What To Expect

The Venue: The Melody Inn

If you’ve never been to the historic Melody Inn, you’re doing yourself a disservice—this is a must-hit spot on any local live music bucket list.

Having said that, let me be clear about “historic.” When you hear that word in front of a place, it’s usually a nice way of saying past its prime—that’s definitely NOT the Melody Inn. The Inn still hosts some of Indy’s (and the region’s) best punk, country, pop, indie, and metal bands.

Let’s be honest, though—if you go to their website and see that pristine photo from 1945… things have changed a little. If you’ve ever been to the mecca of punk, CBGB in New York, think that. It’s well-worn in the best way, and the physical space actually enhances the music experience.

My first trip to the Melody Inn was for Hillbilly Happy Hour to see Cousin Brothers. You haven’t lived until you’ve done full audience participation during their song Wild Country Musk—complete with an actual application of… Wild Country Musk. It’s an auditory and olfactory experience.

 The drinks are super affordable, and if you work up a hunger, they offer a limited bar menu.

The Band: No Rest 4 The Weekend

They had me at Pat Benatar… but then the songs got even more familiar. I’m talking about No Rest 4 The Weekend—a rock cover band that plays all the songs you want to hear and sing along to.

About a year ago, I was minding my own business at 317 BBQ & Taproom when, cutting through the din of friendly chatter, wandering dogs, and kids, came the piercing vocals of Pat Benatar. That got my attention—I better tune in.

No, it wasn’t the Pat Benatar (who I’ve seen live and would put in my top five female vocalists)… it was Virginia Ramey, who fronts No Rest 4 The Weekend. Wowza—who is that, I thought? I happened to be there with my friend Mark Berry of Downstairs Dads and Red-Tailed Hawk. His response: “Yeah, dude—they’re awesome. Good folks, too.”

That’s really what Indy.Local.Live is all about—good people playing the music they love and creating a space where everyone else can have a great time.

And honestly, it felt like the band had ridden to the gig with me, listening to my playlist the whole way. They rolled into U2’s I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For and Foo Fighters’ Learn to Fly… and at that point, I was all in on No Rest 4 The Weekend.