2026 Entertainment Biographies

Carmel High School Choirs have been a cornerstone of music education and community life for more than 50 years, offering students diverse choral ensembles, performance opportunities, and musical development. With a legacy of excellence and class, the program fosters musical skill, camaraderie, artistic growth, teamwork, and leadership. Today, Carmel’s choir program includes ten distinct ensembles, ranging from traditional high school choirs to specialized groups that allow students to explore different musical styles and skill levels. Through performances at school, community, and special events, Carmel Choirs continue to build school pride and connect with the broader community. The program blends artistic excellence, education, and community spirit.

Tim Brickley and the Bleeding Hearts are a legendary, long-running Indianapolis rock & roll band led by singer/songwriter/producer Tim Brickley, whom The Indianapolis Star calls a “local legend.” The band has been described as a modern descendant of Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty, blending original songs with an eclectic repertoire spanning the history of rock. Their live shows are famously unpredictable, moving from acoustic and introspective to loud, punky and jam-oriented, depending on the night.

Brickley has led the Bleeding Hearts since 1989 and is also the owner of Hit City Recording, a fixture of the Indy/indie rock scene. He is an Emmy-winning television composer and has collaborated on more than 100 theater productions. The Bleeding Hearts feature Scott Hall, Mark Kocher, Jonathan Stombaugh and Brian Parsley.

Kanaka Jams is a Hawaiian music band comprised of members from Hawaii and some “Hawaiians at Heart”. Mike “Naka” Nakabayashi, guitar/vocals, is from Nanakuli, Hawaii. John Viernes, ukulele/vocals, is from Honolulu, Hawaii. Wendell Asato, vocals, is from Kahalu’u, Hawaii. Brad jones, keyboard/ukulele, is originally from Simi Valley, California. Christian Starnes, bass, is originally from Chesterfield, Virginia. Kristen Asato, on vocals and hula dancing, is from Indianapolis. All band members reside in the Indianapolis area.
 
The band started over 10 years ago when a few members, including the late Eddie Hauanio, would get together to play Hawaiian music. None of them knew each other in Hawaii but found each other in Indianapolis. It originally was just social time since they knew the same songs. They were asked to play dinner music for Indy Hula’s annual luau and an occasional birthday party. Later, the band began to play at local restaurants and corporate events.

HP+ is Indianapolis’s newest jazz super-group, led by visionary bandleaders Hughey and Platz. This powerhouse quintet brings together some of the finest talent the Midwest has to offer, channeling the spirit of politically charged and boundary-pushing jazz. Their sound draws from the fiery legacies of Charles Mingus and Ornette Coleman, while embracing the modern urgency of artists like Brian Blade & the Fellowship Band.

Unapologetic in their writing and themes, HP+ crafts music that is as thought-provoking as it is electrifying. Pieces like Peace, Now! juxtapose playful melodies in 5/8 with sharp, jarring interjections, while Pilgrim Bell drives forward with a groove that is equal parts hopeful and relentless. Long Road Home navigates the experiences and feelings found while searching for the “right” path forward on any journey. With passion, energy, and a clear sense of purpose, HP+3 creates music that challenges, uplifts, and leaves audiences deeply moved.

Collaboration for the group began in the winter of 2024 but bandleaders Hughey and Platz met in 2020 at a local jam session called “The Shed”. Quickly they recognized like minds and shared the stage often. Over time, they intentionally assembled the group you see today.

The TOUCH OF GRASS has been performing together for 25 years and shows no sign of slowing down! The blend of instruments and four (sometimes 5 voices and instruments) are the reason that audiences keep coming back and requesting this time-tested musical attraction for their private events. Comedy, close vocal harmonies, and a passion to entertain audiences young and old ……keep the TOUCH OF GRASS performing upwards of 100 performances a year. “We have as much fun as the audiences have” PLUS  we get to do what we enjoy….making music and entertaining audiences locally, regionally, and occasionally nationally.  We thank YOU our supporters …for continuing to support the TOUCH OF GRASS!

Ten Branches music was developed by Phil Stockton to inspire others and create a culture of positivity and action. God gave us all 10 branches to reach out, touch, and help others cultivate their dreams. We hope our music motivates and ignites your own passions. Together, we can make a difference.

