Written by: Kati Taylor, MFT Board Observer

A Night of Live Music & Connection

It’s powerful to see a space turn into a musical fam. The Musical Family Tree Local Music Showcase was on November 8th at The 808, the brand-new venue connected to Indy CD & Vinyl.

Curating this show—working with some local artists whose voices inspire me and collaborating with people who care as deeply about local music as I do—was a reminder of just how special our community is.

There’s a unique happiness in bringing together musicians you love, sharing them with others, and watching listeners discover or reconnect with their work in real time.

Music Space = Community Hub

The 808 is still young—this was only its third show ever, and its first larger one—but it already feels like a home for local music. The room glowed under colorful stage lights that made each set vibrant.

Venue and record store co-owner Andy Skinner supported the event wholeheartedly. He served drinks behind the bar, kept the record store open late, and had his staff stay to support the event too. That kind of dedication makes a venue feel like a collaborative art space. Several shoppers wandered in from Broad Ripple Ave, curious about the music, and ended up staying. Some even picked up new records—a ripple effect that strengthens the bonds between MFT, Indy CD & Vinyl, and the wider community.

A huge thank-you to the staff who stayed late, welcomed everyone, and helped make the night run smoothly. Spaces like The 808—intimate, great-sounding, and run by passionate music lovers—are essential to a thriving scene.

Here’s what Andy had to say:

"The 808 is a fantastic new space for live music in Broad Ripple. We are thrilled to host events like the MFT Showcase and look forward to many more successful nights here with MFT and local artists of all genres." ~ Andy Skinner

The People Behind the Scenes

Sound engineer Sierra SillyCe was exceptional all night! She moved between the stage and the board with focus and energy—running soundchecks, adjusting mixes, making sure each artist felt comfortable, and giving the audience a rich listening experience. The 808 sounds great and you can tell Sierra enjoys her work because she does it with a smile. After the show, she continued offering support and stayed to help break down.

Here’s what Sierra had to say:

“The event at the new venue at Indy CD & Vinyl was amazing. I ran the sound for the event, and the setup was efficient and smooth. I love their new space. The event had several varieties of artists that provided great tunes the whole night. DJ WhoDunIt kept the party rocking in between times. All the bands were dope. My favorite act would have to be Kyndl and Wampus Milk Daddies. it was a great turnout, and I’d absolutely do it again. Rhymacide was a great host and kept the crowd interaction up in between sets. He has a great way of connecting to the crowd. I had an awesome time. Thank you Kati for the invite and Musical Family Tree for letting me be part of this event. Let me know when the next one is!” ~ Sierra SillyCe

MFT Merch Table

Board member Craig VonDelyn handled merch, helped answer questions throughout the night, and brought his son Will. Will was sporting the MFT monster shirt, which is a popular choice for MFT and local music fans. And Craig’s got on the signature MFT 90s Fest shirt. Get yours in the MFT Store!

Moments like that capture something fundamental about music: even when we’re not related, we become family—and sometimes your actual family becomes part of that musical family too.

The Music That Made the 2025 MFT Local Music Showcase

Kyndl

Kyndl opened the showcase with lyrical precision and emotional honesty. The rhythm of her words deepened the meaning of her message, and she had a strong connection with the audience. She gave a shout out Rob Dixon—Indy’s “Musical Mayor”—who plays on one of her tracks. And she had real supporters in the room, including a friend who brought her flowers.

Here’s what Kyndl had to say:

“I’m grateful for the unique opportunities MFT gives me to be presented in front of new audiences.” ~ Kyndl

Jade Davidson

Jade arrived early to prepare both mentally and physically, and that thoughtful intention could be felt throughout her performance. Her set moved effortlessly between sentimental and raw, happy and sad—It was beautifully bluesy, expressive, and captivating. She performed barefoot and wore sclera blackout contacts, adding an artistic layer to her stage presence. The room leaned into her vulnerability and energy with full attention.

Watercourses

Watercourses brought a sense of playfulness that lit up the audience. Off stage, the trio is calm and relaxed—but onstage they open up through their instruments and vocals, blending a chill vibe with powerful musical moments. Their chemistry is strong, their musicianship shines, and their energy spread through the room. They simply rocked, and the crowd felt it!

A Moment That Captured Everything

During the evening, I spotted a mother and her child dancing together—just the two of them, fully immersed in the music during Josh Gillespie & The Nomad Collective’s set. It was the kind of moment that reminds us of how music bridges ages, experiences, and relationships.

Josh Gillespie & The Nomad Collective

Josh is an MFT board member, a musician, and a deeply committed supporter of local music. He brought his full band for a dynamic set. They dealt with a monitor hiccup, but lead guitarist Carl Hartmann saved the moment with backup equipment he had on hand—an example of how live music’s unpredictability can lead to teamwork and growth. Once they powered through, the set locked in and delivered beautifully. Big thanks to Josh for all his help promoting, organizing, and lifting this event.

Here’s what Josh had to say:

“I'm so grateful my band and I were able to play the MFT Local Music Showcase. The 808 at Indy CD and Vinyl is an amazing location and it was a wonderful opportunity to share what we bring to their stage.” ~ Josh Gillespie

Wampus Milk Daddies

Ending the night with Wampus Milk Daddies was perfect. Their shows are a blend of jazz, humor, high energy, and musical expertise. As a former trumpet player, any band with horns earns a special place in my heart!

Special thanks to drummer Elija Pollard, who provided the backline for everyone. Their set was full of personality—including a hilarious moment where bandleader Ryan Johnson said, “I’d like to take this time to introduce ourselves,” then stepped away from the mic so the band could shake hands like strangers.

Their combination of humor, talent, and stage presence always makes Wampus Milk Daddies a fun live music experience!

Reckless Rhymacide and DJ Whodunit played an important role in shaping the night. Rhymacide, a skilled MC and musician, hosted the showcase with energy and care, introducing each band and championing local artists across every genre. He’s deeply committed to promoting the local music scene and supporting musicians, making sure their work is celebrated and heard. Between sets, DJ Whodunit kept the crowd energized with carefully chosen tracks that everyone could dance to and enjoy, creating a seamless flow throughout the evening. Together, they helped make the showcase not just a series of performances, but a true celebration of our musical community.

Here’s Why MFT’s Local Music Showcases Matter

Live music is living art. It grows, shifts, surprises, faces challenges, recovers, and evolves in the moment—like the branches of a tree. Artists, audiences, and organizers depend on one another to create these moments. MFT is proud to support spaces where these memories, connections, and spontaneous joys can happen.

I’ve been part of MFT since 2017 because I believe deeply in uplifting creative peers in our community. While everyone has their favorite genres or artists, there’s something magical about celebrating diversity in sound and expression.

The showcase was full of people of all ages—kids danced, adults connected, and the atmosphere was warm, safe, and full of love! Diversity of music, backgrounds, identities, ages, and experiences make us stronger. The night was both inclusive and positive. Having spent over 12 years in Indianapolis, I’ve come to appreciate just how vibrant and passionate the city’s creative community truly is.

Music brings people together. It helps us process time, emotion, memory, and identity. It connects us, strengthens us, and gives us space to express ourselves.

This showcase was a success—not because everything was perfect, but because everyone showed up with passion. People danced, smiled, and experienced something meaningful together.

I look forward to more Musical Family Tree showcases and to many more nights where we can connect through the power of music.

MFT Local Music Showcase at The 808