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Friday Sep 17

The Lil Smokies

$18 - $20
HI-FI
Indianapolis, IN
Sep 17
Friday
8:00 PM
Doors Open
Health Check: Vax or TestBuy Tickets

More about this event

HEALTH CHECK REQUIRED: Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours or negative Antigen test with 6 hours.

Download the Bindle Mobile Health App and verify your vaccination and/or test status to expedite entry to the venue.

Holler on the Square is a festival-like series of concerts at HI-FI and HI-FI Annex spanning September 12-19, 2021. Join us for 8 days of live music with performances taking place in both venues, all week. Check out the daily schedule, full lineup and get your tickets now. All shows are individually ticketed.
Learn More About This Show
Add to Calendar 09/17/2021 08:00 PM09/17/2021 11:30 PMThe Lil SmokiesMore Information: https://mokbpresents.com/event/the-lil-smokies/HI-FI
Jump to Venue Details

ARTIST PROFILE | The Lil Smokies

Americana/FolkBluegrassRock

Andy Dunnigan: dobro, vocals
The Reverend Matthew Rieger: guitar, vocals
Jake Simpson: fiddle, guitar, vocals
Jean Luc Davis: bass
Sam Armstrong Zickefoose: banjo

“Under Big Sky/Big Mountain stand/Keep watchful eye/On my Montana Flower”

Even though often called a “newgrass” or jam band, the Lil Smokies’ high-energy acoustic music has evolved into its own distinctive sound on their fourth and latest studio album, Break of the Tide, which finds them emerging from the Covid lockdown stronger than ever.

“Sort of a fusion of lyric-driven folk music, pop harmonies and bluegrass instruments” is the way Montana native and band founder Andy Dunnigan describes the Lil Smokies music, which also evokes contemporary country-folk-rock groups like Mumford & Sons and the Avett Brothers.

With a nearly five-year gap from their last album, 2020’s Tornillo, the band has added two new members in bassist Jean Luc Davis and banjo player Sam Armstrong Zickefoose to the core trio of dobro player Dunnigan, Seattle-based lead guitarist Matthew Rieger and fiddler Jake Simpson, now dividing his time between Montana and Oklahoma.

Dunnigan was a creative writing and poetry student at the University of Montana in Missoula (birthplace of the late film auteur David Lynch) back in 2009 when he stumbled on a campus bluegrass jam, joining in on his dobro, which he learned to play from his father, a professional guitarist. 

Returning to Texas (where they recorded Tornillo), the Lil Smokies cut Break of the Tide at a Dallas-Fort Worth studio with local producer Robert Ellis, the album title representing, according to Andy, “a turning point, a pivot… the old world vs. the new world. It’s about having to get a fresh start after Covid. It’s like a bug set in amber, an artifact from that period of time. We didn’t drown under the tide.”

“One of the biggest differences between this album and Tornillo is we hadn’t played these songs live before we recorded them,” added Jake. “These tracks really took shape in the studio. For the most part, we used whole takes, rather than overdubs and edits.  It’s a vibey record.”

The album finds the band expanding beyond the bluegrass genre with a spacious, airy, contemplative set of “more introspective, nuanced” songs which slow down to reflect the wide-open spaces and natural beauty of the state where they first took shape. The first single, “Montana Flower,” according to Simpson, is a love song to a local Whitefish girl, comparing her beauty to the geographical marvels of the area, including Big Mountain.

“That’s the imagery that was going through my head when I wrote the song,” acknowledged Jake. “There’s a lot of mystery in Whitefish.  It’s an interesting mix of people there from all over the world alongside the locals who have been there forever. Lots of cosmic energy keeping an eye out for my love when I’m not there.”

Another Simpson-penned track, “Keep Me Down” offers the touring musician’s lament of choosing between what you left at home and the call of the road. “It’s a real love-hate relationship,” laughed Jake. “I’ve been doing a lot of therapy on this issue, and I think I’m improving in that area.”

Rev’s “Sycamore Dreams” is “a break-up song about sometimes love alone isn’t enough” to keep a relationship together (“It shines on paper/Torn from the start/Frayed at the seams”). “There are divine forces that are sometimes out of our control,” said Rev. “And sometimes you have to trust and surrender to them.” 

“Fire in the Rain” is a Dunnigan-penned folk song that offers a vocal homage to one of his favorite singer/songwriters in James Taylor, evoking his similarly titled “Fire and Rain.”

“My father played his records for me when I was just three years old,” said Andy.  

