10 Indianapolis-area performances and movie screenings to check out in early 2024
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Plenty of live music, plays and art are on the way to help us brave the coldest part of winter. Central Indiana venues will welcome Hoosier favorites like John Mellencamp as well as tours from comedian Bill Burr, brilliant interpretations from the Branford Marsalis Quartet, a work by a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, a symphonic rendition of the Beatles' music and more.
Here's a look at 10 big shows — including the February NBA All-Star Game weekend — that you won't want to miss.
'Say Anything' with John Cusack
Jan. 19 at Murat Theatre, 502 N. New Jersey St. Tickets start at $43.50. concerts.livenation.com
After a postponement, John Cusack will finally return to Indianapolis to present a screening of "Say Anything," the iconic film that vaulted him into '80s heartthrob status. Cusack will speak and answer questions as part of a tour featuring some of his films, including "High Fidelity" and "16 Candles."
Nearly 40 years after its release, an Indy audience can muse about Lloyd Dobler's accurate predictions, including kickboxing being the sport of the future.
'The Minutes'
Jan. 25-Feb. 11 at the Phoenix Theatre, 705 N. Illinois St. $15-$40. americanlivestheatre.org
American Lives Theatre will present this dark comedy, in which a small-town city council meeting hosts discussions about stolen bikes and a fountain, among what appears to be humorous minutiae. But they reveal observations about power and comfort in America.
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An Evening with Branford Marsalis
Jan. 26 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Carter Green in Carmel. $45. thecenterpresents.org
The saxophonist and Grammy Award winner will bring his beloved veteran quartet, which is known for its originality and interpretations. Look for the Indianapolis-based Northside Exchange to open.
'The Music of the Beatles: A Symphonic Experience'
Feb. 2-3 at Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle. $10-$126. indianapolissymphony.org
Vocalists will join the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra to perform Grammy-winner Jeff Tyzik’s new arrangements of the Fab Four's original master recordings at Abbey Road. Photos, video and animation will be part of the visual feast that accompanies the music.
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NBA All-Star Game Weekend
The NBA All-Star Game is Feb. 18
Keep your social calendar open on and around the weekend of Feb. 17. In addition to the game, all manner of concerts and art — like these 24 giant basketball sculptures adorned with Hoosier moments — will be coming down. We'll keep you updated as more details are announced.
Bill Burr
March 9 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. Tickets start at $49.50. gainbridgefieldhouse.com
Comedian, actor and podcaster Bill Burr will bring his comedy tour to Indianapolis. He is coming off several successful Netflix films, including "Old Dads" (which he also directed) and the Adam Sandler-led "Leo."
Charlie Parker's 'Yardbird'
March 16 at the Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave. $39-$92. indyopera.org/yardbird.html
In a moment between life and death, jazz icon Parker goes back to his New York jazz club to compose his last masterpiece. The women in his life — including his mother — tell the story along the way in the opera's Indiana premiere.
Avenged Sevenfold
March 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. Tickets start at $45. gainbridgefieldhouse.com
Heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold will open 2024's large rock show slate. The concert will be in support of the group's eighth album, "Life is but a Dream..."
John Mellencamp
March 22 at Emens Auditorium, 1800 W. Riverside Ave. in Muncie. Tickets appear to be sold out but are reselling for $108+. bsu.edu/web/emens/events
Beloved Hoosier singer-songwriter and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer John Mellencamp is swinging back through Indiana for one more show at Ball State. Mellencamp played more than a half-dozen shows across the state in 2023 as part of his national tour and a few one-off events, including the return of Farm Aid.
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Herbie Hancock
March 22 at Murat Theatre, 502 N. New Jersey St. Tickets start at $75.50. concerts.livenation.com
Jazz legend Herbie Hancock will perform in Indianapolis on the same night as Mellencamp's Muncie excursion. Options aplenty on a Friday night in March.
Looking for things to do? Our newsletter has the best concerts, art, shows and more — and the stories behind them
Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or d.bongiovanni@indystar.com. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @domenicareports.
Rory Appleton is the pop culture reporter at IndyStar. Contact him at 317-552-9044 and rappleton@indystar.com, or follow him on Twitter at @RoryEHAppleton.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis things to do: Concerts, movies and more kick off 2024
