It started casually enough. A group of friends wanted to throw a big party, so they invited all their buddies’ bands to provide music. Five years down the line, the Fountain Square Music Festival is not only going strong — it’s growing.
“This year is the biggest year yet. All the music venues (in Fountain Square) will be taken over, and we will have our first-ever outdoor stage on Virginia Avenue. It’s fully immersive and surrounds the audience with lights. It makes them a part of the show,” said Owen Thomas, one of the festival’s organizers.
A variety of notable national artists will perform at the festival, including alternative hip-hop duo The Cool Kids and Chicago-based artist, educator and activist Malcolm London. However, Thomas said local talent is the true gem of the festival.
“We looked through a list of 300 artists who submitted and only selected 10 percent. We picked the ones that captured our ears or seemed like they were doing something visually interesting. They are not on the lineup simply because they are local; they are on it because they are awesome. It just so happens we have a ton of super exciting bands from right here in our state, and we want to elevate those.”
A portion of the proceeds raised at the festival will support neighborhood organizations in Fountain Square. Because of the vitality of the neighborhood, the festival may feel more like a block party than a concert.
“There are a ton of restaurants around, galleries, retail, vintage clothing and vinyl shops, all kinds of cuisine from pub food to Mexican, Thai to pizza. It’s all there. Our neighborhood provides the food and retail service (for the festival), and it’s a really, really cool thing,” said Thomas.
Overall, the festival gives the greater Indianapolis community a chance to experience a growing part of town and gives artists a chance to be noticed by the community. Thomas hopes the event will bring something of value to the city.
“It’s not us trying to do a cool event so we feel cool to have done it. We are trying to put something of value in place, so people will be willing to come and pay to see these unique artists in the neighborhood that we love so much. Without a stage like this, the artists don’t get seen, they don’t get discovered, and so they don’t have the chance to fully commit themselves to their trade,” said Thomas. “Everybody has been so supportive of the vision. We are not out to compete with each other; we are trying to create a platform that uplifts the entire neighborhood and the arts community.”
The festival takes place Oct. 6-7 at multiple venues in Fountain Square. One-day general admission passes start at $49, and two-day passes cost $99. For a full list of artists and more information about the event, visit fountainsquaremusicfest.org.
Welshly Arms
Vintage soul and classic rock inspire Welshly Arms, a band from Cleveland, Ohio. Their music has been featured on “Empire” and “Sense8,” and they recently signed with major label Polydor. Welshly Arms perform on Friday, Oct. 6.
(Image source: twitter.com/welshlyarms)
“> Welshly Arms Vintage soul and classic rock inspire Welshly Arms, a band from Cleveland, Ohio. Their music has been featured on “Empire” and “Sense8,” and they recently signed with major label Polydor. Welshly Arms perform on Friday, Oct. 6. (Image source: twitter.com/welshlyarms)
Malcolm London
Chicago artist, educator and activist Malcolm London explores tough topics head-on through his music. He has appeared on PBS and has shared stages with actor Matt Damon and rapper Lupe Fiasco. London will perform on Saturday, Oct. 7.
“> Malcolm London Chicago artist, educator and activist Malcolm London explores tough topics head-on through his music. He has appeared on PBS and has shared stages with actor Matt Damon and rapper Lupe Fiasco. London will perform on Saturday, Oct. 7.
