Indy Cultural Tidbit: Mass Ave and Music

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming.
Continuing in a series to remind those within and outside the city of the interesting things the city of Indianapolis has to offer. Take that you "NYC is the best city in the world and nothin' beyond the river exists as far as I'm concerned" bee-yatch!

Massachusetts Avenue. Mass Ave in short form. The diagonal streets of downtown were originally meant to be jewels of life downtown. Only Mass Ave is coming close to returning to that original intent. The past decade have shown a slow revival there. Long time residents such as the Rathskeller (ummm..German food), the Chatterbox (umm..good jazz and drinks), the Murat (good shows of all kind), have survived long enough to see new restaurants, art galleries, theaters, and public art sprout up in the rebirth of the avenue. FYI: the public art is for sale so put in a bid if you happen to have the dough.

Mass Ave has evolved into a premier cultural district and is officially recognized as such. To me it has a more sophisticated feel than Broad Ripple due to the slightly older crowd and the fact that bars aren't placed next to each other. A night on the town on Mass Ave doesn't have to be a bar crawl and I like having that option.

This Saturday, August 21st the far northeastern end of Mass Ave is being closed off for Blues on the Avenue. Three good acts including Jennie DeVoe and Delbert McClinton will be there. Tickets can be purchased at all Marsh and O'Malia stores for $15 ($20 at the gate). All benefits go to the Methodist Hospital Volunteers. The weather report looks good for Saturday night. Anyone want to go?