Category: Concert Venues

If you really get into picnicking and enjoy some wonderful music, then head up north to Ravinia! Just about every style of music is represented here, with the crowds being just as varied, from cozy casual to sophisticated sheik, and everything in between. And yes, in case you wish to go more for the experience than anything else, there are even free shows you can attend! Steans Institute concerts and master classes do not even need tickets!

Whether you’re a country music fan, love a full orchestra or just want to sing along with the likes of Tom Jones or Jethro Tull, Ravinia is such a wonderful and captivating place to see them. The general audience is much more amicable than some of the squawkers downtown, with the bratty Kid-O-Meter registering at almost nil. Believe me, that tidbit of info can be very much appreciated when you’re trying to focus on each other and the soft music in the distance, instead of what everyone else is up to.

Now sure, there are folks who actually go to see the bands play, of which they are highly encouraged to get pavilion seating tickets. For the rest of us, get your nibbles and chairs together and head on over! While parking can be an issue, many folks forego this and either jump on the Metro train, ride in on their motorcycles or their bicycles, where parking thus becomes a non issue. Besides, this is a see and be seen event, so don’t be afraid to really go all out when it comes to your setup! A handy item many folks opt for, besides the insect repellent, is one of those instant picnic table and chair deals you can score at any drug or department store for as little as $20. It is so much better than the dewy grass wetting your behind! With that, some soft lighting and a pretty wicker basket filled with wine, crackers and cheese, you’re all set for a comfortable, casual and yes, very romantic evening under the stars.

And hey – if Jimmy Buffet is playing, be sure to hit the sporting goods store beforehand: they sell portable margarita makers and even sell unbreakable glasses to match! Don’t forget the parasols and that long lost shaker of salt!

While smaller in capacity to its sister venue down the street, the Aragon, and not quite as beautifully decorated, the Riv is still a pretty cool place to catch a show! It's pretty similar to the Congress in just about every sense of the word, with its dingy charm, balcony seating and overall capacity. It tends to fill up a lot tighter since they take on even more popular acts of varying styles, and like the Aragon, it's right next to the Red Line and all those wonderful places to eat and drink at. They also offer a coat check, so dress like it's the summer underneath those warm trench coats, since it gets really hot in there, even in the dead of winter!

Just like any other place that's all general admittance, it is always a good idea to get there as soon as possible to stake your claim, whether you want a balcony seat or a good spot in front of the stage. Late arrivals are generally subjected to getting stuck along the side lines, however the vantage points are really not too bad. Also, go ahead and bring a disposable camera and snap a few pictures. Just remember that anything more than five feet away really won't show up all that great, so capturing the moment is pretty much a hit or miss, and only if you get right up in front of the stage.

There are a few down sides to the Riv that can deter folks from going. For one thing, the bathrooms are located down in the basement, so when ya gotta go, you may want to make a bee line right before a set ends to avoid the crowds. It's also dirty, and I mean really dirty, with a tendency to flood, so do not wear your favorite shoes. Strangely, there are bathroom attendants, but one begs to ask what exactly they are attending to. Also, the place really does need a rehab, and it looks like at one time they were making an honest attempt but just stopped. I truly hope a portion of the money filtering into this place will go towards a fresh coat of paint. The security is pretty tight, so it can take a while to actually get inside, but they're pretty lenient once you're in. Finally, there is no in or out, which is understandable due to the size of the place.

Overall, the Riv really is a good place to see a show, if that is all you are there to do. Every other aspect of the evening should be done elsewhere.

If you want to see a big rock or metal show that has that arena look to it but not the feel, then taking a drive out to far suburban Mokena to the Pearl Room is the thing to do. The sound is beyond excellent in the main stage area, parking is free and ample, the bar is well stocked and well tended (though expensive), and there are a number of places to munch at afterwards. On top of that, this place really does a great job of taking on only the best local acts for openers, so no set features a “beer line band”, making it an excellent place to support your local bands.

