A Thriving Local Scene at Romanus Fest VII
Romanus Fest VII took over Black Circle in Indianapolis on Saturday, August 23rd, delivering a full day of good music, energy, and community. Hosted by Romanus Records and presented by 40FI Creations, the all-ages, free-entry festival featured two stages, eleven bands, and a wide variety of local vendors and sponsors. Hundreds of attendees packed the venue throughout the day, creating an atmosphere that felt both dynamic communally welcoming. From families discovering new artists to long-time friends and fans reconnecting with their favorite local acts, the festival highlighted just how alive and thriving the Indianapolis music scene truly is. This year's lineup featured a well-balanced mix of regional and local talent, including Daikaiju, LUNG, Doom Gong, Deady, Pat and the Pissers, Skull Cult, and many more, offering something for everyone, from doom to hardcore punk to experimental rock.
Vola Guitars was proud to set up shop in the outdoor vendor village, bringing along a curated selection of our finest instruments. The booth featured multiple JZ FRO models, the OZ RV TNC in Light Tiger Eye with an updated White Pearloid pick guard, the Vasti MC in Orange Sparkle, the OZ ROA Luminous, the OZ 7 QGM J1 in Vintage White, and the OZ MC in Daphne Blue. The display drew in musicians, collectors, and curious newcomers, sparking conversations about our builds, favorite specs, and all things gear-related. It was a privilege to connect with so many passionate players in person and showcase what makes Vola Guitars special.
A major highlight of the day was seeing two of our Vola-endorsed artists take the indoor stage and command a strong attention. Joshua Powell performed with his time-tested Vasti MC in Butterscotch Blonde, delivering a set that distilled his musical catalogue into tactical bliss. To his right, Josh Townsend held it down on his ZVA 5 in Ocean Turquoise Gloss, anchoring the trio with the lower of the frequencies. However, their responsibilities didn't end there. Townsend pulled double duty that day, performing the kick-off set with the electrifying Indy rock goddess Maciann. Meanwhile, Powell set up shop in the vendor village with Indie on the Move- an online platform dedicated to connecting musicians with notable and reliable venues around the USA.
Romanus Fest is a testament to grassroots culture, and we would be remiss not to give proper credit to Chris Banta, the founder of Romanus Records and the festival itself. His vision came alive for yet another year, and his efforts are building a stronger definition of musical community, both in Indianapolis and abroad. We’re grateful to have been part of this year's festival, and we’re already looking forward to the next one.
Check out the recap video HERE.