Venue Review: Fountain Square’s Radio Radio
Embracing a music venue is no small task. In my career I have noticed that it takes many positive experiences in a row to earn my loyalty. Sure, a good promoter and solid booking always helps the cause, but there is also a myriad of variables that need to align to in order to swoon me.
- Intimate without the coffee shop chairs
- It has character
- ATP (Average Ticket Price) is around 12 USD
- A sound system that is clear. Lyrics sound crisp and understood.
- 5 minutes or less to get another drink
- Pit stop crew speed on the band changes
- Clean Toilets
- Nice to have: Local beer on tap
Fountain Square’s indie rock lair Radio Radio strongly embraces these attributes while contributing to the culture of Indianapolis. Every time I step foot in Radio Radio I feel like I am surrounded by a group of like-minded strangers who are contributing to the cultural advancement of a city we all own. Before I was old enough to go to places like Radio Radio I felt very similar to Matthew Lillard’s character Steveo in the 1998 film SLC Punk! Steveo was struggling with seeing cultural progression in dreary conservative Salt Lake City, Utah. As a young punker looking for a release, Steveo’s surroundings attempted to limit his identity progression.
It is amazing how a new venue can not only bring you happiness, but also enable distinctiveness. It is these 2 ½ hour long moments of unity I get on a weekly basis that keep me level. I want to thank Radio Radio for contributing to my musical growth and serving as the projector of live experiences with some really radical bands. Sleigh Bells, Andy D, We are Hex, Free Energy, Beta Male, Rural Alberta Advantage all stand out in recent memory. With bands like Yuck, Bear Hands, Tapes N’ Tapes, and legendary Sebadoh on the upcoming calendar, Radio Radio allows for many more opportunities to contribute to building out my character, but also blazing a new cultural path for Indianapolis.
Written by Brett McGrath
This Saturday, Radio Radio will host Marmoset’s record release party.
1119 E. Prospect Street
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Tel: +317.955.0995
Upcoming Event: Dirty Beaches at White Rabbit Cabaret
Alex Zhang Huntai is the mind behind Dirty Beaches. His project has captivated me upon arrival. If I had to describe Huntai I would give him the title of Enigmatic Nomad. He has built his vision by evacuating his homeland Taiwan and migrating to Montreal. Badlands, is a story of travel and experience. Dirty Beaches is a project that performs smooth, but breeds uncertainty as we continue to search for an answer to Huntai’s message. Is he lost? Is he in love? Did he fall out of love?
Huntai embraces Elvis Presley as an influence. I am pulled to an obscure story coming from a roaming thinker. Paul Simon’s Graceland hooked with a mystery. Listen to Bandlands. Also check out Dirty Beaches / Ela Orleans 12’’ double feature:
MOKB Presents: Dirty Beaches (support: Frankie Rose), September 26, White Rabbit Cabaret. 1116 Prospect Street. $8 ADV / $10 Door. Buy your tickets HERE.
Written by Brett McGrath.
Thought on Tracks 
Preview: Tonic Ball X
Tonight marks the tenth annual Tonic Ball in Indianapolis’ historic Fountain Square neighborhood. This year’s festival promises to be the largest in its history, showcasing more than 40 artists at three separate venues. All money from ticket sales supports Second Helpings – a charity organization that provider over 3,000 meals to Indy’s hungriest citizens each day.
The event will kick off with a silent auction at New Day Meadery from 5 – 8 PM. From there, guests will wander toward the tunes. Each of the three venues will feature local artists attempting to create a unique version of songs not their own. Fountain Square Theatre will play host to the Michael Jackson stage, White Rabbit Cabaret will serve as the David Bowie stage and Radio Radio will feature songs by recently disbanded R.E.M.
Indy’s latest and greatest event site Do317.com is powering a nifty schedule that allows attendees to easily map out their scheduled listening for the evening. The music will continue into the wee hours with Hitchhike playing closer at 1 AM at Radio Radio. Tonic Ball promises to be one of the parties of the fall in Indianapolis, and its support of Second Helpings adds another worthwhile reason to attend.
Online sale of tickets are now closed, but a limited number of tickets will be made available at the event itself. Claw, scratch, and elbow folks. Do what you must to get into this event. Just don’t miss it!
Written by Rob Peoni