Events at The Root
Upcoming events.
STEM Saturdays: The World of eSports
Join us on Saturday, April 19th, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Novaparke (111 Innovation Parkway, Georgetown, IN) for an exciting interactive STEM Saturday session with Sam McCollum from Purdue Extension.
Sam McCollum will dive into the fast-growing world of esports, exploring its impact on technology, teamwork, and career opportunities. This hands-on session will give attendees a chance to experience gaming strategies, esports technology, and the skills needed to compete at a high level. Whether you're an aspiring gamer, tech enthusiast, or just curious about the industry, this event is a great opportunity to learn from an expert and get in on the action!
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is requested here.
About Sam McCollum
Sam McCollum is an Extension Educator of 4-H Youth Development at Purdue Polytechnic, but he also specializes in esports technology, game design, and interactive media. With a background in both education and competitive gaming, Sam McCollum brings a unique perspective on how esports is shaping the future of digital entertainment, STEM careers, and teamwork dynamics. His work focuses on the technical and strategic elements of gaming, helping students and professionals navigate the evolving landscape of esports and interactive media.
Authors at The Root
📚 Authors at The Root: A Literary Marketplace
📅 Date: Saturday, April 26th, 2025
⏰ Time: 11 AM - 2 PM
📍 Location: The Root, Downtown New Albany, IN
Join us at Authors at The Root: A Literary Marketplace, a celebration of local authors, storytelling, and community connection! This event brings together writers, book lovers, and creatives for a day of discovery, conversation, and inspiration.
This is in conjunction with The Floyd County Library, Indiana University Southeast, and Amber Miller Events.
What to Expect:
✔ Meet & support local authors – Browse books, get your copies signed, and discover new favorites.
🎤 Live readings & Q&A sessions – Hear from authors as they share excerpts and insights.
📚 A diverse selection of books – From fiction and nonfiction to business books and children's literature.
🤝 Networking & creative connections – Connect with fellow book lovers, writers, and entrepreneurs.
☕ Coffee & refreshments – Grab a drink and enjoy the literary atmosphere.
Interested in Participating?
Authors: Booth spaces are available for a small fee ($50-$100).
Vendors & Sponsors: Opportunities are available for businesses looking to support the literary and creative community.
📩 For more details or to sign up, contact us at brigidm@therootworkspace.com.
📍 Save the date, spread the word, and come celebrate the power of storytelling with us at The Root!
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Nikki Esarey has worked for the Harrison County Public Library since 2007. She is the Lead Circulation Associate at the Palmyra branch and provides youth and adult programs. Nikki loves using puppets in her programming and performs puppet shows for the library and schools. She is also a children's book author and artist. Her first book, Chicken and Moodles, was published in 2023.
Chris Redd and Ricky Mason will be showcasing their book "Beyond The Handshake". If you love intentional networking and professional help books, you’ll want to stop by their booth.
Chris and Ricky are the founders of Network + Chill. Network + Chill authentically connects founders, funders, and anyone in the entrepreneurial ecosystem through storytelling, education, and inclusivity. We know collaboration and knowledge sharing are vital in any journey, and we believe curating a dedicated network with authentic conversation in a fun environment will create density in the region.
Laurie L. Hellmann is originally from Marshall, MI and moved to Southern Indiana following graduation from Ball State University in 1997. Laurie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Administration from BSU, an MBA from Indiana University Southeast and has enjoyed a successful, 25-year professional career in the healthcare industry.
Throughout her entire life, Laurie has assumed the role of caregiver, but it was through her 21 years of experience parenting a child with profound needs that she discovered the true purpose for her life – to serve as an advocate and beacon of hope for those who feel lost or broken. Laurie authored her first book, “Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism” in 2020 and is excited to bring you her newest memoir, “Selling Vegetables to Drunks: Lessons I Learned as an Alcoholic’s Daughter,” the second book in her Purposeful Journey biographical series.
Through her writing, podcast, “Living the Sky Life – Our Autism Journey,” advocacy work and speaking events, Laurie is continually striving to make a lasting impact in the autism community and beyond. Hire Laurie as a speaker for live and virtual audiences of all sizes on topics including shifting perspective, resilience, self-advocacy, maintaining hope, marriage, parenting, mental health and belief in a higher purpose. She’s also a fitness enthusiast and a natural-born empowerment coach.
Meg Shaffer is the USA Today bestselling author of The Wishing Game, which was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist, a Book-of-the-Month finalist for Book of the Year, a #1 Barnes & Noble bestseller, and a Reader’s Digest Best Book of the Year.
She holds an MFA in TV and Screenwriting from Stephens College. Her second novel, the instant national bestseller The Lost Story, is available now from Ballantine.
Shaffer lives in Kentucky with her husband and two cats. The cats are not writers.
Andrew Shaffer is the New York Times bestselling author of Hope Never Dies: An Obama Biden Mystery, Secret Santa: A Horror for the Holidays Novel, and over twenty other books in multiple genres for both adults and children, including mystery, humor, and poetry.
He is a five-time Goodreads Choice Award nominee and a two-time finalist in the Humor category. His books have been optioned for film and TV by CBS/Paramount, FOX, Freeform, and Secret Hideout.
