PLAINFIELD, IN – February 6, 2024 – Hendricks Live! is continuing to roll out plans, preview concerts, and community events for the brand-new performing arts center that is set to start hosting performances this March. Today, the venue announced plans for its grand opening gala on Thursday, May 2nd that will feature a special guest appearance by the legendary Judy Collins, who won "Song of the Year” at the 1975 Grammy Awards. Collins has garnered several top-ten hits and gold- and platinum-selling albums.

The Hendricks Live! Opening Night Celebration marks the official “opening night” of Hendricks Live!, the newly constructed 600-seat theatre located at the Plainfield Civic Center. The gala fundraiser will showcase their local community arts partners, including the Hendricks Civic Theatre, the Hendricks Symphony, and The Children’s Ballet, and additional acts will feature professional artists from the Indy Metro area, such as Dance Kaleidoscope, Tad Robinson Blues Band, and Comedian Dave Dugan.  Finally, the evening will conclude with a special performance by legendary singer-songwriter, Judy Collins.

“We are moving closer and closer to the finish line each week, and this event celebrates the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and commitment to bring the vision of Hendricks Live! to life,” shared Chris Petrelli, Executive Director of Hendricks Live!. “The Opening Night Celebration is the perfect opportunity for the community to experience a sampling of the different types of shows and events we will host in the near future, and we are thrilled to welcome an artist of Judy Collins’ stature to Hendricks County.”

Judy Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism. In the 1960s, she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later, her luminescent presence shines brightly as new generations bask in the glow of her iconic 50-album body of work, and heed inspiration from her spiritual discipline to thrive in the music industry for half a century. The award-winning singer-songwriter is esteemed for her imaginative interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk standards and her own poetically poignant original compositions. Judy’s dreamy and sweetly intimate version of “Send in the Clowns,” a ballad written by Stephen Sondheim for the Broadway musical A Little Night Music, won "Song of the Year” at the 1975 Grammy Awards. She’s garnered several top-ten hits gold- and platinum-selling albums. Recently, contemporary and classic artists such as Rufus Wainwright, Shawn Colvin, Dolly Parton, Joan Baez, and Leonard Cohen honored her legacy with the album Born to the Breed: A Tribute to Judy Collins. Judy Collins, now 84, is as creatively vigorous as ever, writing, touring worldwide, and nurturing fresh talent. She is a modern day Renaissance woman who is also an accomplished painter, filmmaker, record label head, musical mentor, and an in-demand keynote speaker for mental health and suicide prevention. She continues to create music of hope and healing that lights up the world and speaks to the heart.

“We are excited to celebrate the best of Hendricks County while bringing the best to Hendricks County, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to become the home for arts and entertainment in west central Indiana,” shared EveMarie Bessenbach, Director of Development and Communications. “As a brand-new nonprofit organization, the support of our donors, patrons, and community is vital in ensuring that Hendricks Live! will be able to continue creating memorable experiences.”

Located in the heart of one of the fastest growing communities in the region, Hendricks Live! features a world-class proscenium theatre, a multipurpose event space, and a visual art showcase. It will be the premier art and entertainment venue in west central Indiana with year-round exhibits and performances for all ages and interests. The 600 capacity seated venue is located at 200 W. Main Street in historic downtown Plainfield.

Hendricks Live! is grateful for the generous support of The Hagerman Group as the title sponsor for the Hendricks Live! Grand Opening, which includes upcoming open houses, preview concerts, and the Opening Night Celebration on May 2, 2024.

TICKETS: Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 9 at 9 am, and they will be available at hendrickslive.org/events. For questions about purchasing tickets, please email info@hendrickslive.org. 

Visit Hendricks Live! on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HendricksLiveInc 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hendricksliveinc/ 

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hendricksliveinc/

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About Hendricks Live!

Located in the heart of one of the fastest growing communities in the region, Hendricks Live! is Hendricks County’s new home for arts and entertainment. Featuring a 600-seat proscenium theatre and a 160-seat event space, Hendricks Live! will be the premier destination in west central Indiana for local, regional, and national art and entertainment. We will present year-round performances, events, and exhibits in a variety of creative styles and disciplines by local, regional, and national artists and organizations. Follow us on Facebook @HendricksLive, Instagram and YouTube @HendricksLive, or visit HendricksLive.org.

About The Hagerman Group

The Hagerman Group, a 116-year-old privately-held construction company with offices in Fishers and Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Louisville, Kentucky, prides itself on reputation, integrity, and its emphasis on people — our clients, users of the spaces we construct, and our employees. Our focus is on creating spaces where people work, learn, play, and conduct life’s everyday activities. For more information, please visit www.thehagermangroup.com.

Media Contacts:

Hendricks Live!: EveMarie Bessenbach, Director of Development and Communications - evemarie.bessenbach@hendrickslive.org