Break of the Tide marks a turning point for the Lil Smokies, who are ready to hit the road running this year, reinventing themselves for the long haul.

“This is a more pensive, delicate record than we’ve done in the past,” explained Rev. “It’s about being able to turn to art to deal with hardship, the encouragement to know we’re not alone in this. It’s about looking to the future, figuring out a way to move ahead.”

Added Andy, “We’re just more confident in ourselves as songwriters now. We don’t have anything to prove at this point. We’re comfortable where we are as a band.”

“We’re older, but maybe not wiser,” joked Rev. “This is who we are right now.”

From their humble beginnings playing the “holy trinity” of Missoula, Whitefish and Bozeman in Montana, the Lil Smokies have toured all over the U.S. and abroad in Iceland, Mexico and Canada, performing at such prestigious venues as Red Rocks and festivals like Telluride, High Sierra, LOCKN’, Freshgrass and FloydFest. The group earned top prize at the Northwest String Summit outside of Portland in 2013 and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado in 2015, which proved the catalyst for more touring success through the end of the decade.

READ MORE >>READ LESS >>
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Supporting Acts

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About HI-FI | Indianapolis, IN

HI-FI is located inside the historic Murphy Arts Center in the heart of Fountain Square.  HI-FI shows virtually every night of the week and is known for finding new artists on the rise. The venue is acoustically one of the best sounding venues in the Midwest. The entrance is located at the front of the building on Virginia Ave and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.

 

Box Office: 317-986-7101
Main: 317-986-9701

Getting Around the Venue

1043 Virginia Ave #4,
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Hours: Mon. thru Fri. 10 am to 6 pm
Doors: 1 hour before doors

Frequently Asked Questions About HI-FI | Indianapolis, IN

What are the age restrictions at this venue?

Most of our gigs are open to those 18 years and older, though there are a few exceptions. We’re also rolling out more all-ages shows to accommodate younger fans, but double-check our website for specific age requirements before getting your tickets. We’ve made it super easy to spot the age restrictions on each event listing.

If you are going to indulge in a seating upgrade in our VIP area, all guests must be 21 years of age or older.

HI-FI requires a valid ID for admission. For guests who will be consuming alcoholic beverages, a valid state or government issues ID is required. Everyone will be carded during check-in. Expired and temporary ID’s are not accepted.

Can I upgrade my to VIP seating?

HI-FI proudly offers our VIP Deck, situated at the rear of the venue. This elevated section features table seating and provides convenient access to the bar. Please be advised that all guests in this area must be 21 years of age or older. For seating upgrade inquiries, please contact the box office at boxoffice@hifiindy.com

What items are permitted or prohibited at this venue?

At our venues, we strive to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. While specific rules may vary slightly depending on the event location, the following list generally applies across all venues.

Any illegal items found will be confiscated immediately. Guests discovered with prohibited items inside the venue may face ejection, and those attempting to enter with such items may be denied entry.

We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment during our events.

Permitted Items Include:

  • All bags and possessions are subject to search and may be subject to metal detection. No backpacks are permitted at any of our venues.
  • Clear tote or bag made from plastic, vinyl or PVC that does not exceed 14” x 14” in size.
  • Personal purse, fanny pack or handbag so long as it does not exceed 14” x 14” in size
  • A warm heart and smiles

Prohibited items include:

  • Weapons of any kind: Firearms (with or without permit), knives (any size), multi-tools
  • Pepper Spray or Mace
  • Flares or Fireworks
  • Oversized bags (Bag larger than 12” x 12”, including all backpacks, briefcases, luggage, or duffle bags)
  • Illegal Substances
  • Outside Beverages
  • Laser Pointers
  • Removable lens cameras or flash photography, tripods, monopods, selfie-sticks (unless pre-approved by Event Manager)
  • Audio or Video recording devices (unless pre-approved by Event Manager)
  • Signs larger than 11” x 17” or any sign attached to a stick or pole
  • Skateboards, hoverboards, rollerblades, scooters, or bicycles
  • Hula hoops, spray paint, silly string
  • Noise Making devices (i.e. Air Horns, drums, whistles)
  • Coolers or Ice Chests
  • Animals/Pets (Except Service Animals)

HI-FI reserves the right to prohibit any item, including items not listed above, from entering the premises if deemed hazardous or disruptive to the event.

Can I bring a bag into the show?

Yes! You’re welcome to bring personal purse, fanny pack or handbag so long as it does not exceed 14” x 14” in size. No backpacks are permitted at any time.