As an artist, his illustrations have appeared in Heavy Metal magazine, The Rumpus, Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report, and on book covers worldwide. He has illustrated multiple children’s picture books, including Mothman’s Merry Cryptid Christmas.
Shaffer attended the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and studied comedy writing at The Second City, Chicago’s famed improv school. An Iowa native, he lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with his wife, novelist Meg Shaffer.
His latest novel is the cozy mystery Feel the Bern: A Bernie Sanders Mystery from Penguin Random House. His most recent book is a coloring book, the Literary Cats Coloring Book from Running Press.
Amethyst Drake is a passionate storyteller. She excels at crafting delightful characters and developing complex relationships among them. Her favorite genre has always been mystery, making it a natural choice for her writing. She aims to blend her personal experiences with mental health and the moral complexities of intricate interpersonal relationships into engaging novels.
Her first novel, The Scheme has been awarded the prestigious indie B.R.A.G. Medallion, recognizing its outstanding quality and impact on readers worldwide. This honor places it among a select group of reader-recommended, independently published books at the Book Readers Appreciation Group (BRAG).
Amethyst loves reading all kinds of mysteries, suspense, and thrillers and enjoys watching classic detective and espionage dramas like "Murder, She Wrote," "Perry Mason," and "Mission: Impossible." She also loves hearing from readers! Connect by signing up for her newsletter or email amethyst@agswordsmiths.com.
Website: amethystdrake.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amethystdrake.author
For more than a decade, Candice C. Hardin, Ed.S., has dedicated her
time and talent to challenge, engage and grow students, faculty and staff
of the Jefferson County Public Schools District. She currently serves as a
Coach for Residents in the Louisville Teacher Residency program. Ms.
Hardin earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education
from Spelman College, her Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and
Teaching from Michigan State University and her Educational Specialist
degree in Instructional Leadership and School Administration from
Bellarmine University.
Ms. Hardin has been recognized by the Class Act Federal Credit Union
as a “Hero In Education” and by Hilliard Lyons as a “Teacher of
Excellence”. Outside of the Jefferson County Public Schools District, Ms.
Hardin serves as a consultant for her business, Level Up Consulting. She
advises and administers plans and practices to students, faculty and staff
alike in advocacy of innovative and inclusive learning environments and
curricula. Ms. Hardin recently published her first children’s book,
Christina’s CommUNITY Cues with her daughter Jasmine. She is the
proud mother of Jasmine Hardin, a member of Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority Incorporated and a champion for public education.
Cristie Robbins is a poet and mental wellness coach whose work delves into resilience, grief, and transformation. Her debut poetry collection, scars like constellations, explores the raw edges of loss, survival, and self-reclamation. With a background in HR and a passion for holistic healing, Cristie helps others navigate stress, burnout, and personal reinvention. When she’s not writing, she’s balancing life as a mom of five, embracing the chaos with humor and heart. Connect with her at @cristie_xox.
Nat Bickel is an energetic writer who moves people to action with her words with bylines in the Los Angeles Times, Glamour, Darling Magazine, and more. Through her journalism experience, Nat has interviewed celebrities, worked with musical artists, and reported on current trends and events—thus, creating a base for the main character in her debut novel, The Catalyst. She crafted this story in hopes that others would experience every raw, unsuspecting, sensational, and terrifying emotion surrounding falling in love. She’s also the author of the children's books The Christmas Clue, and The Volcano No One Could See. When she's not writing, you can find her taking film photos, pressing flowers, or blazing new trails with her husband. @natmosfear
As a young child Amanda Nelson enjoyed listening to others talk about what they were experiencing in their life, offering her opinion on how to help. As an adult she wanted to be a support to others in a way she did not have in her early life, which led to the career path of social work and therapy.
Amanda and Kim Tipton met as coworkers while in college where Kim expressed an interest in learning more about mental health care. The topic of mental health became even more important when Kim became a parent to two children. Amanda obtained a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Louisville, as well as holds a Licensed Clinical Social Worker certificate. Kim obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the University of Louisville.
Through Amanda’s work in community mental health care and Kim’s experience as a parent, they realized a need for additional resources to support social and emotional development of the children in our communities. This led to the development of Little Loving Lessons.
“We created Little Loving Lessons to fill our need for additional resources that support young children’s social and emotional development. One of us being a behavioral health therapist, and the other a new parent, we came together to create stories that we wished we had to help the young kids in our lives!”
— Kim Tipton
Jillian Cypress is an elder millennial living in Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband, their two children, and their mischievous black cat. She is a self-published author, avid reader, book blogger, and the office manager at a manufacturing company. Cypress holds a Bachelor of Science in Theater Arts from the University of Louisville (yes, a BS in theater—take that however you like). As an author, she has written The Divining Series, a vampire-themed saga; Glitter Macabre, a poetry collection; and Adventures in Heartwood Forest, a children's book. When she's not working or spending time with her family, Jillian can usually be found reading, writing, or creating art while drinking way too much coffee.
Dr. Rudolph has a B.S. in Accountancy, University of Illinois, 1969 and attended graduate school at the U of I until 1972. Subsequently, he earned an MBA and Doctor of Business Administration with a concentration on risk management and insurance. Along the way, he accumulated 34 credit hours of English courses instead of the required six credit hours.
