Indianapolis Monthly

Indianapolis Monthly has become central Indiana’s premier general-interest publication—the Circle City’s essential chronicle and guide, an indispensable authority on what’s new, what’s news, and what people are talking about. Whether covering crime, politics, business, sports, or arts and entertainment, Indianapolis Monthly sets the standard for editorial excellence in the state.

Sadly Familiar

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Indianapolis Monthly

Back to the Future • Tibbs Drive-In Theatre reopens this spring. Here’s a preview you don’t want to skip.

Recall of the Wild

68 • Indy’s ranking on the list of U.S. cities with the worst allergy problems

Viking Fest • A MANNER-FESTO FOR WHITESTOWN’S MEDIEVAL BASH, WHICH TAKES PLACE AT ANSON ACRES PARK APRIL 29–MAY 1.

David Benner, Indiana Pacers PR guy • AFTER 28 YEARS ON THE JOB, THE PACERS’ DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS HEADS FOR THE SHOWERS THIS MONTH. WE CAUGHT UP WITH HIM FOR A FEW STORIES FROM HIS PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT REEL.

DALEK REPLICA • VINTAGE: 2010

BEST BETS • THIS MONTH’S CAN’T–MISS EVENTS

High Notes • THIS MONTH, THE IU SOUL REVUE—ONE OF THE NATION’S OLDEST UNIVERSITY BLACK MUSIC ENSEMBLES—GETS THE BAND BACK TOGETHER FOR A 50TH ANNIVERSARY JAM.

SINGING THEIR PRAISES • SINCE 1991, CHARLES SYKES HAS LED IU’S AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTS INSTITUTE, WHICH MANAGES IU SOUL REVUE PERFOR-MANCES. HE RECALLS A FEW STANDOUT ALUMNI OF THE GROUP OVER THE YEARS.

Sitting Pretty

C’mon, Get Happy • A DOWNTOWN BOUTIQUE MELDS FEMININE FLAIR WITH FEEL-GOOD VIBES.

JON STRAND • Music Producer

A Sense of Direction • THESE MAP-ADORNED ACCESSORIES AND HOME GOODS LEND COLOR AND FLAIR.

THE THREAD

Salutations! • PIGS ARE AMONG THE NEW ANIMAL YOGA PARTNERS IN TOWN.

Exceptional Estate • A POLISHED TUDOR REVIVAL AFFORDS PRIVACY AND EVERY CREATURE COMFORT.

Our Listening Room • WHEN NOT SLINGING WAX AT INDY CD & VINYL, OWNERS ANDY AND ANNIE SKINNER DROP THE NEEDLE ON ONE OF 8,000 RECORDS IN THEIR MERIDIAN HILLS HOME.

IF YOU GO

Down for It • TAKE A LONG WEEKEND IN KENTUCKY AND LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND. NO, REALLY.

DAY TRIP

Board Certified

Grill Team • SAL & PIMENTA CELEBRATES THE DINING ROOTS OF ITS SOUTH AMERICAN OWNERS.

THE FEED

PINCH OF WISDOM

In the Black

Best in Choux • AS WELCOME ON THE DESSERT CART AS IN THE BAKERY CASE, CREAM-FILLED, CHOCOLATE-TOPPED ECLAIRS TURN UP IN OLD-SCHOOL BAKE SHOPS AND NEW-WAVE COFFEEHOUSES ALIKE.

Flour Power • CHEF DEAN SAMPLE HAS SPENT MUCH OF HIS CAREER WORKING IN FANCY KITCHENS. WITH BIG BEAR BISCUITS, HE FINALLY GETS TO MAKE THE KIND OF FOOD HE LOVES.

FAVORITE THINGS

The PLANT EATER’S GUIDE to Indianapolis • Trying to dine meat-free in a historically steak-and-potatoes town has its challenges. Until very recently, restaurants didn’t know how to accommodate—much less impress—customers hungry for delicious plant-based sustenance, which makes Indy’s new guard of enlightened chefs, bakers, and burger-flippers such hot commodities. Whether you crave gravy-drenched comfort food or the fanciest cupcake (or simply want to know what a hibiscus taco tastes like), we tracked down the best dining spots for vegans, vegetarians, and their veggie allies.

A Tragic Symmetry • Like many twins, Will and Joe Lawrance shared a deep connection that manifested itself in their love of art and their longing to be close to one another. They also both died by suicide, a fate their parents now see signs of in some of their work.

WARMING TRENDS • AWASH IN FLORALS, ORNATE DETAILS, AND LUSH LAYERS, THE SEASON’S MOST STRIKING PIECES COMBINE IN ROMANTIC LOOKS THAT WILL KEEP ALL EYES ON...