Even though many A List bands perform here, the Pearl Room's policy allows fans to come in with their cameras and snap some pictures! Some shows even allow video cameras! Also, those who really want to meet their favorite artists can usually walk around back where the tour buses are located in hopes the bands will be gracious enough to pose for pics and sign autographs. After the show, you may even be allowed to go upstairs and party with them up in the green rooms! How cool is that? Those in the know are aware the folks running the merch booths are usually good friends with the bands, so buying at-shirt or CD and hanging out a while can also stand you the chance of meeting the artists in person!

The layout is very unique, as the Pearl Room is part of a big complex that is interconnected to a couple other clubs and even some strip mall type shops. The parking lot itself is also connected to a couple chain restaurants, giving folks time to sober up and chow on some pancakes before getting behind the wheel. People fortunate enough to get upstairs can actually look down through glass windows into the club connected below.

The one caveat to the place is there is no in and out allowed, so if you plan on buying up a lot of merch from the booths, you may want to ask if the vendors would be kind enough to hold onto your purchases. Don't wait until the end of the night, because just like everyplace else, e good stuff always goes first, as well as the most popular t-shirt sizes.

The very first thing most people notice about LSA is the fact this place looks strikingly similar to their high school gymnasiums, from institutional stair cases to the waxy hard wood floors, right down to the caged, high ceiling windows. In fact, the only thing missing

is the caged wall clock to protect it from ricocheting dodge balls! And, since it hosts all ages shows, the floors tend to be scattered with kids squatting on the floor with their friends in a circular fashion, almost in a surreal Duck, Duck, Goose! scenario.

The large stage set against the far back wall is somewhat risen with a very good sound and lighting system to counter act the natural, echoey acoustics and also offers a decent vantage point from just about everywhere. And, when the place is at least half full, the sound somehow fills the room fairly well, with notable exception to the tiny, pricey bar area and puny, dingy bathrooms, which all seem to have been built as an after thought.

Most of the booking is done by the Empty Bottle for acts and show cases that demand a larger venue (LSA has a 700 capacity). As such, the bands booked are just as varied, but are generally of a higher caliper, though door prices are just as reasonable. Bands set up their

merch along the right side of the entrance, leaving the left side open for those who want to scale the wall a bit for an even better vantage point or for copping a squat between sets. There is a mezzanine seating section above, though the stairway is typically roped off for band members and their entourage.

While parking can be a challenge closer to show time, the Blue Line Logan Square stop is directly across the street, and a decent amount of cabs and all night buses are nearby. The neighborhood is pretty safe, so finding non permit parking a couple blocks into the residential areas is pretty secure. Just remember to keep everything of value out of sight. Also, remember to bring cash, as no cards are accepted. Food is non existent, but in and out is perfectly fine, so feel free to head outside to Johnny's Grill, Lula Cafe or Dunlay's around the corner. Also, the bar in Lula's sells cheap PBRs!

One thing that I really don't like about this place, other than the parking issue and the pricey beer, is the security guys they use. It's rumored that many are off duty cops who take their jobs way too seriously, bouncing kids like rag dolls for even the most minor of offenses. If that one issue can be rectified, I would be a very happy camper.

Hands down, one of the most popular venues in the city is The Metro, and it's actually a terrific launch pad for some of the best up and coming acts for touring musicians. And, whether you want to mosh down in the pit or chill upstairs at one of the cocktail tables or bars, every single spot at the Metro is the spot to see and be seen. If you have one iota of doubt about catching a show here, just drop it! Get your tickets now before your favorite band ends up playing the Allstate next summer! And I really mean get those tickets right away, because this place sells out A LOT!

Just about every genre finds its way to the wonderful stage, be it indie, world, hip hop, rock, metal or whatever. One day, 14 year old punk kids can be lining up around the corner, and the next day can be a casual crowd of 40 something’s. Since the place is set up in mezzanine levels with standing only space at the bottom, there are quite a few good spots to catch the bands, with great sounds traveling throughout. Shows actually start on time around here, so you should be, too. Dress as lightly as possible, as things can get rather hot and sticky inside, even in early February.

