HI-FI Unveils Plan For A New 1,200 Capacity Live Music Venue On Site Of Former Granada Theatre In Fountain Square
HI-FI Annex to Move to New Location in 2026 Allowing Year-Round Shows
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Indianapolis – HI-FI & MOKB Presents announced the construction of a new indoor venue in the Murphy Arts Center, the same site that currently hosts HI-FI Annex as a temporary outdoor venue. Set to open in early 2026, the new indoor space will provide a permanent home for the tentatively named HI-FI Annex and build on its success as a catalyst for the Fountain Square music scene. Fans of all ages will continued to be welcome at the new location.
Originally conceived as a temporary pandemic-era solution, HI-FI Annex quickly filled a unique need in Indianapolis’ entertainment landscape, attracting audiences and top tier talent with its dynamic outdoor setting.
“When we opened our first venue, we didn’t have a detailed plan, but we did have a vision,” said Josh Baker, partner and CEO of HI-FI & MOKB Presents. “It’s been a humbling journey filled with unexpected challenges, adaptation, and getting really lucky. With each expansion and renovation, we’ve moved closer to realizing our dream of creating a multifaceted entertainment and arts facility.”
The new venue will feature an expanded footprint, nearly doubling the size of its outdoor predecessor. The new location will take over the Southeast corner of the Murphy Arts Center in the space formerly occupied by Well Done Marketing (1043 Virginia Ave. Suite 1B.) The versatile event space will include a cutting-edge concert hall with a projected capacity of more than 1,200, as well as an underground, speakeasy-style room for intimate gatherings and pre- and post-show events.
Significantly, the new location will bring HI-FI Annex’s outdoor operations indoors, addressing considerations such as neighborhood impact, reclaimed parking, and regulatory challenges, all while maintaining its community-oriented approach.
“Fans can expect our continued commitment to delivering high-caliber entertainment and exceptional customer service—hallmarks of the experience we’ve provided over the past 10 years at HI-FI and the first five years of HI-FI Annex,” said Dan Kemer, partner and vice president of events. “The new space and increased capacity perfectly complement our growing group of venues, which now includes LO-FI Lounge and HI-FI. With venues ranging from 100 to 1,200+ capacity, we’re uniquely positioned to support artists, managers, and agents year-round at every stage of an artist’s career.”
With roots stretching back over 100 years, Fountain Square has a rich history as an entertainment destination. Once home to five theaters, each with more than 1,000 seats, the area drew large audiences for performances and silent films.
“This neighborhood was built on entertainment,” Baker said. “After being separated from the city by the creation of the I-65 interstate, it lost much of its audience and regular traffic. HI-FI, along with our fellow Fountain Square businesses, has been aggressively working to recreate the elements that long defined this area.”
The new venue will rise on the former site of the historic Granada Theatre, a fitting nod to Fountain Square’s entertainment legacy. With a renewed commitment to fostering arts, music, and culture, HI-FI aims to make a lasting impact on Indianapolis’ live entertainment community and solidify Fountain Square’s position as the city’s top arts and entertainment district.
“The HI-FI has been a major draw to our district for the last 10 years, and with the addition of the Annex, it has gained national recognition as one of the premier music venues in the Midwest,” said Justin Jones, president of the Fountain Fletcher District Association. “This new indoor venue is the next step in building on the momentum created by the vibrant mix of local businesses and artists that define our community.”
2025 will mark the final season of HI-FI Annex in its outdoor configuration, with concerts beginning in early April. Through the first 5 years of the outdoor venue, HI-FI Annex has hosted hundreds of shows featuring such notable artists as Band of Horses, Shakey Graves, Larry Fleet, Afghan Whigs, Charley Crockett, Guided By Voices, Atmosphere, Backseat Lovers, Wynona Judd, KMFDM, The Buzzcocks and many more. A full schedule of events for the 2025 outdoor season, running April through October, will be announced soon. Construction on the indoor venue will continue as the outdoor season takes place.
