Thanks today 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.
And now, presenting …
By Tim Brouk/For Based in Lafayette
“Pranks or Peril: The Purdue Tank Scraps,” 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, West Lafayette Public Library, 208 W. Columbia St. — More than 100 years ago, a strange and pugilistic tradition occurred every fall at Purdue University. From 1894 to when they were banned in 1913, “tank scraps” were heated games of one-upmanship between the freshman and sophomore classes that revolved around getting their class’ graduating year painted on an enormous water tank that fed into the campus. The tank was then one of the tallest structures in West Lafayette, able to be seen from most anywhere. Groups of freshmen would attempt to paint over the previous class’ year. However, the older students would passionately defend the tank. Fists, buckets of paint and vandalism fines would fly. Purdue Professor Emeritus David M. Hovde will present this piece of Boilermaker history. Free.
Opening reception for “Shanghai Indiana Fusion” by Ying Larimore, 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, Art Museum of Greater Lafayette, 102 S. 10th St., Lafayette — Longtime local artist Ying Larimore’s latest work explores both her past and present. Born and raised in Shanghai, China, she spent her youth studying art. Even when she was forced to quit school for work, her family still supplied her with private lessons. Making time for art paid off when she went back to school, earning entry into the prestigious School of Art at the University of Shanghai. She then flew across the planet to Purdue for a graduate degree. Lucky for local art lovers, Larimore stayed in the area, producing numerous solo exhibitions over the last 40 years not only in Greater Lafayette but also in Chicago, Indianapolis and Washington, D.C. The new work merges Larimore’s classical Chinese painting roots with Western influences of modernism and color expression gained in West Lafayette. The show runs through Jan. 11 in the art museum’s Shook Gallery.
The Drifters, The Platters and Cornell Gunter’s Coasters, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, Long Center for the Performing Arts, 111 N. Sixth St., Lafayette — Those legacy doo-wop and early rock ‘n’ roll vocal tunes like “This Magic Moment,” “Only You” and “Yakety Yak” are household songs thanks to the tight harmonies and passionate melodies that laid the foundation for pop and rock ‘n’ roll as we know them today. While most of their original members have gone on to the great stage in the sky, younger singers raise the mantel of such groups like The Drifters, The Platters and Cornell Gunter’s Coasters, who will all grace the Long Center’s stage this weekend. Since forming in 1959, The Drifters have had more than 40 singers come in and out of the lineup, which shows just how good the songs are and how important the legacies are of these early groups. $39-$69. Tickets.
Latin Night, 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, The Spot Tavern, 409 S. Fourth St., Lafayette — DJs Latin Spy and Chidoo will be spinning hot beats all night on this Mexican Independence Day Eve Eve Eve.
Rat Pak Venue will also hold a Latin dance night Saturday, Sept. 13!
The Hooten Hallers, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, People’s Brewing Company, 2006 N. Ninth St., Lafayette — For almost 20 years, The Hooten Hallers have been a dominant force in Midwest American roots music. The trio led by singer-songwriter John Randall plays a mix of blues, country, folk and punk. The high-energy band also features tight vocal harmonies from drummer Andy Rehm and Kellie Everett on various saxophones. The Hooten Hallers are hitting the road in support of its latest release, “The Devil’s Egg.” Tickets.
Tim Brouk is a longtime arts and entertainment reporter. He writes here (almost) weekly, tracking things to do for Based in Lafayette.
BONUS CUT, A REUNION OF SORTS AT CIVIC: The current run at Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette marks the third time since 1990 for “Steel Magnolias” at the Monon. Opening night last week brought the past to the present, when the two actresses who played M’Lynn in previous productions – Thea Strand, who played the role in 2007, and Patti Truitt who did it in 1990 – stepped backstage for a shot with Raquel Lopez, who’s in the role this time. ( “They are still big supporters of Civic and leaders in our community,” Lopez, who also is Civic’s producing artistic director, said. Here’s the photo, along with the Tim’s Picks entry from last week, heading into the second week of the play’s run.
“Steel Magnolias,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Sept. 11-12; and 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette, 313 N. Fifth St., Lafayette — Civic Theatre’s main stage season opens with some Southern charm. “Steel Magnolias” is most remembered for the 1989 film version which featured a legendary cast of Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis and Dolly freakin’ Parton — six powerhouses of the 1980s and ’90s (and some still today). However, the film version of “Steel Magnolias” was based on a 1987 play of the same name by Robert Harling. Civic’s take will feature six strong actresses, including the arts organization’s producing artistic director Raquel Lopez as M’Lynn Eatenton. The show takes place in closeknit Chinquapin, Louisiana, primarily within the friendly — and often catty — walls of a beauty salon owned by Truvy Jones (played by Julie Baumann) on the eve of M’Lynn’s daughter Shelby’s (Ellie Macias) wedding. While the barbs fly, drama and hardships are unveiled, and the women must come together for the greater good of family and togetherness. “Steel Magnolias” is directed by the great John Collier and features the acting chops of Delany Jones, Marcella Holmes and Meg Foley. $17.50-$26.50. Tickets.
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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