Hello Play Listers,

It’s that time of the year — as we dip into sweater weather and get more introspective, our minds crave more stimulation. We seek out conversations and ask big questions. 

Enter Arc Fest: Free Press Indiana’s one-day palooza bringing together influential voices, artists, journalists, civic leaders and community members. 

The free festival is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 3 at IU Indianapolis’ Hine Hall.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once famously said, “The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.”

Arc Fest runs with this sentiment to explore our next chapter in the American story, as our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.

Play List will be there! Arts & culture reporter Mesgana Waiss and Select Few Sessions creator Troy Freeman will host the Play List stage, featuring sets from DJ Chyna and DJ SoundsbyCam between live performances.

Here’s the performer lineup:

10 a.m. Welcome and spoken word by Jayda Dawn, Poetry Out Loud national champion

11:10 a.m. The Black Briefing (live podcast recording)

12:55 p.m. King Dierre (hip-hop)

1:05 p.m. Pam Blevins Hinkle (communal folk singing)

2:15 p.m. Clint Breeze and Friends (jazz)

3 p.m. The FAB Podcast (live recording)

4:25 p.m. Rebel Noire and the Accomplices (rock)

4:50 p.m. Mariachi Sol Jalisciense (mariachi)

5:15 p.m. LayLo (R&B)

Click here for more details and see you Oct. 3.

Get more Indianapolis arts and culture coverage at MirrorIndy.org/Arts.

You can also subscribe to get the Play List email newsletter.

Dear Play Listers,

Hispanic Heritage Month, where we celebrate the contributions of Latinos to the history and culture of the United States, kicked off on Sept. 15.

One way to note the occasion is to support local, Latino-owned small businesses. Check out shops and restaurants in your neighborhood, get curious, try new things and go beyond the influencer rec list. 

Another way to celebrate is by attending one of these 24 events we rounded up with the help of Latinos Indy. The list includes everything from dance parties to networking opportunities and festivals.  

And, you could also share this Latina-written newsletter with your friends. This is an arts and culture newsletter, after all! 

Take me to perreo parties and great food events.

Get more Indianapolis arts and culture coverage at MirrorIndy.org/Arts.

You can also subscribe to get the Play List email newsletter.

How’s it going Play Listers,

Because of all those years kicking off the school year in September, I’m hardwired to start things this month. 

Whether that be ordering a 2027 planner or deep-cleaning my house to welcome the change of seasons, the month feels packed with checklists.

If that’s you, too, that’s ok! We’re getting things done. 

But don’t forget to have fun and let loose here and there. Smell flowers, kiss someone, treat yourself to a theater show.

We have details here for how to do that right here.  

Get more Indianapolis arts and culture coverage at MirrorIndy.org/Arts.

You can also subscribe to get the Play List email newsletter.

Dear Play Listers,

In September, we’ll be saying goodbye (some of us unwillingly) to summer and ushering in autumn. 

To kick off the month, I made you a “things to do” list and sprinkled a little bit of everything for every possible mood you might find yourself in.

Use this list to find fun in the city all month long.

Get more Indianapolis arts and culture coverage at MirrorIndy.org/Arts.

You can also subscribe to get the Play List email newsletter.

Dear Play Listers,

Do you know what “La Chona” is? My 8-month-old son danced to it for the first time with me last Saturday at the Polkas Norteñas Fest at the Indiana State Museum.

Musician Polka Bob from Indy Polkamotion was there to highlight the musical connections between Europe and the north of Mexico. Indy Folklore Academy and Grupo Folklorico Macehuani were there, too.

Listen here and then dance around your kitchen so that you get an idea. (They say everyone should dance to “La Chona” at least once in their lives.)

Anyway, we have art news today about things going on in the city, including a benefit concert to raise funds for people affected by the recent floods and the scoop on the new Pots & Pans Pie Co. location. 

