Fountain Square venue Pioneer closes after four years of dance parties, live music

David Lindquist | IndyStar

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A music venue known for hosting popular dance parties in the heart of Fountain Square has closed.

Pioneer, 1110 Shelby St, ceased operations this weekend, owner Bryce Caldwell said.

Caldwell said a pair of monthly parties — "Low Pone," which combines drag performances and live music, and "Spellbound," a DJ event focused on industrial and goth styles — consistently attracted crowds to Pioneer.

Pressure associated with scheduling other dates on the calendar, however, led to Caldwell's decision to close.

"I just needed to move on," he said. "It’s a stressful business and a stressful scenario to be in constantly. Money is always a factor, but it’s probably not the driving factor (for closing)."

Although Caldwell said he was "inclined to make this decision" early in 2019, he wanted to made good on Pioneer's commitments to be a venue for music festivals Chreece (Aug. 24), Buzz Cut (Sept. 7) and Tonic Ball (Nov. 22).

The Dec. 7 edition of Low Pone served as Pioneer's final event. Low Pone founder Carrie Keel said her event is seeking a new home after Pioneer's exit.

The 3-year anniversary event for Spellbound, scheduled Dec. 28, will shift to White Rabbit Cabaret, 1116 Prospect St., event co-founder Andy Skinner said.

"Nothing but great memories at Pioneer," Skinner said. "All praises to White Rabbit Cabaret for being nimble and accommodating on short notice."

Caldwell opened Pioneer adjacent to Fountain Square Plaza at the convergence of Shelby and Prospect streets and Virginia Avenue.in 2015.

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Initially a music venue, bar and restaurant that served northeastern Italian and Alpine food, Pioneer dropped the restaurant segment of its business plan in June 2018.

Caldwell said Pioneer's music schedule, which included touring acts, had hits and misses in terms of connecting with an audience.

"We were starting to find some sort of groove," he said. "I couldn’t foresee being able to sustain that on all levels."

Caldwell owns the 8,000-square-foot building that was home to Deano's Vino until 2010.

He envisions a new operator making use of the site's full-service kitchen and performance stage.

Caldwell didn't rule out selling the building, but said "it would take a lot."

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Contact IndyStar reporter David Lindquist at 317-444-6404 or dave.lindquist@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter: @317Lindquist.