Most cities would love to have just one of these hot spots. We have an amazing jazz history, and Indy is home to two jazz clubs that are considered by numerous lists to be among the top 100 venues not just in the country but in the world. What I’ll miss the most: I can’t count the number of times I’ve told friends from out of town that the best thing in Indy is its jazz scene. As I prepared to leave Indianapolis this summer to move to Pennsylvania, I was many times asked the question that my 'Art of the Matter' co-host, Sharon Gamble, and I ask each week, “What’ll we do?” The bookstore I founded, Indy Reads Books, has hosted almost 1,000 arts and cultural events and launched “Indy Writes Books.” I’ve worked on many committees, including the Broad Ripple Art Fair, and currently serve as the board president for the IMA’s Contemporary Art Society and the vice president for the Indianapolis School of Ballet. I performed with the American Cabaret Theatre, the Indianapolis School of Ballet, IndyFringe and other organizations (including five seasons as Rowdie for the Indianapolis Indians).

I worked for Arts for Learning for nine years and hosted/produced the 'Art of the Matter' on WFYI public radio for 16 years. I have been a participant, a reporter, a consumer.

(Not that he would have, anyway.) Here, he shares Indy's best arts secret, news of a cool event, insight into emerging talent - and ideas for what could make the local scene even better.įor the past 20 years, I have been fortunate to be part of the Indianapolis arts and cultural scene. When he announced earlier this summer that he was leaving Indianapolis, we refused to let him go quietly. Editor's note: Travis DiNicola has been one of the most influential leaders (and visible characters) in the local arts scene for two decades.

Indy Writes Books by M. Travis DiNicola