u/ProgRockDan

The BoomBlaze Music Festival is coming to Indianapolis on Saturday, August 29, 2026. The event will take place outdoors at the MacAllister Amphitheater at Garfield Park, located at 2432 Conservatory Drive.

Event Details

• Time: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM (or up to 10:00 PM).
• Music Genre: A celebration of reggae and Caribbean music.
• Lineup: Features live sets from artists including T.Natty, The Ark Band, The Zion Lion Band, Rich Hardesty, Who Doo, Phylis, Leslie Red, Temica, Key D, and Feezy.
• Atmosphere: This is an all-ages, family-friendly event featuring live performances, food trucks, drink stations, and local vendor stalls.

The Hoosier Group was a collective of five American Impressionist painters from Indiana who gained national prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They are celebrated for their vivid, light-filled renditions of the Indiana landscape and their foundational role in establishing the state's early art institutions.

The Five Members

The group was composed of five distinct artists who shared a deep bond formed while studying abroad together:

• T. C. Steele: The most prominent member, famous for his vibrant scenes of the Brown County hills.
• William Forsyth: A passionate painter and longtime professor at the Herron School of Art.
• J. Ottis Adams: Known for capturing the sparkling waters of the Whitewater River.
• Otto Stark: Focused heavily on out-of-doors work and often used local children as models.
• Richard Gruelle: The only member of the group who was primarily self-taught rather than European-trained.

Craig Turner is a singer, songwriter, and accomplished guitarist based out of Northern Indiana. He frequently performs throughout the Michiana region, offering a musical mix that spans from acoustic ballads to hard-driven rock and blues.

Quick Facts:

• Background: He trained at Music Tech in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
• Performances: Turner plays as a solo acoustic act, in duo projects, and as a member of the popular local cover band Size Matters.
• Repertoire: His music catalog covers classic hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s up to modern rock, blues, and alternative tracks.
• Original Work: He produces and tracks original material directly from his home studio.

You can find him here:

https://craigturnermusic.com/shows

James Oblack is a highly regarded regional landscape artist based in Indiana, known for his deeply representational style that approaches photo-realism. He is best known for capturing the natural beauty of South Central Indiana, particularly the rustic structures, woodlands, and shifting seasons of the historic Brown County art colony.

Artistic Background and Style

• Background: Originally earning a B.S. in Geology, Oblack briefly worked in that field before deciding to pursue art full-time. In the mid-1970s, he took watercolor lessons from Luke Buck, a well-respected Indianapolis watercolorist, which heavily defined his future artistic trajectory.
• Mediums: While he has worked with oils, acrylics, and pen-and-ink drawings, watercolor is his signature medium of choice.
• Aesthetic: His paintings are celebrated for their meticulous attention to detail and sharp use of light and shadow to bring local flora and historic barns to life.

The ChamberFest Brown County 2026 festival is happening right now, running from August 16 to August 22, 2026, in Nashville, Indiana. Celebrating its annual run with a theme centered around America's 250th anniversary, the festival focuses on classical music alongside pieces reflecting the American experience.

Schedule & Event Highlights

• The Erinys Quartet: Opened the festival on Sunday, August 16 at 4:00 PM at St. Agnes Catholic Church, showcasing award-winning international talent from IU's Jacobs School of Music.
• Música Ficta: Performed on Monday, August 17 at 7:00 PM at St. Agnes Catholic Church, bringing early music from Spain and Latin America via baroque guitar, harpsichord, and percussion.
• Letters From The Front: Slated for Wednesday, August 19 at 7:00 PM at the Brown County Playhouse. This world premiere song cycle by Patrick Zimmerli features four voices and a piano, setting real wartime letters from American history to music.
• Classical Masterpieces: Additional concert lineups throughout the week feature standard chamber repertoire by Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven, and Brahms.

Ticketing & Venue Info

• Free Concerts: Admission is completely free for the initial block of performances (August 16–18) at St. Agnes Catholic Church, though donations are welcome.
• Ticketed Events: Special showcases, like Letters From The Front, require tickets and take place at local anchors like the Brown County Playhouse.

The 13th Annual Indiana Bacon Festival takes place this Saturday, August 22, 2026, in Downtown Delphi, Indiana, with the highly acclaimed Beatles tribute band, American English, taking the stage at 7:30 PM.

Event Schedule & Lineup

The festival gates open at 2:30 PM, and live entertainment runs all evening on the Big Bacon Stage:

• 3:00 PM – The Blue Sky Band
• 4:30 PM – Bay Simpson & The Outlaw Apostles
• 6:15 PM – Bacon Eating Contest
• 6:30 PM – BBQ Cook-Off Awards
• 7:30 PM – American English (Beatles Tribute Band)
• 9:00 PM – David Lee Murphy (Headliner)

The Brown County Art Gallery is one of the oldest art galleries in the United States, established in 1926 to showcase the work of the historic Brown County Art Colony. Located at 1 Artist Drive in Nashville, Indiana, the gallery features a comprehensive collection of both early regional masterpieces and contemporary works by local Indiana artists.

