Entertainment

The AMP is in the old Indy Water Company service bay, now part of 16 TECH

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“The AMP is focused on uplifting everyone in the Indianapolis culinary/retail community by featuring a diverse array of concepts from emerging businesses to established concepts and an approachable leasing structure designed to allow entrepreneurs a place to start out and scale up.” Quoted from The AMP website

Food service in a shipping container

The Black Orchid Barbers

 

 

 

 

 

The AMP is located in the HQO center of the 16 TECH on Indiana Avenue on the near west side. Offering a very wide variety of food establishments, you’ll find just about any type of eats and drinks there. Each eatery or retail establishment is housed in its own colorful customized shipping container.

Multiple eateries

Ice Cream Nachos w/ waffle cone chips

 

 

 

 

 

A most exotic offering: Irish Sea Moss from Jamaica showcases diversity.

Even though it is located within the 16 TECH complex, AMP stands on its own as a local hotspot for diversity, events and culture in Indianapolis. Featuring food stalls, an open-air bar, communal seating and ample community gathering and event space, it can host events with up to 1100 persons.

This man loves his work

Fabulously delicious hand made treats

 

 

 

 

 

Deli goods galore, note shipping container

There are 20+ vendors scattered around the food service shipping containers. There is also varied seating, including outdoor seating area, and the inside open seating wine bar. Food types cover a wide range of offerings, including some exotic items. We had eaten before we went, but plan to return sometime for a full meal. The comfortable seating includes tables large enough to hold your meal and your laptop. Our son commented that the overall ambiance reminded him of a university environment.

Meal cooked at your table at Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse

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Sher and I recently had a trip to the Seattle area to visit family. one evening we all went to Everette to have dinner at the Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse. This Japanese cuisine that is cooked before diners on a large iron griddle. The chef is a talented cook and a lively entertainer as well.

Setting for dinner plus a beer, grill behind

House salad with ginger dressing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were five folks in our party, and we were joined by another couple at the same horseshoe shaped table. We started with a ginger topped salad and drinks. Sher had ordered a vegetarian meal with fried rice without egg. I ordered a chicken and steak meal. Our chef put on quite the show, keeping up a nearly constant discussion with us.

Preparing the veggies

Serving Sher’s veggie plate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We all thoroughly enjoyed our dinners. The portions were frankly huge, no body wasn’t filled! Our chef was both a dynamic and exciting entertainer and superb cook. He most definitely kept us enthralled by his dexterity and sometimes scary use of cooking tools. He also kept us smiling. He once flipped a slice of butter across the grill while declaring “BUTTER-FLY”!

 

 

Penn and Teller’s Las Vegas show at the Rio

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Las Vegas is known for casinos and for its star studded famous shows. When we planned our Vegas trip with our Seattle family we decided that the one show we wanted to take in was Penn and Teller’s magic show. Penn Jillette, the tall one, is the one who speaks, narrating the show. Teller, of short stature, rarely speaks, using mime and gestures to communicate.

Marquee for Rio Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas

Penn and Teller were celebrating their 50 years in the entertainment business in 2025. They are listed as the longest running headliners to play at the same hotel in Las Vegas history. They have their own theater in the Rio Hotel and Casino just off the strip.

Stage, Penn and Teller Theater

Before the show started (we arrived about 45 minutes before curtain) a piano and bass fiddle entertained. An emcee on stage was requesting patrons to come on stage and sign a large manila envelope for “a record of who is here tonight”.

In the theater lobby

The professional showmanship of Penn and Teller is obvious from the moment they enter the stage. It soon becomes easy to see why they have been successful performing for 50 years. Just about every trick performed involves at least one volunteer from the audience.

Before the show starts, audience sign in

One of the tricks involved distributing blown up balloons on a straw with a safety pin attached. Each balloon had one card inside from a full deck. On cue anyone with a balloon was told to pop it and retrieve the card within. Fifty cards popped within a couple of seconds.  Sher was given a balloon, so she can say she was part of a Vegas Show.

Sher’s show souvenir on our fridge

It was a fabulous show, definitely a highlight of our Los Vegas adventure.  The Rio does not have the best reputation, but the Penn and Teller Theater is a first class venue.  We would recommend this show as one to attend when in Vegas.

