Tim’s Picks: Let the weekend commence
Civic's 'Fun Home,' LSO's 'American Sound,' Gallery Walk, Michael Kelsey album release, ‘Goonies’ at the Amphitheater. Details here.
Thanks for ongoing support from Based in Lafayette sponsor Long Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Lafayette. For tickets and details on all the shows and events, go to longpac.org.
It’s the biggest commencement weekend ever at Purdue, they say. Plenty to do while you’re not walking across the Elliott Hall of Music stage …
By Tim Brouk / For Based in Lafayette
“Fun Home,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, May 14-16, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 17, 7:30 p.m. May 21-23, and 2:30 p.m. May 24, Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette, 313 N. Fifth St., Lafayette — Civic Theatre will close its successful 2025-26 season on a touching, introspective and humorous note. As directed by TJ Rosa, “Fun Home” centers on the unique life of Alison, who grew up in her family’s funeral home. We get to meet Alison in childhood, young adulthood and older adulthood as she reflects on formidable experiences with her family — especially with her father, Bruce (played by Martin Fernandez). Three actresses portray Alison throughout the show — Reese Smith is Small Alison, a curious and creative child, and Carly Smith plays Medium Alison, college-aged and starting to discover who she is during her first love. Correna Vellner stars as Adult Alison, who tries to find deeper understanding of her life through various flashbacks. The rest of the cast includes Grady Gorski and Liam Hensley, who play Small Alison’s brothers Christian and John, respectively. Kate Martin is Alison’s mother, Helen. Parker Smith portrays Joan, who has a huge impact on Medium Alison’s life, while new to Civic talent Anthony Williams, holds down four supporting characters. This fine season finale is directed by TJ Rosa. $19.50-$28.50. Tickets.
Gallery Walk, 6-9 p.m. Friday, May 15, downtown Lafayette — The first downtown gallery walk of the year will feature 22 venues featuring works from local artists representing numerous media. On the list are longstanding galleries (Artists’ Own, 518 Main St.; KL Art Gallery, 211 N. Fourth St.), new local businesses (The Ollie Closet, 210 N. Sixth St.; A Pinch of Pepper Tea and Spicery, 101 N. Sixth St.) and spots you wouldn’t expect but have a passion for local art (Downtown Dental, 676 Main St.; Castle-Brooks Spiritual Supply, 713 Main St.). Be sure to check out painter Michael McNeil and photographer Ed Lausch’s latest works at The Bindery, 511 Ferry St., and an “art fiesta” at Lala Gallery, 1816 Main St., featuring new pottery by Angela Vinson and guest artists and food and horchata by Arandas.
Michael Kelsey with Jamie Nichole — 7 p.m. Friday, May 15, Rat Pak Venue, 102 N. Third St., Lafayette — More Michael Kelsey shows in downtown Lafayette is a great thing. Weeks after his free outdoor performance at Riehle Plaza, the local guitar wizard extraordinaire will celebrate the release of a new album, “Translationz.” Lately, Kelsey is backed by only percussion because an acoustic guitar in his hands is like three instruments in one. Through various pedals and four decades of guitar mastery, Kelsey can handle bass and lead guitar parts as well as rhythm through looping and other techniques. This weekend, Kelsey will be backed by drummer Blake Watts. “Translationz” will hit your favorite streaming services on May 22, but be the first to get a CD and/or download at this show. Jamie Nichole, a singer-songwriter from Indianapolis, will open. $17 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets.
Summer Movie Night Seres: “The Goonies,” 9 p.m. Friday, May 15, Tippecanoe County Amphitheater, 4449 Indiana 43 North, West Lafayette — The latest sign of impending summer will come this weekend with the launch of the Summer Movie Night Series at the Tippecanoe County Amphitheater. The monthly movie night will be under the stars in the beautiful, spacious confines of the West Lafayette 1,500-seat amphitheater. The series starts with the classic adventure comedy “The Goonies.” Yes, you’ve probably seen the 1985 flick before but not like this. Food trucks will be on hand and viewers get free popcorn. Instead paying for a ticket, attendees are encouraged to bring a donation to support local nonprofit organizations serving individuals and families throughout Tippecanoe County — canned goods, clothes, household and hygiene items, and children’s school supplies. ️Your donation serves as your ticket to the event. Practice your Truffle Shuffle; load up on Baby Ruths and get to the amphitheater.
Lafayette Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16, Long Center for the Performing Arts, 111 N. Sixth St., Lafayette — The Lafayette Symphony Orchestra closes out its season with a tribute to “The American Sound.” The concert will be highlighted by Rachmaninoff’s “Symphonic Dances.” Although Russian, the composer moved to the United States early in the 20th century. He debuted “Dances” late in life during the jazz era (1941), which influenced the piece. $12-$43. Tickets.
Tim Brouk is a longtime arts and entertainment reporter. He writes here (almost) weekly, tracking things to do for Based in Lafayette.
Thanks, again, for ongoing support from Based in Lafayette sponsor Long Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Lafayette. For tickets and details on all the shows and events, go to longpac.org.
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Tips, story ideas? I’m at davebangert1@gmail.com.