My personal night has been about as lively as a house music funeral procession, but it’s 9 P.M. and I’m heading to local Indianapolis bar, the Patron Saint. All manner of House music miracles can occur here. I arrive the early bird, catching a glimpse of a low key buzzing Indianapolis scene.
I’m preparing my ears for the main event, Felonious Punk, a live house jazz-infused odyssey featuring a man I have idolized since high school, Slater Hogan. Hogan is joined by Rob Dixon on the Sax and Reggie Bishop on Keyboards, two dapper gentlemen who add even more sophistication to the newly formed trio.
A neon-lit up cross hangs in the VIP area suspended by vines Nola style. This bar is truly special. All sorts of oddities are accepted within its walls.
A respite from the typical bullshit “123 put your hands up” nightlife, the Saint is a local House music mecca, perhaps 20 years in the making. The $10 cover was extremely minimal compared to what could have been on this, my only night out in the town.
A ouija board hangs from the ceiling tempting you to contact lost spirits of party people’s past. It feels avant-garde and unique. If it is real spirits you are craving, their fully stocked bar and craft cocktails are on hand. A real Absinthe fountain lends you to times past. The ambiance would have been worth the Uber alone, but the music is what makes this venue and its team truly special. You feel instantly transported to another city… am I really in Indianapolis? Is this my home? I feel like I’m in a debaucherous Nola style basement. These homies know what they’re doing.
Hogan is on the dance floor talking to clubbers. He’s no stranger to helping new and seasoned electronic music enthusiasts feel seen and heard. Look no further than Kid Presents for recognizing local talent. Do you want to make it in the House music industry here in Indy? This is where you audition. Even the locals are family here.
“One of my favorite aspects of Patron Saint will be what we call alternative programming,” said Slater Hogan, partner of Patron Saint. “Based on the relationships we’ve developed through the years in the entertainment scene, we will feature nationally-known performers, up-and-coming artists, local DJs and more.”
Slater Hogan
Set up will happen soon. The tall adonis behind the decks, Dj Slippin Jimmy, is playing quite the warm up set. What can I say, the vibe is contagious. Even I consider what I might look like in a bandanna behind the decks. I came here to listen and write, not daydream.
In this world, only 40 percent of bars/clubs succeed. Slater and his partner John along with Brandy Allen-Harveth have left their indelible signatures on a market that no one should ever vote against. It takes a special place to walk inside and instantly feel at home. In short: it’s clearly working.
“After living in New Orleans for years, my goal is to bring in the traditional elements of the Big Easy that make living in and experiencing New Orleans so distinctive,” said John Larner, partner of Patron Saint. “Our team is working very hard to incorporate New Orleans culture in every aspect – including cocktails named after popular streets.”
Slater Hogan
I’m debating, try absinthe? Feel out the eclectic crowd? Take a nap because I’m jet-lagged? All options seem quite the undertaking.
The floor fills-in for the main event. I’m rarely wowed in my home town. This is unique. You can almost feel the effervescent energy in this tiny subterranean club. That’s clearly the point. You don’t see a live PA act like this often. Takes me back to the first time I saw Mark Farina, but better. I’m pulled onto the dance floor to spin with one of the younger clubbers. A highlight.
One of the leading up and comers in Indianapolis House music nightlife today, Mike (Sweater Disco) makes time to say goodnight at 1 A.M. I contemplate my choices. It’s too good to leave. A treat in the typical Indiana frozen wasteland.
Indy locals, you gotta check this place out, especially when Felonious Punk plays. Slater is more at home than I’ve seen him in years. I’m already marking my calendar for their next show on October 24.
If you haven’t yet made a pilgrimage to the most unique bar in Indianapolis, Slater and John are bringing the best of House music, in a scene that truly needed some life. Everything from underground to large acts are represented here.
Located in the heart of Indianapolis at 250 S. Meridian Street, Patron Saint is open seven days a week from 7 p.m. – 3 a.m. For more information about Patron Saint, click here.
*Featured Image via Snaps Inc.
