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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v16n24)
Buzzing Around Town - by Nora Spitznogle
posted: Dec. 06, 2019

Buzzing Around Town

Dearest discerning readers, I'm sure you've heard the news that the Broad Ripple Gazette will be cease print publication after the next issue. [Sign up for the electronic version at www.randomripplings.com]
I have been lucky enough to write the Buzzing Around Town column for the last 14 years. Publisher/editor/sales manager/delivery man, Alan Hague, offered it to me at a time when I was feeling disconnected from Broad Ripple and the music community and a little lonely. CATH Inc. at 54th and College had closed the year before and while I was loving my job (and still do!) at Second Helpings, I missed working with musicians and promoting shows. And I was frustrated that most music coverage ran heavy on the criticism or only covered the bigger shows. My goal has always been to write things that you could share with your grandmother.
Thanks to Alan I've gotten to do that and more.
Writing for the Broad Ripple Gazette has opened many doors for me - freelancing for NUVO, writing for a print music and gaming magazine, having my photographs picked up for the Indianapolis Star and Indianapolis Monthly, being a Battle of the Bands judge, a panelist on choosing the weekly top ten music events published in Metromix (remember that weekly?), and most importantly meeting thousands of readers.
Counting the next issue, I will have written 356 columns. I started out with no home computer (thanks to John Newton and Indy Hostel for letting me write there). Then got an ancient computer and a dial-up connection. I would fire the thing up and go do laundry or something while I was waiting for the connection. I saved to purchase my beloved MacBook, but didn't have enough money for a WiFi connection so I would go to Northside News Café to write and transmit the column. Several deadline nights found me in my pajamas under my coat, pressing my laptop up against the glass at 2:00 am to catch the WiFi. Things have changed for me financially. I have decent camera and laptop and internet at home. Sadly, I still push the deadline envelope. Sorry Alan - only one more time!
I'm excited for Alan - and his knees - no more deliveries to 200 different stops in and out of the car and up and down steps and he can concentrate his energy on his love of sharing stories and history about Broad Ripple. I will still contribute in some way to everythingbroadripple.com. You can also find previous issues of the Broad Ripple Gazette there, in case you miss seeing my buzzing bee self.
And most importantly, cheers to you!


Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church Open House
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
4217 Central Ave (Red Line stop: 42nd St) - all-ages, 6-8 pm, free
Here's your chance to get a full look at the newly restored Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church. It's just beautiful and I'm looking forward to seeing it decorated for Christmas. Tour guides will be available to share the history and point out the highlights. Refreshments will be available.
Did you know that the first church was a Spanish Mission style building at the corner of Ruckle and Park and was constructed in 1921? The construction of the school started that same year. The parish and quickly outgrew the little church and construction started on the new church on November 6, 1928 and the church was dedicated on December 29, 1929.


The Old 97's
Thursday, December 12, 2019
The Vogue Theater
6259 N. College Ave (Red Line stop: Broad Ripple Ave)
21+, 8 pm, $22 in advance, more at the door day of
In the last 26 years The Old 97's have flipped on whether the use an apostrophe on their name or not - they're currently on Team Apostrophe. What hasn't changed is their lineup or my love for them. The Old 97's are considered a pioneer in the alt-country genre. Or as Rhett Miller, (songwriter, vocalist, and rhythm guitar player, best hair in rock-and-roll), describes it, "loud folk."
They've been playing at The Vogue Theater for decades. The first time I saw them there I was smitten and I don't think I've missed a show since. I hope to see you there!


Student Show Opening & Award Ceremony
Friday, December 13, 2019
Indianapolis Art Center
820 E. 67th St (Red Line stop: 66th St) - all-ages, 6-9 pm, free
I've been enjoying the Indianapolis Art Center (or the Art League, as my dear artistic mama calls it) my whole life. I had no idea that it was founded in 1934 as a WPA (Works Progress Administration) program during the Great Depression to support artists.
This is the 82nd annual student show exhibition. Each year more than 400 works are submitted, with only a select few chosen by a panel of judges to be displayed.
Divided between adult and youth age groups, the collection is a sampler of art from all walks of life in the local and regional community.
An award ceremony will take place at 6:45 pm inside the Frank M. Basile auditorium. There will be refreshments available including beer from Sun King Brewing Company and wine from Mallow Run Winery.
The exhibition will be on display until February 5, 2020.


Touch of Grass
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Aristocrat Pub and Restaurant
5212 N. College Ave (Red Line stop: 52nd St) - all-ages, 9-11 pm, $5
Touch of Grass is made up of excellent musicians that play top-notch bluegrass. Listening to them is always a pleasure. For years they were the house band at the Wine Cellar (Corner Wine Bar). I was lucky enough to see them play on the porch of Just Pop In this summer. You'll enjoy the music and groan at the jokes. I can't think of a better way to spend an evening.





Not-for-profit director by day, music writer by night, Nora Spitznogle reviews music that happened and previews music and events around Broad Ripple Village. Nora managed CATH Inc coffeehouse at 54th Street and College Avenue for seven years. During that time she hosted hundreds of local and touring musicians, both at the coffeehouse and her home. When CATH closed in 2004 and the music was no longer coming to her, she had to wander from her corner of Broad Ripple to see what is happening elsewhere. You can find her at Second Helpings during the work day, waitressing at the Red Key on Saturday nights and prowling Broad Ripple music venues the rest of the time. Visit Nora's Web site nora-leona.blogspot.com, send any questions, comments or suggestions to Nora@BroadRippleGazette.com




nora@broadripplegazette.com
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