What’s the parking situation like?

Depending on the day and time, finding a spot can be tricky. On busy show days we advise arriving early to ensure you get a good spot.

Parking is free on all of the surrounding streets in Fountain Square and most parking lots.

The LAZ pay lot directly across from the Murphy Arts Building (on Prospect St) offers paid parking by the hour and is the closest public parking to the venue.

We advise against traveling down St. Patrick St on show days, as it can become congested one-way with traffic coming from both directions.

Bike parking is available at any of the bike racks on Virginia Ave in front of HI-FI.

What is the camera/photo policy for this venue?

Our photo policy varies for each event and is at the discretion of the artist performing that night. This policy can change from night to night.

As a general guideline, we typically do not permit professional photography unless it has been pre-approved by either HI-FI or the Artist Management.

For approved photographers, you’re welcome to snap photos during the first three songs of the performance. However, please refrain from using flash.

Media personnel and professional photographers interested in covering our events can reach out to us at marketing@hifiindy.com to request media credentials.

Is there food and drink at this venue?

Absolutely! We’ve got you covered for some tasty bites to fuel your night.

Our very own Easy Rider Diner is your go-to spot on most show nights, serving up mouthwatering dishes right next door to HI-FI. With a convenient connection door open for most shows, you can easily hop back and forth without missing a beat. We highly recommend making a reservation in advance, as show nights tend to get busy. Please note that Easy Rider is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but fear not – you can still grab some chips, candy, or snacks at HI-FI’s bar.

View seating maps for this venue

Check your show listing for information on the show’s seating configuration. The majority of HI-FI shows are general admission, standing-room-only. Depending on the show, there are a handful of tables available to those who arrive early. There is a limited amount of seating upgrades available on the VIP deck. Contact the box office to secure a seating upgrade for your show at boxoffice@hifiindy.com. Shows that are reserved or partially reserved seating configurations will have information or purchase options directly on the event listing.

Can I leave and re-enter the venue?

Re-entry is allowed for HI-FI shows once you’ve been stamped or wristbanded by a member of our staff.

Do you offer ADA, handicap or special needs options?

There are 2 handicapped parking spots in the lot located across Prospect St. closest to El Arado Mexican Grill. The box office handles any special needs or ADA seating requests at boxoffice@hifiindy.com.

Where is the box office located?

Getting tickets to our shows is super easy! You have a few options, depending on how you like to roll:

Online: Grab your tickets in advance from our official websites, hifiindy.com and mokbpresents.com, or through our trusted ticketing partners tixr.com and seetickets.us.

In Person: Swing by one of our convenient box office locations around the Murphy Arts Center building and grab tickets with no service fees:

Main Box Office at Virginia Ave Mercantile: Located at 1043 Virginia Ave Suite 2 (between Easy Rider and La Margarita). Open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm.

HI-FI Box Office: Found at 1043 Virginia Ave Suite 4 (at the main entrance to HI-FI). Open only on show nights, starting 1 hour before published show times until 10 pm.

I lost something at the show. Who do I contact?

Have you misplaced something during one of our events? Don’t worry, we’re here to help reunite you with your belongings! While we can’t take responsibility for lost or stolen items, we’re committed to assisting you in any way we can.

Found items are securely stored at our Virginia Ave Mercantile & Box Office until they’re claimed. Please note that items lost during late-night events might take until the next morning to reach our lost and found. We know you might be eager to retrieve your belongings (like that phone you’re pinging outside our door at 6 am), but our team typically wraps up late-night events and may not be available until later in the morning.

For lost items, please follow the outlined process rather than popping into Easy Rider in the early hours. They’re open early, but our restaurant team is busy during weekends and can’t assist with lost items during busy service hours.

To inquire about lost items, shoot us an email at boxoffice@hifiindy.com. Mercantile hours are Monday through Friday, 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm.

Let’s work together to get your goods back to you as quickly as possible!

What is your refund policy?

What’s Your Refund Policy for Postponed Shows?

If a show gets postponed, don’t sweat it! We’ll shoot you an email to let you know about the change, and if you’re cool with the new date, no further action is needed on your part.We’ll be working diligently to find a new date for the show, and we’ll keep you updated every step of the way. But if you can’t make it to the rescheduled gig, we’ve got your back. You’ll have a generous 30-day window following the announcement of the new date to request a refund.

