Indy highlighting local artists throughout WNBA All-Star weekend

INDIANAPOLIS – The WNBA All-Star game is coming in hot!

There’s so much for fans to do this weekend, including watching some of the pop-up performances put on by the Indy Arts Council. 

From Georgia Street to Monument Circle, art fills the walls downtown, all thanks to the local art advocacy group.

“It means a lot to Indy Arts Council to be part of the WNBA all-star, to have this opportunity to pay artists to engage in this way and have a lasting impact on the city and such a large-scale event, it’s just incredible,” said Melissa Rowe, Director of Marketing and Communications for the group. 

If fans find themselves near the Conrad or the Starbucks on South Meridian, they may come across some free live music over the two-day basketball celebration.

Thirty-two musicians will be playing everything from pop, country and soul outside for folks to stop by and listen.

One singer, Jai Denise, hopes to wow WNBA visitors with all the artistic talent here in the city.

“A lot of people like to say that Indianapolis is the city that sleeps, Naptown, when really there’s a lot of talent here, so come out and see that the city is not asleep,” said Denise.

She will be performing some original songs from her upcoming album, focused on empowering young women. 

All the performers are being compensated for their work, both musicians and dancers.

“We have some live performers also playing during tap dance performances with the Indy Dance Council. It’s been a really cool collaboration,” said Kati Taylor, with Musical Family Tree.

The Indy Dance Council said over 100 dancers responded to their callout, wanting to showcase their talent.

They selected about 60 of the best from dozens of local companies.

With just a week to practice, Dance Kaleidoscope will be performing a piece called “Take a Gamble” by the circle.

“It’s exciting for me to have my choreography seen, but more than anything, it’s exciting for me that we’re bringing dance to people that might not always seek it out,” said Artistic Director Joshua Blake Carter. 

Throughout both Friday and Saturday, there are also dance lessons, dance battles and more for folks to join in on.