Tim’s Picks: You know, besides the Final Four …
Tim’s Picks: You know, besides the Final Four …
Purdue has the Final Four. How about five ideas to round out the rest of your Greater Lafayette weekend?
Thanks today for ongoing help from Based in Lafayette sponsor Long Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Lafayette, presenting Robert Cray in concert Tuesday, April 23. For tickets for that and other shows, go to longpac.org.
And now for …
By Tim Brouk / For Based in Lafayette
“Gruesome Playground Injuries,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, April 4-6, Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette, 313 N. Fifth St., Lafayette — What’s love without a little pain? The 30-year relationship between Doug (played by Sean Freeman) and Kayleen (Daphne Escalante) begins in their elementary school’s nurse’s office where they are both being treated for her stomach ache and his injuries diving off the roof of the school. From there, the pair’s lives are intertwined, unraveled and joined together again as Rajiv Joseph’s play, “Gruesome Playground Injuries,” focuses on how the characters’ overcome self-destructive tendencies and injuries both physical and emotional. Joseph, who wrote a Broadway hit in 2009’s “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo,” spun a tale that the Washington Post hailed as “mystical, arresting and quirkily amusing.” Raquel Lopez, Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette boss, directs. $12-$24. Tickets.
Spring Celebration, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, McAllister Recreation Center, 2351 N. 20th St., Lafayette — Extend that Easter into this weekend when McAllister Recreation Center hosts Easter egg hunts for all ages. Local vendors will also be on hand to welcome spring, glorious spring. Games, crafts and food trucks will add to the family-friendly festivities.
“Made in the Americas” with the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6, Long Center for the Performing Arts, 111 N. Sixth St., Lafayette — The Lafayette Symphony Orchestra’s search for its new music director and conductor continues as candidate Kellen Gray steps onto the stage this weekend. The South Carolinian by way of Scotland (more on that later) will lead the symphony through a program of North and South American composers, including dances from the ballet “Estancia” (Alberto Ginastera), “An Outdoor Overture” (Aaron Copland), and Symphony No. 1, “Afro-American” by William Grant Still. Keller Concerto Competition winner Olivia Hodge will perform from the Sibelius Violin Concerto. In 2022, the LSO assembled a nine-person search committee composed of staff and board members, orchestra musicians, patrons and community partners. After a six-month international search process with nearly 200 applicants, they selected three finalists: Kelly Corcoran, Kellen Gray and Kalena Bovell. Audiences can evaluate their performances as each candidate curates and conducts a concert. Gray has earned the opportunity for his versatility, creativity and expertise in the music of African-diasporic composers. Born and raised in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Gray’s early professional life took him on a diverse path ranging from orchestral violinist to beekeeper, before turning his full-time attention to conducting. Since the end of 2023, he serves as associate artist of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, a newly created role that sees him conduct, curate and present programs such as this weekend’s “Made in the Americas.” $8-$39. Tickets.
“Celebrating 189 Years: Party Like It’s 1989” with DJ Friday Austin, 8 p.m. Saturday, April 6, Knickerbocker Saloon, 113 N. Fifth St., Lafayette — The Knickerbocker’s roots date waaay back to 1835. Almost 200 years later, it’s well worth celebrating another trip around the sun in a big way. Now 189-years-young, the historic downtown bar will tap into the 1980s with totally tubular tunes and a bodacious bourbon tasting (get there early) to commemorate. Dress to impress in your best ’80s gear.
Jason Roebke Quartet, 8 p.m. Saturday, April 6, The Spot Tavern, 409 S. Fourth St., Lafayette — Chicago jazz bassist and composer Jason Roebke will bring his band, his original compositions, his talents for improvisation and decades of international touring experience to Lafayette for a memorable sonic exploration. $10 or pay-what-you-can.
Tim Brouk is a longtime arts and entertainment reporter. He writes here (almost) weekly, tracking things to do for Based in Lafayette.
Thanks, again, to Based in Lafayette sponsor Long Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Lafayette, presenting Robert Cray in concert Tuesday, April 23. For tickets, go to longpac.org.
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Tips, story ideas? I’m at davebangert1@gmail.com.