Edmonds Washington Salish Sea Brewery and Taproom

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After our ferry ride from Kingston to Edmonds, Washington we wanted to grab a bite to eat. After a short ride around the streets of the coast town, we spotted a busy and interesting establishment, The Salish Sea Brewery & Taproom.

We were very pleased with the ambiance of this pub. The service was quick and responsive. The menu was filled with selections that would satisfy any craving. We all enjoyed our meals, and it is easy for us to recommend this establishment for dining and drinking in Edmonds.

House Specialty “Driftwood Bread Sticks”

Fish and Chips

Soup and sandwich

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edmonds is about 15 miles north of Seattle with a waterfront that faces west across Puget Sound to the Olympic Mountains. Whether you arrive by ferry or by car, this Seattle suburb is worth a visit.

Washington State Ferry between Kingston and Edmonds

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The Washington State Ferry System operates across the Puget Sound and the Salish Sea using 20 different terminals. These terminals are ports for the largest ferry system in the United States. Some of the ferries take vehicles, some are for foot travel only.

Waiting in line to get to the terminal

Ferry is approaching the dock, back left

 

 

 

 

 

 

During our recent road trip with family we traveled extensively on the Olympia Peninsula in the western part of the state.  We reached the port of Kingston and prepared to take one of the vehicle ferries on a 30 minute trip across Puget Sound to the port of Edmonds.

We were the first car to board the ferry

Lots of seating in the passenger lounge on the upper deck

 

 

 

 

 

We had a two hour wait to board the ferry at Kingston. It seemed like the wait on the road was not long, and we were actually first in line to board as we wanted easy elevator access to the passenger lounge.

This is the second ferry that runs the Kingston/Edmonds route

Downtown Seattle, 27 miles off, Space Needle far right

 

 

 

 

 

 

The rather short voyage was interesting. The scenery was something to see, not what landlocked Hoosiers are used to, that’s for sure. The Seattle skyline on the horizon was impressive, with the well recognized outline of the Space Needle visible 27 miles from our vantage point in the middle of Puget Sound.

Forks, Washington, home of Twilight saga books and movies

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The Twilight series of books followed by 5 movies captured the attention of a multitude of fans. Twilight tells the romance/adventure/scifi story of  a family of vampires, wanting to protect teenager Bella from a rival group of vampires. Oh, least I forget, there is also a tribe of Native Americans who happen to be shape shifter wolves who start out as sworn enemies of vampires.

Taking our typical tourist scene.

The Twilight books and movies were set in Forks, Washington, a small historic lumber town that claims to be the rainiest town in the contiguous United States. Even though most of the filming was done elsewhere, the town has grabbed onto the popularity and welcomes tourists.

Bell’s ’53 Chevy as described in the books

Bella’s ’63 Chevy featured in the movies

 

 

 

 

 

Interesting that described in the books, Bella drove a 1953 Chevrolet pickup truck. In the movies, she drove a 1963 Chevrolet truck. The movie’s original ’63 Chevy and a red ’53 Chevy are parked outside the Forks Chamber of Commerce.

Forks Chamber of Commerce

Forks has a long history in lumber business

 

 

 

 

 

Photos from the Movies: Left to Right, Jacob Black, (Shapeshifter wolf), Bella ( in love with Edward), Edward Cullen (vampire)

Forks is a small historic town on the Olympia Peninsula on Washington’s west Pacific coast. Since the debut of the intriguing vampire, shapeshifter wolves teen romance series of 6 books and 5 associated movies, this little town has become a mecca for Twilight fans world wide.

 

 

Guy Johnson entertained us at the Oxford Saloon in Snohomish

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When Sher and I visit our family in the Seattle area, we always plan at least one trip to the Oxford Saloon in Snohomish. The Oxford (built in 1889) has quite the history, It was a brothel, a speakeasy and is documented as being haunted. Great food and good music highlight many enjoyable times we have had at the Oxford.

Guy on the Oxford stage

Roaming the crowd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The evening we went the food as usual was delicious. (See our recent write up here.) Who was playing that evening became clear when Guy Johnson came in with his guitar, gear and a colorful coat. Guy is  a  singer, songwriter and performer from nearby Lynwood. He treated Sher and I with our genre of music: 60’s and 70’s!