From 1982 through 1989, he earned the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter designation, Associate in Risk Management,
Associate in Research and Planning, Association in Premium Auditing, Associate in Insurance Accounting and Finance, and Associate in Automation Management.
He was actively employed in the insurance and risk management profession from 1972 until retiring in 2010. He continues his involvement through writing risk management course material and teaching and leading risk management courses for the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. The National Alliance has published two books he has written, Net Income Risk Management and A Tedious Brief History of Insurance. In addition, he edited Risk Management Essentials, first, second, and third editions. These books are available at riskinsurance.org in their Resource Center.
During his active risk management career, Dr. Rudolph authored over 50 articles on insurance and risk management, ethics, and general management published in professional journals and trade publications. He has conducted over 400 seminars, workshops, and courses on insurance and risk management topics. Dr. Rudolph is also a research fellow at Texas A&M University Real Estate Center, writing general insurance topics for real estate professionals.
After retirement, he changed his focus from tedious, seldom brief, and usually boring writing to semi-fictional and largely semi-biographical short stories about young boys in a Scout troop during the 1950s and 60s. He has written and self-published twenty-one such books in two series of these, one set in central Illlinois, and one set in southern Indiana. In addition, he has published three books of humor and one of horror stories, and is completing a book on the life of a kindergarten teacher.
Brigid Morrissey is a writer, entrepreneur, and community builder based in Southern Indiana. As the co-founder of The Root, a coworking space in Downtown New Albany, she is passionate about fostering creativity, collaboration, and storytelling. Brigid has been instrumental in organizing literary and entrepreneurial events, including author fairs, reading programs, and business development initiatives.
A dedicated advocate for local authors, she is also a published writer herself, using her work to inspire and connect with readers. Through Authors at The Root: A Literary Marketplace, Brigid continues to support and elevate the literary community, providing a space for writers and book lovers to come together.
There are more participating authors, organizations, and surprises in store!
Innovation Pitch Workshop
📅 Date: Tuesday, April 1st
🕠 Time: 5:30 – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Novaparke
Calling all high school entrepreneurs! 🚀 Whether you're gearing up for the Innovate WithIN Pitch Competition at Maker13 on April 22nd or just looking to sharpen your pitch skills, this interactive workshop is designed to help you craft, refine, and confidently deliver your business idea.
This is in conjunction with the STARTed Up Foundation and they will have representatives in attendance as well! You won’t want to miss it!
Workshop Agenda
🔹 5:30 PM – Pitch Deck Presentation
Dr. Lisa Russell, Associate Professor of Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship from IU Southeast, will break down the essentials of an effective pitch deck—what investors and judges look for, how to structure your story, and key design tips to make your idea stand out.
🔹 6:00 PM – Keynote & Practice Pitches
Seth Lieber from Go SoIN Tourism will share insights on how to pitch with confidence, stage presence, and audience engagement. Students will then have the chance to practice their pitches live and receive real-time feedback to fine-tune their delivery.
Why Attend?
✅ Gain expert guidance on crafting a winning pitch
✅ Practice on stage in a supportive environment
✅ Connect with mentors & like-minded students
✅ Prepare for regional & state-wide pitch competitions
This workshop is part of a larger initiative to create quarterly entrepreneurial events for high school students, bridging the gap between local opportunities and major pitch competitions like The Next Big Thing at IUS during Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Whether you’d like to pitch or just watch, you can register here. We can’t wait to see you!
Thank you so much to our sponsors who have made this event possible!
STEM Saturdays: The Science of Food Plots
Join us on Saturday, March 29th, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Novaparke (111 Innovation Parkway, Georgetown, IN) for a fascinating STEM Saturday session with Angel Jackson, District Manager for Floyd County Soil and Water Conservation and employee at Purdue Extension.
Angel Jackson will explore the role of food plots in land management, conservation, and wildlife sustainability. Attendees will learn how strategically planted food plots can support local ecosystems, improve soil health, and attract beneficial wildlife. Whether you're a landowner, hunter, conservationist, or simply curious about sustainable agriculture, this session will provide valuable insights into the science behind food plots.
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is requested here.
About Angel Jackson
Angel Jackson is a dedicated conservationist and educator serving as the District Manager for Floyd County Soil and Water Conservation and works at Purdue Extension. With expertise in sustainable land management, soil health, and agricultural practices, Angel Jackson works closely with local landowners, farmers, and conservation groups to promote responsible environmental stewardship. Her passion for science and education makes her a leading voice in conservation efforts, helping communities implement effective strategies for soil preservation, wildlife support, and sustainable agriculture.
Founder45 Workshop: How to Find Tech Talent for Non-Tech Founders
Join us on March 20th from 5:30-7 PM at The Root for an essential workshop designed for non-technical founders looking to build their tech teams. Led by Kevin Gibson, Founder of Founder45, this session will cover practical strategies for identifying, attracting, and collaborating with the right tech talent—even if you don’t have a technical background.
This event is hosted in partnership with The Root and ISBDC. Whether you're launching a startup or scaling your business, this workshop will give you the tools to bridge the gap between vision and execution.
Save your spot today!
