WonderRoad Aftershow: The Blue Stones
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ARTIST PROFILE | The Blue Stones
Since bursting onto the scene with their acclaimed debut album Black Holes, The Blue Stones have delivered a crowd-thrilling live show that defies the laws of physics, generating an impossibly massive sound from its two members alone. On their third album Pretty Monster, the duo fully capture the controlled chaos and combustible energy of their live set for the very first time—all while expanding on the potent songwriting and sonic ingenuity shown on Black Holes (a 2018 release that earned them a JUNO Award nomination for ‘Breakthrough Group of the Year’) and its 2021 follow-up Hidden Gems (a JUNO nominee for ‘Rock Album of the Year’). Despite the colossal growth they’ve experienced since getting their start playing dive bars in their small hometown, The Blue Stones instill every track with equal parts unchecked passion and a joyfully adventurous spirit.
Mainly produced by multi-GRAMMY Award-winner Joe Chiccarelli (The White Stripes, The Strokes, Spoon), Pretty Monster came to life over 35 consecutive days of recording at an off-the-grid studio in Kingston, Ontario. During that time, lead vocalist/guitarist Tarek Jafar and drummer/backing vocalist Justin Tessier worked tirelessly in preserving the raw vitality of the album’s demos while embedding each song with so many unexpected details (gritty beats, restless grooves, elegantly frenetic textures). A striking departure from the more atmospheric sound of Hidden Gems (a widely lauded effort that spawned three Top 5 radio hits in Canada), the result is a triumphant body of work that merges the hard-hitting dynamics of rock-and-roll with the indelibly catchy hooks of pop.
A wildly anthemic track built on kinetic rhythms and a commanding vocal performance from Jafar, Pretty Monster’s exhilarating lead single “Don’t Miss” reveals the unbridled creativity The Blue Stones brought to the album-making process. To that end, Jafar sketched the song during a session with writer/producer Kevin “Boonn” Hissink (grandson, Mike Shinoda), after spontaneously composing an explosive riff on Hissink’s baritone guitar. “The riff was so punchy, it inspired me to write this song about completely owning your confidence—sort of like, ‘The hype is quite real, and here’s your soundtrack to prove that,’” says Jafar. Another heady shot of fortitude, “Cards Are Down” unfolds in blistering guitar tones and fuzzed-out grooves as The Blue Stones speak to the pure power in “putting everything you’ve got on the line toward whatever you want most in life,” as Jafar puts it.
On “Good Ideas,” The Blue Stones shift into a more introspective mindset, channeling a brooding urgency with the track’s hip-hop-leaning beats (an element crafted with the help of WZRD BLD, who also produced “Cards Are Down” and has previously worked with artists like Illenium and Highly Suspect). “It’s about feeling like you don’t know what to say, what to write, what to create anymore,” says Jafar. “I wrote it during lockdown when I was feeling so stuck, but then the song itself ended up proving me wrong by becoming something I’m really proud of.” Meanwhile, on “What’s It Take To Be Happy?”, The Blue Stones present a soulful meditation on the often-frustrating search for fulfillment, brilliantly twisting the mood with the song’s bright guitar work and sing-along-ready gang vocals. “That one came from trying to write a song from major chords instead of the bluesy minor chords we use a lot of the time,” Jafar recalls. “I thought it would be fun if the lyrics contrasted the happy feeling of the music, so it turned into a song about how the search for happiness can sometimes feel endless.”
The most heavy-hearted moment on Pretty Monster, “Camera Roll” reflects on a particularly brutal form of post-breakup nostalgia. “Letting go of a relationship is always so difficult, especially when your phone is full of hundreds of photos of the person you’re trying to move on from,” says Jafar, who wrote the hauntingly delicate track on piano. “Getting to the point of hitting delete and finding some closure is really tough, but hopefully this song will give people the strength to find closure for themselves.” Elsewhere on Pretty Monster, The Blue Stones push into such previously uncharted sonic terrain as the stoner-rock intensity of “Stay With Me.” “There’s usually more of a swagger to the beat in our songs, but that one’s this straight-ahead, driving, four-on-the-floor rock song,” notes Tessier.
For The Blue Stones, there’s an undeniable sense of both purpose and pleasure in boldly following their creative impulses. “Our approach has always been to make the music we want to hear,” says Tessier. “Every song we create is something we wanted to see in the world, and hopefully if that goes far enough, it’ll help move things forward for the whole genre.” And by staying true to their instincts, the duo ultimately hope to make a profoundly positive impact on their audience as well. “We want our music to be cathartic, but we also want it to motivate and uplift people and make them feel more confident,” says Jafar. “And when they come to our live show, we want everyone to feel absolutely energized by the time they leave, like they’re ready to take on the world.”
READ MORE >>Supporting Acts
SHOW BY SIMILAR ARTISTS
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.
Getting Around the Venue
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.
Can I upgrade my to VIP seating?
HI-FI offers a limited number of seating upgrades in designated viewing areas. The HI-FI VIP Deck is the elevated section near the back of the venue offers table seating with quick access to the bar. Please note that all guests in this area must be 21+. You can contact the box office to purchase a seating upgrade for your ticket 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?
Parking in Fountain Square can be difficult at times and we highly recommend you carpool, Uber, Lyft, or use public transportation when attending an event. Street and parking is available along Woodlawn Ave, Virginia Ave, and Prospect St. Bicycle parking is available in front of HI-FI on Virginia Ave and neighboring streets. Do not park in the Wine Market parking lot.
