By Mark Ambrogi
Bob Kravitz’s music tastes run more towards New Wave musicians like Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson.
Yet when the Carmel Symphony Orchestra asked if he would help present their music featuring sports themes, he readily agreed.
Kravitz, the WTHR-13 sports columnist and on-air personality, will do some narration and answer some questions when CSO Plays Sports at 7:30 p.m. April 9 at the Palladium in Carmel.
“It was not something I ever of thought of doing,” said Kravitz, previously a sports columnist for the Indianapolis Star. “I like getting out and doing as much community stuff as I can. I did stand-up comedy a few years ago — or at least attempted to. I’ll try to do anything for the community or for an organization to help raise money. I’m not afraid to look silly.”
The Fishers resident said he has attended Symphony on the Prairie a few times at Conner Prairie.
“I’m mildly cultured,” said Kravitz, who frequently attends Indiana Repertory Theatre with his wife.
It was CSO artistic director and conductor David Bowden’s idea to invite Kravitz.
“Bob is a sports institution in Indianapolis,” Bowden said. “We wanted to have somebody be involved who would be very much at ease in participating, who would have name recognition and who would be fun to work with.”
Kravitz will narrate “Casey at the Bat” and serve as color commentator in a sense.
“He’ll be interviewed by me during the course of the concert and we hope to elicit sports stories from the music in our program,” Bowden said.
There will be music from movies such as “Rocky” and “Breaking Away” along with the Harlem Globetrotters’ theme “Sweet Georgia Brown.” The CSO will play the “William Tell Overture,” a tradition at Indiana University basketball games.
Bowden is encouraging the audience to wear their school colors.
For more, visit thecenterpresents.com.
