White River State Park launches free, summer Family Arts Series
New performing arts series offers free admission, outdoor entertainment this summer
INDIANAPOLIS— Hoosiers will get a healthy dose of sun and fun this summer during the first-ever Family Arts Series launching at White River State Park. All at no cost for attendees, well-known local acts such as the Indianapolis Children’s Choir and Orquesta Bravo!, as well as internationally acclaimed artists including Bill Harley, will bring the arts outdoors with song, dance and theater.
“Our new arts series will give Hoosiers a chance to enjoy the performing arts in true summer fashion – under the sun, right next to the river,” said Bob Whitt, executive director of White River State Park. “This is our way of giving back to the community. Not only are we offering a new venue for many of our performing arts groups, but we are getting people more involved in the arts and culture of our City.”
“Thanks to the generosity of the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, all of the Family Arts Series performances will be free for attendees,” said Dawn Tabler, Chair of the White River State Park Commission. “We are honored to have the support of the Clowes Foundation and to bring outstanding performing arts to such a beautiful downtown setting.” Tabler went on to thank Indy Pro Audio and Centerplate (formerly Crystal Catering) for their donations at today’s news conference, as well as their ongoing contributions throughout the series.
Performances will take place at the outdoor Celebration Amphitheater, which seats about 1,500 people, located at the west end of Celebration Plaza in White River State Park. Each performance will also be accompanied by an outreach program in partnership with a local school, community center or other organization.
Guests are invited to bring their blankets and picnic baskets to enjoy the entertainment from the grass. Concessions will also be provided by Centerplate and will be themed to match each performance.
White River State Park Family Arts Series lineup for 2008:
Saturday, June 14, 2:30 p.m. – Indianapolis Children’s Choir Concert
Indianapolis Children's Choir (ICC) – featuring the Cantantes Angeli and Bel Canto choirs.
*One of the final concerts before ICC singers leave for South Africa.
Saturday, June 28, 2:30 p.m. – Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and Bill Harley
Join the ICO and Grammy Award-winning children’s artist Bill Harley for an afternoon of stories and music. This performance is made possible with support from the Indianapolis Cultural Development Commission and RW Armstrong.
Saturday, July 12, 1 and 4 p.m. – Orquesta Bravo!
Latino Celebration with multiple performances, featuring salsa band Orquesta Bravo!, Stacie Sandoval Tropical Jazztet, Mariachi band, dancing, free dance lessons, food and more. Hosted in partnership with the International Center of Indianapolis.
Saturday, July 26, 6 and 8 p.m. – Dance Kaleidoscope
Dance Kaleidoscope Family Performance. ”The Dance Show” – this interactive educational program defines dance as shapes moving through space to a beat. At 8 p.m., Dance Kaleidoscope will present a one-hour collection of diverse, athletic and exciting dances – perfect for the entire family.
Saturday, August 2, 2:30 p.m. – Shakespeare on the Canal
Shakespeare on the Canal – Merchant of Venice, presented by the Heartland Actors' Repertory Theatre (HART). Set in an outdoor amphitheater by the river, HART hopes to become a summer destination, sharing the wit and wisdom of Shakespeare.
Saturday, August 23, 2:30 p.m. – Asante Children’s Theater
Asante Children’s Theater presents a storytelling extravaganza with African drums and dance. You’ll tap your toes as we tickle your mind with a fun fable by the river at the Park.
Sunday, September 14, 2:30 p.m. – Indianapolis Opera in the Park
A perfect way to experience some of the world’s greatest music in a uniquely accessible and informal outdoor setting. Indianapolis Opera in the Park features familiar opera hits, the best of Broadway, as well as musical highlights of Indianapolis Opera’s upcoming season. A real community event for all ages!
Friday, September 26, 5 p.m. – The Quebe Sisters Band: A WestFest Celebration Concert
When Grace, Sophia and Hulda Quebe (pronounced kway-bee) take to a stage, audiences marvel. When the girls sing their vintage-style three-part harmony, audiences are blown away. Add the rhythm guitar of Joey McKenzie and the upright bass of Drew Phelps, and the Quebe Sisters band becomes a force of nature. Whether it's a Western swing classic, a swing standard, country shuffle or a Western anthem, the girls are phenomenal.
For more information, including a map of the location and parking options, visit www.inwhiteriver.org or call the Park Visitor’s Center at (317) 233-2434.
White River State Park announces the free outdoor Family Arts Series launching this summer.
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White River State Park is the center of Indianapolis culture, offering a unique experience with a variety of educational and recreational attractions. The Park is home to several venues, providing entertainment for a wide range of audiences, including the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens, Indiana State Museum, IMAX® Theater, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, NCAA Hall of Champions, Victory Field and the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial.