Indy’s eclectic Fountain Square districts

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Yes, there is a fountain!

VisitIndy.com says it best:   Just southeast of downtown, this funky Indianapolis neighborhood has vintage and antique shops, a world of restaurants, working artists and a vibrant arts scene, live music and performance, and one-of-a-kind stores that sell comics, musical instruments, home decor, fresh flowers, and so much more. Visit Fountain Square any time of the day or night, and find out why our neighborhood is anything but…square!

Fancy marque lighting

The Fountain Square Theatre Building opened in 1928 as a place for entertainment, shopping and professional offices. The structure is located at the intersection of Virginia Avenue at Shelby and Prospect Streets. It is but one of the many historic buildings that add character to this interesting piece of Indianapolis.

Greenwood’s On-Stage Live Cabaret rocks with Elvis and Tina Turner

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We were pleased to find a new to us venue for the performing arts in central Indiana. The On-Stage Live Cabaret reopened this past March after having suffered from a COVID forced shutdown. The first show we could attend  was The King and Queen of Rock n’ Roll, tributes to Elvis and Tina Turner.

Early Elvis

Early Tina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

True to Cabaret style seating, you can pick your table, either for 2 or 4 people. It was nice to be able to pick where you want to sit, and see how many tables are already sold. Arrive at least 15 minutes before curtain, grab a beverage (beer, wine, soda or water) and snack, and get ready for the show!

Mid Elvis

Recognizable hair!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elvis (Kyle Kenny) has three sets, each representing different times in the King’s career. Likewise, Tina (Q) also traces her career with song and fashion. These two  entertainers put their hearts and souls into their performances. We were clapping, tapping our feet and grinning ear to ear with appreciation of the talent we were seeing.

70’s Elvis and Tina

We were completely satisfied with our attendance at this Cabaret. We enjoyed the seating, the comfortable atmosphere and the friendly staff. Sher actually said that “This is the place I’ve been looking for. Go, enjoy a drink, enjoy a show and have a relaxed time.”

Sher and Elvis

Maj and Tina

 

 

 

 

 

A Tribute To The King & Queen Of Rock ‘n Roll will be on stage next weekend May 3 – 4. Check the Cabaret website here for ticketing and other information. Also be sure to check the schedule for the rest of 2024. Lots of great shows coming! Make sure you take advantage of this wonderful entertainment facility. You won’t be disappointed!

We’re off to see the Wizard at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre

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Come and join Dorothy, Toto, and friends for adventure along the Yellow Brick Road as Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents its 2024 Season Family Show: The Wizard of Oz. Opening May 23, this production brings the classic story and songs to life. For this show the Box Office will offer a special discount for children’s tickets.

The Munchkins

Frank Baum’s delightful tale about Kansas farm girl Dorothy Gale’s journey over the rainbow to the magical land of Oz has enchanted families for generations. The stage adaptation includes the famous Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion characters, as well as unforgettable songs from the 1939 MGM film such as “We’re Off To See The Wizard,” “The Merry Old Land of Oz,” “Follow The Yellow Brick Road,” and “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.”

Dorothy, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Tin Man, Toto out of view

The Wizard of Oz is on stage for 57 performances through July 7 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Chef Larry Stoops’ family-friendly dinner buffet will make kids of all ages smile. As the 2024 Season Family Show at Beef & Boards, The Wizard of Oz features $10 discounts off tickets for all children ages 3-15. (Children under age 3 not admitted.) To see the complete performance schedule and to purchase tickets online, visit beefandboards.com. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664.  Tickets are already selling fast, order yours now to avoid disappointment!

Newly discovered 2000 year old Roman frescoes in Pompeii

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CBSNews reports: Stunning Roman frescoes have been uncovered by archeologists in Pompeii, the ancient city destroyed by an eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius in the year 79 AD. Experts say the newly discovered frescoes are among the finest ever to emerge at the renowned archeological site. … The works of art line the high walls of what was once a large banquet hall. The walls themselves were painted mostly black, and the figures on the frescoes appear to emerge from the shadows.

A fresco discovered on the wall of a banquet hall in the volcano-destroyed ancient Italian city of Pompeii depicts the mythological meeting of Prince Paris and Helen of Troy. Photo courtesy BBC-Jonathan Amos

The recent excavations have revealed that at the time of the eruption a construction project was ongoing at the property. Tool and building materials were found waiting for workers to continue work. The destruction of Pompeii in 79 AD, while it was deadly at the time, has provided amazing archeological sites for the study of Roman life of the times.

 

FAA investigates collision close call on runway at JFK New York

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CBS News New York reports: A close call last week at John F. Kennedy International Airport could’ve been a potential disaster involving several planes. Officials say just before 5 p.m. on April 17 a Swiss Air flight bound for Zurich was moments away from takeoff when the pilot spotted other planes crossing the same runway. The Swiss aircraft had just begun its taxi for takeoff and aborted the procedure upon seeing the crossing traffic. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident. 

Photo courtesy Swiss Air

The report quotes a professional air safety investigator who used to work for the National Transportation Safety Board as saying that the Tower Controller cleared the Swiss Air for take off. At the same time the Ground Controller cleared three aircraft  to cross the active runway. The Swiss Air pilot hitting the brakes avoided what could have been a multi-plane collision disaster. Once again scary news makes one pause when thinking about traveling by air.

 

 

 

 

 

Columbus Indiana historic Crump Theater

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The Crump Theater began its long history in 1871 as a two story building named Keith’s Arcade. The Crump name came into the scene when John S. Crump purchased the building in 1889 and turned it into a large modern theater.

Crump marquee

Ticket booth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next big event took place in 1920 after a massive remodeling job that basically gutted the building and started from scratch. This work started at the stage and went to the 3rd Street sidewalk. The next work was another massive remodel in 1941 that resulted in the art deco exterior and interior styles you see today.

Crump History

Fund raising event

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After several years of disuse, the Crump is currently in the midst of an active “Save The Crump” campaign including fund raising and live concerts on stage. This fine old facility is hopefully back on tract for a resurgence of activity.

Front entrance, ticket booth

As a footnote, it should be noted that stories of ghosts and other “paranormal” activities have been part of the Crump story for decades. Several investigations have taken place in the Crump. One ghost, known as “The Lady In Black”, is reported to make regular appearances on the same stairway.