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20 reasons we love Indiana Black Expo
Posted: Jul 17, 2008 in Things to do, Culture, Music
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The tradition: The inaugural, two-day Indiana Black Expo in 1971 attracted more than 50,000 people to the Indiana State Fairgrounds. About 340,000 people are expected to attend this year's annual Summer Celebration, making it the largest African-American event in the nation.
The big names: Summer Celebration traditionally attracts many marquee artists, athletes and public figures, with past appearances ranging from President Bush to Muhammad Ali.
The music stars: This year, R&B standouts Keyshia Cole, Kem and Chrisette Michele will share a bill at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Indiana Convention Center's Sagamore Ballroom. Tickets range from $50 to $65.
The free tunes: Don't want to burden your wallet? Then check out the WhiteLies.tv free concert at 6 p.m. Sunday at the American Legion Mall, featuring the Whispers, Cameo and Con Funk Shun.
The surprise guests: Some memorable moments happen outside the official Summer Celebration schedule. In 2006, Dave Chappelle made a cameo appearance during a Chris Tucker comedy show at Hilbert Circle Theatre. In 2001, Alicia Keys and Musiq Soulchild showed up unannounced to sing between acts of a Jill Scott concert at Conseco Fieldhouse.
The local talent: National music acts aren't the only ones making noise at Summer Celebration. Some of the top artists from the city and the Midwest, including Dovinci, the Parker Brothaz and Radamez, will perform Saturday at the Cultural Arts Pavilion's Music Lounge.
The TV celebrities: A pair of reality TV stars will take part in this year's event. "America's Next Top Model" finalist Mercedes Scelba-Shorte will host fashion shows at 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday in the Indiana Convention Center Rooms 101-106. Also appearing at Expo:** NBC's "The Apprentice" Season 4 winner, Randal Pinkett, who won Indiana Black Expo's Entrepreneur of the Year award.
The big game: Athletes, artists and actors will hit the hard court for the tip-off, at 6 p.m. Saturday, of the Amp Harris and Reggie Wayne Celebrity Basketball Game at Conseco Fieldhouse. The star-studded roster will include Reggie Wayne and Bob Sanders of the Colts, Darren Henson from "Stomp the Yard" and Antwon Tanner of "Coach Carter" and TV's "One Tree Hill."
The big-top thrills: Billed as "The Most Soulful Show on Earth," the UniverSoul Circus made its Summer Celebration debut in 2000. Clowns, elephants and high-wire acts will be showcased today through Sunday at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Tickets cost $12 to $26.
The artistry: Boasting paintings, sculptures, poetry and more, the Cultural Arts Pavilion at the Indiana Convention Center caters to all ages and creative interests. An artists' market, gallery, authors' parlor, literary cafe and heritage room will be open today through Sunday.
The spirituality: Praise is a key part of the Summer Celebration experience. A new regional gospel showcase is at 6 p.m. today at the Indiana Convention Center; Eastern Star Church will present a 9 a.m. service Sunday at Conseco Fieldhouse; and national acts will perform during the annual "Gospel Explosion" show at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Indiana Convention Center.
The youth attractions: Saturday is Teen Bling Day, which offers an afternoon forum for teens to discuss a variety of life issues. There's also the celebrity basketball game, and that night, hip-hop acts V.I.C., Playaz Circle, Cupid, Jadakiss and Hot Stylz highlight the concert lineup. Teen Bling Day tickets are $20.
Indy's got talent: Watch some of the city's most super-skilled residents show off at the StarQuest Talent Competition from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Indiana Convention Center Hall A.
The education: This year's Summer Celebration features a renewed focus on promoting cultural competence in education. A statewide forum on the topic will be today, followed by parenting workshops on Saturday.
The wellness: Visit the INShape Indiana Black & Minority Health Fair for medical screenings, health-education and health-awareness events today through Sunday at the Indiana Convention Center, Exhibit Hall D.
The play time: Little ones can visit the NCAA-presented Kid's World, an indoor amusement area in the Indiana Convention Center, featuring rides, games and interactive entertainment, today through Sunday.
The school spirit: Saturday is Purdue University Day at Summer Celebration, and Sunday is Indiana University Day. Both schools will send students and faculty to share information about their institutions. Each school will present alumni receptions at the Indianapolis Hyatt Regency hotel. Purdue's will begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and IU's at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
The food: Because of the RCA Dome's impending demolition, Summer Celebration is moving its food court from its traditional home. The new spot for snacking is Hall G of the Indiana Convention Center, where vendors will sell Asian and Mexican cuisine and Popeye's Chicken.
The new digs: Conseco Fieldhouse will play a big role in Summer Celebration, largely because of the RCA Dome's fate. The NBA arena will be host to the Teen Bling action on Saturday and the Eastern Star Church service on Sunday.
The value: Ticket packages for Summer Celebration include a $20 three-day pass and a $20 Teen Bling Ticket. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ibesummercelebration.com, by phone at (317) 925-2702 or at the IBE Box Office, 3145 N. Meridian St.
- By Trevor Brown and David Lindquist / Staff Writers
Wow. Evidence of why the Republican movement is declining. Red-staters--this guy is one of you!
Wow. Evidence of why the Republican movement is declining. Red-staters--this guy is one of you!
Yeah it's because I'm a Republican, not because it's true. Last year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_jFG18gV5k
What was your point? Does IBE inspire crime? I can't find any events that are about becoming a criminal.
No getstumpy they don't officially inspire crime. Don't be a smart ass. Anyone who lives in Indianapolis knows that a lot of s--- happens during the week of the Expo. Most people try to avoid downtown.
IBE is a very popular event with Indianapolis residents. It's not all out-of-towners. What do you mean by "most people?" I was downtown this evening. I didn't see any "s---" happening.
You made a connection between IBE and crime. I asked what the connection is. You didn't answer. Why does that make me a smart ass?
I support your First Amendment rights of free speech. Please continue to express your stance on minorities and their events.
I avoid downtown during the Expo for the same reason I avoid downtown whenever there's a big convention: I hate crowds. I prefer downtown on a Sunday when nothing is going on and the streets are empty. You have your choice of restaurants with no wait and the mall is dead.