Key Highlights & Features

• Historic Collections: Features permanent exhibits of early art colony pioneers like T.C. Steele, Adolph Shulz, and Lucie Hartrath, alongside a renowned collection of Gustave Baumann woodcuts.
• Contemporary Fine Art: Displays and sells high-quality paintings, regional landscapes, and sculptures created by current association members.
• Spacious Facility: Includes a 15,000-square-foot showroom with free admission and dedicated on-site parking.

Chris Newlund is a prominent Indiana-based fine artist known for her semi-impressionistic original oil paintings that primarily capture the natural world, local cityscapes, and still-life scenes.

Artistic Background and Style

• Plein Air Focus: She specializes in painting en plein air (on location, outdoors) to capture accurate lighting from life.
• Visual Expression: Her style is rooted in traditional academic art, utilizing vivid color and prominent brushstrokes influenced by French Impressionism.
• Early Career: Before pivoting to full-time painting in 1995, she ran her own professional portrait photography studio.

Indiana Roots & Associations

• Local Residences: She relocated to Indiana in 2002 and currently splits her time between Columbus and a log cabin in Brown County.
• Guild Memberships: She has been a long-time member of the Brown County Art Guild (since 2011) and the Brown County Artists Association.
• Affiliations: She routinely paints and exhibits with regional groups, including the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association (IPAPA), the Hoosier Salon, and the Indiana Artists Club.

Glass Hands is an independent metalcore and rock band based out of Indianapolis, Indiana. Formed around 2010, the group has carved out a unique space in the alternative music community by blending technical, heavy guitar prowess with ambient, melodic pop harmonies and aggressive drum beats.

Key Accomplishments & Music

• Streaming Milestones: Their standout 2019 single "Bouquet" has generated over 2.9 million streams on Spotify, helping the band push past a cumulative milestone of 3 million total streams.
• Discography: They released their debut EP Exit Letters in 2016, followed by their first full-length studio album, Dive, in 2018.
• Media Coverage: The band has been featured on prominent rock and alternative music platforms, including Alternative Press and Loudwire.
• Recent Music: After a writing hiatus, they launched their latest single, "What My Mind Can Do to Me," in late 2024.

The 73rd Annual Zionsville Lions Club Fall Festival will take place from September 11 to September 13, 2026, at Zionsville Lions Club Park. This year’s space-and-cartoon-themed festival, "Out of This World," serves as the club's largest fundraiser of the year and brings three days of carnival rides, parades, live music, and family-friendly activities to the community.

Daily Schedule and Highlights

The festival spans the entire weekend after Labor Day with distinct events running each day: [1, 2, 3]
Friday, September 11 (5:00 PM – 11:00 PM): Poor Jack's Carnival rides, food courts, and art A dedicated VIP Carnival takes place at 5:00 PM, co-hosted with the HAWK Foundation, providing a free, friendly carnival experience for families with special needs (RSVP requested on the Zionsville Lions Club Website).

Saturday, September 12 (10:00 AM – 11:00 PM): The historic Fall Festival Parade kicks off the morning at 10:00 AM, starting at Zionsville Community High School and rolling down Main Street toward Lions. featuring Sun King beer, wine, and live dance music from The Impalas playing from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Sunday, September 13 (12:00 PM – 5:00 PM): The final day hosts the American Dream Car Showfrom 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Community Bingo and local shopping vendors anchor the park fields.

The 21st Annual Quest for the West® Art Show and Sale takes place from September 11 to September 13, 2026, at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in downtown Indianapolis. Known as the Midwest's premier Western art event, it brings together 50 of the nation's top contemporary Western genre artists, art collectors, and enthusiasts.
Event Schedule & Format
September 11–12 (Opening Weekend): Reserved for pre-registered guests. It features fine dining, artist meet-and-greets, and two fixed-price "luck-of-the-draw" art sales.
September 11 (Friday): The popular Miniature Art Sale takes place.
September 12 (Saturday): The Main Art Sale and an evening gala occur. Absentee bidding options are open for collectors unable to attend in person.
September 13 – October 11: The complete exhibition opens fully to the general public for viewing.

The Coterie in Kokomo, Indiana features a robust lineup of live music performances, showcasing genres like rock, country, indie, soul, and blues. Located at 107 W Sycamore St #2, it operates as a second-story craft cocktail lounge and burger tavern that anchors downtown Kokomo's local arts and entertainment scene.

