Locals Only To Close In August

DJ Deadrisk and E. Brown (of Echomaker) at Locals Only last year.

I heard rumors yesterday, and the article that you can read below by David Lindquist (via Indy Star) confirms everything.

I would personally like to thank Locals, and Dave and staff, for all of their help and support over the last 2 years. They have been an integral part in our growth by not only helping us bring people in from out of state by providing a great venue, but also being a staple and place for many Indianapolis hip hop acts to be able to share our music to the public. On behalf of everyone here at BDTB, we would like to say thank you. We still have a few shows lined up in the next few months, so feel confident that it will go out with a bang!

Locals Only will end its seven-year run of presenting art and music on Aug. 17.

Locals Only owner David Queisser said the building, 2449 E. 56th St., is destined for changes that don’t mesh with day-to-day operations of a nightclub.

“The building has a new owner,” said Queisser, who opened Locals Only in 2005. “It probably will be torn down to rebuild, or a long time will be spent gutting it. I don’t know if I want to stick around and wait.”

Locals Only hosts live music Thursdays through Saturdays. Queisser counts singer-songwriter Jenn Cristy, rock band Whoa! Tiger and Indianapolis-based hip-hop acts as reliable draws.

“It’s hit or miss,” he said of business in general, “depending on which way the stars are aligned.”

Queisser said he’s exploring the possibility of opening a new music-focused bar.

“Everything in that place is going with me,” said Queisser, who also retains the liquor license.

Locals Only has been the site of a weekly Big Roots Show promoted by Cliff Snyder and Cara Jean Wahlers, the annual Elvis Birthday Bash promoted by “Bar Fly” comic-strip artist Wayne Bertsch and the multi-genre Mashup Monthly promoted by rapper Brad Real.

Fans of the Chicago Bears have gathered at Locals Only on game days.

“One of my main priorities is to give that Bears following a home,” Queisser said. “We were bringing in 100 to 150 people in just for Bears games. We wouldn’t show any other games.”

Danny Flanigan and the Rain Chorus will perform tonight at Locals Only.