Things To Do from TheCuriousCity.com

Things To Do 12/20

12/14/2007

Blood Drive For Laura Grammer
The Oaks Academy
Thursday, December 20

Laura Grammer, an acquaintance of mine, has leukemia. And as part of her treatment, she (and other patients like her) needs blood transfusions. That's why The Oaks Academy, at 2301 North Park Avenue, will be holding a blood drive for Laura from 8:30 AM until 1 PM next Thursday. If you're able to donate a little time and bodily fluids to help her out, please contact Elizabeth Hamilton at 317.931.3043. (Walk-in donors are welcome, but it will really help the blood bank workers if they know how many people to expect, and when to expect them.) NOTE: If you've not donated blood lately, let me reassure you -- it's not that traumatic. There's a quick stick to determine blood type, followed by a couple of pages of paperwork, followed by another quick stick and some painless donation. In the end, you get a cookie and some juice, and a warm feeling of having done something nice for another person. I recommend it highly.

Phone: 317.931.3043
Web: http://www.theoaksacademy.org/default.asp

Things To Do 12/14-12/16

12/13/2007

Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School
Alchemy Art + Aesthetics
Friday, December 14

Dr. Sketchy is a national organization based in New York, with branches in various cities. As I understand it, artists pay to show up and sketch models, like in any figure drawing class�but the twist Dr. Sketchy puts on things is that the models are typically burlesque performers, dressed saucily and posed provocatively. Admission to Friday night's event is $10, which will go to benefit Y-Me, an organization that provides services to women with breast cancer. Doors open at 8:30 PM, and posing starts at 9 PM. Artists must bring their own supplies. Alchemy is located at 1043 Virginia Avenue in Fountain Square.

Phone: 317.634.9700
Web: http://www.myspace.com/drsketchyindy and http://www.myspace.com/alchemysalon and http://www.y-me.org

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Latvian Bake Sale
Latvian Community Center
Saturday, December 15

"What is a traditional Baltic Christmas without home baked goods?" asks the Latvian Community Center's flyer for this event. "What, indeed?" I answer. From noon until 2:30 PM on Saturday, the Latvian Community Center (1008 West 64th Street) will be holding its annual fundraising bake sale. Besides piragi (bacon-filled rolls), rupjmaize (rye bread), piparkukas (gingerbread cookies) and other edibles, you can also pick up various handcrafted items, ranging from jewelry to mittens. I'm actually more excited about this bake sale than I am about the Dr. Sketchy event, which is a fairly sad commentary on me.

Phone: 317.255.0992
Web: http://www.indylatvians.com/LSC.htm

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The Life Of Reilly
Key Cinemas
Friday, December 14 � Sunday, December 23

This is a filmed version of an autobiographical one-man stage show performed by the late Charles Nelson Reilly (who you may best remember as a perennial panelist on the TV show Match Game). The fact that I am more excited about seeing this movie than I am about either Dr. Sketchy or the Latvian Bake Sale is an even sadder commentary on me. Key Cinemas is located at 4044 South Keystone Avenue, in an old strip mall. Driving directions are available on the theatre's website, as are showtimes and ticket prices.

Phone: 317.784.7454
Web: http://www.keycinemas.com and http://www.charlesnelsonreilly.com

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LINKS NO ONE ASKED FORM

Wondering where you can find a free digital download of that beloved old Kukla, Fran & Ollie Christmas LP? You may well learn the answer at:
http://falalalala.com

Wish that Things magazine published a printed copy more often than once every three years? Well, keep wishing, pal. In the meantime, you can spend your free time learning about all manner of esoterica at their online website, here:
http://www.thingsmagazine.net

Want to watch a cartoon where Porky Pig hunts the last dodo bird through a background that looks like a collaboration between Salvador Dali and Dr. Seuss? Have at it, bucko:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arNNWKYkc3I

Things To Do 11/15-11/18

11/13/2007

Found Vs. PostSecret Tour
Big Car Gallery
Thursday, November 15

Found magazine (http://www.foundmagazine.com) is a publication that collects cast-off ephemera (abandoned photos, dropped shopping lists, vaguely threatening notes left on car windshields, etc.) and prints it for all to see. PostSecret (http://www.postsecret.com) has more willing, albeit shy, contributors�people who write their most deeply-hidden secrets on postcards, then submit them to the website anonymously. Anyhoo, this Thursday, the gents behind those two websites (Davy Rothbart and Frank Warren, respectively) will be visiting Big Car in Fountain Square to read and display some of their favorite finds and submissions.