"Show Her The Money" Movie Showing
On March 8th, Amanda Dare, founder & CEO of Woman Owned Wallet, and Heather Bouvier, are co-hosting a screening of Show Her the Money, a documentary by Catherine Gray (host of Invest in Her podcast and founder of She Angels Investors). The film sheds light on the fact that women receive less than 2% of venture capital funding and demystifies the VC world. It follows four female founders, backed by rock-star women investors, as they fight to turn their ideas into reality.
Event Format:
6:30-7:30 Networking and Resource Vendors
7:30-9:00 Movie Screening
9:00-10:00 Panel Discussion % Q&A
10:00-? After Party / Additional Networking at Bar Nada Nada
Current Supporters:
Racing Louisville (professional women’s soccer team)– Hosting at their stadium, showing the film on the jumbotron.
Republic Bank – Presenting sponsor, positioning itself as the bank for women.
Baldwin Wealth Partners – Connecting us with high-net-worth investors.
Unite Kentucky – A Super PAC focused on equality, equity, and sustainability.
Today’s Woman – A lifestyle brand for women.
She Means Business
📅 Date: March 8, 2024 (International Women’s Day)
📍 Locations: Various venues in New Albany, with key panels hosted at The Root
Join us for She Means Business, a day-long event celebrating the power and impact of women-owned businesses in New Albany. From networking and insightful panels to hands-on workshops and an evening of cocktails & connections, this event is designed to empower, educate, and elevate local entrepreneurs.
💡 Featured at The Root:
🎤 Panel: Wellness as a Power Move (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
📊 Workshop: Financial Literacy for Entrepreneurs (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
Explore funding opportunities, connect with inspiring business leaders, and take part in this movement to strengthen the local economy while celebrating Women’s History Month.
ABOUT THE EVENTS:
🎤 Panel: Wellness as a Power Move
In today’s fast-paced world, personal well-being is often the key to professional and community success. This dynamic panel discussion brings together experts from diverse wellness fields to explore how prioritizing mental, physical, and emotional health can lead to greater resilience, productivity, and fulfillment.
Panelists include:
Erica Sartini-Combs (Guided Place) – Specializing in mindfulness and holistic well-being
Kim Hannon (Sukino Float and Wellness) – Focusing on stress management and prioritizing rest
Kasey Hammel, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C – Offering insights into integrative health and self-care
Moderator: Robin Nance- New Albany Main Street Executive Director
Join us for an engaging conversation on how embracing wellness isn’t just self-care—it’s a strategic advantage. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or community advocate, you’ll leave with practical tools to harness wellness as a powerful asset in both business and life.
Audience Q&A Session
$10 for non-NAMS partners/$5 for NAMS partners
📊 Workshop: Financial Literacy for Entrepreneurs
Strong financial management is key to building a thriving business. In this interactive workshop, Kelsey Meredith of WestBanco will guide entrepreneurs through essential financial literacy principles, including how to create a business budget, secure funding, and build long-term financial resilience.
Whether you’re launching a startup or looking to strengthen your existing business, this session will provide practical strategies and expert insights to help you navigate financial challenges with confidence. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the tools and knowledge needed to set your business up for success!
Facilitator: Kelsea Meredith of WesBanco
Takeaway: How to create a business budget, secure funding, and build financial resilience.
$10 for non-NAMS partners/$5 for NAMS partners
Rooted Connections: WO Network
📢 Rooted Connections is here! We’re proud to launch our partnership with The WO Network through our first networking event in Southern Indiana!
This event is designed to foster genuine connections among professionals in a supportive and creative atmosphere. Don’t miss this opportunity to network, share ideas, and be part of a thriving community.
📅 Event Date: Tuesday, March 4th from 11:30-1:30
📍 Location: The Root, New Albany, IN
Grab some lunch and gab with us. This is a unique opportunity to work at The Root for the entire day for 50% off! Sign up today to secure your spot: Event Link
Raise The Vibration Festival
ELEVATE YOUR VIBRATION
At Raise the Vibe Fest 2024, we believe in the power of raising collective consciousness and embracing wellness to nurture a thriving community. Our vision is to elevate your vibration and create a contagious positive energy that will reverberate throughout our town long after the festival has concluded.
This year's festival will feature a holistic approach to wellness, addressing the needs of your mind, body, and soul. We have curated an amazing lineup of local experts, practitioners, and visionaries who will guide and inspire you on this transformational journey.
Join us for a weekend filled with diverse and immersive experiences designed to rejuvenate and nourish every aspect of your being.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Novaparke Innovation Expo
Join us out at Novaparke Innovation & Technology for FREE coworking and technology talks on the IU Southeast campus!
Innovation Expo 2024 Speaker Series at IU Southeast
Monday, August 26, 2024 | 6:00 pm
The Novaparke Innovation Expo 2024 Speaker Series kicks off at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, August 26 in University Center, Room UC-127 at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany with a pair of dynamic speakers on technology topics that impact all our lives. This event is free and open to the public.
Dr. John E. Haddock, P.E., Professor of Civil Engineering at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a registered professional civil engineer with 30+ years of experience working with local, state, and federal departments of transportation, in both industry and academic contexts, focusing on pavement materials and pavement design and construction. Since 2006, he has also served as Director of Purdue’s Local Technical Assistance Program, which he will discuss at the August 26 event.
