The Alpha Records Legacy: A look at the Ruarks’ impact on Indianapolis community and its appreciation of jazz 

Aug 27, 2025 | Community, Global, Music, Words | 0 comments

By Lili Jimenez Music has been important, not only for social change but for inspiration and creation. I had the great pleasure of knowing the Ruarks for a huge portion of my life. Nan and Jerry were two prominent individuals in the scene of music for a large portion...

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** BTS: Breaking Barriers Since the Debut

Aug 27, 2025 | Community, Global, Music, Words | 0 comments

By Saria Raine BTS, also known as 방탄소년단 in Korean or Bulletproof Boy Scouts, is a international phenomenon that originated in South Korea. With the group  formed in 2010 and debuting in 2013, the band consists of seven members who are known by stage name as RM, Jin,...

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** Cabaret: Immersion, Subversion, and Shock

Aug 27, 2025 | Community, Events, Global, Music, Words | 0 comments

By John M. Yelkich III When considering theatrical works as tools for social change many productions come to mind. Falsettos and Angels in America both illuminate the AIDS epidemic in 1980’s America. Hadestown and Newsies are two highly relevant class commentaries...

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** “You don’t gotta die, now let me tell you why”: Logic’s lasting impact on creating a space for mental health and wellness

Aug 27, 2025 | Community, Global, Music, Words | 0 comments

By Jason Barker 1-800-273-8255 is a song made by Logic to provide awareness of suicide prevention. The name of the song is the phone number for the American National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The song was released in April of 2017. The song was sung by 3 artists...

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** Chappell Roan’s Rhetorical Act of Queer Empowerment

Aug 26, 2025 | Community, Global, Music, Words | 0 comments

By Shaye  Ritchison Chappell Roan’s music is a powerful expression of queer identity and visibility, using bold lyrics, performances, and images to demand attention when it comes to challenging societal norms, and creating a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. Born...

The arrival of Mike Culver: Indy-based musician meeting the current political moment head-on

Aug 21, 2025 | Community, Events, Global, Music, Words | 0 comments

By Trevor Potts “A poem will not stop a bullet.  A novel can’t defuse a bomb,” once wrote author Salman Rushdie.  “But we are not helpless.  We can sing the truth, and name the liars.” On a recent Thursday night in Broadripple, Indiana, the audience in...