INDIANAPOLIS – There are plenty of ways to enjoy downtown Indianapolis in the summer, and the Indiana Historical Society will offer two favorites this summer – its Concerts on the Canal series and its Museum Nights on the Canal program, which offers free admission and extended hours on concert dates. The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of the IHS and the Indiana Experience, is at 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis, along the Central Canal. On Thursday evenings this summer, the IHS will host some of the area’s best performers and several musical styles, from jazz, blues and classic rock to big band, swing and the Great American Songbook, according to a press release from the IHS. Local and regional favorites like Endless Summer, Jenn Cristy, The Woomblies, Sizzlin’ Gregg Bacon and Living Proof are just a few of the acts on this season’s schedule. Concerts take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays from May 28 to July 30, in addition to IHS's annual Independence Day Bash July 4, which will start at 5 p.m. with the Indianapolis Municipal Band and feature Naptown Boogie. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages to Concerts on the Canal, but food service is also provided in the HistoryCenter’s Stardust Terrace Café and at an outdoor grill, both operated by Hoaglin To Go. All alcohol must be purchased on-site, and a cash bar will be offered. No pets and no smoking are allowed on the plaza. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the HistoryCenter’s parking lot. Seating can be purchased on the Kruse Family Stardust Terrace in tables of eight ($50/$40 IHS members) or four ($40/$30 IHS members), and single-seats at the community table ($10/$8 for IHS members). Free seating is available across the canal on the grassy knoll. The 2014 Concerts on the Canal series is presented by Main Source Bank, in partnership with the IUPUI Department of Music and Arts Technology. On each Thursday concert date, Museum Nights on the Canal will offer free Indiana Experience admission and extended hours, staying open until 8 p.m. Other weekly offerings include a look at one of IHS’s traveling exhibitions and a cornhole tournament organized on the grassy knoll featuring bags with images from IHS’s collections. Indiana Experience admission also will be free July 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 2015 Concerts on the Canal series is presented by MainSource Bank, and free admission days are made possible by Citizens Energy Group. IHS is also part of the Blue Star Museum Program and extends free year-round admission to members of the active military and their families. To reserve a table in advance or more information on Concerts on the Canal or Museum Nights on the Canal, call the IHS at 317-232-1882 or visit www.indianahistory.org Concerts on the Canal/Museum Nights on the Canal offerings by date: • May 28, Concert: Endless Summer (1960s/1970s rock); Museum Nights Traveling Exhibition: Auto Indiana • June 4, Concert: Twilite Nites Dance Orchestra (big band to contemporary); Museum Nights Traveling Exhibition: One Shot: The WWII Photography of John A. Bushemi • June 11, Concert: IUPUI: The Tides/Midwest Magi (1960s to modern day); Museum Nights Traveling Exhibition: Indiana Through the Mapmaker’s Eye • June 18, Concert: Jenn Cristy (pop and soul); Museum Nights Traveling Exhibition: Freedom: A History of US • June 25, Concert: The Woomblies (popular Motown, soul and rock); Museum Nights Traveling Exhibition: Who Is a Hoosier? • July 2, Concert: Sizzlin’ Gregg Bacon (jazz); Museum Nights Traveling Exhibition: Hoosiers and Their Hooch: Perspectives on Prohibition • July 4, Concert: Indianapolis Municipal Band (patriotic tunes, marches) and Naptown Boogie (R&B favorites); Museum Nights Traveling Exhibition: Freedom: A History of US • July 9, Concert: Indy Nile (eclectic mix of classic rock, funk and blues); Museum Nights Traveling Exhibition: Hoosiers and Their Hooch: Perspectives on Prohibition • July 16, Concert: Sunday Afternoon (a cappella); Museum Nights Traveling Exhibition: Indiana Through the Mapmaker’s Eye • July 23, Concert: IUPUI: David Mannell featuring Laura Hammer-Erhart and Becky Barton, also starring John Alvarado (Disney favorites and classical guitar of Spain, Latin America); Museum Nights Traveling Exhibition: Auto Indiana • July 30, Concert: Living Proof (pop, R&B and dance); Museum Nights Traveling Exhibition: One Shot: The WWII Photography of John A. Bushemi
