Indy

New Exhibits at The Children’s Museum- American Pop Culture and Dance

New Exhibits at The Children’s Museum- American Pop Culture and Dance will open Saturday June 17th, 2017. We were invited by The Children’s Museum to view the exhibits in a media preview. Photos may be used with my consent. 

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis never ceases to amaze me. Since moving back to Indy two years ago, we have been to the museum no less than 30 times and we’ve yet to be bored. There’s always something new to see and this Saturday they will be revealing their newest exhibit The Galleries for American Arts and Popular Culture, featuring a permanent exhibit- American POP– and a temporary exhibit- DANCE!

American POP

American POP

I have no doubt that every single person who visits American POP will have an emotional reaction to this exhibit; whether it’s the music, fashion or artifacts, there is something interesting for everyone. America POP is divided into four categories:

  • TV, Film, and Music: Some shows, songs, and movies remain popular across generations. I remember watching Star Trek with my parents as a kid and John William’s score to Star Wars still gets me excited! TIP: Have teens that don’t typically enjoy tagging along at TCM? This will be the spot for them.
  • Fashion and Textiles: Fashion trends can be a reflection of cultural values, technology, or events of the time. This section is a great example of how trends fade and return, such as, mini skirts, platform shoes and leggings.
  • Comics, Art and Literature: How do we use popular culture? Families surround themselves with products, merchandise, and reading material that reflects their personality.  The museum holds more than 14,000 comic books in its Max Simon Collection.

comic book collection at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis American POP Culture

Comic Book American POP Exhibit at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

New Exhibit at Children's Museum- American Pop and Dance


‘Batman, Barbie, Hot Wheels, LEGOs, and Star Wars are multi-generational characters and stories shared by grandparents, parents and their children. Because these characters and stories are ‘evergreen,’ they provide a wonderful means for families to engage with each other and discuss how the stories are the same and how they may have changed over time,’ said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO, the Children’s Museum.


 Comic Book American POP Exhibit at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Star Wars at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis American POP Culture

Star Trek at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis American POP Culture

Inside the exhibit you’ll also see:

  • See comics from the Max Simon Comic Book Collection
  • Put yourself in a digital comic book scene
  • Explore toys and memorabilia from the museum’s newly acquired Batman collection
  • Discover how superheroes like Wonder Woman have changed with the times
  • Design your own fashions
  • Compare songs of different styles and eras
  • Predict movie plots
  • See iconic outfits worn by music stars or in popular films
  • Try-on the fads of another generation
  • And more!

Dance! exhibit at Children's Museum

DANCE!

As a former high school show choir member, I have a very special place in my heart for dance. Bright lights, performing, hair, makeup, adrenaline and then losing all of that anxiety when the music starts and your body just does the rest. Dance still brings me joy as a Mom during our afternoon dance breaks or watching my daughter’s first ballet class.

DANCE! is a separate temporary exhibit (June 17, 2017–April 2018) that opens alongside The Galleries for American Arts & Popular Culture. There, families will have an opportunity to learn many different types of dance moves as well as how those dances tell a story, express emotions ,and build relationships. Learn some of the most popular dance moves through instructional videos within the exhibit.

Dance! Exhibit at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis(Photo: The Children’s Museum)

Some of the dances through the decades that will be featured include:

  • The Charleston (20s-30s)
  • Swing (40s)
  • Twist (50s-60s)
  • Hustle (70s)
  • Macarena (80s-90s)
  • Chicken Noodle Soup (2000s-present)

These two amazing side-by-side exhibits work so well together. The American POP exhibit will consistently be rotating artifacts to keep the exhibit exciting as well as to preserve the objects from light damage. We will be coming back several times to spot all the new objects and to freshen up on our Macarena skills.

For more information about The Children’s Museum, visit their website or follow them on Twitter @TCMIndy, Instagram @childrensmuseum, YouTube.com/IndyTCM, and Facebook.