The bad stuff: Be very aware the rentacops there are nowhere near cool, so do not, under any circumstances, give them a reason to mess with you. The regular staff, however, are pretty cool people and have a habit of breaking their own rules for people who give them a show of respect. Also, drink before you get there, because with Schlitz going at $3, you just know everything else is a little too pricey. Don't even bother getting a tap, because those lines haven't been cleaned in years! If a Cubs game is playing across the street, note that finding parking will be a nightmare. And yes finally, there is no smoking and no in and out: once you're in, you're in for the night, so chew some gum, you nic-fitters! But hey – you're there to see an awesome show, right? Then see the show and forget about the hassles!

One of the most beloved and notorious venues in Chicago, the infamous Aragon Ballroom hosts a large variety of concerts, sporting events, dance parties and performances, cloistered within a stunning layout unlike any other. While some of the facade may be a bit dated and well-admired, the brilliant scheme within the confines hearkens to a midlevel Spanish courtyard, as its original intention was for formal ballroom dancing.

Upon entering, guests are directed to climb the sweeping dual spiral staircases, leading up to the main level. At that point, early entrants are encouraged to climb one more set of stairs to the mezzanine, where a small amount of seating is usually available within the turrets gazing at the stage below. The imagery is absolutely breath taking, making folks feel as though they are actually standing outdoors on a warm, starlit evening, even in the harsh Chicago winters.

For quite a number of years, Uptown has been known to be a rather seedy part of town and is only now in the beginning of gentrification. Because many people were insecure about traveling to the location, it limited the styles of music that chose to perform at the Aragon. During the 80s especially, the majority of the performances were up and coming rock and metal bands, including METALLICA, ANTHRAX and SLAYER. It is because of those bands' (and others) rowdy audiences the Aragon earned the dubious moniker "The Scaragon Brawlroom", which still holds true today for many heavy acts.

Thanks to the neighborhood changing and the venue's restoration efforts, lots of different styles of music are making a comeback to the Aragon, bringing with it a large variance in audiences. There are a few rules to live by at this venue, no matter what performance people are there to see, so be sure to note the following:

No matter what time of year it is, this place can get HOT when it gets crowded. Use the coat check!

The seating and the mezzanine areas in general are highly coveted, especially later in the evening when folks start to wear down. Save that spot no matter what!

At the end of the show, everyone tends to herd like cattle down those winding stairs, meandering their way to the ground level. Folks who want to leave in a hurry really should skip the encores.

The bathrooms start out clean and shiny but end up filthy and disgusting by night’s end, in spite of the staff‘s best efforts. Just a forewarning.

People go there to see and be seen. It's certainly not for the acoustics!

Here's a movie theater everyone can agree on! Besides the fact guests get to kick back a few cold ones on huge comfy seats while checking out a favorite cult film, this place has incredible sound when the bands come into town! Five floors make up this early 20th century vaudeville, where some of its original brilliance still shines through. It's nice an dark here and extremely casual.

This is pretty much a movie theatre for people who like to treat the place like they are watching cable in their own homes, and that includes getting a little chatty and reclining back. It serves as a great alternative to staying in for the night, and guests get to mingle and meet new people, as the beer goes for a cool $1.50 and admittance for only $5.00. It is also ideal for new couples who may desire a dark scene but want to avoid a completely segregated area, especially those who want to put off seeing how the other half lives at the moment. This is casual at its finest. And by the way: the best seats are down in the front center, but pretty much anyplace is good!

Whether folks go there for a concert or a flick, The Vic is centrally located in a pretty great area for young couples of all breeds. The immediate neighborhood is very eclectic, from the punk and goth kids to the young socialites, all feeding from the same proverbial trough known as the intersection of Belmont & Clark. Shopping and dining are plentiful, as are cabs, trains and buses - a true feast for the eyes and lips! Just be very careful when parking anywhere in the area! Just about everything on the street not metered is permit only, with cops ticketing often, and store lots hire spotters to boot unauthorized vehicles. Using the pay lot or taking the train is a very wise idea!