Neighborhood Back to School Party

Sunday, August 16 | 4-7pm | On the Lawn

It’s time to celebrate the new school year together! Bring the whole family for an afternoon of games, live music, art activities, a drumming circle, face painting, and a balloon artist. There will be food trucks, plenty of shade, and lots of friendly faces from around the neighborhood. Come as you are, stay as long as you like, and bring a friend.

Free. Want to help? Contact betty@thegardenonline.org.

About the Bands

This Free Neighborhood Party Will Include:

Food Trucks (FREE FOOD!) with Burgers (veggie burgers, too), Dirty sodas, and brownies
Games
Live Music
Art Activities
A Drumming Circle
Face Painting
A Balloon Artist

The Schedule:
7171 N Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis

Sunday, August 16

4:00-7:00 pm
Photo booth
Free food from Food Trucks
Lots of games for kids
Community art project

4:00-4:45 pm
Michael & Annie | Music

4:45-5:00 pm
Drum Circle with Gracelynn Royer (for up to 20 people)

5:00-5:45 pm
The Good Earth Band | Music

5:45-6:00 pm
Drum Circle with Gracelynn Royer (for up to 20 people)

6:00-6:45 pm
The Good Earth Band | Music

6:00 pm
Community Tug of War Game

6:10 pm
Relay races for kids (3-legged race, egg & spoon, etc.)

6:45-7:00 pm
Drum Circle with Gracelynn Royer (20 people)

6:50 pm
Giant Water Balloon Toss Finale

7:00 pm
Event concludes

Please:

No alcohol.
No smoking.
No pets.

Please park in the lot behind the building at 7171 N Pennsylvania Street.

About the Bands

Annie's Jams brings music to life for young audiences! This dynamic duo performs children's classics and current hits from artists like Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars, turning many songs into interactive sing-alongs and activities that get kids moving and participating.

Anne Manley leads the show, singing and engaging the audience with infectious energy, while Michael Read drives the sound on piano, bass, drum machine, and background vocals. The two honed their chemistry playing together for years in the DOO band before launching Annie's Jams.

Beyond shows for kids, the duo also performs more adult-oriented sets at venues like Britton Falls and beyond. Seasoned musicians through and through, Anne and Michael bring the same passion and polish to every audience they play for.

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The Good Earth Band brings together decades of road-tested musicianship and serious industry pedigree. Michael Bone Read co-founded Roadmaster, penning songs across five albums on Village and Mercury/Phonogram Records and touring extensively alongside Rush and Blue Öyster Cult. He's since re-recorded several of his Roadmaster originals and released his own solo album, FINALLY!, alongside a collection of songs written over the years, and has collaborated with artists including Gary Lewis, Len Barry, Henry Lee Summer, and the Doo Band.

Guitarist Michael Clark brings two Gold-certified production credits to the stage, having produced, arranged, and performed alongside John Mellencamp, Vince Gill, Eddie Money, and dozens of other notable artists spanning rock, bluegrass, and beyond — and he remains a driving force in the Midwest music scene today.

Rounding out the rhythm section, drummer Mike Kessler traded a career in food service for full-time music in 2017, chasing a lifelong love of percussion that started before he can even remember.