James Layne

How to beat last call, protect your lawn spot, and more advice from a concert veteran.

“I was like, ‘Hey, do NOT kick it to him,” Colts defender Robert Mathis recalls. “‘Kick it to him, and I’m going to fight you.’”

After headlining the 31-date Voice tour that wraps August 2, Kaufman will start recording his major-label debut album. Not bad for a guy who was performing solo at Potbelly on Monument Circle earlier this year.

What makes his victory so refreshing is the fact that the best vocalist on the show actually prevailed.

Hoosiers statewide are presumably inclined to pull for Kaufman, and the truth of the matter is this: He is the best vocalist on the show.

This is the most important night of Kaufman’s professional career, and he’s earned it.

I’m willing to bet soul-music legend Ray Charles never expected his music to be the backbone of a contemporary modern-dance company. But Nicholas Owens Dance Company has done just that.

The third case appears in Concourse B, exclusive to travelers. It’s the most impressive artwork, with tasteful filters and edits layering each photograph.

Coach Usher picked “Love Runs Out” by OneRepublic, which was an excellent decision matched with perfect timing. America finally saw a comfortable Josh Kaufman meander about the stage as if it’s where he belongs—and it is.

The five remaining contestants will each perform two songs live for America with hopes of seizing a coveted spot in the finals. Follow along with us!

Kaufman controlled Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” with pitch perfection. When he mixes gospel roots with that soulful jazz tone, it’s hard to think he won’t make the show’s Top 2.

Follow our (runaway) train of thoughts as one of Indy’s own performs for America, his sights set on seizing a spot in the program’s Top 5.

“[Usher] told me to practice in the mirror—once facing it, once in profile one way, and once in profile the other way, occasionally making eye contact with myself,” Kaufman tell IM. “It really helped me focus on connecting with the audience.”

We’re talking all things Kaufman during Monday’s live episode. Join us.

From July 31 through August 17, the Coliseum Concert Series will bring its first batch of performers through the spiffed-up multipurpose facility.