Summer Concerts at Klipsch in Noblesville

Summer concerts at Klipsch are almost a requirement if you live anywhere near Noblesville. Luckily, I live by no less than 30 music venues within an hour’s drive. My favorite venues tend to be outdoor because of the ‘laid back’ feel. Klipsch has the best of both worlds with seats under an awning as well as lawn seats.

Like any new venue, be sure to check out the Klipsch Music Center rules. TIP: They allow food and drinks into most concerts!

My first concert was Johhny Cougar Mellencamp. Definitely a Hoosier.

I’ve shared the 5 things you need to know before visiting Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville over at Visit Hamilton County Indiana.

2017 Summer Concerts at Klipsch:

Klipsch 2017 concert series

Click KLIPSCH-2017 for the free printable to hang on your fridge! Make sure you don’t miss out!

Summer Concerts at Klipsch

 

Top 5 Things You Need to Know About the Indy 500

The top 5 things you need to know about the Indy 500 include race history, atmosphere, what to pack for the race, tradition and the extra events. This will mark my 24th consecutive year of attending the Indianapolis 500 in my 31 years on this Earth. I’ve been so fortunate to grow up in Indiana just a few towns from Speedway.

I have not been sponsored to write about the Indy 500 but I have added affiliate links to my favorite products. All opinions and experiences are my own.

top 5 things you need to know about the indy 500

History

The first Indianapolis 500 race was ran in 1911 but the gravel track had been built in 1909. The first race ran on the track was the Prest-O-Lite which resulted in two fatal accidents because of the road condition. The owner had the track paved with 3.2 million bricks which is why the track is now referred to as The Brickyard. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the largest sports complex in the world in terms of capacity therefore making it the largest single day sporting event in the world. Last year, for the 100th race, Rossi won $2.5 million making it one of the richest cash prize funds in sports. The IMS has a great Hall of Fame Museum on the grounds showing the history of racing at the track.

indianapolis motor speedway aerial shot

indy 500 tickets

Atmosphere

The buzz of race fans on race day is like none other I’ve experienced. Some fans camp outside the track for a week leading up to race day. The morning festivities are my favorite part of the entire event. Walking past the campers in their stupor at 8am, meeting up with my family at our seats and then heading down to watch the pre-race events. My alma mater Purdue Marching Band plays around the track, the Indy 500 Princesses have a parade, the drivers have a parade, the military marches and then my favorite part: everyone sings Back Home Again in Indiana. I can’t help but cry every time I hear that song because the Indy 500 is such a special event. Once everyone has left the track, those famous six words are uttered as 300,000 fans are screaming at their seats ‘Ladies and Gentleman! Start your engines!’ The excitement only escalates as the familiar sound of the Indy cars zoom by. It’s the kind of event that you want everyone you know to experience it at least once.

What to Pack

Because I have been 23 times, I have had a lot of time to perfect what we need to bring to the track. In order to be as mobile as possible, we each carry one back pack.

North Face Backpack 1:

Cooler Backpack 2:

  • Mt. Dew
  • Lemonade
  • Frozen grapes
  • 2 Croissant chicken salad sandwiches
  • Pretzel M&Ms

Suggestions:

If you’re sitting in the backless bleachers, rent a cushion with the back at the track. Leave a cooler of cold water bottles in the trunk for your ride home. Some people change in the car after the race because you get very sweaty at the track. Always wear comfortable shoes. The walk is deceiving. I usually dress in layers with a tank top under a t-shirt and a light long sleeve shirt with shorts. I’ve worn everything from a sweatshirt and jeans to a swimsuit to the track because the weather is very unpredictable in Indiana.