The Hippie Dream is a Woodstock-themed band that has expanded into a full classic rock variety act.  It is a six-piece group including lead and rhythm guitars, bass, drums, keyboards and saxophone with male and female lead singers and three-part harmonies.  The highlight is the lead vocal prowess of Michelle Thompson.  Think Janis Joplin, Grace Slick, Linda Ronstadt, Heart, Fleetwood Mac, The Pretenders, etc

Island Mixtape brings a fresh, tropical twist to familiar favorites, creating a unique musical experience with steel pan, congas, and an eclectic mix of instruments. Their repertoire takes popular songs audiences know and love and transforms them with the distinctive sounds and rhythms of the islands. The result is a fun, upbeat performance that invites audiences to relax, enjoy the music, and experience something a little different. Island Mixtape has become a favorite addition to the Central Indiana live music scene, bringing an infectious island vibe wherever they perform. Their creative arrangements and colorful instrumentation make them a natural fit for the Carmel International Arts Festival and its celebration of diverse artistic and cultural experiences.

Tim Wright is a longtime Carmel musician, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist best known for his years with the legendary Wright Brothers Band. His versatile musical style encompasses country, pop, folk rock and bluegrass, with a repertoire that includes familiar favorites, eclectic selections and original songs. Tim’s remarkable musicianship spans acoustic and electric guitar, banjo, dobro and pedal steel, complemented by a distinctive voice that moves comfortably across musical styles.

A veteran of the Indiana music scene, Tim continues to perform as a solo artist and with a variety of groups, including Barometer Soup and Steel Petals. His performances combine accomplished musicianship with a relaxed, engaging style that makes him a natural fit for audiences of all ages.

On the Record, based in Central Indiana, is off and running this season, ready to make your private, civic or corporate event a “record” good time! 

From private parties to weddings, and from high-end, business-oriented gatherings to less-formal street festivals, we see to it that you and the audience are treated to an event to remember for the right reasons.
With veteran musicians and vocalists, On the Record covers a multitude of genres from the 1960s to today, encompassing rock ’n’ roll, rhythm and blues, soul, funk, country, beach and Cajun, among others. It all adds up to a neatly packaged, high-energy, feel-good vibe.

We tailor our performances to suit the occasion, and we bring you a good time with minimal improvisation. Ours is strictly an On the Record show, delivered the way it was the first time you heard it “on the record.”

The Phone Club is a six-piece pop/rock cover band playing a grab bag of fun, surprising, and sometimes confusing selection of songs from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, ’00s, ’10s and ’20s.

The band’s been playing together since 2011 (where does the time go) playing local festivals like CarmelFest, Westfield Rocks the 4th, and the Carmel International Arts Festival in addition to breweries, restaurants, private parties, charity events, and even the occasional company picnic or family reunion.

Phone Club has played at the Palladium, Lucas Oil Stadium, Phoenix Theater, by lakes, on golf courses, in garages, at art galleries, in cow pastures, around campfires, and just about anywhere else you can think of. Their goal is to put on fun shows that have a little something for everyone.

John Alvarado holds a Bachelor of Music in Performance from DePaul University and a Master of Music in Classical Guitar from Arizona State University, where he studied with renowned guitarist and instructor Frank Koonce. He has also studied flamenco guitar with Diego Alonso Aste, Chris Burton Jácome, and Manuel Berraquero at the Taller Flamenco school in Seville, Spain.

A regular performer throughout Indianapolis, John has appeared at venues including the Indiana History Center, Indianapolis Art Center, Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis Artsgarden, IUPUI, and Butler University. He is a founding member and current president of Indianapolis Classical Guitar and received Indiana University’s prestigious Innovative Artist Award in 2008 and a Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship from the Arts Council of Indianapolis in 2013.

John is also an accomplished educator and currently serves as a Teaching Professor at Indiana University Indianapolis.

Indiana Ballet Conservatory (IBC), founded in 2010 by Artistic Director Alyona Yakovleva, is a pre-professional ballet school dedicated to exceptional classical ballet training and preparing the next generation of dancers for the world stage. IBC students consistently earn top placements in national and international competitions, with many pursuing professional careers in dance around the world. Training is rooted in the Vaganova method and combines classical ballet with modern and contemporary dance. IBC presents major productions throughout the year and makes ballet accessible to the broader community through outreach performances at festivals, libraries, hospitals, and other venues. With a commitment to honoring tradition and inspiring innovation, IBC maintains a vibrant presence in Central Indiana’s arts community.

Laughing Jack brings the spirited sounds of Ireland, Scotland, and American roots music to life with driving Celtic tunes, traditional songs, sea shanties, and rousing pub singalongs. Based in Indianapolis, the four-member ensemble features Garry Farren on vocals and bodhrán, Liz Bohall on fiddle and vocals, Dmitri Alano on Irish flute, whistles, Highland pipes and accordion, and Mario Joven on guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo and vocals. Formed by musicians with deep roots in traditional folk music, Laughing Jack creates performances that are energetic, engaging, and often invite the audience to join in. Their diverse musical backgrounds and authentic appreciation for Celtic traditions make every performance a lively celebration of music, storytelling, and community.

