Domecoming Party - The Triumphant Return of the Hoosier Dome

For those that have been a part of it, there is nothing more pure for music fans than the energy at an all ages venue. Musicians and fans under 21 don’t have many options open for them to play and experience music with their friends. When a spot becomes available, the scene will flock to it and kids will come together to celebrate music until it inevitably gets shut down for whatever reason. There have been many legendary incarnations in Indianapolis where the underaged music community can come together and experience music. The Sitcom, Rhino’s, the Halloween House, the Music Box, Smedley’s Dream, the Purple Underground… any number of venues that have come and gone. When one manages to stay open for years, like the Emerson Theater, it’s exceptional. This past weekend, after 16 months of remaining silent, one of the few long-running all ages venues finally re-opened, and for the fans who have left blood, sweat and tears on the floor there, the Dome will always be Home.

Hoosier Dome proprietor Andrea McPherson on stage - Photo by Bailee Logan

Situated on Prospect, just off the beaten path of Fountain Square, the Hoosier Dome has been bringing music and making space for artists of all ages for over a decade now. Through the years it has hosted (in addition to nearly every up and coming Indy act) names like: Beach Slang; Touche Amore; A Whilhelm Scream; The Zero Boys; Diet Cig; Terror; Drug Church… and many more. The Hoosier Dome is an old school all ages venue. They keep the doors open from door admission and not much else. No food or alcohol sales, in fact, the dome is an alcohol and drug free space. Current Dome proprietor Andrea McPherson points out “The Hoosier Dome is absolutely nothing without the music community behind it. We exist because of the support we’ve been shown.”

That’s why this weekend was a celebration for all who know and love the Hoosier Dome, and music in general in Indianapolis. “There’s so much work and stress involved in re-opening” says McPherson “ but I know the second the first note in the first song is played, it will all be worth it.” A full slate of shows this weekend all sold out. Friday’s shows featured Juice Falls, Small Words, Antlerhead and Maccogallo. Saturday featured The Day After, Old Poet, Glass Hands, and Chromorama. And Sunday featured Dana Skully & the Tiger Sharks, MZMR, Fever Dream, and Arcadia Grey.

If you’ve been to the Dome over the last decade, there have been a few upgrades to look forward to. During the shutdown, McPherson and friends were able to upgrade some of the audio equipment, put down a fresh coat of paint, added a new area for merch & gear, a new green room, and even a new logo!

The Hoosier Dome was one of the recipients of both rounds of the Music Cities Venues Grants from the City of Indianapolis and MFT. They also were awarded a grant through the Indiana Independent Venue Alliance. But they’ll need continued support throughout this reopen to make it. The Hoosier Dome survives off of admission and your generosity. So give them a follow and check out some upcoming shows!

.”Live music is what makes you remember the beauty of being alive.” says McPherson, “I think we could all use that reminder after making it through the pandemic. We are so excited to be able to bring back the beauty and joy of live music once again.