Richard P.
Yelp
I have a rule. It's more of a general rule than an absolute, but it's a rule I take seriously - if a business isn't truly disability friendly I automatically knock off a star.
As an active and independent adult with a disability, I've had too many experiences with inaccessible Indy while trying to spend my hard-earned dollars.
However, there are those times when I amend my rule for a variety of reasons including overall experience, adaptive limitations (especially historic buildings), and extenuating circumstances.
Indy's Hi-Fi is one of my exceptions. Despite lacking in the accessibility department (I admittedly cringed when one Yelper answered a question about accessibility by pointing to the 1-2 step platformed area. Um, that's not accessible. EVER. Fortunately, one of the owners gently corrected it.).
First off, I love intimate venues. They are nearly always more difficult for wheelchair users like myself, but they offer an amazing music experience. The same is true here. You can keep Gainbridge and Everwise and other Ruoff, I'll take a show at Hi-Fi any day of the week.
Hi-Fi is located in the Fountain Square area. Hi-Fi has a 400-seat capacity (most concerts are general admission, SRO, with a platform area and a side stage lounge area). Hi-Fi is in the Murphy Arts building and this building used to house the 1200-seat Grenada Theatre in the early 20th century. You can see the history in the building.
Hi-Fi includes Hi-Fi, Lo-Fi, and Hi-Fi Annex. Lo-Fi shows are all 21+. Annex shows are almost always all ages with a few 21+ exceptions. Hi-Fi tends to be mostly 18+ with some 21+ including seating areas.
There's a parking lot with accessible parking within a block or so. The entry is level to the ground and easy to work.
Generally speaking, with venues like this I strongly recommend contacting the venue in advance for accessibility needs. Yes, it's a little obnoxious. However, it makes everything go more smoothly - I've done it both ways and nearly ALWAYS have a better experience with advance contact. Trust me, these folks are music devotees - they want you to have a good experience. They can come closer to making that happen with advance notice. It's good for you. It's good for them.
I've not seen a lot of shows here (I'll admit the parking troubles me a bit), but any time I do it's a great experience. You can even have advanced dinner reservations at Easy Rider Diner now.
The acoustics here are great and regardless of the genre I've been impressed. For wheelchair users like myself, it can be a bit hit-and-miss in terms of visuals - plan early, find a spot, and go for the best. I've found most of the time audiences are amazing in an intimate venue. They are there because they love the artist and they want everyone to love the artist. I've had a couple shows where they struck me as a tad rude, but BY FAR positive experiences are the rule. There's just a positive vibe here and that usually is true of musicians, concertgoers, and staff.
Quite simply, Hi-Fi is one of Indy's true gems. If you haven't been here, you should. If you have accessibility needs, plan ahead and you should be fine.