White River State Park to reopen
INDIANAPOLIS – White River State Park will re-open the Frank Lloyd Visitor Center will reopen, followed by the IMAX Theatre, in late June.
During the COVID-19 shutdown, the park welcomed visitors to safely enjoy its greenspaces, trails, and canal, many other activities have been limited. A full list of guidelines and protocols can be viewed by visiting WhiteRiverStatePark.org.
For more information on the reopening dates for WRSP attractions, visit each individual website:
- Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art: https://eiteljorg.org
- Indianapolis Zoo: indianapoliszoo.com
- Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites: indianamuseum.org
- NCAA® Hall of Champions Museum: ncaahallofchampions.org
- Indians Baseball at Victory Field: milb.com/indianapolis
Cinema organist to have virtual concert
BLOOMINGTON – IU Auditorium will host another Facebook Live event with IU alum and renowned cinema organist Dennis James at 8 p.m. today.
The event will go live on IU Auditorium’s Facebook page which can be found at Facebook.com/iuauditorium or by searching for “IU Auditorium” on the Facebook app on any device.
He is an annual favorite on IU Auditorium’s season schedule with Dennis James Hosts Halloween taking place every October as he brings silent films to life. This spooky spectacular event has been a part of IU Auditorium for over half a century. James annually provides the soundtrack to classic silent horror films playing on IU Auditorium’s 4,543 pipe organ creating a unique theatrical experience.
In October 2018, James celebrated his 50th anniversary of the event as part of the 2018–2019 IU Auditorium season. For the special event, he provided the soundtrack for the silent film classic, The Phantom of the Opera, with the accompaniment of a full student orchestra.
James began formal organ training in his hometown of Philadelphia at the age of 12. He attended Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music as a student of concert and church organ performance, earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees under the tutelage of Dr. Oswald Ragatz.
James has played a pivotal role in the international revival of silent films with live music. Beginning as an accompanist for university screenings, James now tours worldwide under auspices of his Silent Film Concerts production company presenting professional silent film programs with accompaniments ranging from solo piano or theatre organ to chamber ensembles and full symphony orchestras.
In recent years, James has performed silent film programs with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Orchestra Hall and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra at Meyerson Symphony Center and his international silent film presentations have been seen most recently in Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, England, Singapore, France, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, and Italy.
Special Olympics to be virtual
INDIANAPOLIS — Engaging athletes, volunteers, and supporters across the state who are unable to gather for in-person competition or events due to ongoing health and safety concerns, Special Olympics Indiana’s 2020 Summer Games Sports & Fitness Challenge will be held virtually from Friday to July 25.
The extended at-home challenge is presented as an alternative to the 2020 Indiana Summer Games, beginning with an online Flame of Hope Torch Run event and Opening Ceremonies on Friday. The Flame of Hope Torch Run premieres at 9 a.m. — with additional viewing options at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. — while Opening Ceremonies will begin at 7 p.m. Both events can be viewed free on the organization’s Facebook page or at soindiana.org.
Clify Falls park celebrates 100th birthday
MADISON — Clifty Falls State Park will commemorate its 100th birthday on June 27 with a variety of celebratory activities.
In 1920, Clifty Falls became Indiana’s third state park thanks to generous donations from area citizens. Learn about the history of the park with a presentation at 10 a.m. in the Overlook Room at Clifty Inn. At 11 a.m., past employees will tell stories of the park and answer questions from visitors.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Clifty Inn will serve a one-piece chicken dinner. Dessert will follow, as cake and ice cream will be served in the Overlook Room beginning at 1 p.m. There will be a charge for the dinner, but the cake and ice cream is free.
Musicians Wes and Donna Griffin will perform from 1 to 3 p.m. They play dulcimer, concertina, melodeon, ukulele and guitar.
Hay ride tours of the park will leave from Clifty Inn every hour from 1 to 4 p.m. The celebration will conclude with a centennial bike parade through the campground at 7 p.m.
Standard gate fees of $7 for in-state vehicles and $9 for out-of-state vehicles apply for all activities. See the park’s website for more information.
Clifty Falls State Park (on.IN.gov/CliftyFalls) is at 2221 Clifty Drive, Madison.
