Breanna Cooper

Indianapolis

Long-suffering Cubs fan. Writer+ thinker. Horror nerd and classic rock enthusiast. Office aspirin-peddler and arts reporter @mirrorindy. Opinions are my own.

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Articles

Indiana Avenue tragic story is subject of new play "13 Fires"

Nov 20, 2024 | mirrorindy.org | Breanna Cooper

In 1956, an electrical fire killed two toddlers living in a “shabbily constructed 3-bedroom addition” at 614-6 Douglass St., near Indiana Avenue. Their mother complained to the landlord about electrical issues to no avail before the deadly fire broke out. Writer Curtis K. Rogers, who was born and raised in Indianapolis, grew up hearing about this particular fire and the housing issues which plagued Black neighborhoods.
LongShot venue shut down after fight, zoning violations - Indianapolis News

Nov 19, 2024 | wishtv.com | Breanna Cooper

INDIANAPOLIS (MIRROR INDY) — LongShot, an all-ages venue and artists collaborative in Fountain Square, was abruptly shut down after an incident on the premises. On Oct. 26, police were called in response to a fight between a group of minors outside of the venue, according to owner Tad Aschliman, who rents the building from landlord Minda Balcius. This incident, coupled with previous city zoning violations led Aschliman and Balcius to close LongShot’s doors.
LongShot closed down after battling city code violations

Nov 18, 2024 | mirrorindy.org | Breanna Cooper

LongShot, an all-ages venue and artists collaborative in Fountain Square, was abruptly shut down after an incident on the premises. On Oct. 26, police were called in response to a fight between a group of minors outside of the venue, according to owner Tad Aschliman, who rents the building from landlord Minda Balcius. This incident, coupled with previous city zoning violations — one for an unsafe parking lot — led Aschliman and Balcius to close LongShot’s doors.
Indy’s Center for Black Literature and Culture announces new programs

Nov 12, 2024 | mirrorindy.org | Breanna Cooper

Free weekly movie screenings and artist workshops are some of the new programs that will be offered next year at the Center for Black Literature and Culture, housed in the Central Library. The changes were announced Tuesday, Nov. 12, by CBLC manager Alexus Hunt. While the list of films won’t be finalized until December, Hunt said each movie will feature nuanced Black characters and emphasize Black joy.
What’s up with funding for arts and culture in Indianapolis?

Nov 8, 2024 | mirrorindy.org | Breanna Cooper |Jennifer Delgadillo

Since September, Mirror Indy’s Documenters have attended four public meetings where arts funding for projects and organizations was discussed. Documenters are citizens who are trained and paid to take notes that often inspire Mirror Indy stories. Documenters attend these meetings (and many more city, neighborhood and school meetings) to create a public record. Here’s what Documenters found out:Sept.
Know the costume makers behind Indy’s coolest theater productions

Nov 4, 2024 | mirrorindy.org | Breanna Cooper

Editor’s Note: A correction has been made to correctly reflect Marina Turner’s gender identity. It takes a lot more than actors and directors to make a successful theater production. For audiences to believe the story they’re being told, costume design can make or break a show. Kristin Boyd, Robert Moore, Patric Trower and Marina Turner are working behind the scenes in Indianapolis theater companies to bring stories to life on the stage.
How to avoid Taylor Swift crowds in Indianapolis Nov. 1-3

Oct 25, 2024 | mirrorindy.org | Breanna Cooper |Amanda Kingsbury

If you’re not a Swiftie (or you are, but you have Ticketmaster resentment), you might want to avoid downtown from Nov. 1-3. That’s when Indy turns into Taylor Town. The “Anti-Hero” singer will pull massive crowds into Lucas Oil Stadium, spike the city with $100 million in economic impact — and very likely remind her fans to vote on Nov. 5. But who are we to fight the alchemy? We’re glad she’s here – and hat’s off to those who scored tickets.
Broad Ripple funeral home revives the oldies (and new music too!)

Oct 22, 2024 | mirrorindy.org | Breanna Cooper

When you park in the back lot of the Flanner Buchanan funeral home at 1305 Broad Ripple Ave., enter through the back door and then go downstairs to the left, you will find a treasure trove of Indiana music. The new music kiosk by the Indiana Music History Project has music by stars like bluesman Leroy Carr and rocker John Mellencamp, but also by emerging artists from Americana to hip-hop and everything in between.
Operation Halloween: Give your life a spooky infusion

Oct 21, 2024 | mirrorindy.org | Breanna Cooper

Who cares what the calendar says. You don’t have to limit your Halloween celebrations to just one day a year. Prepare for the influx of trick-or-treaters and hunt for the perfect costume, but consider making the most out of your Spooky Season with these ideas. 📍 Tick Tock Lounge, 2602 E. 10th St.At this east side bar, Bloody Marys come without a mirror or a demon, which could really put a damper on your day. They do, however, come with a plate — because this drink can substitute for lunch.
You’re invited: Mirror Indy Votes! Pre-Election Party

Oct 15, 2024 | mirrorindy.org | Breanna Cooper

Are you a first-time voter with questions about election season? Are you an early-bird voter who has already cast your ballot? No matter where you fall in line, we want you to join us for the Mirror Indy Votes! Pre-Election Party. Voters 18 and up can attend the free Mirror Indy Votes! Pre-election Party from 2-6 p.m. on Nov. 3 at Turntable, 6281 N. College Ave.