Classical Music Indy

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
Support Us!
  • About
    • About CMI
    • Board & Staff
    • Our History
    • Employment
    • Internships
    • Contact
  • Syndication
    • Anytime Classical
    • Syndication Products
    • Hosts
    • Special Series
  • Resources
    • On-Air Play History
    • Peck Classical Music Library
    • A Basic Guide to Podcasts
    • COVID-19
  • Listen
    • CMI Streaming
    • Podcasts
    • CMI Video
  • Blog
  • Programs
    • All Programs
    • NOTE Magazine
  • Shop
  • Donate
  •  

Stevi Stoesz Kersh: My Music. My Story.

June 22, 2015

My Music. My Story. is one of Classical Music Indy’s new initiatives to feature music, musicians, and music lovers in a fun way. We spoke with Stevi Stoesz Kersh, Executive Director of the Indianapolis City Market, to learn how she interacts and thinks about music.

What is your favorite way to experience music?

I played trombone in my middle and high school bands, including orchestra. My grandfather, father, and I all played the same antique Selmer instrument. When I first voiced my desire to pick up an instrument as a kid I was adamant that I wanted to play the clarinet, but my Mom said, “This is what we have, so this is what you’ll play.” I was the only girl trombone player in the band. I ended up loving the family legacy behind it all. 

Stevi Stoesz KershI attended my first live concert in 1982 at Hulman Center in Terre Haute. The band Survivor opened the show and Loverboy headlined. Though I wasn’t into the genre of music (I was definitely into more alternative, college radio bands like REM, The Cure and Joy Division), I was completely hooked on the live music experience. The energy and vibe were amazing!

I later worked for Indianapolis Opera and would sneak into Clowes Hall during rehearsals just to hear the orchestra practicing. Amazing musicians, incredible acoustics and the regal costumes set the stage for majestic performances. It was all truly moving and inspiring. The live experience simply can’t be beat.

 

Name a song that reminds you of the place where you grew up?

Though I was into a different genre of music entirely, there are certain musical acts and songs that remind me of Linton, Indiana. Bob Seger and Hank Williams Junior seemed to be in constant rotation among my contemporaries. AC/DC, Def Leppard and Nazareth, especially the song Hair of the Dog, will always remind me of the city pool where I grew up as a member of the swim team, and later worked as a lifeguard.

 

What’s an unexpected place where you find music plays a key role to the atmosphere or situation?

Music can be a great unifier, as well as diffuser. I’ve seen a disgruntled mob of people become placid and placated when unified by music.

 

What restaurant or bar in your community creates the best mood with their choice of music, be it live or over the airwave?

The nostalgic jukebox rotation at Red Key Tavern makes it my perennial favorite with classics like Patsy Cline and Frank Sinatra, among many others. Flatwater offers a great atmosphere on the canal in Broad Ripple – especially with DJ Helicon is spinning the tunes. It’s as close to a “beach vibe” as I think we get in Indianapolis.

 

What is your favorite event that takes place in the community? 

I very much look forward to Tonic Ball every year. Local bands cover tunes of some of history’s great musical acts. The event grows every year and has a great art component to it, as well.

Filed Under: My Music. My Story. Tagged With: classical music indy, flatwater, indianapolis, indianapolis city market, indy music, my music my story, red key tavern, tonic ballRelated Programs: Engagement

Featured Podcast

Melanated Moments in Classical Music

Melanated Moments in Classical Music, the award-winning new podcast from Classical Music Indy, shines a spotlight on musical works composed by, for, and about Black people. Melanated Moments is hosted by international opera soprano Angela Brown and mus …

Read More

Streaming Classical

Did you know that Classical Music Indy has a free online streaming service?
Listen Now

Featured Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-EqxNxUEhg

From the Blog

New Classical – Halloween Playlist

October is here, and that means it’s spooky season! We take a break from our normal New Classical programming this week to bring you our Halloween playlist.

Read More

From Our Community

I LOVE hearing Beethoven at the Chatterbox at C-Rev!

– LeslieCommunity Member, at Classical Revolution at the Chatterbox

Contact Us

[email protected]
@clssclmusicindy
317-788-3291
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Email Sign-Up

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

@ClssclMusicIndy

Tweets by @clssclmusicindy

Support Classical Music Indy

We are always grateful for your support of our work on-air as well as our community programs, advocacy, and promotions. Our funding comes from program underwriters, foundations, state and city government, board members, and from individuals who value classical music as part of a diverse cultural landscape.

Donate Today

Privacy Policy

Classical Music Indy is grateful for generous support from:

Copyright © 2021 Classical Music Indy, All Rights Reserved · Site Design by Punkt Digital