The first-ever I Made Rock ‘N’ Roll Festival is set to take place on Saturday, May 18 at the American Legion Mall in downtown Indianapolis, with performances from Janelle Monáe, Gary Clark Jr., Robert Randolph Band, and more. Gates to the festival open at noon.
Ahead of the festivities, we asked esteemed Indy musician, DJ and emcee Rusty Redenbacher for some words of wisdom, and he shared some pointers on how festival goers can make the most of their time at the event.
“If you want the hard sh**, get there early.”
“I definitely suggest you get there to see Inner Peace,” says Rusty, speaking on Indy-based hardcore punk band Inner Peace, which performs at 1 p.m. “I guarantee they’re going to have the hardest set of the day. So if you want the hard sh**, get there early.”
Redenbacher also adds the I Made Rock ‘N’ Roll Festival offers an opportunity to discover other acts you may have never heard before.
“I think people are going to get a whole different groove from this lineup,” Redenbacher says. “They’re going to research these artists and perhaps look for artists like this in the city.”
Stay cool and hydrate
As with any event in the month of May, it’s important to drink water, no matter how much fun you may be having.
“Drink water early,” Redenbacher says. “Don’t come out there and be like, ‘Woo! We’re gonna party all day!’ Because the heat will get to you.”
Redenbacher also recommends establishing a home base of sorts, where you and your crew can go chill out in the shade when needed.
“Get a blanket in a spot where you can really maintain yourself and be comfortable,” Redenbacher says. “Establish your own space, sit down, and enjoy the day.”
In between performances, a handpicked selection of local DJs will also be sure to provide a proper vibe for premium relaxation.
“Mr. Kinetik and me are DJing a couple of sets together,” Redenbacher says. “Lobyn (Hamilton) is going to be there DJing instead of making art with the records. That’ll be super cool — I’m looking forward to that too.”
“Just don’t miss Robert Randolph for god’s sake”
As with any festival, it’s imperative that you’re ready and in place for the night’s headlining acts. In the case of I Made Rock ‘N’ Roll Festival, co-presented by GANGGANG and Forty5 Presents, Redenbacher says attendees should not miss Robert Randolph Band, Gary Clark Jr. and Janelle Monáe (of course).
Robert Randolph Band is one of the featured bands for I Made Rock ‘N’ Roll Festival. Credit: Photo provided by GANGGANG and FORTY5 
Credit: Doug Fellegy / GANGGANG and FORTY5 
Joy Oladokunis one of the featured artists for I Made Rock ‘N’ Roll Festival. Credit: LEXANDER BRYANT 
Gary Clark Jr. is one of the featured artists for I Made Rock ‘N’ Roll Festival. Credit: Photo provided by GANGGANG and FORTY5 
Inner Peace is one of the featured bands for I Made Rock ‘N’ Roll Festival. Credit: Photo provided by GANGGANG and FORTY5 
Meet Me @ The Altar is one of the featured bands for I Made Rock ‘N’ Roll Festival. Credit: Jonathan Weiner www.jweinerphoto 
Janelle Monae is one of the featured artists for I Made Rock ‘N’ Roll Festival. Credit: Photo provided by GANGGANG and FORTY5
“If you can’t get there early, just don’t miss Robert Randolph for god’s sake,” Redenbacher says. “This man is a phenom, and his sets are amazing. He’s going to play his soul out for you.”
Rusty continues, “Gary Clark Jr. is one of the best live acts in the world, and Janelle Monáe is a culture shifter. The whole day is just going to be great. Be there early and enjoy all of it.”
Go to the pre-show: “As necessary as the festival itself”
The night before I Made Rock ‘N’ Roll Festival goes down, a pre-show will take place at 7 p.m. at the Vogue with a stellar selection of Indy-based acts, including 81355, Wife Patrol, Nashville’s The New Respects and The Last IV, in which Redenbacher plays. Tickets are $10-$20.
“Obviously, I’m playing, so I’m a little biased towards it, but I think the pre-show is going to be as necessary as the festival itself,” Redenbacher says. “Come out and see that because that’s going to be what’s happening here locally. Then, we’re going to give it to you on a national and regional level with the festival.”
Seth Johnson is an Indianapolis native and graduate of Lawrence North High School. He has worked as a freelance writer in the Indianapolis area since 2013, reporting on all things arts and culture.
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