Dale Curtis is Vice President of Fonroche Lighting America, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of solar LED street lighting. He has been helping municipalities and businesses make the transition to solar street lighting for over 12 years. He began his solar lighting journey in 2011 at Inovus Lighting. Through a series of acquisitions, he took on increasing responsibilities with SolarOne Solutions and later, Fonroche Lighting America. He has also been a Landscape Architect for Jensen Belts and a store planner for Albertson’s.
This event will kick off Innovation Expo 2024, a months-long series of programs and events presented by Novaparke Innovation and Technology Campus, and designed to highlight technology advances throughout the southern Indiana region.
First Friday
Connection through community.
Downtown New Albany is home to a booming creative community. With more than 100 artists’ work to explore, multiple galleries, tons of bars, restaurants and boutiques within walking distance and ample free parking, New Albany is one of the best First Friday destinations.
On the first Friday of each month, bars, restaurants, galleries and retail businesses celebrate the arts across Downtown & Uptown New Albany. This is the night that bars, restaurants, shops & more open their doors to the public and our large exceptional arts community with the goal of connections through creativity.
OUR FEATURED ARTIST: TBD
The Deets
Date: The first Friday of every month.
May 3, 2024
June 7, 2024
July 5, 2024
August 2, 2024
September 6, 2024
Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm
All participating vendors will extend their hours to encourage guests to experience downtown throughout the evening.
To learn more about participating locations, artists, and to become a participant yourself, visit the link below.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Heart Behind The Art
Harmony in Artistry: A Creative Friendship Odyssey in Filmmaking, Music, Modeling, DJ-ing, Animation, and Illustration
ABOUT HEART BEHIND THE ART
It all started with an idea, and it catalyzed with enthusiasm. The Root is a place for inclusion, collaboration, and innovation. It’s where locals are celebrated and stories are heard. Heart Behind The Art, held at The Root, is art in all aspects – from visual to culinary and everything in between. Volume XII is about the synergy and inspiration created by a group of friends who happen to live together. Though they work well together, this group has individual talents in music, animation, comedy, poetry, filmmaking, and more! Not only is this a way for visitors to experience local art and culture, but it gives the artists a platform to share the reason for creating their art in the first place.
Food provided by The Wizard of Art and cash bar provided by the New Albany Wine Shop!!
ARTIST LINEUP
Justin Eckerd (AKA BLMRKT) | Music Producer, Engineer, Recording Artist
Kathy Eckerd (AKA Tomboy Barbie) | DJ, Producer, Author
Allen Witcher | Animator, Filmmaker, Recording Artist
Jay J | Recording Artist
Autumn Lashea | Recording Artist
Eric Brown | Comedian
EVENT FORMAT
6:00- 6:15 Allen Witcher Musical Performance
6:20 - 6:30 Tahj “Wizard of Art” Shares about his culinary and other art
6:35 - 6:50 Jay J Musical Performance
6:55 - 7:05 Kathy Eckerd Poetry Reading
7:05 - 7:20 Autumn Lashea Musical Performance
7:20 - 7:30 Eric Brown Comedy Performance
7:35 - 7:45 Justin Eckerd Talks about production and creative friends
7:45 - 8:00 Closing Q&A with all artists and performers
First Friday
Connection through community.
Downtown New Albany is home to a booming creative community. With more than 100 artists’ work to explore, multiple galleries, tons of bars, restaurants and boutiques within walking distance and ample free parking, New Albany is one of the best First Friday destinations.
On the first Friday of each month, bars, restaurants, galleries and retail businesses celebrate the arts across Downtown & Uptown New Albany. This is the night that bars, restaurants, shops & more open their doors to the public and our large exceptional arts community with the goal of connections through creativity.
OUR FEATURED ARTIST: TBD
The Deets
Date: The first Friday of every month.
May 3, 2024
June 7, 2024
July 5, 2024
August 2, 2024
September 6, 2024
Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm
All participating vendors will extend their hours to encourage guests to experience downtown throughout the evening.
To learn more about participating locations, artists, and to become a participant yourself, visit the link below.
We can’t wait to see you there!
COWORK WEEK & AI
Come out to Novaparke Innovation & Technology campus for a week filled with talks, exhibitions, demos, food trucks, and FREE coworking!
First Friday
Connection through community.
Downtown New Albany is home to a booming creative community. With more than 100 artists’ work to explore, multiple galleries, tons of bars, restaurants and boutiques within walking distance and ample free parking, New Albany is one of the best First Friday destinations.
On the first Friday of each month, bars, restaurants, galleries and retail businesses celebrate the arts across Downtown & Uptown New Albany. This is the night that bars, restaurants, shops & more open their doors to the public and our large exceptional arts community with the goal of connections through creativity.
OUR FEATURED ARTIST: TBD
The Deets
Date: The first Friday of every month.
May 3, 2024
June 7, 2024
July 5, 2024
August 2, 2024
September 6, 2024
Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm
All participating vendors will extend their hours to encourage guests to experience downtown throughout the evening.
