Tim’s Picks: Besides the Sweet 16, we mean …
A guide to some choice things to do during your Greater Lafayette week.
Support for Based in Lafayette comes from Purdue Convocations, presenting “Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at 300” by Baroque superstars Les Arts Florissants. On April 10, they will be joined by fast-rising violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Antonio Vivaldi’s original publication in 1725. The program frames these iconic masterpieces afresh, setting them alongside music Vivaldi would have known in Venice and compositions which were in turn inspired by his bold vision. Les Arts Florissants, founded in 1979 by William Christie, are celebrated pioneers in the revival of Baroque music. Renowned for their period instrument performances, they excel in interpreting the works of composers like Vivaldi, Handel, and Monteverdi. Violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte is renowned for his captivating performances and deep musical sensitivity. With a repertoire spanning from Baroque to contemporary works, de Swarte enchants audiences worldwide with his exquisite artistry and profound interpretation. BUY TICKETS for “Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at 300, April 10 in Loeb Playhouse.
And now for five ideas – outside Purdue’s Sweet 16 game against Houston Friday night – here’s …
By Tim Brouk / For Based in Lafayette
Sheeza, 8 p.m. Friday, March 28, North End Pub, 2300 Elmwood Ave., Lafayette — See Sheeza for the final time this weekend. Claire “Sheeza” Tchoula will be moving to Columbus, Ohio, but not before one more show demonstrating the Sheeza sound — a tasty mix of folk, soul, pop and alt rock. Sheeza often collaborates with some topnotch local players and Friday night’s show will be no exception. The Velocity District’s Alex Mason (drums) and Bonyea Killebrew (keytar!) will fill out the sound along with some surprise musicians. While most have seen Sheeza at a Lafayette bar, community festival and/or Mosey Down Main Street, she has been a vital cog in local culture. Among Sheeza happenings was her work on Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette’s 2022 production “The Mountaintop,” the What a Woman concert series, The Kickback Black History Month celebration, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's vigil in 2020 and a major force in the Friends of Downtown board of directors.
Sheeza first fired up in 2011. Fourteen years later, she will pour as much passion into her last Lafayette show as she did throughout all those years of gigging. When Sheeza settles into the Buckeye State, she will always remember the decade-plus of music and more in Lafayette. “It's been important to recognize that support will remain here and follow me wherever I go. I think this last show will also serve as a lasting reminder of that,” Sheeza said. “I hope it is an unforgettable, epic sendoff experience.” $10.
BoilerCon, noon-6 p.m. Saturday, March 29, Purdue Memorial Union and Stewart Center, Purdue University — The annual BoilerCon will showcase dozens of vendors with offerings for all nerdish leanings — comic books, role playing games, video games, animation, science fiction and horror. Presented by the Purdue Student Union Board, the event has come to be the biggest pop culture convention of its kind in West Lafayette and one of the largest in the area. Don your favorite cosplay outfit and check it out.
Fleshbore with Emulsified, Illusion of Fate, Nequient and Vile, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29, Eleventh House, 116 N. Third St., Lafayette — Finish out your March with a good, old-fashion death metal all-ages mini festival. Five such bands from near and far will lay waste to downtown Lafayette with brutal riffs and blood curdling lyrics. Fleshbore’s return will serve as headliner. The technical death metal act is still riding high from the release of its new album, “Painted Paradise.” Opening will be Lafayette’s own Emulsified, Illusion of Fate (Milwaukee) and Nequient, a Chicago band that leans more to hardcore but can certainly hold its own at a death metal throwdown such as this one this weekend. This show is presented by the mighty Doom Room. $10.
Del Water Gap, 8 p.m. Saturday, March 29, Elliott Hall of Music, Purdue University — New York pop-rock star S. Holden Jaffe states he is inspired by “romantic encounters and dimly lit rooms.” Thankfully the songwriter and producer’s project Del Water Gap has enough energy to brighten the area’s largest dimly lit room for many miles, Elliott Hall of Music. Moody and groovy, the Del Water Gap sound should appeal to the thousands in attendance. Jaffe’s second album under the Del Water Gap banner, “I Miss You Already + I Haven’t Even Left Yet” offers catchy songwriting and impressive production, two of Jaffe’s major strengths. $20-$46. Tickets.
Noche Latino, 10 p.m. Saturday, March 29, Rat Pak Venue, 102 N. Third St., Lafayette — DJs Ese Enrique and Hector Ordaz will get the hottest dance night of your weekend nice and sweaty by spinning the best and latest Latin hits. This night will have a special set dedicated to Puerto Rican pop sensation Rauw Alejandro. Enrique recently spun in Las Vegas and specializes in reggaeton and bachata, a popular style of music from the Dominican Republic.
Tim Brouk is a longtime arts and entertainment reporter. He writes here (almost) weekly, tracking things to do for Based in Lafayette.
Support for this edition comes from Purdue Convocations, presenting “Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at 300” by Baroque superstars Les Arts Florissants April 10 in Loeb Playhouse. Get tickets here.
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Wishing all the best to Sheeza moving on to a larger market for her talents! But, tough for our community to lose such a talented musician.