INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — One of Indianapolis’ most unique fundraisers is clawing its way back this summer.
Lobster Palooza, hosted by the Indianapolis Opera, is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a mix of fresh Maine lobster, live music, and high-energy entertainment, all while supporting music education across the state.
“It’s that time for what we consider one of the craziest fundraisers in Indianapolis, and this is the 15th anniversary of it,” said David Craig Starkey, General Director of the Indianapolis Opera. “It all started, as we have a little original picture here, with our celebrity host of Larry Bird.”
Yes, that Larry Bird.
“Who would’ve thought that Larry Bird, opera, July, and lobster was all going to mix? Well, that’s Lobster Palooza,” Starkey said. “And 15 years later, it is an annual tradition in the Rudy and Kessler neighborhood.”
The event takes place at the Basile Opera Center and welcomes more than 200 guests each year.
“We welcome over 200 people with us each year to help fundraise for music education, not only in central Indiana, but throughout the entire state,” Starkey said.
And the food? It’s flown in fresh from Maine.
“You get to have an authentically rich and fresh lobster boil that we fly in the day before from Maine. We’ve got a tremendous catering team that puts this amazing meal together. It’s the only place in town you can really get this,” Starkey said.
But it’s not just about dinner. The evening also includes a variety of performances in what’s being called the Opera Jukebox.
“Angela Brown is with us, and Angela… and all kinds of different singers are going to be part of this year’s, what we’re going to call, the Opera Jukebox,” Starkey said. “So come and find out. Be with us. Join us. Celebrate with us. And it’s the middle of July, so what else are you going to do instead of, you know, find something crazy and fun to do?”
A limited number of seats are still available.
“So we have a few seats left. Please reach out to us on IndyOpera.org, or our phone number is 317-283-3531. But find a way to come and join us. Bring your friends,” Starkey said.
And if tickets sell out? The celebration continues throughout the year.
“If we sell out, then we’ve got great events throughout the season. This is sort of the start of the 51st season. So there’s a historic relevancy of, what do you do after 50? You keep going. So it starts out with Lobster Palooza,” Starkey said.
He also praised the station for helping shine a light on the event’s impact.
“We love having WISH-TV as a partner, supporter, and encourager of all the fine music education fundraisers that are in our area,” Starkey said.
Lobster Palooza takes place Saturday, July 26 at the Basile Opera Center. The event starts at 6 p.m. and includes live music, dancing, an open bar, and a full lobster boil. Tickets are $200, with proceeds supporting music education programs across Indiana.
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