Where to See Live Music in Indianapolis

Indianapolis is a great city in which to see live local (or non-local) music. There is something going on every night whether it be in the heart of Broad Ripple, in downtown Indy, or on the classy northside. The local Indianapolis music scene is teaming with talented bands and musicians, and some Indy bars attract the attention of national touring acts as well.

One of the best bars to catch live music at in Indianapolis is the Melody Inn, located at 38th and Illinois streets, near the Butler University campus. Established in 1933, the Melody Inn is one of the oldest bars in Indianapolis. You never know what kind of music to expect at the Melody since it is host to a number of acts ranging from punk rock (every Sat. night is Punk Rock night), to jazz, alternative, acoustic, or even open mic. The Melody Inn also has jukeboxes available as well as a pool table, and of course, a full bar. It is 21+ only. You can always find plenty of nearby free parking at the Melody Inn and the cover ranges from $3-5 per night.

Another great place to see a live band in Indianapolis is Birdy's Bar and Grill, located in Broad Ripple, just off of Keystone avenue. Birdy's is made up of two floors. The main floor has a large stage and a full bar, with an open floor in front of the stage and an area with tables to sit at the back of the room. There is also a room off to the side of the main room that contains a lounge with a pool table. Upstairs there is another pool table, several booths, a full bar, and a balcony overlooking the stage. Local bands play at Birdy's every night but they also host several national acts a month. The cover charge on most nights is $5. Birdy's also has a large food menu. Birdy's is 21+ only.

The Ugly Monkey is one of downtown Indianapolis' best music venues. It is located in the outskirts of downtown, at a new location at 50 W. South St. It has a front room and a back room as well as an outdoor deck, and doubles as a dance club on nights when it doesn't have any live music on the bill. Live bands play at the Ugly Monkey every Thursday through Saturday, with a d.j. taking over on the other nights of the week. It has two full bars and a gigantic food menu. The Ugly Monkey is a 21+ only venue.

Perhaps one of the best known music venues in Indianapolis is the Vogue theater in the heart of Broad Ripple. It has been voted Best dance club in Indy several times as well as best nightclub and best place to hear live music. In 1938, when the Vogue opened, it was a movie theatre. It wasn't until 1977 that it became a nightclub. Many national acts have graced the stage at the Vogue, including Cheap Trick, the White Stripes, Bonnie Raitt, the Dave Mathews Band, and Johnny Cash. On nights when the Vogue is not hosting live acts, they host a retro dance night that includes hip hop and techno music. Concerts at the Vogue usually start at 8pm, with the doors opening an hour before the show is scheduled to start. Ticket prices vary and make be purchased at the Vouge boxoffice prior to the show. The Vogue is a 21+ only venue.

The Music Mill is another great venue, located on Indianapolis' north side on E. 82nd St, at Keystone at the crossing. It is known for bringing in national acts, with local bands opening up for the bigger name artists. The music mill is also a restaurant and bar. The Music Mill usually hosts popular top 40 acts, such as Bo Bice, Shawn Mullins, the Gin Blossoms, and Joey McIntyre. Most shows at the Music Mill are standing room only. The Music Mill is a non-smoking venue and all shows are open to ages 21+ only.

Club Logos's (located on 154 E. Jefferson st. on Indy's south side) is one of the best all age music venues in Indianapolis. It features a 500ft stage as well as a 1500 foot dance floor. It is open Fri., Sat. and Sun. nights, and the cover is usually $7. All shows start at 7:30 pm. Logo's is a non-alcoholic venue.

So bring a date or go stag, but be sure to hit one of these great Indianapolis music venues!