The Center for the Performing Arts

I didn’t realize that this venue was so new. Almost five years old apparently. It’s located centrally in Carmel so it’s easy to find. They seem to be able to be able to get named acts too. And don’t forget that if you buy a drink in the foyer you can take it inside too.

The Center for the Performing Arts is an absolutely gorgeous venue. Although their shows typically draw in an older crowd, every show we’ve seen there has been phenomenal. We saw Hugh Laurie sing the blues, we’ve attended a charity gala, and most recently we saw Ira Glass do a talk. There are so many different rooms and levels to explore. My fiancé and I liked the building so much we’ve decided to get married there this May! I would definitely check out a show here or, at the very least, pop in to look around.

I had the pleasure of interning at this fine venue a few years ago, and I’m so happy I did! I was able to see inside and outside of one of the my favorite venues in the central Indiana area! Not only is it visually stunning, but it feels that you’re in another world because of its amazing architecture.
The building and area itself is enough to get the 5 stars, but go inside and experience a show with sound like never before. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house, even the most affordable tickets are doable. I love the hallways and the private areas for events and sponsors.
If you’re looking to get involved with a young professionals group that incorporates local events, shops, and the arts, definitely look into joining the Scene, the Center’s very own professional group, ran by two of my favorite staff members!
Not only does professionalism shine in this venue, but you can see the staff members’ (both administrative and artistic) and volunteers’ passion and dedication towards the mission of the Center whenever you’re there. There’s always a smile, even when times get tough, and that’s something I greatly cherished about my times both interning and visiting as a guest at the Center.
Yes, the tickets can be a bit on the higher end, but there is so much effort put into the visuals and the sounds for every show. I mean, c’mon, it was designed to have some of the best sounds in the area.
So if you’re looking for a romantic evening on the town with some arts from some both locals or professionals, or if you’re looking to have a classy night out, be sure to check out the Center.
The ONLY downfall (and not its fault at all): the location. It’s not fun to drive all the way up there if you’re living closer to downtown, but I promise it’s worth the drive!

Beautiful venue in a surprising location. I have been a season ticket holder for the ISO in downtown Indianapolis in the past and am used to the Hilbert Circle Theatre for symphony concerts. The Carmel Center for the Performing Arts is equally (some might even argue MORE) impressive!
The orchestra themselves were quite impressive, too. I would not put them up against the ISO, but I will say that they put on a fine performance. I doubt you’ll be disappointed!

The Palladium is a first class music venue from the lighting to the sound quality to the incredibly comfortable seats. I’ve had the privilege of seeing some great performances there including the Vienna Boys Choir and today the Masala Orchestra.
I love the North, South, East, West wing layout for the building. Very conducive for herding people in and out.
Have yet to here the pipe organ, but I’m pretty sure it sounds as spectacular as it looks!!!
My only beef with the Palladium is that the parking garage is not attached to the building… but then that whole NSEW thing would different. Maybe an underground tunnel!!! On cold nights, valet may be in order.

Beautiful venue, great sound system and awesome seating.
The volunteers who pass out the program guides are very sweet and helpful.
The parking is great if you can park out front, otherwise it is self parking in the garage across the street, or on adjacent streets… None of which are bad as long as you take a jacket of the weather is cool.
Make a night of it and eat out either before or after at Matt the Miller!

My baby bought us front row seats in front of David Sanborn! You always show me the best time!

The Palladium is a beautiful venue and I absolutely love the décor. It’s truly a gem in the city of Carmel and offers a grand setting for hosting some of the most exciting entertainment available, from the highly acclaimed ISO, the Carmel Symphony, or any one of the many entertainers that perform here. You will be delighted and you’re only blocks away from many nice restaurants and the new Arts District. Enjoy!

A beautiful venue that is always accompanied by excellent service. The volunteers that help hand out programs, direct people to seats, etc. are always so friendly and enjoyable. This venue attracts a nice variety of performers and it has an intimate feel. We have enjoyed all of the concerts and performances we have attended here. I will say that the few restaurants within walking distance are usually packed and so it is difficult to grab a bite before a show.

Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful! Sound quality is amazing no matter where you sit. Performance was superb. Will definitely go again.

I have experienced several beautiful shows here including Tao Phoenix Rising and George Winston. Both concerts were exceptionally well done and beautifully preformed. On both occasions, the staff at the Center was very helpful, the seats were comfortable and clean, and the ambiance was soothing and relaxed.
However, what does stop me from awarding such a venue 5 stars would be the confusing layout of the facilities. I have gotten lost on multiple occasions in the massive structure and have had to require hep getting back to my seat. One might start out on the fourth floor, and may not realized they have crossed onto the fifth floor.
Despite this Unilocalers confusion, I would still urge fellow compatriots to attend your chosen venue at this hall.

WOW what a beautiful theater! I have been to my fare share of amazing concert venues. But this is one of my new favorites! We drove from Des Moines to see Randy Newman perform at the Palladium and it was so worth it! One of the best concert experiences I have ever had!
We had orchestra box seats, right up on the stage facing Randy at the piano!
He joked from stage about, «what a Dump this place is.» making the crowed roar in laughter! As he looked around at the beautiful architecture the building has!
The theater was built immaculately for sound and beauty! Everything about it was perfect! Great lobby, smiley staff, comfortable seats, great sight lines, awesome gift shop, good drink selection, and very large and clean bathrooms which made the lines at intermission go fast!
Looking at the program, the Center For Performing Arts has a great line up scheduled for the year and I’m glad I got to experience Randy Newman in such a wonderful setting!

