Tiny Moving Parts at New Direction in Fargo, North Dakota. (Photo by Kaytlin Dargen)
Considering the Midwest has gifted the world with the Chicago blues, Motown, the MC5, heartland rock, the Smashing Pumpkins, the Omaha indie scene, Eminem, and plenty of emo pop-punk, it's no surprise that even the smaller towns in the region are home to flourishing music scenes. We've got five spots outside the capitals and bigger cities for you to strongly consider when touring through. Don't forget, however, that your promotion strategy is key to a good turnout – and even more so when you're playing a smaller city.
1. Lawrence, KS
About 30 minutes from Topeka and 40 from Kansas City is Lawrence, the state's sixth largest city and home to the main University of Kansas campus. Oh, and it's also home to Mates of State, the Annivesary, the New Amsterdams, the Appleseed Cast, and the Get Up Kids, among a bunch of other long-standing, well-known indie acts. Naturally, there's a whole slew of venues with long histories of supporting up-and-coming bands: There's the smaller charmers, like Jackpot Music Hall and Replay Lounge, plus medium-capacity clubs like the Bottleneck and the Jazzhaus. And it's not only indie rock that's covered by all those venues – they also champion for Lawrence-made punk, reggae, hip-hop, folk, and more.
2. Fort Wayne, IN
Local music in Fort Wayne is a cup that runneth over, and sometimes into unexpected places. There's the B-Side, a multiuse performance space inside One Lucky Guitar, a design and marketing boutique. There's also the Tiger Room at Calhoun Soups, Salads, and Spirits. Whoever thought soups and salads went with music or booze? Those combinations might be sorta unconventional, but they're actually successful pairings for supporting area bands and artists. The former hosts events on a more infrequent basis, but the Tiger Room keeps a steady beat like most venues.
A highlight of Fort Wayne's local clubs, though, is definitely the Brass Rail which has been in operation for 60 years or so (they've lost count). The beloved dive books all styles, though its stage definitely sees lots of rock 'n' roll. As does Neat Neat Neat Records, a relatively new shop that's not only filled the area's vinyl void, but also supplements the scene with in-store performances featuring both local and touring garage and punk bands.
For bigger shows, the go-to is C2G Music Hall, a 400-capacity nonprofit music venue that shares the building and its expenses with Come2Go Ministries. Another unexpected coupling, right? But no, the folks in charge don't restrict rental of the space to only Christian music. They "encourage diversity" in the sounds offered, and their calendar totally reflects it.
3. Sioux Falls, SD
Two of the city's independent music mainstays are just a few years old, but have already proved to be hugely important to the local scene. There's Total Drag Records, which is more than a vinyl and cassette shop (as if that wasn't enough already!). With their designated performance space and community-minded outlook, it easily takes the prize for the city's best spot for rock 'n' roll, punk, garage, and all things in-between.
Mid-size events (of all styles), though, are typically organized at the District, a venue connected to a restaurant and lounge. Additionally, there's Latitude 44, a cozy spot that caps around 100.
4. Fargo, ND
Image courtesy of New Direction
Above Dempsey's Irish Pub is the Aquarium, a 300-capacity venue that caters to independent artists and bands from the area as well as those touring through it. Shows fit for a similar capacity are also booked at the Windbreak. One of the most storied locales is Rick's Bar, a staple since '79 that's landmarked by a giant boot in its signage. We'd be remiss not to also mention Nestor Tavern, a haven for Fargo-made and visiting electronic artists.
But it's definitely New Direction doing much of the heavy lifting for the whole of the local scene. The all-ages, nonprofit DIY basement spot actively champions Fargo (and nearby) music, no matter the genre; for five years running, they've celebrated anniversaries with a big festival featuring all local talent, which is exemplary of their programming all year long.
Tip: Check out this Fargo-Moorhead music group on Facebook for help booking and better familiarizing yourself with the scene.
5. Eau Claire, WI
Bon Iver hails from this town, which is about four hours from Milwaukee. In fact, last year frontman Justin Vernon, along with The National's Aaron Dessner, launched Eaux Claires, a massive two-day festival headlined by his big-name comrades like Sufjan Stevens, Spoon, Low, The Tallest Man on Earth, and more to the Chippewa Valley. The 2016 edition is slated for this coming August.
There's plenty proof of independent music life in Eau Claire year-round, though. Electronic and dance is the stuff of U Street Music Hall, a basement club with room for 500. For smaller gigs, there's Pizza Plus, also referred to as the Plus – a pizzeria, yes, but also well-equipped (and regularly frequented) for all kinds of live shows. The House of Rock stands as the area's longest-running venue, and books a more extensive variety of genres than its name suggests. For singer-songwriters, folk, jazz, reggae, and more in a decidedly intimate setting, try the Acoustic Cafe.
Jhoni Jackson is an Atlanta-bred music journalist currently based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she juggles owning a venue called Club 77, freelance writing and, of course, going to the beach as often as possible.