For those who paid with cash at our box office, just drop us a line at boxoffice@hifiindy.com for further instructions on processing your refund.

Please bear with us as we explore rescheduling options with the tour. Your patience is much appreciated as we work to present the best possible show experience for you.

What’s the Refund Policy for Canceled Shows?

In the unfortunate event of a canceled show, don’t fret! If you purchased your tickets online, your refund will be processed automatically. Just sit tight and allow 3-5 business days for the refund to appear in your bank account.
No need to lift a finger! However, there are a few scenarios where you might need to reach out to our box office:

  • If you paid cash at our box office.
  • If you’ve received a new or different card since your original purchase.
  • If you haven’t seen the refund in your account after 5 business days.

What Happens if a Show Gets Rescheduled?

No worries! If a show you’ve already grabbed tickets for gets rescheduled, your tickets will still be valid for the new date. We’ll shoot you an email to let you know about the change, and if you’re good to go for the new date, no further action is needed on your part.

However, if you can’t make it to the rescheduled gig, we’ve got you covered. You’ll have a generous 30 days from the announcement of the new date to request a refund. Just reach out directly to our box office to kickstart the process.

Beware of counterfeit tickets. How do I tell if my ticket is valid?

It’s crucial for all buyers to exercise caution when purchasing tickets from unauthorized sites and ticket resellers. Tixr and SeeTickets are the only two ticket vendors supported at our venues. Unfortunately, this is a widespread issue affecting venues nationwide, and true fans often find themselves at a loss. Regrettably, there’s little we can do in such situations. Since the original transaction didn’t occur through our authorized ticketing partners, we lack the necessary information to assist. It’s disheartening to witness fans being taken advantage of, especially on platforms like Craigslist, Facebook, StubHub, VividSeats, SeatGeek, and others. We are only obligated to honor valid tickets purchased through our approved channels.

Can I purchase tickets in person without fees?

Yes. HI-FI box office is located at the main entrance off of Virginia Avenue. The box office is open 1 hour prior to the published door time. Additionally, our new and primary box office is located two doors down from HI-FI in Suite 2. This box office is open Monday through Friday 10 am to 6 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm for fee-free ticket purchases. HI-FI accepts cash as well as all major credit cards for ticket purchases.

Do you have free WI-FI?

Yes. HI-FI offers free WI-FI during all shows. Simply select the HI-FI Free WI-FI network and you are all set!

Health Check: Vax or Test
Sep 17

The Lil Smokies

HI-FI
$18 - $20
Presented By: 2021 Holler On The Square
Doors: 8:00 PM
Start Time: 9:00 pm

HEALTH CHECK REQUIRED: Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours or negative Antigen test with 6 hours.

Download the Bindle Mobile Health App and verify your vaccination and/or test status to expedite entry to the venue.

Holler on the Square is a festival-like series of concerts at HI-FI and HI-FI Annex spanning September 12-19, 2021. Join us for 8 days of live music with performances taking place in both venues, all week. Check out the daily schedule, full lineup and get your tickets now. All shows are individually ticketed.
Learn More About This Show
Add to Calendar 09/17/2021 08:00 PM09/17/2021 11:30 PMThe Lil SmokiesMore Information: https://mokbpresents.com/event/the-lil-smokies/HI-FI

Buy Tickets

ARTIST PROFILE | The Lil Smokies

Americana/FolkBluegrassRock

Andy Dunnigan: dobro, vocals
The Reverend Matthew Rieger: guitar, vocals
Jake Simpson: fiddle, guitar, vocals
Jean Luc Davis: bass
Sam Armstrong Zickefoose: banjo

“Under Big Sky/Big Mountain stand/Keep watchful eye/On my Montana Flower”

Even though often called a “newgrass” or jam band, the Lil Smokies’ high-energy acoustic music has evolved into its own distinctive sound on their fourth and latest studio album, Break of the Tide, which finds them emerging from the Covid lockdown stronger than ever.

“Sort of a fusion of lyric-driven folk music, pop harmonies and bluegrass instruments” is the way Montana native and band founder Andy Dunnigan describes the Lil Smokies music, which also evokes contemporary country-folk-rock groups like Mumford & Sons and the Avett Brothers.

With a nearly five-year gap from their last album, 2020’s Tornillo, the band has added two new members in bassist Jean Luc Davis and banjo player Sam Armstrong Zickefoose to the core trio of dobro player Dunnigan, Seattle-based lead guitarist Matthew Rieger and fiddler Jake Simpson, now dividing his time between Montana and Oklahoma.