As a periodic patron of arts/​culture events, I am glad we have The Center for the Performing Arts in our backyard. I have been to several shows, both at The Palladium and the Tarkington, and have always had good experiences. I always come away impressed by the quality of the performances and the venue.
The Center brings in national and international acts in various categories, mainly in Classical /​Country /​Jazz to Dance and other performing arts. And the quality of the venues attracts some well-​known artists that want to play there. I’ve seen anything from Savion Glover (tap dancing prodigy) to The O’Jays (R&B legends) to Jon Batiste (emerging neo-​soul artist). You can also immerse yourself in other cultures by attending some of the international-​flavored performances. You can see anything from Japanese drummers to Latin dancers to Chinese acrobats.
As far as the venues, The Palladium is beautifully built and acoustically perfect, and the Tarkington is a right-​sized venue for more intimate performances. There is never a bad seat in the house. For the Palladium, I prefer seating in the Gallery level. I think it sounds even better in that section and you can see the entire stage (even though it’s further away).
Don’t let the Carmel address prevent you from checking out a show. I am glad we have this high-​caliber venue in Central Indiana, and not having to travel to see an artist who otherwise may not play in Indy. And with all the development in the surrounding areas, there are plenty of dining options to make a night out attending a show.

I had no idea what to expect coming here. My first impression when I saw the building was «Wow, Carmel sure has changed» my final impression was «YES. This place is FANTASTIC for music!».
My friend Alex S. and I recently came here to see Pat Metheny in his current form of «Pat Metheny Unity Group» in the Palladium. The inside lobby is gorgeous and we got there a little early so we opted to get a drink and it was actually reasonably priced for a concert venue, awesome!
But let’s get to the important part, this place is AMAZING for live music, perfect, perfect sound. I am not sure I have ever felt more connected/​involved with musicians. Bravo on the design of this place. I also noticed that our seats were just slightly higher than the rows in front of us, I LOVE when venues do this so everyone can see comfortably. And for anyone who is wondering, Pat Metheny is ridiculously good, go see him. Now.
Friendly staff, wide easy rows to move through made this an excellent concert experience. I would not hesitate to see more shows here.
One small negative side note, by the end of the long concert, it was FREEZING in the Palladium and I had to put on my coat! Not sure what was going on there, but hopefully they can fix that in the future.

We come to several events a year and are never disappointed.
It’s beautiful — inside and outside. The seats are very comfortable (note the silent ventilation under each seat). The staff and volunteers are friendly and efficient. The acoustics are flawless. Parking is easy and free. Tickets to the events are usually very affordable.
Mayor Jim Brainard has done good.

OK, I’ve been to another show on the floor and I have to admit the sound there is quite good. Cold comfort to the paupers in the upper reaches (the «mizzies,» as Dame Edna calls them – her «les miserables» in the cheap seats).
Some bumps with staff who seemed unsure where to direct you («I’ve never operated this elevator before, so I’m not sure where that is from here…»). But overall it was a pretty good experience. They also have pretty good accessibility for folks with disabilities, and ample handicapped parking spaces in the garage, even though it’s a walk.

Was here for my daughters middle school orchestra concert. Very nice facility. I don’t think there is a bad seat in the house and the sound was very good. I would like to go back to see a professional performance.

This is a beautiful new building that is intimate setting for performances. Impressive line up of shows for the season. The parking is free and it is easy to get to whether walking up the monon or parking and entering from the garage.

We went up to see Michael Cavanaugh sing and play with the Indy Symphony at the Palladium. I was blown away by the quality of the sound. Since it was a Sunday evening show, the place was no where near capacity. We wandered around and tried out various seats. Acoustics are as close to perfect as possible. The main seats are regular theater seats, but the box seats can be moved around. Lighting is wonderful, interior is beautiful.
The only complaint I have is that the signage walking from the Palladium into the parking garage is ridiculous. I seriously felt like I was running a maze. Who thought that up? You enter the building, walk basically a full U-​turn around the offices and other theater space, then when you’re almost outside again, head up steps. I saw multiple groups of people wandering through the garage on what was a pretty hot night looking and sounding VERY frustrated. There should be an underground walkway and a more direct entrance/​exit. In the winter, it’s going to be a really lousy walk. Buuuuut… parking is free! Yay!

One good reason to go above 96^th street. My general rule is not to venture up into the land of Stepford at all costs, but now I have found a deal breaker.
Ah the Palladium, a building that like most others in Carmel proper has stolen it’s look in order to achieve the produced quaintness they are going for up there. But I can deal with that, if someone assures me they used Bedford limestone to make it. Gotta keep the cutters working.
It only holds 1,600 people. The sound is as close to perfect as I’ve come to in that size hall, and there’s not hardly a bad seat in the house. I would actually give it 4.5 stars as the ticket prices are rather steep, they seem to be using the Carmel wage scale rather than area wide to base their prices.
Put yourself on their e-​mail list or at least check their scheduled events quarterly, and when an Artist comes you really like, mostly you won’t regret forking over the dough, for a great night of music in a lovely venue with great sound.