July 2009 Best Bets

Mideast Meets Midwest

If the recession bumped international vacations off of your itinerary this year, the 14th-annual Middle Eastern Festival at St. George Orthodox Christian Church offers an exotic, wallet-friendly alternative. Shop for jewelry, books, and other gifts from countries such as Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt. Sashay along with the dancers and other entertainers. And don’t forget the food—after a few grape leaves, some falafel, and a little spanakopita, you might forget you never left Indiana. July 17–19. Fri. 4–11 p.m.; Sat. noon–11 p.m.; Sun. noon–5 p.m. $5 ages 12 and older; children free. 4020 N. Sherman Dr. 547-9356, mefestival.org.

Strait Country

With the ever-expanding country-music scene, it’s not easy to land a No. 1 hit these days. That is, unless you’re George Strait. The “King of Country Music” has done it a record-setting 57 times, most recently with “River of Love” from the Troubadour album. One of the most prolific country-music artists of all time, Strait has sold more than 67 million albums. On July 24, he’ll join Blake Shelton—a multiplatinum recording artist in his own right—and Julianne Hough at Verizon Wireless Music Center. 7:30 p.m. $44 lawn tickets. 12880 E. 146th St., Noblesville. 776-8181, livenation.com.

Exhibitionist

There’s nothing understated about New Orleans Table: Paintings by Melissa Sarat. The exhibit, coming to the Indianapolis Art Center, boasts canvases as loud and celebratory as the city it depicts. And what better way to mark the IAC’s 75th anniversary this summer? Sarat’s large-scale oil paintings, some more than 60 feet long, scream with the vivid colors and dreamlike imagery of Mardi Gras. Through Aug. 23. Free. 820 E. 67th St. 255-2464, indplsartcenter.org.

One for the Ages

The 2009 U.S. Senior Open swings into Crooked Stick Golf Club July 27, when 156 professional golfers over the age of 50—including Fuzzy Zoeller, Tom Watson, and Greg Norman—will battle for the coveted title. NBC and ESPN will broadcast 16 hours of coverage, so even if you can’t make it out to the event, tune in to see one of Indiana’s most beautiful golf courses in the spotlight. Play/practice times vary. See Web site for schedule. $100 for championship weekly ticket; $200 for Pete Dye Club ticket. 1964 Burning Tree Lane, Carmel. 877-281-OPEN, 2009 ussenioropen.com.

Hitting the Bricks

Columbus, Indiana, native Tony Stewart has enjoyed some excellent luck in the last few years at the Speedway, winning both the 2005 and 2007 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard races. But on July 26, he makes his third attempt with a new owner—himself. This year’s race marks the debut of the “Hoosier team” at Indianapolis: Stewart-Haas Racing. Stewart, who drives the team’s No. 14 Chevrolet entry, is joined by South Bend native Ryan Newman in the No. 39 Chevrolet. Count on these guys being in the hunt those last few laps of the race. 2 p.m. $45 to $150. 4790 W. 16th St. 800-822-INDY, indianapolismotorspeedway.com.