“The evolution of HI-FI from a small, 100-capacity venue to where it is now has been transformational,” said Craig Von Deylen, manager of the Murphy Arts Center. “The synergy between arts, music, and culture in Fountain Square is unmatched in Indianapolis. This project is a significant step toward strengthening that foundation as the area grows as the city’s premier arts district. We look forward to the continued growth and success of HI-FI and MOKB Presents.”
Over the past decade, HI-FI’s trio of venues has welcomed more than 500,000 visitors to Fountain Square, benefiting area businesses. HI-FI’s commitment to Fountain Square is further demonstrated through donations and support for key organizations, including SEND and the Southeast Community Center. In addition to attracting concertgoers, HI-FI has engaged with the community by sponsoring events such as Art Squared, Scare in the Square, and various neighborhood activities throughout the Fountain Fletcher District.
About MOKB Presents
Founded in 2008 with the mission to attract more touring artists to Indiana, MOKB Presents has become a powerful, independent force in Indianapolis’s live music scene. Over the years, MOKB has produced more than 5,000 top-tier events and now hosts over 500 shows annually, helping launch and grow nationally-touring acts like Billy Strings, Sturgill Simpson, The Lumineers, Tyler Childers, The Avett Brothers, and Alabama Shakes from their early indie days to today’s stages. As MOKB focused on developing artists, it also began creating live music venues to support its expanding concert business, starting with the LO-FI Lounge, followed by HI-FI, HI-FI Annex, and now a full-scale indoor facility set to open in late 2025.
In addition to producing events in the marquee venues it has created, MOKB Presents hosts events across multiple Indiana venues, including Nickel Plate District Amphitheatre, Fishers Event Center, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, The Vogue, and Brown County Music Center. MOKB also provides event production, talent buying, and ticketing services to clients such as The Clyde Theatre in Fort Wayne and Hendricks Live! in Plainfield.
As a promoter, MOKB Presents is committed to developing Indianapolis as a vibrant music destination, nurturing a diverse community of musicians, live producers, and fans. Key initiatives include driving the development of Indy’s Music Strategy, creating the Indiana Independent Venue Alliance, and anchoring the D-Tour promoter alliance. MOKB also served on the local host committee for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, bringing a uniquely local perspective to the event’s entertainment lineup.
For more information, visit www.mokbpresents.com.
Originally conceived as a temporary pandemic-era solution, HI-FI Annex quickly filled a unique need in Indianapolis’ entertainment landscape, attracting audiences and top tier talent with its dynamic outdoor setting.
“When we opened our first venue, we didn’t have a detailed plan, but we did have a vision,” said Josh Baker, partner and CEO of HI-FI & MOKB Presents. “It’s been a humbling journey filled with unexpected challenges, adaptation, and getting really lucky. With each expansion and renovation, we’ve moved closer to realizing our dream of creating a multifaceted entertainment and arts facility.”
The new venue will feature an expanded footprint, nearly doubling the size of its outdoor predecessor. The new location will take over the Southeast corner of the Murphy Arts Center in the space formerly occupied by Well Done Marketing (1043 Virginia Ave. Suite 1B.) The versatile event space will include a cutting-edge concert hall with a projected capacity of more than 1,200, as well as an underground, speakeasy-style room for intimate gatherings and pre- and post-show events.
Significantly, the new location will bring HI-FI Annex’s outdoor operations indoors, addressing considerations such as neighborhood impact, reclaimed parking, and regulatory challenges, all while maintaining its community-oriented approach.
“Fans can expect our continued commitment to delivering high-caliber entertainment and exceptional customer service—hallmarks of the experience we’ve provided over the past 10 years at HI-FI and the first five years of HI-FI Annex,” said Dan Kemer, partner and vice president of events. “The new space and increased capacity perfectly complement our growing group of venues, which now includes LO-FI Lounge and HI-FI. With venues ranging from 100 to 1,200+ capacity, we’re uniquely positioned to support artists, managers, and agents year-round at every stage of an artist’s career.”
With roots stretching back over 100 years, Fountain Square has a rich history as an entertainment destination. Once home to five theaters, each with more than 1,000 seats, the area drew large audiences for performances and silent films.