Tradition

Tradition is a huge part of the Indianapolis 500. My family has been attending the race since 1953. One of our favorite traditions is to buy the newspaper with all the racers info and cut out their photos. Each person pays $1 to draw a driver out of the hat and whoever wins gets $33 (the number of drivers in the Indy 500). We also must always have the giant Twizzlers bucket that is passed around our section.

top 5 indy 500

top 5 indy 500

Extra Events

Throughout Indiana, Hoosiers are buzzing with anticipation starting with the Kickoff to May event.  The 500 Festival does an awesome job keeping race fans excited about the events leading up to the big race. Everything from wearing black and white for Friday Fashion to Georgia Street Activities (Food Truck Fridays, working out each Wednesday with race personalities).  Everyone is invited to watch the IPL 500 Festival Parade downtown Indy that has been running since 1957. More exclusive guests hope to score tickets to the Snakepit Ball the night before he race. This year you’re able to skip the lines and purchase your gear online ahead of time. This eliminates the letdown of your favorite shirt being sold out! Check out the IMS plan your visit page for more info on buying your gear as well as lodging, parking, maps and much more.

If you have been or are planning on a visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for an Indy 500 race, let me know. I love hearing about what other people love about Indianapolis!

 

5 things you need to know about the indy 500

Before You Go: Conner Prairie

We’re very lucky to be living in a town with awesome attractions for families. Both Sophie and I are adventurers and would prefer to be out around people than at home. This means we spend a lot of time exploring Indianapolis. Our favorite local spot is Conner Prairie. If you follow me on social media you’ll constantly see photos of this Historical Living Museum. I’ve shared the Top 5 Things You Need to Know Before You Go over at Hamilton County Tourism.

March 28th is Opening Day for the season! You’d better believe we’ll be there wearing our rain coats! Remember to tag your photos with #DiscoverCP when visiting and look for Soph and I.

The Little Mermaid at Beef and Boards

There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t hear ‘Look at this stuff, isn’t it neat?’ sung in my home. My daughter is currently obsessed with The Little Mermaid. Her Birthday party theme of choice was Under the Sea. I don’t blame her though, she’s a girl after my own heart as Ariel has always been my favorite princess. I was worried that she would have such a strong tie to the Disney version that she would question the original Hans Christian Andersen story we were about to see at Beef and Boards. I couldn’t have been more wrong!

This telling of The Little Mermaid was performed slightly different than the original story, leaving out the whole turning to foam and becoming a ethereal earthbound spirit bit for the adults. The Children’s Theatre at Beef and Boards did a wonderful job keeping the hour long production engaging and interactive with lots of wardrobe changes, dancing and singing. The performers were so captivating the children were laughing, talking and audibly worried throughout the show. Without spoiling the show, keep your eyes open for characters in the audience, trap doors and the rotating stage! Very cool effects throughout this show and the music and lyrics by Marc Robin and Curt Dale Clark were fantastic. mermaid-1-of-1
While we were there we had snacks and a drink at our table to enjoy as well as a program with space for autographs. Be sure to visit with Melody, Seaweed and the rest of the crew after the show for a photo op and autograph session. Rookie Tip: Do not follow Google Maps instructions once you’re turning off Michigan Road. My instructions were to take a U turn at Wesleyan Rd, turn R on Michigan and enter Beef and Boards from Michigan. There is no entrance there. You WILL end up getting on 456E and missing the beginning of your show. Instead, turn left on Wesleyan Rd. and Beef and Boards will be on your right.

beefandboards

The Children’s Theatre shows at Beef and Boards are great for children of all ages and the perfect way to get children interested in theater. I recommend making a weekend of it by staying overnight at the Caribbean Cove Indoor Water Park Friday night, having breakfast and swimming Saturday Morning and catching The Little Mermaid for their 1pm performance at Beef and Boards.

 

MORE INFO: The Little Mermaid will be onstage at Beef and Boards through November 19th. The doors open 30 minutes before the show begins at 10a Friday and 10a, 1p Saturdays. Each musical is one hour long with no intermission. Beef and Boards is located in college park near the pyramids at 9301 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Tickets are $16.50 and can be purchased through the box office at 317.872.9664. A $1 processing fee per ticket will be charged on all orders (except VIP members). For more information visit BeefandBoards.com  Special thanks to Beef and Boards for providing select photography for this article.

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