To learn more about participating locations, artists, and to become a participant yourself, visit the link below.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Drunk & Sailor Concert Experience
Ahoy, me hearties and landlubbers alike! Prepare to set sail on a musical voyage like no other as Drunk & Sailor be takin' the stage fer a night of raucous revelry and shanty singin'!
Come one, come all to witness the spectacle as Drunk & Sailor belt out their sea-farin' tunes for the general public. Feel the salty spray of the ocean in yer hair as ye sway and jig to the rhythm of their rollickin' melodies. It'll be a show to shiver yer timbers and warm yer cockles!
And fear not, for there'll be grog aplenty to keep the spirits high and grub to satisfy even the most ravenous of appetites. So come aboard, me hearties, and let Drunk & Sailor whisk ye away on a voyage ye won't soon forget. Arrr!
But hold fast, ye scallywags! For those lucky enough to be VIP guests, the adventure don't end there! Ye'll have the chance to step aboard the band's very own recording studio and witness history in the makin' as they lay down a single fit for Davy Jones himself. And what's more, ye might find yerself immortalized on that very track, forever etched in the annals of pirate lore!
And that ain't all, me hearties! Mingle with the crew themselves as ye partake in a lively Q&A session, where ye can ask 'em anything from their favorite plunderin' tales to the secrets of their musical magic. It'll be an up-close-and-personal encounter with the legends themselves!
ABOUT THE BAND
Drunk & Sailor have been entertaining pirates and people-who-don’t-yet-know-they’re-pirates at Renaissance Faires, conventions, and bars for over a decade now. They rile up the crowd and get them drinking like few other acts can, singing a combination of traditional sea shanties, Irish drinking songs, music they wrote themselves, and occasional ridiculous cover songs. Their charm and off-the-cuff banter is hard to resist, too. Drunk & Sailor shows are a high-energy, interactive party. (Un)lucky audience members often find themselves dragged onstage to participate.
Drunk & Sailor have officially recorded six CDs, although the first two are so terrible they are now hard-to-find collector’s items. Three of the other four can be ordered online here, and the most recent one must be purchased directly from the pirates themselves.
Phillip McGuinness and Captain Amos met in 2005 as cast members of the Kentucky Renaissance Faire. After a couple years of doing improv acting together, they started appropriating unused stages with a guitar and a will to entertain. AmpersAndrew joined the band in 2014.
Phillip McGuinness is the drunk, and he does his best to live up to his title. He always accepts alcoholic beverages as a tip, and if you tell him to hold your drink for a minute you’d best not expect to get it back. When he is not under the table, Phillip does freelance writing and editing, and deals used books to book addicts.
Captain Amos Muirhead is the sailor, and he wants (nay, DEMANDS!) your participation. You can never go wrong by looking Captain Amos in the eyes and telling him how awesome he is. When the Captain is in port, he makes additional booty as a dance instructor.
AmpersAndrew is, well, the ampersand. That’s the problem with having a band name that clearly indicates a duo and then adding a third member to it. AmpersAndrew brings 75% of the musical talent to the band, but sadly whether or not you see him at a show depends upon his whim. He just finished law school (no kidding!) and can’t commit to being at every show.Drunk & Sailor have been entertaining pirates and people-who-don’t-yet-know-they’re-pirates at Renaissance Faires, conventions, and bars for over a decade now. They rile up the crowd and get them drinking like few other acts can, singing a combination of traditional sea shanties, Irish drinking songs, music they wrote themselves, and occasional ridiculous cover songs. Their charm and off-the-cuff banter is hard to resist, too. Drunk & Sailor shows are a high-energy, interactive party. (Un)lucky audience members often find themselves dragged onstage to participate.
Drunk & Sailor have officially recorded six CDs, although the first two are so terrible they are now hard-to-find collector’s items. Three of the other four can be ordered online here, and the most recent one must be purchased directly from the pirates themselves.
Phillip McGuinness and Captain Amos met in 2005 as cast members of the Kentucky Renaissance Faire. After a couple years of doing improv acting together, they started appropriating unused stages with a guitar and a will to entertain. AmpersAndrew joined the band in 2014.
Phillip McGuinness is the drunk, and he does his best to live up to his title. He always accepts alcoholic beverages as a tip, and if you tell him to hold your drink for a minute you’d best not expect to get it back. When he is not under the table, Phillip does freelance writing and editing, and deals used books to book addicts.
Captain Amos Muirhead is the sailor, and he wants (nay, DEMANDS!) your participation. You can never go wrong by looking Captain Amos in the eyes and telling him how awesome he is. When the Captain is in port, he makes additional booty as a dance instructor.
AmpersAndrew is, well, the ampersand. That’s the problem with having a band name that clearly indicates a duo and then adding a third member to it. AmpersAndrew brings 75% of the musical talent to the band, but sadly whether or not you see him at a show depends upon his whim. He just finished law school (no kidding!) and can’t commit to being at every show.
Yoga at Novaparke
Join us out at our Innovation & Technology campus, Novaparke, for a Beginner-Level Yoga class with Loft Yoga Studio every Tuesday of the month.
This class is for you if…
— You’re curious about yoga but are unable to commit to a studio at this time
— You have never practiced yoga before
— You are sensitive to heat and would like to practice in normal room temperature
— You would like to experience a new location for business and entrepreneurship right in your backyard!