Upcoming Live Music Lineup
The venue regularly hosts nighttime live music indoors, typically starting around 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM. It also sponsors and partners with the free, all-ages outdoor Riverwalk Concert Series on South Main Street.
Wednesday, August 19: VIVA! (Doors at 8:00 PM, Show at 9:00 PM)
Thursday, August 20: Joey Adams (Doors at 8:00 PM, Show at 9:00 PM)
Friday, August 21: Mojohand ($5 cover charge, Music starts at 8:00 PM)
Saturday, August 22: James Gedda & The Big Breakfast (Americana/Country baritone, Doors at 8:00 PM, Show at 9:00 PM)
Sunday, August 23: Old Oaks Duo (Brunch performance, Doors at 11:00 AM, Show at Noon)
Thursday, August 27: Anyone Awake (Free indoor indie rock show with opening act The Stone Popes, Doors at 8:00 PM)
Saturday, August 29: Dakota Curtis & The Dark (Part of the Riverwalk Concert Series, Starts at 6:00 PM)
Saturday, September 26: The Gumption (Night show starting at 9:00 PM)

Brandon Meeks is an acclaimed Indianapolis-based jazz bassist, bandleader, and hip-hop producer. Originally from Gary, Indiana, he moved to Indianapolis in 2004 and has since become a cornerstone of the city's contemporary jazz scene.

Career & Musical Style

• Genre Fusion: He masterfully blends traditional straight-ahead jazz with modern hip-hop beats and soulful rhythms.
• Native Sun: He co-founded this prominent hip-hop jazz trio alongside drummer Richard "Sleepy" Floyd, known for combining live jazz improvisation with hip-hop instrumentation.
• Collaborations: He frequently performs and records with local heavyweights, including saxophonist Rob Dixon and the Brandon Meeks Trio featuring William Menefield and Cassius Goens.
• Session Work: He is an active session musician with credits on over 1,000 independent recordings.
• On-Screen Role: He portrayed the legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter in the 2015 Miles Davis biopic Miles Ahead, starring Don Cheadle.

Recent Projects & Accolades

• "Unsung Giants" Project: In early 2026, Meeks was awarded a prestigious $10,000 Creative Capital State of the Art Prize. The grant funds an oral history and composition project designed to honor and preserve the legacies of overlooked Black Midwest jazz elders in Indiana (such as Kenny Phelps, Clifford Ratliff, and Billy Foster).
• Jazz Hero Award: He was named a 2026 Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists Association.
• Live Albums: He recently released the EP Live at The Center, recorded at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana.
• Community Concerts: He is the creator of the 3rd Sunday Jazz Concert series, a free outdoor community concert program that runs through the summer months.

Pamela Chase Newell is an award-winning impressionist artist based in Fishers, Indiana, widely recognized for her luminous oil and soft pastel paintings. As a Master Gardener, she specializes in creating vibrant floral still lifes, rich landscapes, and en plein air works that emphasize light, mood, and natural beauty.

Artistic Background and Style

• Education: Earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.
• Local Mentorship: Refined her skills at the Indianapolis Art Center under notable mentors, including legendary American impressionist C.W. Mundy.
• Philosophy: She focuses on capturing the essence of her subjects while leaving out unnecessary detail, allowing viewers to complete the story themselves.
• Mediums: Works extensively in both rich oils and delicate soft pastels.

The Unbroken Circle Music Festival returns for its second year from September 10–12, 2026, along the riverfront at Bicentennial Park in Madison, Indiana. This independent three-day roots music festival features a curated lineup of independent country, Americana, bluegrass, and Southern rock artists performing on a single main stage with zero overlapping set times.

Festival Schedule & Lineup
The festival features longer artist sets and late-night performances hosted in the VIP tent, which remains open to all attendees.

Thursday, Sept. 10: Gates open at 1:00 PM. Performances include Greensky Bluegrass, Whitey Morgan & the 78's, Silverada, Smilo & the Ghost, Bill Taylor, and Gracie Yates & Brock Burton.

Friday, Sept. 11: Gates open at 12:00 PM. Performances include headliner Sierra Ferrell, Shane Smith & the Saints, Tanner Usrey, American Aquarium, Clay Street Unit, Phil Kane, and Jordan Wilson, followed by Taylor Hunnicutt for the late-night set.

Saturday, Sept. 12: Gates open at 12:00 PM. Performances include headliners Whiskey Myers and Flatland Cavalry, along with Josh Meloy, Them Dirty Roses, Shadowgrass, Wes Bayliss, and Emily Nenni, followed by Alex Williams for the late-night set.

Mark Millis (frequently searched as Mark Mills) is a prominent American Impressionist painter based in Bargersville, Indiana, who specializes in en plein air oil and pastel landscapes. He is an active figure in the Southern Indiana art community, closely associated with organizations like the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association (IPAPA) and the Hoosier Art Salon.

