Stockroom East: A Hub of Creativity and Music in South Bend
In the heart of South Bend’s East Bank District, you’ll find a dynamic creative community space called Stockroom East. Officially opening its doors in 2021, this multifaceted venue offers a blend of coworking, event hosting, and live music performances, attracting a diverse crowd from the Michiana area and beyond. With a mission to foster an intentional creative community, Stockroom East provides an environment where professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs can thrive.
A Space Designed for Collaboration
Stockroom East offers multiple event spaces designed to cater to diverse needs. The coworking space is popular among professionals who work from home but occasionally need a change of scenery. For a reasonable monthly fee, members gain 24/7 access to the shared space, including conference rooms, a podcast studio, and a private call center. This setup is ideal for freelancers, remote workers, and small business owners who want to hold meetings without the overhead cost of renting or owning office space.
The recent addition of a bar has further enhanced the venue’s appeal. It provides a relaxed atmosphere where members and visitors can unwind and network with other professionals. Combining a practical workspace with social areas fosters community and collaboration, making Stockroom East a place to work, connect, and grow.
Versatility at Its Best
Beyond co-working, Stockroom East provides an excellent location to host events. From shower parties and corporate gatherings to family get-togethers, the venue’s modern, industrial vibe is trendy and versatile. The 4,200 square feet of customizable event space can be tailored to suit any occasion, ensuring that each event is unique and memorable. This flexibility has made Stockroom East a sought-after location for social and professional events, enhancing its reputation as a premier venue in South Bend.
A New Era with Stockroom Live
What has proven to be the most exciting development for Stockroom East is the launch of its concert promotions arm, Stockroom Live. This initiative has transformed the venue into a vibrant hub for live music, attracting notable artists and creating a unique concert experience in South Bend. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Matt Ingle, a member of the Stockroom Live team, to discuss how they’re bringing this vision to life.
An Intimate Concert Experience
Matt Ingle is a pivotal force behind Stockroom East’s recent growth. Originally from Goshen Indiana, Ingle spent the last 17 years in the music industry promoting artists in Nashville before joining the Stockroom East team in 2024. When Matt came on board, he brought a wealth of experience and a vision to make Stockroom East a premier stop for musical talent. The intimate concert space, accommodating around five hundred people, offers a unique, up-close experience that contrasts with larger arenas.
Ingle emphasizes the venue’s potential due to its strategic location. “South Bend could be bringing in even more musical talent because of its proximity to locations that are popular stops on artists’ tours,” he explains. This vision is reflected in the high-caliber acts that Stockroom East has already hosted, including UMPHREY’S McGee, Colony House, Grant-Lee Phillips, Josh Rouse, and Matthew Perryman Jones.
Team Effort
Stockroom East’s success is a collaborative effort. The venue is run by an exceptional team, including Michael Yoder, Lindsay Yoder, Matt Ingle, Nathan Kain, and Rachel Kain while Matt Ingle, Michael Yoder, Gary Riggs, and Justin Heron spearhead concert promotions, under the banner of Stockroom Live. Each member brings unique skills and experiences, creating a constructive collaboration that elevates the venue’s profile. Their collective dedication ensures that Stockroom East hosts remarkable events while fostering a supportive community for artists and patrons alike.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, the immediate goal for Stockroom East is to increase its visibility and become a well-known fixture within the community. In the long term, Ingle and the team aim to fill the concert space every weekend, creating a vibrant cultural hub in South Bend. Stockroom East is poised to become a cornerstone of South Bend’s music scene by building a robust calendar of events and continually attracting top-tier talent.
Words of Wisdom
Matt Ingle’s journey from Goshen to Nashville and back to Michiana highlights the power of passion and collaboration. Emphasizing the importance of learning from others, he advises entrepreneurs to “find people who are doing what you’re interested in and be willing to learn from them.” This wisdom has been the cornerstone of his success, as he sought opportunities to gain experience and learn throughout his 17-year career in the music industry. Now, as he helps transform Stockroom East into a premier concert venue, his experience and insights are invaluable.
Follow Their Journey
Be the first to know about upcoming concerts and events at Stockroom East by visiting their website www.stockroomeast.com, following them on Facebook, and discovering their updates on Instagram at @stockroom.east.
The dedicated team at Stockroom East is creating a vibrant cultural hub that brings together creativity, collaboration, and community.
The future looks bright for this South Bend gem as they continue to innovate and inspire.
Written by Eleni Owens | Photos by Gary Riggs Photography