Jeremiah Cosner is an Indianapolis singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose music blends vintage blues, modern rock, Americana, folk and roots rock. Drawing inspiration from his Midwest roots and his grandfather’s love of poetry, Jeremiah brings an energetic, soulful approach to his original music. His songs have been featured on television and film, and his music has been praised for its catchy hooks and rock-and-roll spirit. His recordings include the Hold Steady EP and the singles “Home,” “Get There When I Can,” “Fly Fishing,” and “Head in the Clouds.” Jeremiah performs vocals, guitar and harmonica and has appeared at festivals, theaters and venues throughout the region.

Gene Markiewicz is one of Indianapolis’s most established jazz drummers, having performed and recorded with many of the area’s finest musicians and ensembles, including the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Buselli/Wallarab Jazz Orchestra, Jim Edison, Al Cobine, Bill Lancton, Becky Archibald, Steve Robinette and Mark Radway. He co-led the award-winning Carter/Markiewicz Jazz Quartet with the late jazz legend Chuck Carter and the Farrelly/Markiewicz Jazz Quartet. Gene currently leads the Gene Markiewicz Band, performs with the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra, and is part of a trio with pianist Gary Walters and bassist Peter Hansen. He was inducted into the Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame in 2011. A dedicated jazz educator and clinician, Gene has judged and taught at jazz festivals and competitions throughout Indiana. He has been a Ludwig Drum Company Artist/Clinician since 1999 and is also an artist for Sabian Cymbals and Innovative Percussion.

Eliott Ferguson is a Fishers-based singer-songwriter and acoustic musician whose music blends folk and blues with a unique, genre-bending style. Known for his smooth tenor voice, fingerpicking guitar work and dry sense of humor, Eliott brings a relaxed and engaging presence to his performances. His repertoire combines original songs with distinctive interpretations of covers spanning generations of music. Over more than two decades of performing, Eliott has shared stages with artists including Grammy Award winner Jeff Coffin and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Iris DeMent. Whether performing solo or with his acoustic duo, Eliott brings a laid-back, personal approach to folk and blues that connects with audiences.

Central Indiana Dance Ensemble (CIDE) was founded in 1999 and is dedicated to providing cultural and educational enrichment to the Central Indiana community. CIDE offers aspiring young dancers the opportunity to learn, practice and perform in a pre-professional environment alongside professional dancers and teachers.

The company presents a diverse range of classical and contemporary dance, including its annual full-length production of The Nutcracker, repertory performances and spring storybook ballets. CIDE dancers have performed works by nationally recognized choreographers and have gone on to pursue opportunities with professional ballet companies and leading dance schools across the country.

Through performances and community outreach, CIDE works to broaden appreciation for dance and make the arts accessible throughout Central Indiana. The company is committed to its guiding philosophy: Educating. Inspiring. Performing.

Kenny Phelps is an Indianapolis jazz drummer, educator, and record-label executive who was inducted into the Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame in 2015. Aself-taught percussionist, Phelps began his musical journey playing in church and touring with gospel groups before developing his jazz career in the 1990s with mentorship from bassist Frank Smith and pianist Steve Allee.

Throughout his career, Phelps has performed with internationally recognized artists including Wynton Marsalis, Eartha Kitt, Michael Brecker, Slide Hampton, Wycliffe Gordon, Chuchito Valdes and the New York Voices. He has also worked with numerous Indianapolis and Midwest musicians.

In 2011, Phelps purchased Owl Music Group and became its CEO, transforming it into a humanitarian arts organization focused on community outreach and music education. Since 2016, he has served as an adjunct jazz percussion instructor at Butler University, continuing his commitment to mentoring the next generation of musicians.

Cole Woodruff is an Indianapolis based singer, songwriter, and professional musician. As a solo artist, Cole offers an eclectic cover selection of alternative, pop, rock, country, and more, driven by rhythmic acoustic guitar and dynamic vocals. With 20+ years of experience, Cole has worked and supported venues across central Indiana for most of his life, including performing at residential care centers, charity events, arts festivals, and farmer’s markets.

Sarah Hund is a versatile Indianapolis-area performer, musician and educator whose career spans musical theatre, live music and music education. A vocalist and accomplished violinist/fiddler, she has performed in numerous regional theatre productions, including Ring of Fire, Into the Woods, Les Misérables and Singin’ in the Rain.
Sarah is also a co-founder and member of The Blue Eyed Bettys, a harmony-driven folk, bluegrass and Americana group formed with fellow theatre performers Ben Mackel and Daniel Emond. The trio has toured throughout the United States, performing their original music and distinctive arrangements with three-part vocal harmony.
Sarah combines her theatrical experience, musicianship and engaging performance style in a wide variety of musical settings. She also remains active as a music educator in the Central Indiana community.