Four strings of glory
You may think of the Palladium as a fancy-looking building where all sorts of magnificent things happen, but did you know it’s also a regional hub for all things ukulele?
Over the past few years, hundreds of people have learned to play the humble but mighty instrument in beginner, general and advanced Ukulele Classes for adults and teens. This spring, the Center used funding from the Hamilton County Community Foundation to pay for instruments and instructors and launch an afterschool ukulele club at nearby Midwest Academy, a school for students in grades 3 to 12 with ADD/ADHD, autism, and other learning challenges.
This Sunday, all that four-string fabulosity reaches a crescendo when George Hinchliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain performs on the Palladium stage. The world-renowned seven-member ensemble performs a broad range of music, from classical to rock, using only ukuleles of various sizes.
You can bet the vast community of uke pickers is not going to miss this one. In fact, about 25 of the Center’s past and current ukulele students will be performing in the East Lobby before the show. Students from Midwest Academy are getting free tickets and a chance to meet the orchestra members.
If you’re tired of missing all the fun, you can get your Ukulele Orchestra tickets here and learn more about ukulele classes here. The current classes have just begun, but new sections will open later this year, and you can join the waiting list with a simple email to Outreach@TheCenterPresents.org.
High-energy violin for kids
On May 20, Cathy Morris – probably central Indiana’s best-known jazz violinist – promises a high-energy musical adventure with styles from around the world played on both acoustic and electric violins. Along the way, she’ll also talk about the cultures, languages and people connected to those sounds.
Remember: the cool thing about the Faegre Drinker Peanut Butter & Jam sessions is that tickets are only $10 per kid, and each purchase includes up to two free adult admissions.
Click here for tickets.
Wisdom from our feathered friends
Birds and their songs loom large in the traditional tales and folk wisdom of cultures around the world, and who better to share such stories than a professional story performer? Sally Perkins – who also is an academic and business consultant with a Ph.D. in rhetorical studies – is the speaker for our next Luminaries gathering on May 23, with a presentation titled Feathered Tales.
Admission to the 2 p.m. event is just $10, which includes light refreshments. Learn more and make your reservation here.
Summer camp spaces still available
It’s not too late to register for two wonderful arts-based summer camps at the Center.
New this year from June 2 to 23 is the Prism Project, a performing arts day camp for youth ages 6 to 22 with a range of disabilities and unique needs. With support from volunteer “buddies” and professional music, dance and theater instructors, the campers will develop their own stage production and perform it June 25 at the Studio Theater.
Back again July 24 to 28 is perennial favorite Jungle Jams, a day camp for ages 5-7 that teaches the concepts of rhythm and groove, as well as positive character traits, through fun music and motion activities.