As we celebrate HI-FI’s 10th anniversary, we take a moment to reflect on the milestones that have defined our journey. It’s been a wild ride filled with countless memories, immense effort, and the collective contributions of many passionate individuals. These spaces, born from blood, sweat, and tears, hold some of our dearest memories.
One of the most pivotal chapters in our history began in the Do317 Lounge. Although we can’t pinpoint the exact date of the first show, this space was crucial for our development. At the time, our team had no experience running a venue, and the Lounge provided a perfect learning ground. Initially, it served as both our office—with just two employees and a couple of interns—and a venue for our popular Lounge Sessions. These sessions featured performances by bands like Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Blitzen Trapper, and Walk The Moon.
To accommodate our growing audience, we eventually tore down the dividing wall and moved our office, transforming the entire area into a venue space complete with a bar. Our pinnacle moment came when we hosted The Lumineers for a private Lounge Session, marking our transition to a full-fledged venue. This tiny renovated art gallery became a launchpad for incredible artists such as Sturgill Simpson, Young The Giant, Noah Gundersen, and Wild Cub.
In February 2014, Craig Von Deylen and Larry Jones, our landlords, informed us of an available space on the first floor. We immediately decided to relocate our venue operation there, officially launching HI-FI. Thanks to the hustle, imagination, and creativity of Brian Presnell (Indy Urban Hardwood), we transformed the space and opened for our first show on May 16, 2014, just 37 days later.
As we look back, it’s awe-inspiring to see how far we’ve come, from a modest start in the Do317 Lounge to becoming a cornerstone of our community. We are profoundly grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey, helping us turn our vision into reality.
You can browse an a full list of every show that has taken place at HI-FI, HI-FI Annex and LO-FI Lounge, over the last decade, here.
Have a photo to share? Send it to marketing@mokbpresents.com.
Related:
- Creating the Do317 Lounge (now LO-FI Lounge)
- Creating the original HI-FI
- HI-FI 2.0 Remodel & Expansion
- Creating the HI-FI Annex
- The Pandemic Era
- Creating Easy Rider & All Ages Shows
