Friday list - Chicago Music Venues
Chicago has plenty of places to see a show. I still haven't been to a a lot of them -- United Center, Pritzker, Auditorium Theatre, Park West and the Abbey Pub namely -- but, shit, I need a list this week, so here we go in no specific order!
Old Town School of Folk Music - If MTV Unplugged filmed in Chicago, this would be the spot. OTS is even more intimate than your Caeser's Poconos of the world, in all their oversized champange glass-bath tub glory. The main floor is not more than 8 rows deep at any point, and there's only 3-4 rows in the balcony.
Metro - The sound here is gloriously loud and clear. My only real complaint is that sold out shows force you to show up early to get a decent spot. And of course you have to stay there all night to keep it. The sight lines can really be horrible once the place fills up. Maybe the best sound in town though.
Andy's Jazz Club - Small bar with high ceilings and as little amplification on the band as possible. Loopers should definitely check this place out after work. Lots of small tables, and a great view from the bar. Good bands too.
Empty Bottle - This is probably my favorite venue in town, just because they book awesome shows and they be counted on for the $10 cover (plus lots-4-free) and $2 PBR. It's cramped, but you can always find a good spot by navigating along the wall towards the front. You always feel like you're seeing somehting special at the Bottle.
The Riviera - This place is kind of dark and dungeon like, but I love the way they have it laid out. The cascading floors in front of the stage make it easy to see from just about anymore. Plus, there's tons of seating in the balcony. The Riviera, simply put, is a good place to stand or sit for a few hours.
Old Town School of Folk Music - If MTV Unplugged filmed in Chicago, this would be the spot. OTS is even more intimate than your Caeser's Poconos of the world, in all their oversized champange glass-bath tub glory. The main floor is not more than 8 rows deep at any point, and there's only 3-4 rows in the balcony.
Metro - The sound here is gloriously loud and clear. My only real complaint is that sold out shows force you to show up early to get a decent spot. And of course you have to stay there all night to keep it. The sight lines can really be horrible once the place fills up. Maybe the best sound in town though.
Andy's Jazz Club - Small bar with high ceilings and as little amplification on the band as possible. Loopers should definitely check this place out after work. Lots of small tables, and a great view from the bar. Good bands too.
Empty Bottle - This is probably my favorite venue in town, just because they book awesome shows and they be counted on for the $10 cover (plus lots-4-free) and $2 PBR. It's cramped, but you can always find a good spot by navigating along the wall towards the front. You always feel like you're seeing somehting special at the Bottle.
The Riviera - This place is kind of dark and dungeon like, but I love the way they have it laid out. The cascading floors in front of the stage make it easy to see from just about anymore. Plus, there's tons of seating in the balcony. The Riviera, simply put, is a good place to stand or sit for a few hours.
posted by Mike H. at 4:56 PM