100% of proceeds from Community Yoga will be donated to Let Us Learn, Inc. a Floyd County non-profit providing healthy food and cooking classes to those who need it in our community!
Questions? Contact Brittany directly at (812) 972-1057 or email info@loftyogastudio.com!
Hi, I'm Brittany
I've been an avid yoga practitioner for over 18 years and have been teaching in the Southern Indiana area since 2015. I am a 500 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance and currently study with my teachers Laura Spaulding and Susan Reid at Yoga East in Louisville, Kentucky. As your teacher, I will help you reveal your own strength and resilience - having you leave with a new appreciation for your body.
First Friday
Connection through community.
Downtown New Albany is home to a booming creative community. With more than 100 artists’ work to explore, multiple galleries, tons of bars, restaurants and boutiques within walking distance and ample free parking, New Albany is one of the best First Friday destinations.
On the first Friday of each month, bars, restaurants, galleries and retail businesses celebrate the arts across Downtown & Uptown New Albany. This is the night that bars, restaurants, shops & more open their doors to the public and our large exceptional arts community with the goal of connections through creativity.
OUR FEATURED ARTIST:
Michele Finn, Founder of Jubilee. Learn the basics of essential oils and hemp, purchase her products, and join Michele at The Root for other fun surprises!
The Deets
Date: The first Friday of every month.
May 3, 2024
June 7, 2024
July 5, 2024
August 2, 2024
September 6, 2024
Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm
All participating vendors will extend their hours to encourage guests to experience downtown throughout the evening.
To learn more about participating locations, artists, and to become a participant yourself, visit the link below.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Heart Behind the Art in support of Brandon's House
The Root has been offering Heart Behind the Art to help celebrate local creators & artists. Well this one is different! Only because now The Root has partnered with Brandon's House Counseling Center to help bring more awareness to mental health for teens in our community.
What a combination...people who have such creative talents with people who need a safe place to be heard.
This event is a mutually beneficial art showcase in that artist will be offering their creations to help continue their crafts. But also in that we'll have a live auction towards the end of the evening to help raise funds to cover kids' costs of counseling at Brandon's House.
Please come and celebrate our local artist and raise awareness of teen mental health.
ABOUT
Heart Behind the Art is an event series hosted by The Root that is designed to create community, cultivate inspiration, and provide artists with a platform to showcase their work, whatever the medium. This is the eleventh event of this amazing series and includes a remarkable lineup of some creative people! Each artist has a different type of canvas. Check out Volume XI's amazing group of artists!
Hannah Johnston: sculptures
Scarlet M (she’s only 11 yrs old!): drawing and painting
Alex Banet: paintings on canvas
Josh Bleeker: paintings
Second Cup: Career Roadmap and Launching a Software Startup with Tess Peevey
Grab a free cup of coffee and a pastry and join us at The Root (110 E Market St, New Albany, IN) for our Second Cup event featuring Tess Peevey, Founder and Digital Strategist at Main St Kickstart, LLC, an innovative MarTech company specializing in automating SEO, Social Media Marketing, and Online Reputation Management for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Her startup focuses on providing affordable ecosystems to sustain and grow businesses. Main St Kickstart offers scalable, cost-effective marketing solutions, training, coaching and mentoring for online business growth.
Tess is a seasoned MarTech professional and boasts extensive experience spanning several years. Beyond her role as an entrepreneur, she is a trailblazer in the dynamic field of digital marketing. Tess's journey exemplifies her dedication to technology, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit. In her speech, she will discuss her career roadmap and share insights into the challenges and triumphs of launching a software startup.
Second Cup is made possible through a partnership with Novaparke, The Root, and The Floyd County Library.
No registration is required and all are welcome.
Yoga At The Root
This community class is free for members and offered on a donation basis, with a suggested donation of $10/per class, but no one will be turned away for an inability to pay.
Community yoga is an all levels class. We encourage those who are curious about yoga, as well as seasoned practitioners to join us and share the amazing benefits of a yoga practice.
Community Yoga at The Root classes are taught by Element Yoga Teachers, Carrie Klaus and Taylor Outram. Carrie and Taylor are both registered with the Yoga Alliance. Check out the schedule below for the next few class dates!
Element Yoga and Ayurvedic Wellness is a community partner. Learn more about them and the rest of our awesome partners that make The Root great.
Yoga At The Root
This community class is free for members and offered on a donation basis, with a suggested donation of $10/per class, but no one will be turned away for an inability to pay.
Community yoga is an all levels class. We encourage those who are curious about yoga, as well as seasoned practitioners to join us and share the amazing benefits of a yoga practice.
Community Yoga at The Root classes are taught by Element Yoga Teachers, Carrie Klaus and Taylor Outram. Carrie and Taylor are both registered with the Yoga Alliance. Check out the schedule below for the next few class dates!
Element Yoga and Ayurvedic Wellness is a community partner. Learn more about them and the rest of our awesome partners that make The Root great.
Lunch & Learn: Working Genius Model with Vic Roos
Are you interested in improving the organizational health of your business AND improving productivity AND maximizing joy and fulfillment for your employees?
As a Certified Working Genius Facilitator and Organizational health consultant, Vic Roos has received hands-on training from the Table Group team and have been equipped with the tools and resources to help people leverage the Working Genius model with individuals, teams and organizations.
