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Mesgana Waiss

@theavgjourn

arts and culture reporter at Mirror Indy ✍🏾keeping tabs on the cool stuff in Indy ✉️ mesgana.waiss@mirrorindy.org https://mirrorindy.org/author/mesgana-waiss/

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25.07.2025
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Latest posts by Mesgana Waiss @theavgjourn

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R.L. Stine talks his childhood fears and his infamous typing finger We caught up with the author ahead of his March 19 appearance at this year’s Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture.

I got to interview the legendary R.L. Stine. Next week, he will visit Indy for the McFadden Lecture. Get to know the story behind his infamous lone typing finger and a creepy basement that fueled his childhood fears and helped inform his second “Goosebumps” book.

mirrorindy.org/r-l-stine-go...

12.03.2026 02:14 👍 6 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 0
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These Black filmmakers are shaping the Indy film scene Meet the creatives who are bringing their film dreams home to Indianapolis.

In honor of Black History Month, I caught up with Black producers, screenwriters, cinematographers, directors and actors who are chasing their dreams in the city. Some make skater videos, others have created TV series.

Check out my latest Mirror Indy story: mirrorindy.org/local-black-...

26.02.2026 20:11 👍 3 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
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Hosting an event this year? We’ve got you covered. Mirror Indy put together a list of spaces around Indy to book for your next baby shower, wedding, graduation party or workshop.

Planning an event this year? I know the hassle of trying to find a venue in the city that meets all of your needs. That’s why I put together a list of spaces you can book based on their vibe and size. You’ll find everything from your local pub to the Indy Artsgarden.

mirrorindy.org/event-spaces...

21.02.2026 02:36 👍 3 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0
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You need to go see Pike’s girls basketball team before it's too late After a 21-game win streak, the team is chasing its first state championship.

Love this story from @theavgjourn.bsky.social about the Pike girls basketball team's remarkable season.

They're on a 21-game win streak heading into the IHSAA state tournament.... and you've got a chance to see them play this Friday night! mirrorindy.org/pike-high-sc...

05.02.2026 13:37 👍 2 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0
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The lost photographs of Osbert Sumner Historian Deedee Davis’ research began seven years ago to tell a different story of life in Indianapolis from 1898-1903.

For over 8 years, historian Deedee Davis has been researching the lost photographs of Osbert Sumner. He captured former President Benjamin Harrison’s funeral, the first annual Fall Carnival downtown and city residents.

Read my latest for Mirror Indy: mirrorindy.org/historic-pho...

23.10.2025 17:15 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
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An art class designed for immigrant children to ‘not hide’ Two years ago, Grassroot Projects started offering free six-week art classes to immigrant families in Indianapolis.

Two years ago, Grassroot Projects started offering free art classes to children from immigrant families. I spent time with some of the cutest kids as they made textiles. I also talked with co-founder Priya Gangwani about the class being way for them to “not hide.”

mirrorindy.org/immigrants-s...

17.10.2025 20:52 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
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Chreece turns 10 How Indy’s ‘Rap Christmas’ was born, its growing pains and what comes next.

Hip-hop found a home in Fountain Square in 2015. Over the past 10 years, the Chreece hip-hop festival has displayed all elements of the genre.

Live music events come and go, but the “little festival that could” somehow remains.

My latest story for Mirror Indy: mirrorindy.org/history-of-t...

26.08.2025 18:36 👍 6 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 0
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Buddy Red to headline new ‘juke joint’ party for BUTTER 5 See art from Black artists and get a side of sweat and rhythm and blues from Buddy Red and local musicians.

Heading to BUTTER this year? Here’s another reason to go: Ju’s Juke Joint. You’ll delve deeper into Black musical heritage over art, food, drinks + live music. I got a chance to talk to headliner Buddy Redd, T.I.’s son, about his idol Wes Montgomery and rock n’ roll.
mirrorindy.org/ganggang-to-...

14.08.2025 02:13 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

Our arts and culture reporter @theavgjourn.bsky.social is here! Give her a follow. #Indianapolis

26.07.2025 19:08 👍 8 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 0