Playing it Forward... Some of Chicago's Best Music Venues
This week I thought I would delve into the music scene in Chicago or what it was like in my prior life before the “stay at home” quarantine. I really miss taking in a show or two every month and at one point was spending quite a bit of time and money on live music shows. Chicago has some great venues to catch a live act. I will review a few of my favorites, The Riviera, Chop Shop and The Metro. So, what set’s these three apart from other places I have seen live shows? I think each is unique in its own way.
The Riviera was built in 1917 and was originally a movie theatre for Balaban and Katz. Like many Chicago movie theatres of its time, it was built to not only show film movies but also to host live musical acts on the stage, foreshadowing its most recent incarnation. The intricate architecture within is stunning. They don’t build them like they used to.
When thinking back to some of my favorite concerts I have attended in Chicago, I always stumble back upon seeing “Flying Lotus” in 3D at the Riviera Theatre. I had never seen or even heard of a concert being in 3D before this. The mixture between psychedelic visuals coming right at you and heavily jazz influenced electronic songs made for a perfect blend throughout the night. But it wasn’t only the music that was the selling point for me on this venue, it was also the architecture and the people that filled the space. The crowd was so diverse yet so welcoming. It was a place where people could be themselves without judgement hovering around in the air. I hadn’t experienced this feeling at other venues and specific concerts and I think this is what sets Riviera apart from some of these other big Chicago music venues.
The second place is the Chop Shop. The name “Chop Shop”, is actually a play on words from the building’s previous life as an auto body shop as well as its current life as an eatery, butcher shop and bar/music venue. Chop shop will always hold a special place in my heart because of their unconditional support for underground acts. Located right in the heart of Wicker Park, this venue has everything from a deli, restaurant, and bar in the front, to a 450-person music space in the back. Some of my favorite underground electronic shows have been played here and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to experience a more intimate concert.
The third place on my review list is the Metro which is walking distance from where I reside. The Metro was built in 1927 and its original name was Northside Auditorium Building and served as a Swedish Community Center. It has come a long way from a being a Community Center to what it is today.
The Metro has been one of the most respected venues in the city of Chicago. From acts like James Brown, The Killers, and Chance The Rapper, this venue never falls short on booking some of the industry’s biggest names both from the past and present. But unlike a lot of the other well-known music venues, Metro still pays homage to the more local talent by giving them a chance to get booked by sending in a “demo” just like back in the 80’s. From rap, to underground, to rock and more, this venue has everything you need to feel like a pop sensation one weekend and a misfit the next.
So, when we are finally able to go out and catch a live show don’t pass up the chance to take in a live show at any of these places. You won’t regret it.
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