Indy Music Venues Land More Funding

Inside the Melody Inn in Indianapolis. (photo courtesy: Visit Indy)

The city of Indianapolis has awarded its third round of funding from the Music Cities Strategy Recovery Program, an initiative that helps independent music venues that saw business drop-off because of the pandemic. During this round, 13 venues in Marion County received an average of $19,000, for a total of $246,000.

The city says the grants are to be used for mortgages, rent, utility expenses, and other eligible expenses related to COVID-19 compliance/outdoor operations.

The funding came from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

”The crisis isn’t over for these venues and they’ll need our continued support,” said Jim Rawlison, board chair of Musical Family Tree. “Which is why working with partners like the City, the Arts Council, and the Indy Chamber has been invaluable for this sector.”

To date, the program has awarded nearly $583,000 to 20 local music venues since the program was first announced in summer 2020.

Here is the list of recent recipients:

• Black Circle/Loom
• State Street Pub
• Burnside Inn
• The Jazz Kitchen
• HI-FI Indy & HI-FI Annex
• The Patron Saint
• Hoosier Dome
• The Rathskeller
• Melody Inn
• The Vogue
• Radio Radio
• White Rabbit Cabaret
• Square Cat Vinyl