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 and LO-FI Lounge 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. Once inside HI-FI, there is no designated ADA seating section. 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 three 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 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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 p.m.
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, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
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. 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. Valid tickets for HI-FI, HI-FI Annex, & LO-FI Lounge are exclusively available through the locations specified in the ‘How can I purchase tickets?’ section above. Tixr and SeeTickets are the only two ticket vendors supported at our venues. section above.
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, the new and primary box office is located two doors down from HI-FI in Suite 2. This box office is open Monday through Friday 10am – 6pm 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.
WonderRoad Aftershow: The Blue Stones
Start Time: 10:15 pm
Buy Tickets
ARTIST PROFILE | The Blue Stones
Since bursting onto the scene with their acclaimed debut album Black Holes, The Blue Stones have delivered a crowd-thrilling live show that defies the laws of physics, generating an impossibly massive sound from its two members alone. On their third album Pretty Monster, the duo fully capture the controlled chaos and combustible energy of their live set for the very first time—all while expanding on the potent songwriting and sonic ingenuity shown on Black Holes (a 2018 release that earned them a JUNO Award nomination for ‘Breakthrough Group of the Year’) and its 2021 follow-up Hidden Gems (a JUNO nominee for ‘Rock Album of the Year’). Despite the colossal growth they’ve experienced since getting their start playing dive bars in their small hometown, The Blue Stones instill every track with equal parts unchecked passion and a joyfully adventurous spirit.
Mainly produced by multi-GRAMMY Award-winner Joe Chiccarelli (The White Stripes, The Strokes, Spoon), Pretty Monster came to life over 35 consecutive days of recording at an off-the-grid studio in Kingston, Ontario. During that time, lead vocalist/guitarist Tarek Jafar and drummer/backing vocalist Justin Tessier worked tirelessly in preserving the raw vitality of the album’s demos while embedding each song with so many unexpected details (gritty beats, restless grooves, elegantly frenetic textures). A striking departure from the more atmospheric sound of Hidden Gems (a widely lauded effort that spawned three Top 5 radio hits in Canada), the result is a triumphant body of work that merges the hard-hitting dynamics of rock-and-roll with the indelibly catchy hooks of pop.
A wildly anthemic track built on kinetic rhythms and a commanding vocal performance from Jafar, Pretty Monster’s exhilarating lead single “Don’t Miss” reveals the unbridled creativity The Blue Stones brought to the album-making process. To that end, Jafar sketched the song during a session with writer/producer Kevin “Boonn” Hissink (grandson, Mike Shinoda), after spontaneously composing an explosive riff on Hissink’s baritone guitar. “The riff was so punchy, it inspired me to write this song about completely owning your confidence—sort of like, ‘The hype is quite real, and here’s your soundtrack to prove that,’” says Jafar. Another heady shot of fortitude, “Cards Are Down” unfolds in blistering guitar tones and fuzzed-out grooves as The Blue Stones speak to the pure power in “putting everything you’ve got on the line toward whatever you want most in life,” as Jafar puts it.
On “Good Ideas,” The Blue Stones shift into a more introspective mindset, channeling a brooding urgency with the track’s hip-hop-leaning beats (an element crafted with the help of WZRD BLD, who also produced “Cards Are Down” and has previously worked with artists like Illenium and Highly Suspect). “It’s about feeling like you don’t know what to say, what to write, what to create anymore,” says Jafar. “I wrote it during lockdown when I was feeling so stuck, but then the song itself ended up proving me wrong by becoming something I’m really proud of.” Meanwhile, on “What’s It Take To Be Happy?”, The Blue Stones present a soulful meditation on the often-frustrating search for fulfillment, brilliantly twisting the mood with the song’s bright guitar work and sing-along-ready gang vocals. “That one came from trying to write a song from major chords instead of the bluesy minor chords we use a lot of the time,” Jafar recalls. “I thought it would be fun if the lyrics contrasted the happy feeling of the music, so it turned into a song about how the search for happiness can sometimes feel endless.”
The most heavy-hearted moment on Pretty Monster, “Camera Roll” reflects on a particularly brutal form of post-breakup nostalgia. “Letting go of a relationship is always so difficult, especially when your phone is full of hundreds of photos of the person you’re trying to move on from,” says Jafar, who wrote the hauntingly delicate track on piano. “Getting to the point of hitting delete and finding some closure is really tough, but hopefully this song will give people the strength to find closure for themselves.” Elsewhere on Pretty Monster, The Blue Stones push into such previously uncharted sonic terrain as the stoner-rock intensity of “Stay With Me.” “There’s usually more of a swagger to the beat in our songs, but that one’s this straight-ahead, driving, four-on-the-floor rock song,” notes Tessier.
For The Blue Stones, there’s an undeniable sense of both purpose and pleasure in boldly following their creative impulses. “Our approach has always been to make the music we want to hear,” says Tessier. “Every song we create is something we wanted to see in the world, and hopefully if that goes far enough, it’ll help move things forward for the whole genre.” And by staying true to their instincts, the duo ultimately hope to make a profoundly positive impact on their audience as well. “We want our music to be cathartic, but we also want it to motivate and uplift people and make them feel more confident,” says Jafar. “And when they come to our live show, we want everyone to feel absolutely energized by the time they leave, like they’re ready to take on the world.”
READ MORE >>Supporting Acts
About the Venue
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