Holy Cross

A neighborhood in Indianapolis

Holy Cross sits on Indianapolis' near east side, bounded by Michigan Street, State Street, Southeastern Avenue, and Davidson Street. It is the first neighborhood encountered upon leaving downtown on the one-way east artery of New York Street. The neighborhood's one dedicated music venue carries most of the area's live-music identity. The **Indianapolis Liederkranz** (1417 E. Washington St.) is the oldest active German singing organization in the city and one of the few remaining of its kind in the United States. Founded in 1872 as a German club dedicated to singing, it moved into its current home on Washington Street in 1914. The building holds two performance spaces: a ground-floor event hall with a small bar, and a grand concert hall with full bar and kitchen on the second floor. Active ensembles include a Männerchor (Men's Choir), a Damenchor (Ladies' Auxiliary Choir), Bell Choir, and Brass Band. Each holiday season the hall hosts a Weihnachtskonzert featuring all four ensembles. The club also holds an annual Oktoberfest with brats, beer, and live music. The Liederkranz's stated purpose is the cultivation of German culture through song and music, and all events are open to the public.