Stick around for a summery radish recipe with community cookbook writer Keaun Michael-Brown — he’s taking us to the Philippines this time.

Buckle up and let’s get to it!

Get more Indianapolis arts and culture coverage at MirrorIndy.org/Arts.

You can also subscribe to get the Play List email newsletter.

Hello Play Listers,

It’s been a week.

We’re thinking of everyone affected by floodwaters. If you missed Mirror Indy’s reporting on the historic flooding of local neighborhoods, please see this list of flood relief resources.

If you are an artist or creative who lost their work, art supplies or equipment you use to make a living and you want to tell your story, please reach out to arts & culture reporter Mesgana Waiss at [email protected].

Also in this newsletter:

• Chreece is Aug. 29 and we made a guide of some things we’re looking forward to.
• Midwest Leak has closed its bookstore and creative space.
• Tomatoes are showing up everywhere. Why?
• Fletcher Place is considering an outdoor drinking area.
• What we’re hearing from the arts community in the aftermath of the flooding.

Get more Indianapolis arts and culture coverage at MirrorIndy.org/Arts.

You can also subscribe to get the Play List email newsletter.

Dear Play Listers,

Today we have a back-to-school poem written by teacher/poet David Strange. 

You might know David from the open mic series Listen, Please, which happens every second Thursday at Chatterbox Jazz Club.

We also have a look at six IndyFringe plays. With 63 acts and over 300 performances across six venues, you will need help making choices!

There’s art news and updates and fun things to do. And we have them all right here. Listen to what’s new. 

We got you. 

Get more Indianapolis arts and culture coverage at MirrorIndy.org/Arts.

You can also subscribe to get the Play List email newsletter.

Dear Play Listers,

The Indiana State Fair kicks off Friday. Are you even ready?

I made a quick primer so that you don’t get caught crying helplessly over corn on the cob.

First: If you want discounts on admission tickets, parking passes and ride wristbands, you have to buy before 11:59 p.m. Aug. 6.

Next, old-timey is in — a VHS revival, a state fair train and a big tent circus were announced as part of this year’s experience. 

Feeling like it’s been a long time since your last fair? Here’s a reminder of what it sounds like to be there, in close proximity to beautiful animals, people of all walks of life and delicious corndogs. 

My advice to you is don’t sleep on the vegetable art. It features everything from the Loch Ness Monster to cute clown pumpkins. What we’ll see this year has me on the edge of my seat.

Lastly, Gene Simmons and his band will perform on Aug. 20. He told WISH TV that he’s been around for 50 years, so if he has any children running around in Indy, to “please come up and say hi.”

Get more Indianapolis arts and culture coverage at MirrorIndy.org/Arts.

You can also subscribe to get the Play List email newsletter.

Hang on tight to the very last pool days of the summer.

Soon, kids and teachers will be back to school and the city pools will close even though it’ll still be hot outside. 

You’ll just have to drink a tall glass of water and attend any of these 40 events arts & culture reporter Mesgana Waiss rounded up for us. 

Expect a Phoebe Bridgers’ album release party, a historic Black burlesque exhibit, live Iranian music and free outdoor festivals.

40 things to do in Indy right here 💦

Get more Indianapolis arts and culture coverage at MirrorIndy.org/Arts.

You can also subscribe to get the Play List email newsletter.

Dear Play Listers,

Close your eyes and listen.

Can you hear that?

That’s lawnmowers and kids giggling while splashing water. There’s construction somewhere — everywhere — and people making deals at a garage sale.

These are the sounds of summer as collected by sound artist Clockwork Janz, who goes around the city recording everyday sounds like a music treasure hunter.

You can hear them all here and then find your own with the help of a little scavenger hunt sheet we made for you. 

Clockwork said taking a moment to listen can slow your heart and reduce stress. 

Why don’t you give it a try?

Get more Indianapolis arts and culture coverage at MirrorIndy.org/Arts.

You can also subscribe to get the Play List email newsletter.