First annual Blooming-Tunes features local artists

The Buskirk-Chumley Theater illuminates Kirkwood Avenue with its electric “Indiana” sign, and this Saturday, it will present the first annual Blooming-Tunes concert to showcase local and nationally known singers and songwriters.

Headliners for the event will include Jennie Devoe, C.J. Watson, Natalie Coffin and Tim O’Malley.

The doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets are on sale for $15.

The featured artists were chosen from the Blooming-Tunes compilation CD “Blooming-Tunes – Songs from the Heartland.” Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan and IU professor and jazz enthusiast Jeff Isaac chose the top ten to perform at the concert.

For three years, Bloomington’s own Stella and Jane duo have sponsored the Songwriters Showcase every Monday night at the Players Pub on Walnut Street. Suzette Weakley, also known as Stella, won the opportunity from the Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District to put on an event at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater.

Once a year, BEAD sponsors a competitive grant program that offers a group the chance to bring an event to the Buskirk-Chumley free of charge.

“Our mission is to brand Bloomington as an entertainment destination,” BEAD Assistant Economic Director for the Arts Miah Michelson said.

Weakley said she is passionate about the concert because it will give an opportunity for talented people to perform on a world-class stage.

“We always feel great when local promoters use the space to turn their ideas into great shows,”  Maarten Bout, marketing director of the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, said.

Weakley said she hopes to take full advantage of the landmark that is the Buskirk-Chumley Theater to shine a spotlight on Indiana artists.

“We can compete musically with Austin, Nashville and Chicago,” Weakley said. “There’s nothing they have that we don’t.”