“This neighborhood was built on entertainment,” Baker said. “After being separated from the city by the creation of the I-65 interstate, it lost much of its audience and regular traffic. HI-FI, along with our fellow Fountain Square businesses, has been aggressively working to recreate the elements that long defined this area.”
The new venue will rise on the former site of the historic Granada Theatre, a fitting nod to Fountain Square’s entertainment legacy. With a renewed commitment to fostering arts, music, and culture, HI-FI aims to make a lasting impact on Indianapolis’ live entertainment community and solidify Fountain Square’s position as the city’s top arts and entertainment district.
“The HI-FI has been a major draw to our district for the last 10 years, and with the addition of the Annex, it has gained national recognition as one of the premier music venues in the Midwest,” said Justin Jones, president of the Fountain Fletcher District Association. “This new indoor venue is the next step in building on the momentum created by the vibrant mix of local businesses and artists that define our community.”
2025 will mark the final season of HI-FI Annex in its outdoor configuration, with concerts beginning in early April. Through the first 5 years of the outdoor venue, HI-FI Annex has hosted hundreds of shows featuring such notable artists as Band of Horses, Shakey Graves, Larry Fleet, Afghan Whigs, Charley Crockett, Guided By Voices, Atmosphere, Backseat Lovers, Wynona Judd, KMFDM, The Buzzcocks and many more. A full schedule of events for the 2025 outdoor season, running April through October, will be announced soon. Construction on the indoor venue will continue as the outdoor season takes place.
“The evolution of HI-FI from a small, 100-capacity venue to where it is now has been transformational,” said Craig Von Deylen, manager of the Murphy Arts Center. “The synergy between arts, music, and culture in Fountain Square is unmatched in Indianapolis. This project is a significant step toward strengthening that foundation as the area grows as the city’s premier arts district. We look forward to the continued growth and success of HI-FI and MOKB Presents.”
Over the past decade, HI-FI’s trio of venues has welcomed more than 500,000 visitors to Fountain Square, benefiting area businesses. HI-FI’s commitment to Fountain Square is further demonstrated through donations and support for key organizations, including SEND and the Southeast Community Center. In addition to attracting concertgoers, HI-FI has engaged with the community by sponsoring events such as Art Squared, Scare in the Square, and various neighborhood activities throughout the Fountain Fletcher District.
About MOKB Presents
Founded in 2008 with the mission to attract more touring artists to Indiana, MOKB Presents has become a powerful, independent force in Indianapolis’s live music scene. Over the years, MOKB has produced more than 5,000 top-tier events and now hosts over 500 shows annually, helping launch and grow nationally-touring acts like Billy Strings, Sturgill Simpson, The Lumineers, Tyler Childers, The Avett Brothers, and Alabama Shakes from their early indie days to today’s stages. As MOKB focused on developing artists, it also began creating live music venues to support its expanding concert business, starting with the LO-FI Lounge, followed by HI-FI, HI-FI Annex, and now a full-scale indoor facility set to open in late 2025.
In addition to producing events in the marquee venues it has created, MOKB Presents hosts events across multiple Indiana venues, including Nickel Plate District Amphitheatre, Fishers Event Center, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, The Vogue, and Brown County Music Center. MOKB also provides event production, talent buying, and ticketing services to clients such as The Clyde Theatre in Fort Wayne and Hendricks Live! in Plainfield.
As a promoter, MOKB Presents is committed to developing Indianapolis as a vibrant music destination, nurturing a diverse community of musicians, live producers, and fans. Key initiatives include driving the development of Indy’s Music Strategy, creating the Indiana Independent Venue Alliance, and anchoring the D-Tour promoter alliance. MOKB also served on the local host committee for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, bringing a uniquely local perspective to the event’s entertainment lineup.
For more information, visit www.mokbpresents.com.
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HI-FI Celebrates 10 Years of Fountain Square Concerts With Show By Show Archive Of Every Performance
Frequently Asked Questions
We love the Annex. Why are you moving it?
