron James’ rookie season in Cleveland. The play features themes of friendship, loyalty and loss and includes profanity and references to racism. It is recommended for audiences eighth grade and older.
“Moulin Rouge!”
Murat theatre at Old National Center, 502 N. New Jersey St.
7 p.m. (Recurring through Jan. 19)
$53-$187
Step into a world of splendor, romance and glamor with the Broadway North American Tour of “Moulin Rouge!” Set in Paris 1899, an English poet and cabaret singer fall in love. The performance features mature themes, revealing costumes and adult language. It is recommended for audiences 12 and older.
Wednesday, Jan. 15
Imani Winds with Michelle Cann, Piano
Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio St.
7:30 p.m.
$10-$40
Three-time Grammy-nominated wind quintet Imani Winds will perform a repertoire of classical compositions and newly commissioned works alongside renowned pianist Michelle Cann. Prior to the performance, at 4:30 p.m., members of Imani Winds will give an artist talk for young musicians of color, sponsored by the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis and Ensemble Music Society.
Friday, Jan. 17
Nothing is Forever, Darling
Schrott Center for the Arts, 610 W. 46th St.
7 p.m. (Recurring through Jan. 19 )
Tickets start at $15
Choreographed by Joshua Blake Carter and Sean Aaron Carmon, “Nothing is Forever, Darling” is Dance Kaleidoscope’s first performance of the year, featuring the music of Rufus Wainwright, John Adams and more.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Harlem Globetrotters
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St.
1 p.m.
$34-$148
The Harlem Globetrotters are returning to Indianapolis as part of their 2025 world tour. Audiences can witness the record-breaking basketball trick shot stars perform live against the Washington Generals, featuring new and exciting challenges, fun and athleticism for the whole family to enjoy.
READ MORE: Year in review: Best live local theater I saw in 2024
Monday, Jan. 20
Martin Luther King, Jr. FREE Admission Day
Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio St.
Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St.
NCAA Hall of Champions, 700 W. Washington St.
The Children’s Museum, 3000 N. Meridian St.
The Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or regular business hours
Free; reservation required
In honor of the Civil Rights leader’s birthday, several museums and institutions around the city are hosting a free admission day for Hoosiers to enjoy. See individual websites for more information.
Wednesday, Jan. 22
Disney on Ice Presents ‘Frozen’ & ‘Encanto’
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St.
7 p.m. (Recurring through Jan. 26)
$20-$80
See the magical adventures of Disney’s “Frozen” and “Encanto” brought to life at Disney On Ice! Hosted by Mickey and Minnie, families and kids are invited to celebrate the power of love and courage while singing along to their favorite songs from the films.
Friday, Jan. 24
Indy Black Solos Festival
The District Theatre, 627 Massachusetts Ave.
6 p.m. (Recurring through Jan. 26)
Tickets start at $25
The Indianapolis Black Theatre Company is presenting a weekend centered in Black storytelling, featuring performing artists from Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Cincinnati in four shows across two stages.
Saturday, Jan. 25
Boundaries and Authentic Living: An Afternoon of Spoken Word and Song
Indy Reads, 1066 Virginia Ave.
2 p.m.
Free
Harpist and singer/songwriter Jen Midkiff teams up with author Callie J. Smith for a music and spoken word event at Indy Reads. Families are invited to come reflect on balance, boundaries and living authentically as Smith reads from her “Sacred Grounds” novels and Midkiff performs original harp music from her solo albums. The event is followed by a book and CD signing.
Sunday, Jan. 26
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
The Palladium, 1 Carter Green, Carmel
7 p.m.
$35
Founded in 1988, The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra is dedicated to preserving America’s jazz heritage. Complete with more than a dozen soloists, ensemble players and arrangers, the performance will feature a wide repertoire of new and historic works, including an opening performance by the Noblesville High School Jazz Band, directed by Peter Luttrell.
Friday, Jan. 31
“Annie”
Clowes Memorial Hall, 4602 Sunset Ave.
7 p.m. (Recurring through Feb. 2)
$36-$96
“Annie” features themes of hope, resilience and the importance of family as an optimistic, red-haired orphan girl gets a second chance after being selected to live with a rich businessman to promote his image. Featuring well-known songs such as “Tomorrow” and “Hard Knock Life,” the show is recommended for audiences aged 6 and older.
Please note: Admission and ticket prices listed are general and before taxes/fees.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
