Sofar Sounds
If you’re a music junkie who believes Ruoff Music Center will always be Deer Creek, you’ve probably seen your fair share of music greats. Live music events are transformative, to be sure. But if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the crowds, you may want to try a more intimate approach to live music. That’s where Sofar Sounds comes in.
Surina Gangwani has always felt that a city is best explored set to a lyrical background. An Indianapolis native, she has spent much of her life immersed in the arts. Growing up as a vocalist and musician, Gangwani has always felt live music is at the center of her being. When she moved to New York, she discovered the city through Sofar Sounds. After a few years, she made the choice to return to Indianapolis and felt the absence of a local chapter. Seeking community, she set out to bring Sofar Sounds to her home city.
“I had a difficult time finding my place when I returned home. It was harder than I expected,” says Gangwani, executive producer of Sofar Sounds Indy. “I really wanted to create community-based spaces where I could cultivate that new space for myself and others through music.”
Sofar Sounds is a global organization with local chapters hosting small, intimate live-music experiences in select locations. The name derives from “sounds from a room,” an homage to Leonard Cohen’s second album, “Songs from a Room.” Designed to bring back intimate concert vibes, each experience features three artists performing 20-minute sets. To add a flair of clandestine spontaneity, the lineup and location are kept secret until 36 hours before the event, when attendees are emailed full details.
“The best part about going to a Sofar show — that lineup of artists, in that venue, with those people — that will literally never happen again,” Gangwani says. “You’re not coming just for the music; you’re coming for the people you meet, the chance to support local business and really be embedded in the community you’re in, just by showing up.”
And if you’re expecting mediocre talent, think again. Sofar Sounds focuses on emerging artists and has served as a launching pad for many modern musicians, including Teddy Swims, Billie Eilish, Hozier and Chappell Roan, among others. Sofar sources talent from its global network, so you may be among the first to see the next chart-topping musician.
The Indianapolis chapter relaunched Nov. 20, 2025, featuring a lineup that included Joe Cripe, Anna May and Grant Trammell at Guggman Haus. The second show, held at the Pit Stop, featured musicians MF Fred, Rhetoryk and Chloë Beth.
Upcoming events include Valentine’s and Galentine’s-themed shows, as well as events highlighting women-owned businesses in March for Women’s History Month, with more to come. Those interested can view upcoming shows at sofarsounds.com/cities/indianapolis.
And if you have questions about accessibility, don’t worry. While there is an element of secrecy, guests can view venue characteristics when booking tickets on the website. Gangwani also encourages anyone with specific questions to reach out via Instagram at @sofarsoundsindy.
One thing attendees can count on is that there’s never a dull moment. Some shows take place in basements, wine cellars, backyards, coffee shops or local breweries — you name it. You might find yourself with standing room only and a BYOB note, or in a larger space with artisan coffee available. The possibilities are endless.
“Expect the unexpected. The fun of it is being in an intimate space and getting to know each other better,” Gangwani says.
For more information about the intimate pop-up concert experience, visit the Indianapolis chapter of Sofar Sounds at sofarsounds.com/cities/indianapolis.