Dunnigan was a creative writing and poetry student at the University of Montana in Missoula (birthplace of the late film auteur David Lynch) back in 2009 when he stumbled on a campus bluegrass jam, joining in on his dobro, which he learned to play from his father, a professional guitarist. 

Returning to Texas (where they recorded Tornillo), the Lil Smokies cut Break of the Tide at a Dallas-Fort Worth studio with local producer Robert Ellis, the album title representing, according to Andy, “a turning point, a pivot… the old world vs. the new world. It’s about having to get a fresh start after Covid. It’s like a bug set in amber, an artifact from that period of time. We didn’t drown under the tide.”

“One of the biggest differences between this album and Tornillo is we hadn’t played these songs live before we recorded them,” added Jake. “These tracks really took shape in the studio. For the most part, we used whole takes, rather than overdubs and edits.  It’s a vibey record.”

The album finds the band expanding beyond the bluegrass genre with a spacious, airy, contemplative set of “more introspective, nuanced” songs which slow down to reflect the wide-open spaces and natural beauty of the state where they first took shape. The first single, “Montana Flower,” according to Simpson, is a love song to a local Whitefish girl, comparing her beauty to the geographical marvels of the area, including Big Mountain.

“That’s the imagery that was going through my head when I wrote the song,” acknowledged Jake. “There’s a lot of mystery in Whitefish.  It’s an interesting mix of people there from all over the world alongside the locals who have been there forever. Lots of cosmic energy keeping an eye out for my love when I’m not there.”

Another Simpson-penned track, “Keep Me Down” offers the touring musician’s lament of choosing between what you left at home and the call of the road. “It’s a real love-hate relationship,” laughed Jake. “I’ve been doing a lot of therapy on this issue, and I think I’m improving in that area.”

Rev’s “Sycamore Dreams” is “a break-up song about sometimes love alone isn’t enough” to keep a relationship together (“It shines on paper/Torn from the start/Frayed at the seams”). “There are divine forces that are sometimes out of our control,” said Rev. “And sometimes you have to trust and surrender to them.” 

“Fire in the Rain” is a Dunnigan-penned folk song that offers a vocal homage to one of his favorite singer/songwriters in James Taylor, evoking his similarly titled “Fire and Rain.”

“My father played his records for me when I was just three years old,” said Andy.  

Break of the Tide marks a turning point for the Lil Smokies, who are ready to hit the road running this year, reinventing themselves for the long haul.

“This is a more pensive, delicate record than we’ve done in the past,” explained Rev. “It’s about being able to turn to art to deal with hardship, the encouragement to know we’re not alone in this. It’s about looking to the future, figuring out a way to move ahead.”

Added Andy, “We’re just more confident in ourselves as songwriters now. We don’t have anything to prove at this point. We’re comfortable where we are as a band.”

“We’re older, but maybe not wiser,” joked Rev. “This is who we are right now.”

From their humble beginnings playing the “holy trinity” of Missoula, Whitefish and Bozeman in Montana, the Lil Smokies have toured all over the U.S. and abroad in Iceland, Mexico and Canada, performing at such prestigious venues as Red Rocks and festivals like Telluride, High Sierra, LOCKN’, Freshgrass and FloydFest. The group earned top prize at the Northwest String Summit outside of Portland in 2013 and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado in 2015, which proved the catalyst for more touring success through the end of the decade.

READ MORE >>READ LESS >>
CONNECT:

Supporting Acts

About the Venue

HI-FI is located inside the historic Murphy Arts Center in the heart of Fountain Square.  HI-FI shows virtually every night of the week and is known for finding new artists on the rise. The venue is acoustically one of the best sounding venues in the Midwest. The entrance is located at the front of the building on Virginia Ave and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.

 
Amenities: Live Music, Premium Sound, Full Bar, 24 Draft Beers On Tap, VIP Seating, Street-Level Box Office

Upgrades: A limited amount of VIP seating upgrades (21+) are available for select shows.  Contact the box office to purchase or check availability: boxoffice@hifiindy.com.

Ticket Support: Box Office opens 1 hour before published door time. For ticket related questions please email boxoffice@hifiindy.com.

Parking: Street Parking, Bike Parking
Refund Policy: All tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable unless the show is canceled.  Shows affected by Covid-19 pandemic will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Contact the box office with any questions: boxoffice@hifiindy.com.
1043 Virginia Ave #4 Indianapolis, IN 46203

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