Big Car is located on the second floor of the Murphy building, at 1043 Virginia Avenue. There will be two shows-one at 7 PM, and one at 9 PM. Tickets are $15, and are available online, here: http://foundvspostsecret.com/in/indianapolis_IN . (Also, if you're inclined to buy VIP tickets for the pre-show meet 'n greet, you can do that too. Those tickets are $65.)

Phone: 317.408.1366
Web: http://www.bigcar.org/ and http://nuvo.net/articles/found_magazine_vs__post_secret/

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Tonic Gallery
Wheeler Arts Community
Friday, November 16

Tonic Gallery is an annual silent art auction that benefits Second Helpings (an organization that helps to feed the city's hungry). This year's auction will include over 50 works of art, created by such artists as Rob Day, Elizabeth Guipe Hall, Paul Baumgarten, Penelope Dullaghan, Kipp Normand, Elyce Elder, Yasha Persson, Emma Overman and so many others that it makes my fingers hurt just thinking about typing all their names. All artwork requires a minimum bid of $100 (and escalates in $50 increments after that). Bidding begins at 5:30 PM this Friday, and closes at 7:30 PM. The Wheeler Arts Community is located at 1035 Sanders Street in Fountain Square (behind Bud's Supermarket, more or less). Admission is free.

Phone: 317.632.2662 ex. 12
Web: http://tinyurl.com/38f6oy

* * *

Tonic Ball: Madonna Vs. The Clash
Radio Radio and the Fountain Square Theatre
Friday, November 16

Tonic Ball is the annual concert that starts after Tonic Gallery ends (and which, not coincidentally, also benefits Second Helpings). Now, this concert has a schtick. And this year, that schtick is that each of the over 30 bands appearing must cover at least one song by either Madonna or The Clash. This year's musical lineup includes such acts as Jennie Devoe, Latex Novelties, Wolfy, Everest, Red Light Driver, Drunko, The Lovemeknots, Everthus The Deadbeats, Everything Now, Stereo Deluxe, Squibnocket and OH NO HERE COMES THAT CARPAL TUNNEL AGAIN. Let's just say "many more" and leave it at that. Bands covering the Clash will play at Radio Radio (1119 East Prospect), whereas bands covering Madonna will play at the Fountain Square Theatre (1105 Prospect). Tickets are $20, allow you to visit both venues, and are available online (through Second Helpings) at: http://tinyurl.com/38f6oy . If you're not the pointing and clicking type, you may also purchase tickets at Future Shock, or either of the Luna Music locations. Conversely, you could phone 632-2662 ex. 12, and speak to Jennifer Arnold. Music starts at 7:40 PM, with Everything Now! at Radio Radio. NOTE 1: The Madonna-themed show at Fountain Square Theatre is all-ages. The Clash-themed show at Radio Radio is not. NOTE 2: If you'd like a schedule of what acts play when, let me know and I'll email it to you.

Phone: 317.632.2662 ex. 12
Web: http://tinyurl.com/38f6oy

Okay, so that mail I sent you about the Tonic Ball? The show this Friday night, in Fountain Square, with all the bands?

I unfortunately mentioned three different bands that aren�t playing now. And Everything Now is now playing at 9:20 PM.

So. Whoops.

To help clear things up, here's the current schedule of who's playing when, where. (To cover myself, I should mention that there is some possibility of this schedule changing again -- although I'm sure that everyone concerned hopes it won't)

* * *

Fountain Square Theater (Madonna Stage)
8:10 Turnipseeds
8:30 Squibnocket
8:50 Bars and Tone
9:10 Buckdancer's Choice
9:30 Wolfy
9:50 Benders
10:10 Jon Strahl
10:30 Susan and the Desperate Seekers
10:50 Stasia & The Shanghai Surprise
11:10 Yoko Moment
11:30 Jennie Devoe
11:50 CW and the Working Class Trio
12:10 Everthus the Deadbeats
12:30 Dark House Sweet
12:50 Jason Hathaway

