Cultural Events in Hammond and Munster

The Beatniks on Conkey venue has been a community hub since January 2008. Founded by Rip Johnson and his wife, Bonnie, it aims to provide a supportive environment for emerging and experimental artists. Hammond Community Theatre is a key participant, and this month features the play “The Ghost in the Meadow” by Joe Simonelli. Directed by Phil Myers, this production has showtimes on Friday, Oct. 16, and Saturday, Oct. 17, at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. The venue is located at 420 Conkey Street in Hammond.

“The Ghost in the Meadow” is a classic ghost tale about two sisters moving from Manhattan to an old farmhouse in New York, discovering it’s haunted. The arrival of a former boyfriend complicates matters, leading them to seek help from a psychic. This story draws inspiration from “The Legend of the Blue Boy.” Tickets are available at the door for $20 in cash, or through advance purchase at Hammond Community Theatre or Cur8. Call 219-852-0848 for reservations as seating is limited.

Another notable event is the concert by Radio Recall on Oct. 27, set to take place at Munster High School Auditorium. This pop and rock vocal duo includes Broadway stars Aaron LaVigne and Jenna Rubaii. The concert revisits major radio hits spanning several decades, featuring songs like Queen’s “Somebody to Love” and 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up.” Tickets are priced at $30 and can be purchased at the venue or online at Lakeshore Concerts.

Additionally, on Oct. 25, the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster will host “Blacklisted: A Multimedia Musical Telling of Hollywood Stars Blacklisted in the 1950s.” Directed by Carla Gordon, this performance includes music and narratives about personalities like Judy Holliday and Leonard Bernstein. Tickets are $35 each, available through Theatre at the Center or by calling 219-836-3255.

The Holdcraft Players will present “An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe” at the Holdcraft Performing Arts Center from Oct. 16-25. This show presents six of Poe’s compelling stories under the direction of Maegan Jackson and Arturo Pozos. Performances occur from 7 p.m. on select evenings and 2 p.m. matinees, with tickets priced at $15 for adults and $10 for students. Details are accessible at YPTC Inc.

For more information on these events, reach out to journalist Philip Potempa at [email protected].