Attention incoming freshman music lovers: Regardless of how overwhelmed you are by NU, you have to make it a point to get in some good concerts. Chicago has a great music scene, so there’s always something for everyone. Here is a breakdown of several major venues in town, and where you can expect to find yourself often.
Large and LoudAllstate Arena, 6920 Manheim RoadUIC Pavilion, 525 South Racine St.Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W LawrenceFor those into big name acts in rock and pop, such as Justin Timberlake, Gwen Stefani, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Incubus, you’ll often find yourself at venues like the Allstate Arena. Bought and renovated by the Allstate Insurance Company in 1999, this venue has both assigned seating (up to 18,500 in capacity) and general admission. Since it’s technically in Rosemont, Ill., it’s not the most accessible of venues; you’ll have to take a series of buses or a cab to get there. Mainly aimed at hosting sports events, every now and then UIC Pavilion has a good show or two. A fixture at the UIC campus and with a much larger standing area than Allstate, it’s easily accessible via the Blue Line on the El. Last but not least, the oldest of the big venues, the Aragon Ballroom was built back in 1926. Its classical structure only accommodates up to 4,500, but has still booked the likes of The White Stripes and Amy Winehouse for performances this fall. It’s also probably one of the easiest to get to; you can see its sign the minute you step off the Lawrence stop on the Red Line.
In the MiddleMetro, 3730 N. Clark St.The Riviera, 4746 N Racine Ave.The Vic, 3145 N Sheffield Ave.House of Blues, 329 N Dearborn St.Any bands that fall under the category of emo, indie, or alternative (ranging from The New Pornographers to The Academy Is…) can often be found at these venues. You’ll probably find yourself going to the Metro more than once. Tucked away in Wrigleyville (Addison stop on the Red Line), Metro is a staple location in the Chicago music scene with general admission. Just blocks away from the Aragon is another old school spot, the Riviera Theatre. Once a movie theater built in 1917, the Riv also has a general standing area with high balcony seating. A similar venue off the Belmont stop on the Red Line is The Vic Theatre. With a capacity of 1,400, The Vic was built circa 1912 and was originally known as The Victoria Theatre. The more mainstream venue of the lot would be the House of Blues, located in downtown Chicago (Grand or Lake off the Red Line). While of the same size as the others, the House of Blues often has better-known acts grace its stage.
Up Close and PersonalSchubas, 3159 N Southport Ave.Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western Ave.Beat Kitchen, 2100 W Belmont Ave.Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N KedzieIf you consider yourself a hipster or tend to listen to bands that are mainly of the obscure and/or indie persuasion, you’ll more often than not be visiting Schubas. A neighborhood landmark for over 100 years, Schubas is made up of a bar and dining area, and serves as a home to the diverse Chicago underground at night.The Empty Bottle, a once self-proclaimed hole in the wall in Wicker Park, is still a relatively obscure bar that plays home to little known bands. A bit of a walk from the Belmont stop, the Beat Kitchen is worth visiting. While it is a bar, this venue still hosts a slew of all ages shows and 18 and up gigs, with tickets averaging 10 dollars. Also, keep an eye on the tiny Logan Square Auditorium; it often joins forces with the Empty Bottle to host great shows on its tiny stage.Reach Dani Garcia at [email protected].
