Tim’s Picks: … of the April into May variety
Tim’s Picks: … of the April into May variety
Michael Carbonaro at Long Center. Big Swing Band back at Rat Pak. Punk at North End. The return of those farmers markets. And more. Five choice ideas for your Greater Lafayette week.
Thanks today for ongoing help from Based in Lafayette sponsor Long Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Lafayette, presenting a lineup of shows at Loeb Stadium this summer. For tickets for these and other events, go to longpac.org.
And now …
By Tim Brouk / For Based in Lafayette
“Carbonaro: Lies on Stage,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25, Long Center for the Performing Arts, 111 N. Sixth St., Lafayette — Just because his cable TV show, “The Carbonaro Effect,” is no longer airing after a successful five-season run doesn’t mean the magic is missing from Michael Carbonaro’s life. He now can bring his trickery to live audiences in theatrical settings, like his current “Lies on Stage” tour. Carbonaro’s show on truTV ran from 2014-2019, which saw him performing magic tricks to unsuspecting marks in humorous scenarios in the classic practical joke, hidden-camera format. The young magician would pose in different roles like an electronics salesman hawking a refrigerator that “magically” fills itself with food, a personal trainer that changes outfits faster than they can say “dumbbell” and a dude with a fake glass eye that pops out at will. Always a classic. The reactions from these individuals fueled the show and the reactions from the hundreds in attendance Friday night at the Long Center will drive Carbonaro’s Lafayette debut. Prepare to get tricked, fooled and bamboozled by magic! $48. Tickets.
Crankdat with Kartzy, Lazhar and Irulan, 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, Slayter Center of Performing Arts, Purdue University — Purdue students will dance their way into finals week after a big EDM concert slated for this weekend. Ohio heavy bass producer and DJ Crankdat will headline the outdoor bash. On his own or collaborating with bands like Slander, Crankdat delivers abrasive beats and beat drops that will send students into a frenzy. His music is sample-heavy and at times like dubstep on steroids. Among the openers is Irulan, a young Purdue alumnus still based in West Lafayette. Like Crankdat, Irulan collaborates with other artists and he can certainly hold his own as a DJ and electronic music producer. Recent original works are atmospheric (“Colors”), poppy and contemplative (“Drink the River"), and frenetic (“Hypernova”).
Today’s a good day to sign up for Based in Lafayette or to upgrade your subscription to a full-ride version. Give a free version a spin. Or for *less than a quarter per issue*, consider getting it all, straight to your inbox. Here’s how …
The Big Swing Band, 8 p.m. Friday, April 26, Rat Pak Venue, 102 N. Third St., Lafayette — You’ve sprung into spring; now spring into the swing! Lafayette’s own The Big Swing Band returns to downtown for a night of hits old and new and much, much dancing. Arrive early (7 p.m.) to learn some steps and stick around to show what you can do on the dancefloor. $15, $17 for show and dance lessons. Tickets.
Pat and the Pissers with The Enstrangers and Master Hunter, 8 p.m. Friday, April 26, North End Pub, 2100 Elmwood Ave., Lafayette — One of Indianapolis’ top punk rock acts returns to Lafayette. Pat and the Pissers was absolutely No. 1 when the four pee-ce made its local debut February 2023 at The Spot Tavern. Led by vocalist Alex Beckman (there is no one named Pat in the band), Pat and the Pissers won over dozens of new fans that night with its energy, great musicianship and antics. Beckman crowd surfed multiple times and even executed a back flip from the stage. The band is comprised of accomplished players that can turn around jazz chords and beats along with the raw, four-chord frenzy and four-four time slamming a good punk act should do. Just a couple weeks ago, Pat the Pissers headlined a packed Square Cat Vinyl in Indy on a Thursday night. You’re in for a great time. Opening will be Lafayette punk trio The Enstrangers and metal act Master Hunter. $10.
Opening Market Day, 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, West Lafayette Farmers Market, Cumberland Park — The sights (colorful produce), smells (that kettle corn, though) and sounds (local musicians) are finally back. As the calendar turns to May next week, West Lafayette is wasting no time in getting back on the market. Farmers Market, that is. Vendors from all over Greater Lafayette will be selling healthy vegetables, tempting sweets and handcrafted goods every Wednesday afternoon starting next week through October. This community favorite is well worth attending and celebrating. It’s downtown Lafayette cousin is not far behind, as its 2024 season will open May 4.
Thanks, again, to Based in Lafayette sponsor Long Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Lafayette. For information on upcoming events, go to longpac.org.
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.