Artistic Background and Style

• Roots: Raised in Richmond, Indiana, Millis grew up visiting local artist studios and was deeply inspired by the Richmond Group and the Brown County art colony.
• Style: His landscape paintings blend Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. He operates heavily within the "Colorist" tradition, focusing on vibrant temperature contrasts and structured light planes.
• Mediums: He works primarily with oils on linen panels and pastels on sanded paper.
• Subjects: His favorite subjects include historic architecture, lush regional landscapes, and scenes from the T.C. Steele State Historic Site. Famous pieces include Dusk on the Bluffs.

is work is regularly showcased throughout central and southern Indiana. You can find his pieces at:

• Brown County Art Guild in Nashville, IN
• Generation Art and Frame in Franklin, IN
• The Southside Art League (SALI) in Greenwood, IN, where he frequently holds joint exhibitions with his sister, fellow artist Melanie Millis-Wissel.

Izzaldin is an independent musical artist based in New York and Paris (by way of Indianapolis) who releases music under the label Holistic Records. His sound blends alternative elements, hip-hop, electronic vibes, and retro-futuristic production.

Key Albums & EP Releases

• ExPats Club
• WIZY 1120 AM (2025)
• Futura in Retrograde (2023) [1]

🎵 Popular Singles & Collaboration Tracks

• "Hoosiers" (feat. DJ GNO)
• "Bloodhounds"
• "8 Bit Love" (feat. Evaanz)
• "B2NY" (feat. DJ GNO)
• "Box of Chocolates"
• "SPIKE"

Books & Brews hosts a weekly open mic night every Thursday from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at their Mothership location (9402 Uptown Dr, Indianapolis, IN). Sign-ups begin in-person at 6:30 PM, and performers are typically limited to 3 songs or a 15-minute set.

Schedule & Sign-Ups
Day: Every Thursday

Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Music starts at 7:00 PM)

Sign-Up Time: Starts at 6:30 PM in person until slots fill up

Set Limit: 3 songs or roughly 15 minutes per act
Performance Rules & Setup
Types of Acts: Mostly musicians and acoustic performers, but poetry and storytelling are also welcome.

Environment: Family-friendly venue, so all material should reflect that.

Gear: Soundboard, speakers, and microphones are provided (plug-and-play setup). Drums are generally not accommodated.

Perks & Specials
Mug Club: $3.99 mug fills available for Mug Club members during the event.

Jeanne McLeish is a prominent, award-winning Indiana landscape artist renowned for her vibrant oil and watercolor paintings that capture the natural beauty, light, and color of the American Midwest. Born in Clinton, Indiana, she began her painting career in 1970 and has since become a highly respected figure within the historic Brown County art community.

Artistic Style and Focus

McLeish specializes in plein air painting (painting outdoors directly from life). Her work is characterized by:

• Natural Themes: Deep focus on forests, rivers, wildflowers, and changing seasons.
• Light and Color: Capturing the specific tonal qualities of shifting light through forest canopies or reflections on water.
• Dual Mediums: Equal mastery in fluid transparent watercolors and rich, layered oil paints.

Accolades and Affiliations

Over her decades-long career, McLeish has earned significant recognition from major Midwestern art institutions.

• Major Awards: Won Best of Show at the Watercolor Society of Indiana (2004), the Indiana Artists Club Annual (2009), and the prestigious First Brush of Spring in New Harmony, IN (2012).
• Artist Residencies: Served as the National Park Service's Artist in Residence at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (2011) and at Shades State Park (2016) for Indiana's bicentennial.
• Memberships: Signature Member of the Transparent Watercolor Society of America, a Cardinal Fellow of the Watercolor Society of Indiana, and a long-time member of the Brown County Art Guild (since 1979).

The Figbeats are a garage punk and power-pop band based out of Valparaiso, Indiana. Known for their fizzy, energetic performances in the northwest Indiana and Chicago regions, their sound blends punk, garage rock, and fortune telling/financial advisory aesthetics.

Key Members

• Brad Skafish – Vocals, Guitar
• Jim Senderhauf – Bass, Backing Vocals
• Felix Baeza – Guitar, Backing Vocals
• Dan Shiplov – Drums (Adam Hazlett has also performed on drums with the group)

The band regularly releases music on The Figbeats Bandcamp page and streaming platforms. Their notable releases include:

• We May Bite (EP): Released in October 2025, featuring tracks like "AWOL (September)," "What They Want," "Apples & Coffee," "All My Dreams Are Nightmares," and "Temporary."
• Circle the Drain: A limited-edition CD and streaming project.
• Bootstrap Paradox (Single): A fan-favorite track from their EP A.
• Popular Live Tracks: Their setlists frequently rip through original anthems like "Ultraviolet," "Your Ghost," "Radio Killed Radio," and "Phillip's Lament," alongside energetic classic covers like The Kinks' "Apeman."