Rainer,

There will be many Chicago recommendations (that city’s Jazz Record Mart is legendary, to start). So let me offer up Indianapolis.

Let me also recommend you seek out Rich Hynes in Indianapolis (he formerly ran Underground Record Shop in the city’s Broad Ripple neighborhood). You can find him on Facebook, I believe. I know he has 78s for sale and is knowledgable about both Gennett Records and the Indiana Avenue blues/jazz scene in Indianapolis (Leroy Carr/Scrapper Blackwell, Montana Taylor, Bill Gaither, Herve Duerson, and long residencies from Champion Jack Dupree and others. Later, Wes Montgomery got his start there and the street was crucial on the Chitlin’ Circuit). “Urban renewal” and gentrification has largely ended the Indiana Avenue scene. For live jazz, go to the Chatterbox (Massachusetts Avenue) or the Jazz Kitchen (South Broad Ripple).

Though they I don’t think these have many 78s, I would recommend Irvington Vinyl (Irvington), Joyful Noise Records (Fountain Square), Luna Records (South Broad Ripple), and Indy CD & Vinyl (Broad Ripple).

As for restaurants…the Indianapolis' once moribund food scene is long gone.

Bon Appetit recently called Indianapolis’ Milktooth (a brunch place) one America’s ten best new restaurants:
http://www.bonappetit.com/restaurants-travel/best-new-restaurants/article/milktooth-no-10

You’d do well in any number of restaurants and bars in the neighborhoods along Massachusetts Avenue (northeast downtown), or the neighborhoods along Virginia Avenue (southeast downtown). For a general city food guide, I’d go with this: http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dining/

Finally, on the city’s west side, an old commercial strip called Lafayette Road has become a center for the food from around the world. My friends highly recommend Szechuan Garden, but there are many other options (Salvadoran, Vietnamese, Mexican, Egyptian, Ethiopian, etc.) The New York Times can put you in touch with them. The New York Times did a piece a while back: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/23/dining/23united.html

Safe travels. I hope to see you in Bloomington, which has its own wonderful food (I recommend Tibetan food while there, among other options). Landlocked Music in Bloomington is also a good choice for records (again, few CDs).

Best,
Kyle


Kyle S. Barnett
Associate Professor, Media Studies
School of Communication
Bellarmine University
2001 Newburg Road
Louisville, KY 40205
(502) 272-7270
https://bellarmine.academia.edu/KyleBarnett





On Jan 9, 2016, at 3:57 AM, Dr Rainer E. Lotz <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> wrote:

I have about a week to spend on my way to the ARSC conference, travelling slow, and would much appreciate suggestions on where to go and what to see.
Any recommended itinerary? Direct or via Ohio / Illinois?
Scenic sights? Which is the best restaurant (quality not quantity. Or is there more than one...)? Any recommended overnight stays (including Chicago)? Antiqueing? 78s shops? Any shellac disc collectors to meet? African American institutions? Museums for naive and modern art? Landmarks of the recording industry?
Thanks,
Rainer

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Dr. Rainer E. Lotz
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Tel: 0049-228-352808
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