With summer hitting its peak, food, music and being outdoors are the formula for making the most of the warmest time of the year. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and Indiana Historical Society each offer downtown goers a chance to enjoy free concerts throughout the summer.
Back for the fourth season, the Eiteljorg Museum’s Summer Under the Sails Concert Series features eight bands from eight different genres. Bands hit the stage at 6 p.m. each Wednesday in June, July, and on Aug. 1.
Not only are the concerts free, but the museum also is free, starting at 5 p.m. and open until 8 p.m. on concert nights for guests to come and go during performances. If you can’t make it on Wednesdays or just can’t get enough live music in your life, there’s more for you during the lunchtime performances on Thursdays. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Thursday in June and July you can enjoy music while under the shaded sails.
“Our Summer Under the Sails series is awesome, we’ve seen it grow immensely over the past few years and have now have started to see it help people recognize the museum more also,” said Bert Beiswanger, communications director of the Eiteljorg Museum. “The concert series is just another way for people to know where we are in the city and what we have going on in addition to the concerts. We offer free parking options near the museum and give you easy access to the area.”
Like the Eiteljorg, the Indiana Historical Society views the free summer concerts as a great way to introduce new visitors to the museum. This year marks the 19th anniversary of the summer concert series. With the option of tabled seating, the Historical Society offers an alternative to their popular grassy seating.
“We offer reasonable pricing for individuals and groups alike,” said Rachel Ponko, director of public relations for the Indiana Historical Society. “The museum is open to all concert goers until 8 p.m., is kid and pet friendly, and you can also bring your own food to the concert. The concert series gives us another way to connect with the visitors and tell them about our facility.”
Free seating is available on the grassy area on the Canal Walk while a table for eight is $50 for non-members and $40 for members. A table for four is $40 for non-members and $30 for members. Single seats at a community table are $10 for non-members and $8 for members. Half- and full-season packages are available. No pets and no smoking are allowed on the terrace. If you’re worried about parking, the Indiana Historical Society has you covered with free, first-come, first-serve parking outside the museum.
The Stardust Terrace Café outdoor grill and cash bar opens at 5 p.m., but guests may bring their own food and beverages to the concerts. All alcohol must be purchased and consumed on site.
Contact info: dontreg@indyrecorder.com 317-762-7848.
The sounds of summer
Eiteljorg:
Feel free to bring your own food and drinks, but no carry-in alcohol. Free summer concert series happens 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays during the summer. Museum is free 5-8 p.m. Feel free to bring pets, food and nonalcoholic beverages. Free parking is available in the White River State Park underground parking garage.
JUNE
June 27 – Soundz of Santana (Carlos Santana Tribute Band)
JULY
July 4 – Heartstone Crossing (Cover Band)
July 11 – My Yellow Rickshaw (Pop, Rock, Bluegrass, R&B Cover Band)
July 18 – Pavel & Direct Contact (Columbian Music)
July 25 – Tad Robinson (Blues)
AUGUST
August 1 – Il Troubadore (Sci-Fi and World Music)
Lunchtime Music on the Canal – 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Grab your lunch to-go from the Eiteljorg Museum Café, or bring your own lunch and relax during lunch. Concerts are pet friendly.
JUNE
June 28 – Doug Resendez (Popular covers)
JULY
July 5 – John Gilmore Duo (Americana)
July 12 – Josh Silbert Jazz Combo
July 19 – Doug Resendez (Popular covers)
July 26 – John Gilmore Duo (Americana)
Indiana Historical Society:
Concerts begin at 6 p.m. The History Center is free on Thursdays during concert season and open until 8 p.m. when the concerts conclude.
June 28
Everett Greene — Love songs and jazz standards
July 5
Lemon Wheel — Dance music from the 70s to today
July 12
Brenda Williams — Classic R&B hits from the 60s and 70s
July 19
My Yellow Rickshaw — Top 40, rock and country
July 26
Tastes Like Chicken — Rock, pop, R&B and disco