Radio Radio (The Clash Stage)
8:00 Groove Box
8:20 Odyssey Favor
8:40 Fair and Square
9:00 Chad Mills
9:20 Everything Now!
9:40 Squibnocket
10:00 Yoko Moment
10:20 Born Again Floozies
10:40 Jeff Byrd and the Wingmen
11:00 Retromeo
11:20 The Common
11:40 Red Light Driver
midnight Otis Gibbs
12:20 the lovemeknots
12:40 Mandy Marie and the Cool Hand Lukes
1:00 Vess Ruthenberg
1:20 Bigger Than Elvis

* * *

International Festival
Indiana State Fairgrounds, West Pavilion
Friday, November 16 � Sunday, November 18

Various ethnic groups entertain you, feed you and sell you stuff. Probably a little cooler for kids than adults (but pretty enjoyable if you're an adult, too). The fairgrounds are located at 1202 East 38th Street. Admission is free for kids 5 years old and under; $6 for kids aged 6 to 12 years; and $9 for adults (or $7, if you have the presence of mind to get advance tickets from a Marsh supermarket). For hours, see the festival web site. NOTE: Predictably, my favorite part of this festival has always been the wide array of ethnic food vendors located in one concentrated space. Come hungry.

Phone: 317.236.6515
Web: http://www.indyinternationalfestival.org

* * *

Hooks Drug Store And Pharmaceutical Auction
Antique Helper
Saturday, November 17

Beginning at 10 AM this Saturday, Antique Helper will hold an auction benefiting the Hooks Drug Store Museum. The sale will feature hundreds of items, ranging from antique medicine bottles ("Syrup of Squill," anyone?); to mortars and pestles; to medical bags; to ancient gum dispensers; to my personal favorite: Lot 41, the Antique Quackery Medicine Scientific Apparatus. Items are visible on the business' website, listed below, and bid estimates are generally on the low end (typically between $100 and $200). Antique Helper is located at 2764 East 55th Place (not 55th Street), a little east of Keystone Avenue. As ever, Mapquest.com is your friend.

Phone: 317.251.5638
Web: http://www.antiquehelper.com

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LINKS NO ONE ASKED FOR
Illinois has really nice travel posters for sale on their website:
http://www.cafepress.com/enjoyillinois/950938

You can click the different images to make them larger. I particularly like the one titled "Cozy Dog."

Things To Do 9/14-916

9/13/2007

Irish Festival
Military Park
Friday, September 14 � Sunday, September 16

Bagpipes, kilts, beer, people running around in the dark, wolfhounds, and dancers that don�t move their hands. You�ll find hours and ticket prices listed on the website below.

Phone: 317.713.7117
Web: http://www.indyirishfest.com/

* * *

Oranje
2323 North Illinois Street
Saturday, September 15

One-night-only ephemeral convergence of art, music, film, food, didgeridoos, and other cultural whatnot. Brigadoon comparisons are apt and encouraged. Starts at 8 PM and goes until 2 AM on Sunday. You must be 21 or over to enter. Tickets are $20, available at Ticketmaster or at the door. For an event schedule, trot on over to the web site.

Phone: N/A
Web: http://www.oranjeindy.com/

* * *

Fiesta
American Legion Mall
Saturday, September 15

As Hispanic as it wants to be. Stuff to eat, stuff to buy, stuff to listen and/or dance to. Starts at noon and goes until midnight. American Legion Mall is downtown, in that grassy space between Meridian and Pennsylvania, just south of St. Clair. Admission free.

Phone: 317.890.3292
Web: http://www.laplaza-indy.org/index.asp?p=50

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Indianapolis Antique Advertising Show
Indiana State Fairgrounds, Champions Pavilion
Saturday, September 15 � Sunday, September 16

Lots of amazing old advertising displays, signs and posters, all on sale for prices far beyond what mortal man can afford to pay. I suggest you fork over your $7 admission and window-shop, treating the show as you would a museum. Hours are 10-5 on Saturday and 10-3 on Sunday. On Sunday only, it sounds like the show will share space with the Indianapolis Antique Toy & Hobby Show.

Phone: N/A
Web: http://www.in.gov/statefair/fairgrounds/calendar.html

* * *

Ohio Pawpaw Festival
Lake Snowden, Ohio
Saturday, September 15 � Sunday, September 16

The pawpaw is a tropical-tasting North American fruit with a texture like mucilage and an inclination toward easy bruising. If you�ve never tasted a pawpaw, the Ohio Pawpaw Festival gives you ample opportunity to do so. You may also relax with a pawpaw beer while listening to Marilyn Baumer read her master�s thesis, entitled �Tree Seedlings Under Pawpaws.� Afterwards, you may saunter over to the pawpaw cookoff, before ending the day with a rousing game of �Pin The Leaf On The Pawpaw.� Admission is $5 at the gate. For hours and directions, visit the event website listed below. To order pawpaws and related products by mail, visit http://www.integrationacres.com . I endorse the Pawpaw Spiceberry jam with all my heart.

