BEST FESTIVAL TO TRAVEL TO SXSW Austin’s, Texas’ South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival is one of the largest and most anticipated music festivals in the United States. Over 2,000 acts representing 55 countries play at over 100 venues over six days, and almost as many place at non-official shows hosted all over the city. There’s the tech, movies and comedy to talk about too (plus newbie topic, environmentalism), but the star of South By will always and forever be, the music. sxsw.com 2nd: Austin City Limits 3rd: Coachella
BEST OPEN-MIC NIGHT SLIPPERY NOODLE INN The Slippery Noodle is racking up the Best of Indy Awards: They can now claim over 30 consecutive wins. They’ve earned more than a dozen as the city’s Best Open Mic Night, and 18 consecutive wins in the now-retired Best Blues Club category. If you like live blues performed by the best local and touring artists around, this is the place for you. Additionally, as the oldest bar in Indianapolis, it’s a mustvisit. And if you’re an artist looking for a place to show off, you can’t do much better than the legendary Noodle stage. 372 S. Meridian St., 631-6974, slipperynoodle.com 2nd: The Mousetrap 3rd: Sabbatical
LOCAL FOOD & DRINK • ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT • MUSIC • SHOPPING
Bureau Insurance Lawn! There’s nothing worse than missing your favorite band because you’re not 21, but you’ll never have to worry about that at this unbeatable concert location. Bring your blanket and spread out — it’s gonna be a good night. 801 W. Washington St., (800) 665-9056, inwhiteriver.com 2nd: Old National Centre (Murat Theatre/Egyptian Room/Deluxe) 3rd: Klipsch Music Center
BEST KARAOKE BAR MONKEY'S TALE Ever wanted to twirl around in a fabulous costume while singing your favorite song in front of a live audience? Make your dream come true at Monkey’s Tale, a New Orleans-style music bar in Broad Ripple. They have Kostume Karaoke on Wednesday and Open Karaoke on Thursday with Tom and Tammy of T.N.T.
100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2014 // BESTOFINDY 43