It didn’t rain on the evening of June 22 at 13400 Allisonville Road in Fishers. That’s the address for Conner Prairie, and it’s important to be this specific because it very well could have been raining somewhere else in the greater Indianapolis area. That’s just the way this summer has been.
En Vogue was at Symphony on the Prairie that night. Two of the three current members — Terry Ellis and Cindy Herron — are in their 50s. Rhona Bennett is in her 40s. You see groups like this push on to the point that parents of my generation, now in their 50s and 60s, give a weird look when you say you’re going to see them in concert: “They’re still playing?”
But I digress. What I’m saying is I don’t have particularly strong feelings about En Vogue. That would matter at most concerts, but it absolutely doesn’t at Symphony on the Prairie.
The outdoor venue is a large grassy area that slopes down to the stage, so you can see no matter where you’re sitting. Plus, Conner Prairie added three large LED screens up front. My favorite part was the freedom to bring a cooler, chairs, blanket, wagon — basically whatever I needed to be as comfortable as possible. And, like I said, it didn’t rain. I saw people who looked like they could’ve stayed until the next week to catch music from the Rolling Stones.
There’s a space for dancing up front. That’s not my thing, but plenty of people did go up there. I saw some raised hands like it was a Sunday worship service when “Whatta Man” came on. I stayed relaxed the whole time, and I definitely wasn’t alone. Whether you’re trying to get sweaty on the dance floor or lounge with your feet propped up and cold beverage in your hand, you can definitely do it at Symphony on the Prairie.
Here’s what’s coming up:
• July 3-5 — Star-Spangled Symphony conducted by Alfred Savia*
• July 6 — Denita Asberry as Aretha Franklin
• July 12-13 — Broadway Hits conducted by Jack Everly*
• July 19 — Wynonna & The Big Noise
• July 20 — Voice of Elvis featuring Doug Church
• Aug. 2 — Boogie Wonder Band
• Aug. 3 — Smokey Robinson
• Aug. 9 — I’m With Her
• Aug. 10 — Scotty McCreery
• Aug. 16 — Arrival from Sweden: Music of ABBA
• Aug. 17 — The Wichita Lineman & The Southern Knights: Music of Glen Campbell
• Aug. 23 — Night Fever: The Bee Gees Tribute
• Aug. 24 — Fleetwood Mac Mania
• Aug. 29 — My Sinatra starring Cary Hoffman
• Aug. 30 — The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute
• Aug. 31 — Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience
• Sept. 1 — Floyd Factor: A Pink Floyd Tribute
• Sept. 6 — Kenny G
• Sept. 7 — Face 2 Face: Tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John
*Denotes concerts featuring the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Call 317-639-4300 or visit indianapolissymphony.org to learn more and get tickets.
Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853. Follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick.
