Should we be surprised that the Music Mill, an Indianapolis music club, will close its doors in a few weeks? Probably not. It had a lot working against it. For years, Indianapolis was lacking a medium-sized music venue that any city its size would feature. Holding about 700 people, the club was in a very un-hip office park/strip retail area and totally lacking in charm on the outside. It did have a decent attached restaurant that, when you dined there on the evening of the show, would earn you first admission into the music hall. A nice benefit.
The music hall was pretty charmless, basically the inside of a run-of-the-mill building that could hold a bank, a garden center, a Mexican restaurant or a Hallmark Card shop. It featured a stage, and black painted walls and ceiling. It had a bar, but much to the chagrin of Hoosiers, it prohibited smoking. That, as far as I am concerned, was one of its biggest assets.
In a city with only one other non-mega venue, The Vogue, the Music Mill was a great setting for B-level bands, narrow tastes and rising acts. I saw two pretty good shows there, The Duhks, the once-great Canadian country/bluegrass/jam outfit, and Chris Hillman with Herb Pedersen. In both cases, the crowds were small and enthusiastic. The ticket prices were reasonable and we sat close enough to feel the music as well as hear it. You could also purchase your tickets in person at the club’s box office with no service charges, which was a huge savings
Will Indy have a small music venue anytime soon? Probably not, given the current financial landscape. When we do, maybe the next business men will be smart enough to get it out of the mall and into a neighborhood where there are places to drink and dine before. Not that there is any lack of eating options between Castleton Mall and Keystone at the Crossing, but the area does not inspire people to hang around for a drink or coffee – or even to hear other music. I’m thinking Mass Ave.
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