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 Once glamorous ballroom, now a concert venue |
1106 West Lawrence Avenue Chicago, IL 60640 United States +1 773 561 9500 http://www.aragon.com/ |
A Chicago institution, this concert hall has staged rock shows with the likes of Nirvana, Santana and The Smashing Pumpkins since the mid-1960s and has featured live entertainment since the 1920s. It earned the nickname of "the Brawlroom" because of the folding chairs that are sent flying during mosh pit formation. Drinks are served in plastic cups and are overpriced like most strictly performance venues. The theater features occasional salsa and blues nights. The Aragon is somewhat run down these days, only a shade of its former, more glittery self. Call for performance schedule. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: espelina  |
 Photo: espelina |
 Photo: Rachel |
 Photo: Julie Beierwaltes |
 Photo: Outsanity Photos |
 Photo: Paul Dietrich |
 Photo: Kevin O'Connor |
 Photo: Craig Shimala |
 Photo: Flavio Sant Anna |
 Productions with African-American themes |
4520 N Beacon Chicago, IL 60640 United States +1 773 769 4451 |
This theater, directed by Jackie Taylor, used to house the Organic Theater Company, followed by the Zebra Crossing Theater, and has since been taken over by the Black Ensemble, which specializes in the transformation of classic works into productions with African-American themes, such as "The Other Cinderella." The company also produces biographical musicals of African Americans who have made major cultural contribution to this country. Audience members have 170 seats from which to enjoy such plays as "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "The Glass Menagerie." Review © 2007, Wcities |
 A Chicago film institution |
5243 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60640 United States +1 773 293 1447 http://www.chicagofilmmakers.org |
In business for 27 years, this media arts organization has become a Chicago institution. Its mission is to provide "an opportunity for artists to make films outside the mainstream marketplace, to distribute and exhibit this work, as well as to build audiences and to increase media attention for it." To that end, it offers a $50 co-op membership that provides access to equipment, including 16mm production and post production equipment, information, resource and education. Equipment access is available on a 24 hour basis. Screenings of innovative independent film and video makers are held at the Kino-eye Theater, often with the artists there in person to discuss their work with the audience. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Mature gallery for amateur works |
5205 North Clark St Chicago, IL 60640 United States +1 773 271 0533 http://www.estudiotres.com/ |
'Studio Three' in Spanish, Estudiotres is the newest gallery in Chicago. You can peruse works of national and international artists as well as local prodigies in this space. The fabulously designed interiors are in complete co-ordination with the artwork exhibited. Previous creative endeavors include multimedia and photography shows. Serious art lovers shouldn't miss this place. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: davin youngs |
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Framing gallery |
6200 North Broadway Street Chicago, IL 60660 United States +1 773 764 1919 http://grandvillegallerychicag... |
This custom framing gallery on the North Side of the city was the recipient of the Best Picture Frame Shop by the weekly newspaper NewCity, and it deserves its accolade. The selection of frame styles here seems never ending, offering selections ranging from the contemporary to Baroque. The window displays also draw attention. One such display won an award for Best Window Decorations from the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Swinging former speakeasy |
4802 North Broadway Avenue Chicago, IL 60640 United States +1 773 878 5552 http://www.greenmilljazz.com/ |
The best place for jazz in Chicago. Period. Run by the old Capone outfit, the Green Mill was a speakeasy during Prohibition and gained nationwide notoriety as the place where comedian Joe E. Lewis got his throat slashed. The interior is dark and old. It has not changed much since Al Capone frequented the establishment, and the jazz is just as hot as ever. Cover is free on Friday and Saturday nights after 1am. Come at that time to hear the thundering Sabertooth Jazz Quintet, or head in earlier to catch one of a number of other acts, from big band to sultry torch singing. The Mill also hosts the popular "Poetry Slam," where would-be bards read their poetry and brave the heckling of the audience. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lynda |
 Photo: Marcela Ewert |
 Photo: Anne Liao |
 Photo: Jessica Jones |
 Photo: Jerome Pierra |
 Photo: greg kellerman |
 Photo: Andy |
 Photo: Jonathan Janego |
 Photo: Chris Lea |
 Theater for children and adults |
5404 N Clark Street Chicago, IL 60640 United States +1 773 769 2228 http://www.griffintheatre.com/ |
Griffin Theatre Company has been offering adults and children's theater since 1988. Managed by Bill Massolia, along with help from artistic director Richard Barletta, the theater presents a sometimes delightful, sometimes challenging, selection of novel or short story adaptations, such as Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," "Much Ado About Nothing," an adaptation of the novel "Riding the Dolphin" or original works written in-house. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Second City's comedy cousin |
3541 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 880 9993 http://www.improvolymp.com/ |
Founded in 1981 after a split with Second City, the ImprovOlympic has become one of finest comedy clubs in the Midwest. While not as well known as its cousin, this club showcases high-quality comedic talent and entertainment and boasts a number of famous alumni, such as Andy Dick and the late Chris Farley. In addition to stand-up, professional plays and musicals are staged in the upstairs theater. Something funny is happening every night of the week. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Gallery, classes and more |
4401 North Ravenswood Chicago, IL 60640 United States +1 773 769 4226 http://www.lillstreet.com/ |
This complex offers a gallery, a studio, a shop and even art instruction. You can make a vase, learn how to use the pottery wheel, or hand sculpt a figurine. Aspiring da Vincis can take oil or acrylic painting classes. Kids take classes that will show them how to sculpt, paint, draw and work with multimedia and even metal. All of the adult courses are accompanied by liberal amounts of studio time so students can refine and polish their skills. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brian Armknecht |
 Photo: www.anafernandez.com |
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Too much light is a good thing |
5153 North Ashland Avenue Chicago, IL 60640 United States +1 773 275 5255 http://www.neofuturists.org/ |
This place, which opened on Valentine's Day in 1992 on the second floor over a funeral home, has 154 seats and usually fills them. Go hungry: they order pizza if the show sells out! The long-running "Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind" is a great show, boasting 30 plays in 60 minutes, which audience members get to choose the order of. Cost: $4 plus a roll of a 6-sided die ($5-$10). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jeremiah Cleveland |
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Great Rock Venue |
4746 North Racine Avenue Chicago, IL 60640 United States +1 773 275 6800 |
This nightclub showcases some of the most famous acts in rock music. The venue dates back to the 1940s, and is an eye-catching building, with lush balcony seats and VIP-boxes. Its lower arena is usually filled with grungy teens or punk rockers ready to mosh. The Riviera is not known for its subtle use of the sound system, so bring earplugs if you want to be able to hear when you reach middle age! Ticket prices vary. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jason Adams |
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Undercover Gem |
4647 North Racine Chicago, IL 60614 United States +1 773 275 6800 |
For some up close and personal theatre visit the Riviera theatre. Chicago's most popular mid-sized theatre has perfect acoustics because of its size. Once a grand venue for theatre productions, it is now known for its quality theatrical performances. This is a general admission theatre, so you have a choice of standing or sitting in the stadium styled seats or at the bar where cocktail waitresses will serve you! All in all a theatre laden with character that still wears its old charm, stylishly. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Colette Montoya |
 Photo: Heather & Mike Moric |
 Photo: sarah |
 Photo: Berklie.com |
 Photo: Ashwin Nair |