Indy-based band returns to play concert at Buskirk-Chumley

Indianapolis-based Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s will rock Bloomington on Saturday at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. The band is touring to support two albums it has out this year, “Animal!” and “Not Animal.”

The band includes two IU alumni: guitarist Andy Fry and drummer Chris Fry. Chris Fry said he enjoys coming back to Bloomington.

“We love coming back,” he said. “This is where it all started for us.”

The former student said there was a good turnout at the Buskirk when the band played there earlier this year.

“I remember thinking that it was the same place I saw Wilco when I was in school,” he said. “I love when that happens.”

Chris Fry said the band has also played shows at places such as The Bluebird Nightclub and Bear’s Place in the past.

Going back to his Bloomington roots, Chris Fry shared some advice for current students.

“If Glenn Gass is still teaching the history of rock and roll, I want to say ‘thanks,’” he said. “Everyone should take that course.”

Danielle McClelland, executive director of the Buskirk-Chumley Theater for the last seven years, said she feels strongly about having the band play at the theater.

“(The Buskirk) makes booking decisions based on recommendations from knowledgeable individuals in the community and review of the band’s attendance and gross receipts at other venues,” McClelland said. “Margot had played in Bloomington before and done well, and we wanted to work with them again.”

McClelland said she expects the crowd Saturday to be diverse.

“Margot has an eclectic following, but it will probably be a strong mix of IU students and Bloomington community members who follow music,” she said. “It’s a younger crowd, but it won’t be odd at all to see any number of people in their 40s and 50s.”

McClelland even expects some people from outside the state to come to the show.

“We get a solid percentage of people who come in from out of town for any larger show like this,” she said. “Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Louisville and smaller towns in between.”

While she said the Buskirk only presents events that will come close to selling out its 600 seats, she is always happy to have a band from the Hoosier state playing.

“It’s always great to support artists that are coming out of the Midwest,” she said. “As a region, we get overlooked quite a bit, but we are in fact a growing artistic incubator. As coastal cities become more and more expensive places to live, and technology allows for the free flow of communication from wherever you are, the Midwest is becoming a very popular, affordable and nurturing location for artists to live and base their work.”

Chris Fry hopes the crowd will be energetic when they play.

“The show is all ages on a Saturday night, and we have a new album,” he said. “We hope people will come out and play.”


Margot & The Nuclear So and So’s
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Buskirk-Chumley Theater
More info: Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 the day of the show. For ticket purchase questions, call 323-3020.