Please join us at The Root as Vic gives an overview of the Working Genius model and how it can be used in:
-Leadership development/coaching
- Job alignment/adjustments
- Team building, cohesion and productivity
- Creating a common language and clarity around stages of work
Plus, we’ll be serving Legacy Pizza and Bakery!
Lunch & Learn: Business Planning with Larry Ricke
Is yours a new business? A mature business? Or somewhere in between?
To help you find the starting line, Larry Ricke of Ricke & Associates, developed a simple checklist. It will only take a few minutes to complete, but it will give you a very good idea of what you need to do to start your business planning on the right foot.
Please join us to hear Larry and his team discuss this important step in creating a sound business plan and hear stories and insights of several businesses the team has worked with through their 50 years in downtown New Albany.
Plus, we’ll be serving Legacy Pizza and Bakery!
Second Cup: Rich Boling wtih Redwire
Grab a free cup of coffee and a pastry and join us for our Second Cup launch at Novaparke Innovation and Technology Campus (111 Innovation Pkwy, Georgetown, IN)! This monthly gathering helps build business communities by engaging, educating, and connecting local entrepreneurs, innovators, and other interested community members.
On Wednesday, November 8th from 8 AM - 9 AM, we are kicking off Second Cup with a guest presentation by Rich Boling, Vice President of Corporate Advancement at Redwire, a leader in space infrastructure.
Rich will speak about Redwire's accomplishment in 3D bioprinting human tissue in space aboard the International Space Station. He will share the distinct advantages of bioprinting in space, and discuss the potential for broader applications, including tissue replacement therapy.
Learn about this innovative work and Redwire's 3D BioFabrication Facility. A Q&A session with the audience will follow.
Second Cup is made possible through a partnership with Novaparke, The Root, and The Floyd County Library.
No registration is required. This event is open to the public. A light breakfast will be provided.
Yoga At The Root
This community class is free for members and offered on a donation basis, with a suggested donation of $10/per class, but no one will be turned away for an inability to pay.
Community yoga is an all levels class. We encourage those who are curious about yoga, as well as seasoned practitioners to join us and share the amazing benefits of a yoga practice.
Community Yoga at The Root classes are taught by Element Yoga Teachers, Carrie Klaus and Taylor Outram. Carrie and Taylor are both registered with the Yoga Alliance. Check out the schedule below for the next few class dates!
Element Yoga and Ayurvedic Wellness is a community partner. Learn more about them and the rest of our awesome partners that make The Root great.
New Albany Art Walk
Join us for an exciting evening of art and culture as we celebrate the talents of local artists and the vibrant downtown community! Our downtown art walk will take you on a tour of some of the most creative and unique businesses in the area, each showcasing the work of talented artists.
Stroll from shop to shop, gallery to gallery, and soak up the atmosphere of our beautiful downtown neighborhood. Meet the artists behind the artwork and learn about their creative process, inspiration, and techniques. Whether you're an avid art collector, a curious visitor, or simply looking for a fun night out, this event has something for everyone.
From paintings and illustrations to photography and music, there will be a diverse range of styles and mediums to enjoy. You'll also have the opportunity to purchase artwork directly from the artists, so you can take a piece of the evening home with you.
This will occur every third Friday of the month.
Participating businesses and artists include:
- Fostered Up Art
- Regalo
- Kozy Kandles
- The Root
- SiliconCafe
- Chestnuts and Pearl
- Eureka! Menswear
- Sew Fitting
- Pluto Comics
- Mozart in the Knobs
- The Wizard of Art
- Zeller Financial Services
- Meraki
- Lili Mosley
- Matt McRae/Midwestern Gothic
- Cortlan Waters Bartley
- Bourne Schweitzer Gallery
- Aung Oo
- Serena Fleener
- Larry Basham
- Rick Banda
- Robert Reynolds
- Lunaversol
- PhatShayn
- Michele’s Apothecary & Blends
- Mr. Nice Guy
- Disc Crazy
And the list will continue to grow! Check the event page for updates on participants, a map, and more!
So mark your calendar and join us for an unforgettable evening of art, community, and fun. We can't wait to see you there!
Liftoff: A Creative Event for your Ideas to Take Flight
We're having a space showcase for The Nest where creatives can network, meet our In-House Sound Engineer, Blkmrkt, AKA Justin Eckerd, learn more about membership and benefits, and collectively create a song together! Renowned music producer, Jon Woo, will also be in attendance.
IUS Office Hours
*OCCURRING OUT AT NOVAPARKE
Indiana University Southeast is a premier university in our region.
As a community partner with Novaparke Innovation and Technology Campus, IU Southeast has agreed to provide faculty and staff services to assist local entrepreneurs in their efforts to develop and grow. Through its award-winning School of Business, the university will have a presence on campus and will provide one-on-one sessions with local entrepreneurs, business seminars and training sessions.
Additionally, the faculty will be available through our business accelerator program to assist selected firms in the development and growth of their business.
Louisville Legends: I Hate 0-Brien Live!
Tennessee based artist 0-Brien is performing live, and so is VL7 and artists from Hi Vibes & Co! More details to come.