2020 was a year of massive turbulence. Between a global pandemic that temporarily shut down the state, financial struggles that accompanied the virus and a racial reckoning that rocked Indianapolis, many looked forward to ringing in 2021.
Jared Thompson, saxophonist for the local jazz band Premium Blend, isn’t a fan of New Year’s resolutions, plans to use what he learned in 2020 and apply it to his work in 2021. Appreciative of the opportunity to perform a “docu-concert” about jazz’s deep roots in Indianapolis history and the tribulations city residents have faced for the Indianapolis Jazz Festival, which went virtual to meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, Thompson looks forward to getting back onstage.
“This isn’t going to get better for [artists] until this gets contained,” Thompson said. “There’s only so much you can do on Zoom or livestreams. Find any kind of arts organization you can donate to, a lot of them have fundraisers that artists can apply for to get COVID relief.”
Shelby Gspandl runs her own business, Shelbywanders. Despite a hectic year, the working mom hit some major milestones with her art shop. Since opening in December 2019, Gspandl has sold nearly 1,200 pieces. For 2021, she looks forward to branching out and add new products to her online shop.
In addition to professional goals, Gspandl set new fitness goals for 2021. At the beginning of the year, she purged her cabinets of junk food and plans to start a ketogenic diet.
“What inspired me to change my diet going into 2021 was mainly to get myself into a better place physically and mentally,” Gspandl said. “2020 really beat me down and I felt like it was time for a change.”
Contact staff writer Breanna Cooper at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @BreannaNCooper.
Jazz in Indianapolis
“38th and Postmodernism,” a “docu-concert” by local jazz band Premium Blend and performed at the Indianapolis Jazz Festival is available to view on YouTube. The “docu-concert” focuses on jazz’s deep roots in Indianapolis history and the tribulations city residents have faced throughout time.
Shop ‘til you drop
For more information on Shelby Gspandl’s shop,Shelbywanders, visit shelbywanders.etsy.com.
