Tim’s Picks: Mean, mean stride
The stuff to get you through to Thanksgiving.
Support for this edition comes from Purdue Musical Organizations, presenting the 92nd annual Purdue Christmas Show. The Christmas Show will shine Boilermaker bright with an all-student cast, festive music and dazzling performances. Tickets are now on sale for the Dec. 6-7 shows, where audiences of all ages will come together to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season at this timeless Purdue tradition. Get your tickets here.
And now, for some …
By Tim Brouk / For Based in Lafayette
The Rush Tribute Project, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, Long Center for the Performing Arts, 111 N. Sixth St., Lafayette — While legendary Canadian rock act Rush celebrates 50-plus years as a band with a highly anticipated tour in 2026, The Rush Tribute Project celebrates the famous trio that is celebrating 50 years of “living in the limelight.” Making its Lafayette debut, The Rush Tribute Project takes on Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart’s (RIP) legacy by faithfully presenting the band’s many prog hard rock hits like “Tom Sawyer,” “The Spirit of Radio,” “Working Man” and many others. The tribute trio also works hard on the stage details — from Lee’s 1990s ponytail and Peart’s later durag situation to double-necked guitars galore and the best simultaneous bass and keyboards performance you can find. $35-$88. Tickets.
Drag show, 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, Rat Pak Venue, 102 N. Third St., Lafayette — It’s local drag performer royalty Veronica Fox’s birthday but the presents — outrageous personalities, amazing dance moves, and wigs, wigs, wigs — are for you. Fox will be joined by a host of local and area queens in the forms of Vicki, Kryptina, Eldra and Austria, the drag queen not the country, and other impressive performers. Bring those dollars for tips. $10, $15 for ages 18-20. Tickets.
Last chance: The United Way of Greater Lafayette 2025 campaign ends Thursday evening. Here’s the deal. Give any amount to United Way, get a free, all-access month of Based in Lafayette. Here’s the link to use: https://bit.ly/basedinlafayette
Mosey to the Edge of Winter with X-Man & the Scratch Thing and Oh God Oh No, 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, Lafayette Brewing Company, 622 Main St., Lafayette — If you’re missing the Moseys down Main Street, get your fix this weekend at the Mosey to the Edge of Winter rock show, which will feature live music from street festival mainstays X-Man & the Scratch Thing and Chicago funky-alternative rock brethren Oh God Oh No. Proceeds will go to the Friends of Downtown, who put on those wonderful Moseys during the spring and summer. $10.
Eric Zuber, 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, Loeb Playhouse, Stewart Center, Purdue University — To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the acquisition of Purdue Convocations’ Steinway D concert grand piano, Convos will welcome young, award-winning pianist Eric Zuber to tickle those beautiful ivories. Zuber has won numerous American Piano Awards already and has performed in such cherished venues as Carnegie Hall and the Syndey Opera House. The musician from Baltimore is known for his Romantic repertoire either as a solo artist or being accompanied by an orchestra. For this weekend’s intimate solo performance, he will present his takes on works from masters Beethoven, Chopin and Tchaikovsky. $22-$40. Tickets.
Ebony & The Ruckus, 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, Knickerbocker Saloon, 113 N. Fifth St., Lafayette — Whether you call it “Thanksgiving Eve” or “Trashedgiving,” the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving is always a big party night in downtown Lafayette. Those that have moved away come back to their favorite watering holes to prepare for Turkey Day with the family. One of those favored watering holes is the Knickerbocker Saloon, which has helped generations deal with their eccentric aunt or grumpy uncle during that big Thanksgiving meal. The soundtrack for old friends reuniting and kicking off the holiday season with a shot or three will be Lafayette soul-funk outfit Ebony & The Ruckus, which is led by Ebony Monique and her sweeter-than-pumpkin-pie vocals. This event is free.
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 support for this edition from Purdue Musical Organizations, presenting the 92nd annual Purdue Christmas Show Dec. 6-7. Get your tickets here.
Thank you for supporting Based in Lafayette, an independent, local reporting project. Free and full-ride subscription options are ready for you here.
Tips, story ideas? I’m at davebangert1@gmail.com.