The Annex was originally conceived as a temporary venue during the pandemic era. However, as the venue grew in popularity and reputation, it became clear that “temporary” was no longer an accurate description. Both the city and state have been incredibly supportive, but we received some gentle nudges to either make the venue permanent or relocate it.
Since our building requires parking for all tenants, and the Annex has fully consumed that space, we made the conscious decision to explore relocation options. On top of that, we’ve been fortunate to navigate Indiana’s unpredictable weather, but removing that challenge from our daily operations is something we’ve long hoped for. The opportunity to produce shows year-round in a venue of this size was the key factor in our decision to relocate.
Will the new venue be all ages?
Yes, the new venue will continue to allow guests of all ages, just as the current Annex does. We’ve been heavily focused on navigating Indiana’s laws to ensure we provide options for fans of all ages.
Recently, our indoor HI-FI venue adjusted its age restrictions to 18+ for most shows. However, before the end of 2024, we plan to begin allowing fans of all ages at the indoor HI-FI as well.
Will there be an outdoor concert season in 2025?
Yes, the HI-FI Annex outdoor concert season will proceed as scheduled, with over 60 shows planned from April through October. Some shows have already been announced, and many more will be revealed in the near future.
This full season offers fans plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Annex in its current outdoor setting before it transitions to its new location.
Where is the new venue located?
The new venue will be located inside the Murphy Arts Center, alongside our other venues. The address is 1043 Virginia Ave., Suite 1B, Indianapolis, IN 46203. Situated just 10 feet from the existing HI-FI Annex, the new space is in the southeast corner of the Murphy Arts Center, in the location formerly occupied by Well Done Marketing
What is the new venue replacing?
The new venue is simply a relocation of the existing HI-FI Annex—no other changes will be made to our venues. Once complete, we will have three indoor venues within the building: the 400-capacity HI-FI (our flagship venue), the new HI-FI Annex (working name) with a capacity of 1,200+, and the 100-capacity LO-FI Lounge.
Will there be enough parking?
Parking is always a key consideration for a project like this, especially in a growing neighborhood like Fountain Square. With the relocation of the Annex, the parking lot it has occupied for the past five years will be freed up, adding nearly 40 spaces for building tenants and concertgoers. Additionally, LAZ Parking now manages the lot to the west of the Annex, offering an affordable pay option during concerts.
While parking can be a challenge on busy show nights—or during busy evenings in the neighborhood—most attendees are able to find spots with a little effort. We’re thankful that 90% of the parking in the area remains free, and with the Cultural Trail and nearby amenities, a short walk of a block or two is often all it takes.
We’ve already tested the parking demand by successfully hosting simultaneous sellout shows: 400 capacity inside HI-FI and 900 capacity in the Annex. The new venue will add about 300 more patrons on a sold-out night, which we feel is manageable given our existing setup.
Between ride-sharing options, the Cultural Trail, IndyGo’s Red Line, the availability of free parking, and other transportation alternatives, we believe the parking situation will be similar to what concertgoers are accustomed to today.
Is there any reason for the aesthetic and design of the new building?
Yes, we are incredibly grateful for the amazing team at Blackline Studios, the architecture firm assisting with the design and creation of the new venue. The Murphy Arts Center is listed on the Indianapolis Historic Registry and sits within a historic district governed by the Indiana Historic Preservation Commission (IHPC). This adds unique challenges when designing the exterior facade, as we must comply with strict rules and regulations.
For example, the facade must maintain a certain percentage of transparency through windows, LED signs are prohibited, and the color scheme must match the building’s original palette. To honor these requirements, many of the design elements you’ll see on the exterior were created to fit within these specifications. As a nod to the Annex’s shipping containers, we’ve incorporated corrugated metal into the facade, and you’ll likely notice other elements of the outdoor venue reimagined indoors.
It’s important to note that the current images are renderings created to advance us to the permitting phase. There may still be changes along the way as we refine and finalize the designs. Some colors and design elements in the renderings were chosen purely for visual clarity and are subject to change as the process evolves.