Indy's themed musical events

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows the music being played.

That idea drives local theme nights devoted to manic punk rock, progressive soul and old-school twang at area nightclubs.

The weekly showcases, which are growing in number and popularity, help musicians and their fans find each other.

"There's some really great music out there," says Cliff Snyder, who co-founded the Big Roots Show this fall at Locals Only, which includes bluegrass and alt-country styles. "You have to put a friendly face on it and let people know, 'Here's what this thing is. If you're into this thing, then come support the series.'"

Douglas Morris is one of the masterminds of the Root Movements at the Jazz Kitchen, where "root" pays tribute to elements of jazz and soul found in related genres of music.

"In larger cities, it's easier to find niche markets that will support what you're trying to do," Morris says. "But I think it's up to us as local promoters to own the scene. You have to treat it as your baby. When you treat something as your baby, you take pride in it."

Among five theme nights featured here, the Big Roots Show and Root Movements are the newest additions.