The history of one of the most popular music venues in the Midwest: The Vogue
The name “The Vogue” was suggested to the original owner by film stars Mary Pickford and Buddy Rogers. | Photo by @thevogueindy
Ever wondered how The Vogue, one of Broad Ripple’s most notable landmarks, became en vogue?
It hasn’t always been Indy’s go-to spot for live music. The Vogue opened on June 18, 1938 as a premier movie theater, featuring 800 seats, spacious lounge rooms and a free 400-car parking lot. It was also one of the first movie theaters to have air conditioning.
The theater thrived for over a decade, but ticket sales started to slow in the 50s due to the popularity of drive-in theaters and homes across the US getting television sets. After changing hands twice between 1954 and 1971, The Vogue suffered from low attendance, and eventually became an X-rated movie theater just to keep the doors open.
The Vogue’s iconic marquee was installed in 1948, ten years after its opening.
1977 was a huge year for The Vogue, one that would save it from ruin. The theater was purchased by two new owners who invested $500,000 to turn it into a music venue, adding tiered seating, a balcony, a larger stage, and three full service bars. On New Year’s Eve 1977, it reopened to a sold out crowd.
As it enjoyed renewed success, The Vogue experimented with national, local, and emerging musicians in its lineup, as well as events such as wrestling + dance nights, for several decades. It saw another remodel in 1993 that added two bars, a deli, new lighting, and new sound systems, and quadrupled the size of the dance floor.
The Vogue prospered under local businessman John Ross’ ownership for 33 years, and was sold to Forty5 Presents in 2019 — a group named after streetcar 45, the original streetcar that ran from downtown to Broad Ripple and dropped commuters in front of the theater, bringing its history full circle. The Vogue continues to thrive today, bringing the best in live entertainment to Indy every week.
Events
Wednesday, Nov. 8
Red Baraat at PASIC 2023 | Wednesday, Nov. 8 | 8-10 p.m. | Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis | $25 | As the most significant percussion convention in the world kicks off, join for an opening concert by Red Baraat.
Thursday, Nov. 9
Free Golf Clinics at PXG Indianapolis | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 5-6 p.m. | PXG Indianapolis, 6091 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis | Free | All skill levels are invited to join local PGA Teaching Professionals in a collaborative learning environment to help improve their play.
Presidential Speaker Series | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 6-9 p.m. | Indiana Roof Ballroom, 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $75+ | Hear from White House photographer Pete Souza and get a glimpse of his four decades of seeing the American presidency firsthand through a camera lens.
Friday, Nov. 10
Indy Fuel vs. Cincinnati Cyclones | Friday, Nov. 10 | 7 p.m. | Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis | $16-$60 | Watch the Fuel take on the Cincinatti Cyclones in an exciting matchup.
Saturday, Nov. 11
International Game Day at Spades Park | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Indianapolis Public Library Spades Park Branch, 1801 Nowland Ave., Indianapolis | Free | Come enjoy a day of family-friendly gaming with board games, card games, and video games.
Indy Brew Battle 2023 | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 4-7 p.m. | Guggman Haus Brewing, 1701 Gent Ave., Indianapolis | $15 | Enjoy unlimited beer sampling from Indiana homebrewers, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the Helping Veterans and Families charity.
The TOP GUNnerton Murders | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 6-9 p.m. | The Library Restaurant & Pub, 2610 S. Lynhurst Dr., Indianapolis | $68 | Escape reality and immerse yourself in a new character at this murder mystery comedy dinner theater.
Saturday, Nov. 18
Fifth Third Bank Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure | Saturday, Nov. 18-Monday, Jan. 15 | Times vary | Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $2-$18 | See this magical model train wonderland winding through stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks of Indianapolis and the West.
Local tourism and cultural leaders are visiting Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay next week to get some inspiration for future developments along the White River. The gardens represent the country’s top tourist attraction, and Indy’s opportunities for emulating its success are endless. (IBJ)
Featured
Speaking of rivers — the Canal Walk was just named No. 11 on TimeOut’s list of best riverwalks in the US. It’s a good reminder to enjoy some early evening strolls before the weather gets colder.
Edu
Butler University announced plans to open a two-year college in the fall of 2025 to help undocumented and historically underserved populations pursue associate’s degrees or other professional credentials. Applications will open around August 2024. (IndyStar)
Biz
The 156,000-sqft Irvington Plaza redevelopment project is moving forward once again with an approved replat map, which splits the site into seven lots. Tallen Capital Partners LLC is developing a new master plan for the site that may include upscale fast food chains. (IBJ)
Award
It’s the ciiiircleee, the Circle of Lights — which has been nominated in the Best Public Holiday Lights Display category for the 2023 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. You can vote daily through Wednesday, Nov. 29.
Hoosier
Can you name the world’s top six marathons? Hoosier Josh Holley can — he just finished the New York City Marathon and is now halfway to completing all six. If he does, he’ll set a world record as the first Special Olympian to conquer the Abbott World Marathon Majors: Six Star Challenge. (WTHR)
Health
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The Indiana Historical Society is located right on the canal. | Photo by INDYtoday team
As the weather cools down, our hunger for local history, art, and fun experiences is only heating up. Here are some museums around town where you can spend your day while staying warm.
Newfields | 4000 N. Michigan Rd.
From 40,000 years of human figures in art to its collection of works by local artists, there’s something for everyone at this art museum.
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis | 3000 N. Meridian St.
This is the largest children’s museum in the world, so if you’re looking to learn more about dinosaurs, Minecraft, sports, or just want to ride the carousel, it has it all.
NCAA Hall of Champions | 700 W. Washington St.
Stop in this two-level museum full of interactive exhibits and learn what it takes to “make the grade” in the NCAA.
The Stanley perfect brew pour-over and camp mug. It’s non-breakable, doesn’t require paper filters, and all of Stanley’s stainless steel products use 23% recycled materials.
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