Phone: N/A
Web: http://pawpawfest.com and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pawpaw

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LINKS NO ONE ASKED FOR

If you�d like to read about old illustrators and see a lot of snazzy pictures, go here:
http://illustrationart.blogspot.com/

CAUTION: There�s a recent essay on art vs. pornography that could offend, so consider yourself forewarned.

Things To Do 9/7-9/8

9/6/2007

�The Curious City� Open Studio Night & Reception
Harrison Center for the Arts
Friday, September 7

If you haven�t been to the Harrison Center yet, this Friday would be the perfect time to quit stalling and go, for crying out loud. REASON #1: Kipp Normand and Penelope Dullaghan � two of my favorite artists since Da Vinci and that other guy � will be exhibiting (and selling) their recent work beginning at 6 PM. REASON #2: This is also an open studio night, which means all the artists in the Harrison Center will be opening their studios to visitors, presenting their art for sale, and occasionally offering you a free can of Schlitz. REASON #3: Every nook and cranny of the building (and there are many nooks and crannies, believe you me) will be crammed with thematically curious events, including yoga demonstrations; accordion concerts; random performances of scenes from IRT�s �Our Town;� video installation; an antique bicycle display; and an informative lecture on Future Past Learning by noted psycho-historian Chromo Ulvan. REASON #4: At 10 PM, beloved local folkestra Ebenezer & the Hymnasters will give what is likely to be their final performance (including songs from their musical tribute to the Fountain Square neighborhood). REASON #5: Free food and drink (and not just the requisite gallery cheeseball and wine box). REASON #6: A fun, unstuffy atmosphere that your kids will enjoy as much as you. Art will be on display from 6 to 10 PM, at which point music will begin in the basement. Admission is free, and the Harrison Center is located at 1505 North Delaware Street (attached to the church on the southeast corner of 16th and Delaware).

Phone: 317.396.3886
Web: http://www.harrisoncenter.org and http://www.myspace.com/hymnaster and http://tinyurl.com/2h9zam

* * *

Art Vs. Art
Fountain Square Theatre
Friday, September 7

A gonzo demolition derby of art, in which 32 paintings compete head-to-head for audience favor. Once the winner has been determined by a handy applause meter, the loser � its fate determined by a �Wheel of Death� � ends up being chainsawed, or worse (unless a kindly audience member purchases it). Doors open at 8 PM, and the art battle starts at 10 PM. The Fountain Square Theatre is, as you might suspect, in Fountain Square (at 1105 Prospect Street).

Phone: 317.686.6010
Web: http://www.artvsart.com or http://www.indymojo.com

* * *

Greek Festival
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Friday, September 7 - Saturday, September 8

Featuring Greek dance, Greek music and � here�s the real attraction � Greek food. Admission is $5, and food tickets are on sale inside the festival. The church is located at 4011 North Pennsylvania Street. Hours on Friday are 4 � 11 PM, and hours on Saturday are noon to 11 PM.

Phone: 317.283.3816
Web: http://www.indygreekfest.org

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Penrod Arts Fair
Indianapolis Museum of Art
Saturday, September 8

Penrod bills itself as �Indiana�s Nicest Day,� and it really does feel like a bona fide, capital-e Event � populated by more than 300 artists� booths, dozens of arts-related organizations and musicians on multiple stages. True, it�s a little pricey -- $15 at the gate � but your money goes to benefit local arts organizations. So if it helps you to think of your admission as a charitable donation, go right ahead and do that. Penrod is traditionally well-attended, so parking is a little tricky � you could either park at a remote location (see http://tinyurl.com/zgmkf) and take a free shuttle, or you could access the IMA grounds from the canal path (a bike corral will be provided for bicyclists, next to the IMA�s canal-spanning red bridge). Hours are 9 AM to 5 PM.

Phone: 317.252.9142 or 317-923-1331
Web: http://www.penrod.org/artsfair.html

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LINKS NO ONE ASKED FOR

Want to make a little paper monster? I bet you do.
http://www.toypaper.co.uk/