The mystery behind the magic. Tonic Ball is a special event, created fifteen years ago by a group of forward thinking Indianapolis individuals who sought to make a difference in the community by doing what they loved – playing music. Every November, local bands converge on Fountain Square to highlight and cover legendary rock bands. The night not only brings together those who love music, but those whose passion for giving back has made the night even more special. For 15 years, Tonic Ball has thrilled, surprised, and entranced audiences. The night is incredible, but the planning takes months by a dedicated committee. The committee needs a leader, and for five years, one man has led the charge to grow Tonic while keeping its essence of music and generosity intact.
A video and television producer, Matt Mays always had a passion for music. Playing in bands through high school and college, Mays not only played in the bands but also acted as manager. After performances, he would analyze what worked and what didn’t – a necessary measure that would come in handy for his future role as committee chair.
Originally introduced to Tonic Ball by founder Ken Honeywell, Mays soon began playing alongside Honeywell and a band of his own. For several years from Tonic Ball 5 until Tonic Ball 8, Mays participated in Tonic as a performer. For Tonic Ball 9, his role would change. Honeywell asked him to join the committee. “I figured I could be useful to Ken because of my production and music experience. It was also important to me to look at it from a musician’s perspective and make it as friendly as possible.”
After two years on the committee, Mays was asked to lead it. Honeywell has said that he tapped Mays to become the next chair because he could take it to the next level. Since then, the event has grown from two to five venues. When Mays first began his time on the committee, one thousand tickets were sold. For Tonic Ball 15? Double. The event has grown and has become an Indy staple, while its mission to give back has stayed the same. ““Our committee is comprised of volunteers. The bands play for free. Aside from some fairly minor expenses, every last cent goes to Second Helpings.” Mays stated.
For Mays, the cause and the music are what keep him coming back. “This event has grown beyond anything we could have imagined. In year one, I heard they were pulling people in off of the street. Now we are selling out eight weeks in advance and people are scalping tickets. The bands put in so much time and effort into making their performances special. The committee goes the extra mile to make sure every last detail is covered. To see it all come together in one night is truly special.”
For the future, Mays said “I can’t tell you exactly what’s next. We’re so big now it’s hard to imagine expanding further. But it’s exciting, and whatever we end up doing I have good faith that we’ll do it the right way. Each year, people keep coming to support this cause. And they react to what we do. We’ll keep doing it as long as there is an audience.”
In the end, Mays sees the Tonic Ball, and its continual growth, as something that will continue to be a part of the fabric of Indianapolis. “To be a force for something that is positive, good, creative and fun is a huge deal for all us. To pull this event off with a bunch of people who are doing it simply because they love the event, because they love their friends, because they love music and they love helping people in need is an honor.”
