Have you heard about Madison, Indiana? It’s being touted as the music capital of the state. It’s being called “Indiana’s Music City”, and here’s why.
Madison, Indiana, is a small town located in the southeastern part of the state. It's situated on the banks of the Ohio River and has a population of just over 12,000 people. The town has a rich history, and amazing architecture, having been settled in the early 1800s.
Madison's live music scene is thriving, with a variety of venues hosting performances throughout the year. The music scene is unique in that it features several historic venues that have been hosting live music for decades. You’ll find opportunities to experience multiple live music performances at various venues within walking distance of each other every weekend, and you’re likely to find musicians busking on street-corners in-between. Some hot spots in Indiana’s Music City include:
Thomas Family Winery
House of Jane
Off Broadway Taproom
Red Bicycle Hall
The Drake Lounge
1st Street Country Saloon
Central Hotel
American Legion
Sallie’s by the Shore
Moose Lodge
VFW
Rivercrest Lighthouse
Rivertown Grill
Elks Club
Madison's Music Festivals and Events
Madison is home to several music festivals and events throughout the year. One of the most popular is the RiverRoots Music and Folk Arts Festival, which celebrates folk, bluegrass, and Americana music. The festival features national and local performers, food vendors, and craft vendors.
Another popular event is the Madison Ribberfest BBQ & Blues, which features a BBQ competition, beer garden, and live music performances. The festival draws thousands of people from all over the country and has been named one of the top 100 events in North America.
The Future of Madison's Music Scene
Madison's music scene is showing no signs of slowing down. The town continues to attract new talent and host new events, and its historic venues continue to draw visitors from all over the country. With the continued support of the town's residents and business owners, Madison's music scene is poised for even greater success in the future. The Madison Music Movement, or M3 has played a key role in the development and support of the local music scene. Music has been identified a key pillar of the town’s economy and the group is deeply committed to continuing to build on a very solid foundation of music tourism offerings.
Madison's music scene has had a significant impact on the town's economy. The town's music festivals and events draw thousands of visitors each year, who spend money on food, lodging, and entertainment. Additionally, the town's live music venues and restaurants benefit from the increased foot traffic not only during the festivals, but also because of the consistent offerings of live music experiences throughout the year.
How Madison Compares to Other Indiana Cities as a Music Hub
While Madison may not be as well-known as other Indiana cities, when it comes to music, it has a thriving music scene that is unique in its own right. The number of resident musicians per-capita rivals any city in the Midwest, and Madison’s unique ability draw to talent from all over the country for live performances (many of whom decide to take up permanent residence in Madison) makes it a performers hub in the central United States. The town's historic venues, festivals, and events set it apart from other cities and make it a must-visit destination for music lovers. Madison, Indiana truly is “Indiana’s Music City”.
Don't miss out on experiencing Indiana’s Music City for yourself in Madison, Indiana – visit our performance calendar and start planning your music weekend today!