Sher and I made our own dance floor!

We had the opportunity to chat with guy between sets. He shared with us some of his history, including details about his band. He was most generous with his time speaking to us. Guy is a very talented musician and he makes that guitar sing. We had a delightful time at the Oxford with not only our family but sharing stories and music with Guy Johnson.

You can find Guy Johnson on his Facebook here.

Vegas Fun – 2025

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We had a blast in Las Vegas! It was the first time either of us had been there.

We stayed at New York New York

We had a nice room, very clean and nicely decorated. A nice view from the window. We could see some of the roof top roller coaster. Lots of people were riding it and seemed to be having fun. Too scary for me and Maj.

Looking out the window.

We played some of the slot machines. We would win then lose. Had fun, but no big jackpot wins.

Frankenstein slot machine
Delicious food
The Hershey Shop

So many flavors of M&M’s. We didn’t buy candy because we couldn’t decide what we wanted. I did get a Reeces peanut butter milkshake, which was so good. It even had a real peanut butter cup in it. Maj and I got a baseball cap there.

Sites as we’re walking around.

I said walking around but really it was scootering around. Both of us have trouble walking long distances so we rented scooters. It was very easy getting around with them.

One of the highlights was seeing a Penn & Teller show. They are fantastic.

We had a fantastic time, our trip was full of laughs. And, the people were all so helpful and friendly.

Good eats in Madison Indiana at the Off Broadway Taproom

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We looked this place up the day before we went on our day trip to Madison. We had several places on our list, including a place to eat. We found the Off Broadway Taproom downtown on Main Street not far from the Courthouse.

You have to look for the sign above the entrance foyer

The entrance door in the set back foyer

The menu listed on the website promised quite a large and varied list of culinary delights. Sher ordered and enjoyed the vegetarian Avocado Caprese:  Mozzarella, Avacado, Tomato, Basal oil, and Balsamic Glaze on a Ciabatta Bun

Sher’s Avocado Caprese

Maj’s Philly Cheesesteak

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maj loved the Philly Cheesesteak with Shaved Ribeye, Sautéed Peppers and Onions, Provolone, Horsey Sauce and a Hoagie Bun.  We also ordered Soft Pretzels with House Beer Cheese and Sweet and Spicy Mustard. Both sandwiches came with fresh made potato chips.

Plenty of brews on tap

We enjoyed having lunch at the Off Broadway Taproom. The atmosphere is friendly, the service was excellent and the food was great. We both agreed that this is a pub to return too. We definitely recommend the self labeled “Madison’s Living Room”. That tag fits.

Church Basement Ladies bring smiles and laughter to Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

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You probably know a lady who is a Church Basement Lady. You know, one of those unselfish women who give their time to help prepare meals and other chores for a variety of occasions at their church. Indy’s Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre has brought back the iconic musical comedy to share the exploits of four ladies and their Lutheran Pastor back in 1964.

The Church Basement Ladies sing that they’ve got their aprons on, they’re ready to go.

Back from the original production at Beef & Boards are Licia Watson as the matriarch Vivian Snustad, and Karen Pappas as the unforgettable Mavis Gilmerson. Joining them in the church basement kitchen are Carrie Neal as Karin Engelson, and Anya Burke as Karin’s daughter, Signe. John Vessels joins these ladies in the role of Pastor E.L. Gunderson.

The Church Basement Ladies and Pastor Gunderson are ready to hop of to the Hawaiian Easter Holiday Furnace Fundraiser

The cast is small but the story is filled with the hilarious discussions and antics of these ladies and their pastor. Church humor, references to church events (weddings, funerals, fundraising etc) and wonderful songs fill the stage. This comedy will have you rolling in the aisles. I have never laughed so hard.

“Who made that?” Vivian Snustad (Licia Watson) asks in disgust about the vegetarian lasagna brought for a funeral at the church

Church Basement Ladies is rated G and is on stage for through May 18 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets include Chef Larry Stoops’ dinner buffet and select beverages. Children under age 3 are not admitted. They are available online at Beef & Boards or by contacting the box office at 317.872.9664. Some showings are nearly sold out, order soon.