Tim’s Picks: So much, we needed bonus tracks
Five of the best ideas heading into your Greater Lafayette weekend … and then some.
Thanks today to sponsor Purdue Convocations, presenting Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert. Featuring a soundtrack that blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop, this unique cinematic experience pairs a screening of the Academy Award-winning animated film with live orchestra, electronics, and turntables on stage. The hip-hop based score results in a sonic universe that is woven throughout the fabric of the film, supporting its themes of resilience and universal heroism. Experience the Marvel Spider-Verse LIVE, Sunday, Oct. 22, in Elliott Hall of Music. BUY TICKETS
And now, with five of the best ideas heading into your weekend, here’s …
By Tim Brouk / For Based in Lafayette
“Petals & Metal,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, Rat Pak Venue, 102 N. Third St., Lafayette — When two atypical forces collide, it can be a beautiful thing — a Wendy’s French fry dipped in a chocolate Frosty, cat and parakeet pals, and French horn and harp. All surprisingly work, especially the brass and strings when played by Lafayette Symphony Orchestra principal musicians Sharon Weyser and Melissa Gallant, respectively. As part of LSO’s B-Side concert series, the duo will present classical, pop and Celtic tunes in a unique format. Both musicians have accolades galore and spread their musical prowess across Indiana. With Gallant and Weyser, the atypical pairing of French horn and harp will become synonymous with peanut butter and chocolate, pumpkin spice and fall, and ranch dressing on anything. $15. Tickets.
Boo at the Zoo, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 20-22, Columbian Park Zoo — Boo at the Zoo is one of Lafayette’s most clawsome, howlrific family Halloween events. The 2023 edition will feature a costume contest, games, treat stops, bounce houses, educational experiences, character meet and greets, a haunted DJ with kids dance area, concessions and much more. The Halloween Train Ride will also take you and your children on a not-too-spooky trip through Columbian Park. Not enough? Well, how about hayrides, selfie stops and sweet, sweet candy. Halloween brings the animal out of many, so why not let loose at the zoo? $8 in advance, $10 at the gate. Tickets.
“Airness!,” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20 and 21, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21 and 22, Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette, 313 N. Fifth St., Lafayette — When you were a teenager, playing air guitar to your favorite song was usually alone in front of your parents’ studio or maybe rocking out in your first car. That unbridled yet personal connection to the music is channeled into Chelsea Marcantel’s uplifting play, “Airness!” — as produced by Civic Youth Theatre. Nina O’Neal (played by Suzy Roberts) is confident that winning an air guitar competition will be easy. However, she meets a host of other competitors of varying personalities and musical tastes. Throughout the day, she learns more about music and herself. “Airness!” features tracks from the Ramones, Pat Benatar, Guns N’ Roses, and much more, and the show is directed by Kyle Brown. $14. Tickets.
Lusso and Electric Pizza with Wick and Periodic Table Tennis, 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, The Spot Tavern, 409 S. Fourth St., Lafayette — Bonded by bands of yesterday, the four musicians in Lusso are split between Lafayette and Indianapolis, but that doesn’t stop them from creating new indie rock with a strong groove. Lusso consists of Ethan Robbins (vocals and guitar), Charlie Stetler (drums) and Casey Synesael (guitar), who started making music together when they were teenagers in Pnature Walk. The trio are joined by bassist Zech Baumhover, who had a past project called Paper Claw with Synesael. Stetler and Robbins had GAIA several years ago, as well. Do check out Lusso’s debut, self-titled digitally released EP, which was recorded in Synesael’s home studio. Electric Pizza will make its debut this weekend. It’s a new project from Lafayette’s own Greg Lindberg (Teen Brigade, Wax Bull). While needed to be seen and heard to be believed, Lindberg described his latest act as a “satirical approach to live performance art with quick and abrasive sample-based electronic noise.” He continued, “My goal with this project is just to go hard and provide some catharsis for myself that hopefully translates to something emotional for others.” Opening will be Indianapolis rock band Wick and Periodic Table Tennis, a former Kokomoian noise artist now based in Vancouver, Washington. $10.
Rockstar Brunch and concert, 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22 — A new fundraiser for YWCA Greater Lafayette will feature mimosas and melodies. First, brunch like a rock star from 1-3 p.m. at Lafayette Brewing Company. The eats and drinks (bottomless bloody marys and those mimosas) will flow, and YWCA will hold auctions and raffles during the buffet meal. Then, walk off the French toast to Rat Pak Venue for a rare showcase of several local female musicians rocking out on the same stage. Slated to perform are Lauren Grace, Ebony B, Shelby Rivers, Wabash Blue, Savannah Grace, Dear Sapphics, Kelsey Patton, Gabrielle Elise and BMORE. While the concert is part of an amazing cause, it’s also huge for showing just how deep the Greater Lafayette music has become post-pandemic. Most of these performers are young, so the present and future are indeed bright. $10-$65. Tickets.
Tim Brouk is a longtime arts and entertainment reporter. He writes here (almost) weekly, tracking things to do for Based in Lafayette.
BONUS TRACKS
Here are a few more ideas …
Xperimental Dance Concert 2023, 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, Yue-Kong Pao Hall, Dance Studio Theatre 1179, Purdue. Presented by the Purdue University Division of Dance and the student club XSeries, the night includes 22 student and faculty choreographed pieces. Admission to the 95-seat theater is free, though donations are welcome.
Tippecanoe Chamber Music Society presents Partners: Arkady and Tamara Orlovsky, 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, St. John’s Episcopal Church, 600 Ferry St., Lafayette. The concert features husband and wife performing a cello sonata program, including Schumann, Bizet, Chopin, Ravel, Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakov. Tickets: $15 for adults, free for K-12 students. To order, here’s your link.
LeAnn Rimes: The Story … So Far Tour, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, Long Center for the Performing Arts, 111 N. Sixth St., Lafayette. The pop and country hit maker will be downtown Lafayette. Tickets start at $59, available at longpac.org.
LeAnn Rimes. (Photo provided) Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert is 6 p.m. Sunday at Purdue’s Elliott Hall of Music. Details for the pairing of movie and live performance are here.
Thanks, again, to Purdue Convocations, presenting Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert, Oct. 22 in Elliott Hall of Music. BUY TICKETS HERE
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Tips, story ideas? I’m at davebangert1@gmail.com.