Emerson Theater

4630 E 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46201, USA

Address:	4630 E 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46201, USA
Phone:	+1 317-357-0239
Site:	emersontheater.com
Rating:	3.6

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 12

Cameron Hedrick

I really do not understand everyones criticism on the Emerson. Yeah its dirty. Yeah theres no parking, which I understand its a downfall. But what is this all about? Having a good time? Listening to bands you love preform? Thats what Im about. Maybe Im just weird. Ive been to hole in the wall places with no more than 40 people there to big open parks where probably 5000 or so people gathered. And Im willing to say that the Emerson is one of my favorite places to watch a show. Its about the atmosphere really. The crowd is always intense, theres never over 400 kids in the place at once, which causes a pretty intimate show if you wanted to reach up and touch a band member you probably could if you tryed. After the shows, alot of times, the band members will just chill by the merch tables and talk with kids, so you get to talk and take pics with your favorite band sometimes. Last time I went, I didnt really pay a ton of attention to the sound, but I didnt realize any problems. It sounded good. And even since then, I have heard of a ton of improvements that have been done to place soundwise. So all in all, it puts on a pretty good show and I recommend the place to about anyone.

Savannah Price

Ive been to many small concert venues across the country, and this one was on the dingy side, though the sound was decent. The bands had some technical difficulties and were late, so the venue opened an hour late and they still didnt have the bar ready until after the first act started playing. Furthermore, I was going to see a larger rock band and the barricade provided by the venue was not bolted to the floor, so it was toppled almost immediately and was a huge safety concern for the audience and the band. However, my reason for giving only 2 stars is the deceptive online ticket sales. I was going to see a larger rock band who offered VIP tickets that allowed fans to get in early to meet the band. The venue sold tickets called "early entry" which sounded a lot like the description for the bands VIP tickets. The early entry tickets were twice as expensive as the regular tickets and only afforded concert-goers the ability to enter 5 minutes before those with regular tickets. They were useless and expensive and I did not get to meet the band as I had thought.

A Private User

Emerson Theater is the absolute worst hole in the wall venue I have ever been too. It is in a horrible run down part of Indianapolis. We had things thrown at us multiple times from people driving by while waiting in line outside. There is no dedicated parking for this venue. You have to park at the McDonalds or the bank across the street and it is at your own risk as your car may be towed. The venue is best described as dilapidated. The inside is literally a box. All the walls and ceiling were painted black and large thick layers of black paint were peeling from them. The sound was horrid; room reflections were out of control. They had tiny, maybe 12oz, bottles of water for $1 each, but were selling 20oz of Mountain Dew and other soft drinks for $1; makes no sense. I will never attend this place again no matter who is performing and I will recommend everyone I know to avoid it like the plague. Not anywhere near decent as another review claims.

A____ H____

It is what it is. Youre not going there to see a huge mainstream act. Youre going to support smaller bands that typically put on a great show. Sure, theres basically no heat or air control and the bathrooms are less than desirable, but its a concert man cmon. Im not from the Indy area but I go there frequently and Ive seen over 10 shows at the Emerson. I park on the street and have never had any issues. It doesnt seem like "the hood" to me. Id take my nine year old daughter to a show there if it was the right act, but we would go over to McDonalds for her to use the restroom. I will say that the audio inside the building leaves a bit to be desired. Its typically a little muddy and not crisp, or mixed incredibly well. But again, its a small venue with limited resources and ticket prices are usually cheap.

Miranda Goelz

I have seen many shows here over the years. Its a great venue. There are generally all ages shows which I was grateful for when I was younger. I saw Anti-Flag here one time and it was incredible. I love the more intimate atmosphere while still being a good size place. My husbands band also played here and the sound was excellent. Its a great place to catch both local bands and a few larger acts touring through.

Will F

Nice setup, lots of open space to see the concert and have some fin out on the floor. Heard some great music and beer/concessions were very affordable compared to some music venues. The sound was absolutely horrific which is the only reason I detracted 2 stars from the rating. Couldnt hear any guitars the entire night, only bass and drums. Could hear vocals but even those were rather quiet for my taste.

Michael Bulich

I love this place!I have been reading the knocks on this place and it makes me want to smash somone head in.Its a punk/metal club its supposed to be small ,smell like puke,look run down,and be in a shady neighborhood.Its a great place to go see live music.Anyone who thinks that its shortcomings make it not worth going to.Well they should just stay home and watch Lady Gaga videos on YT.

Jeff Hailey

While the concert I saw was amazing, the venue was terrible. Its in a very bad part of town. We were rejected by three uber drivers before someone would pick us up in that neighborhood. Also, there is no bar, only snacks and candy. Definitely some drug deals in the bathroom. Good tip, drink beforehand and do not walk home from this hell hole.

Sarah Hardwick

I have a mixed opinion of The Emerson. I used to attend there regularly until i discovered that i did not seem to like the crowd. I recently got a weird vibe. People were disrespectful towards me and I didnt feel like everyone was a family like they should feel at a music venue; However The Emerson is a fun place where you can enjoy music.

Brandon Signorino

There are lots of good bands that play here. However, the "old-school" feel of the place is overshadowed by how crappy it is. Also, the sound is never right on... they always have the volume up way too high and the bass up way too high, drowning out any mid-range or treble frequencies from the guitars.

BETTY HINES

Wasnt for me and my family. It was young artists night; diverse rap artist but I didnt expect the place to be so rundown or some of the artist to act so immature. Majority of the music was very vulgar and disrespectful, including the DJs selections. Never, never take your young there.

rena williams

If I could give it a negative rating I would. The place is disgusting!! It may say all ages, most kids should not be allowed. There is alcohol and drugs both inside and outside the place. I should know their bottles end up in my yard. Most of the crowds that go there are very rude.