Purchasing music for other people can feel like a daunting task, but totally worth the effort. I love introducing friends and family to new artists and music. We are lucky enough to have three independent record stores in our area - Indy CD & Vinyl, Vibes, and LUNA Music. Don't be nervous about walking in to any of them. The folks that work at all three stores are super helpful and love to share their music knowledge. Tell them about the person you're shopping for and they can point you in the right direction. The stores have listening stations so you can hear bit of featured records. And yes, they all sell actual albums - new and used - as well as CDs, accessories, and other cool gift ideas. And if you find choosing music for someone to be too much pressure, they all sell gift certificates. Happy shopping!

You probably knew Bill Brink, even if you didn't realize it. He was a dashing man with his cowboy hat and charming smile. He could often be found at Perk Up Café, Plumps, Aristocrat, The Jazz Kitchen, or Marigold on Broad Ripple Gallery Tour nights. He looked the part of the authentic naturalist and great outdoorsman that he was. I realize that I never saw him with a camera in his hand, but I wasn't traveling the wilds of our country in the deep snow with him. He was made of stronger stuff than most of us.

Bill was a thoughtful photographer. He had the patience to wait for the perfect shot and the grace under pressure to be in the wild and not to run when a herd of buffalo unexpectedly crossed his path out West. He has captured some of my favorite nature scenes in both far-flung National Parks and in Broad Ripple.

Bill died unexpectedly in 2011. The Bill Brink Memorial Garden has been created in his honor. Work on the landscaped linear garden will run alongside the Monon Trail, east of Cornell Avenue from 65th to 67th Streets has already started. It will reflect Bill's passion for the great outdoors, native Indiana plants, wildlife, art and Broad Ripple Village. The park will feature plantings, lighting, public art, and benches.

Bill's stunning photography will be on display through January 12th and available for purchase. A photograph would be a great holiday gift to yourself or someone on your list.

To donate funds or volunteer for the project visit brva.org or you can mail a contribution to Broad Ripple Village Association, 6311 E. Westfield Blvd, suite 101, Indianapolis, IN 46220 (check payable to: Broad Ripple Alliance for Progress).

I'm not sure what there is to write about Steve Poltz that I haven't said before, except that I'm always amazed and highly entertained. He's playing a dinner-theater style show at Sabbatical and I can't wait. Expect original music, stories, and gobs of laughter.

Steve hails from Southern California and is one of the most beloved songwriters that I know of. He was part of the cult legend band, The Rugburns, and has created a solo career that spans genres and generations. I make it a point to never miss one of his shows, and you shouldn't either.

I suggest buying a ticket ahead of time. Visit sabbaticalindy.com for more details. I'll see you there.