Interesting news happening right on the border of Logan Square and Bucktown according to a report published today by Chicago Tribune's Greg Kot.

Three independent music promoters, including the founders of the Riot Fest rock festival and the Spring Awakening electronic-music festival, are joining forces to open a new 1,600-capacity music club next week called Concord Music Hall at 2047 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

The schedule for Concord Music Hall at 2047 N. Milwaukee Ave. is expected to be announced Thursday. Adam Ant is expected to headline opening night Aug. 1. Other scheduled performers include Lotus on Aug. 31, Jimmy Cliff on Sept. 20, the Misfits on Oct. 20, Jason Isbell on Oct. 26 and a series of Riot Fest after-shows the weekend of Sept. 13 - Sept 15.

The venue is expected to book a mix of rock, hip-hop and electronic music, reflecting the background of three major indie promoters who will also be booking the venue.

The property, which formerly housed a Latin music club, was bought in recent months by Lucas King and Jeff Callahan of React Presents and a third partner, Nick Karounos.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook & Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates.

 

For the full story:  The Concord Adds Its Name to List of Chicago Music Spots [Chicago Tribune]

Photo courtesy of Double Door.

Win 2 Tickets to Tonight's Kyle Gass Band Show (Tenancious D) at Double Door. Head to our Facebook and Twitter pages for details. A $20 value.

We're selecting our winner at 12pm noon today - July 17, 2013.

Good luck! 21+ show.

 

Double Door - 1572 N. Milwaukee Avenue

 

Wicker Park- 11:30pm May 17th

 Photo Credit: Phenomenalabby via instagram

 

As someone who used to work in the music industry, we can certainly attest to the fact that it's getting tougher and tougher to market musicians. Back in the day, MTV used to showcase new artists and music. Now they feature the Jersey Shore. But despite those challenges, Def Jam created a unique and effective way to create a buzz.

Launching in 66 locations worldwide, Def Jam Records showed a preview of Kanye West's new music video "New Slaves" all in outdoor locations on the sides of buildings. In Chicago, the viewing locations included the Walgreens at North/Damen/Milwaukee Avenue Friday night; shutting down traffic. The locations were announced via the website kanyewest.com.

Walgreens - North/Damen/Milwaukee Avenue Photo credit: Modern Notoriety.

Sure not everyone was happy but kudos to Def Jam for developing a creative way to break through advertising clutter...7 locations in Chicago were part of the plan including: Wrigley Field, Northwestern University and North Michigan Avenue.

 

July 27th and 28th from 12pm - 10pm

Milwaukee Avenue Between North Avenue and Paulina Street

$5

Wicker Park Fest 2013 is just around the corner. Festival times are 12:00pm - 10:00pm Saturday and Sunday. Music starts at 1pm and Milwaukee Avenue will be fill with food, drink, shopping and more. There will also be designated areas for kids activities.

 

 

Photo courtesy of cultscultscults.com

The first wave of the Wicker Park Fest line up has been announced and includes: Ted Leo and the Pharmacists and the American indie pop band Cults as two of the headliners for this year's fest. Also part of the "first wave" announcement are Man Man, Bahamas and Roky Erickson.

 

Stay tuned for additional news and information as it's announced.

 

And be sure to follow us on Facebook & Twitter for up-to-the-minute information.

 Wicker Park Fest Announces Ted Leo, Cults Among First Wave of Performers [Redeye]

Double Door Welcomes Girl Group Chicago

Want to win 2 FREE tickets to see Girl Group Chicago tonight at Double Door (1572 N. Milwaukee Avenue) in Wicker Park?

Look for this announcement on our Facebook and/or Twitter. Enter to win by 5pm today (4/6/13).

A random drawing will be held of all entries for the winners.

 

Thanks and good luck.

July 27th, 2012

 

Hello and welcome to this week's edition of your Insider Weekend Guide.

 

Another busy weekend is on the agenda in Wicker Park & Bucktown with Wicker Park Fest heading to Milwaukee Avenue. This year's fest will be the biggest to date with the festival extending from North Avenue to Paulina Street. Traditionally, the fest has ended at Wood/Wolcott. If you're there and take photos, feel free to send them to us. We may just publish them and you'll get full credit. But there's more. We also have lots of great community events happening throughout the neighborhood, art exhibition openings, fundraisers, news and more. 

 

 

Thanks, as always, for joining us. For up-to-the-minute information throughout the week, be sure to follow us on Facebook & Twitter. Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.

 

 

 ART

         

In her new exhibit of watercolors and hand-sewn hair drawings, Cap the Violence; Pile on the Sexy, Rosemary Meza-DesPlas reflects with humor and sensitivity on violence, the sexy and femininity. Opening Reception Friday July 28th at ARC Gallery in Bucktown: 2156 N. Damen Avenue. Gallery Opening.

 

 

Yo Solo Opens Tonight

You Solo - The Theatre Festival of Latino Solo Shows - opens this Friday at Collaboraction. Throughout the weekend you'll find both Visual Art Openings and Music. For the schedule of events being showcased from Friday through Sunday at Collaboraction: Yo Solo.

 

 

 

  BARS

         

 

 

COMMUNITY  

 

 

They're back! Last month ET was featured in Wicker Park proper and approximately 2,000 people attended - including us! This month, don't miss Raiders of the Lost Ark heading back to Wicker Park next week. Movies start at dusk. You may want to head there a little early to get a great seat. Also a very special thank you to our friends at Wormhole Coffee who have sponsored so many of our movies this year. Movies in the Park.

 

 

 

Quickly becoming a regular Summer event and fun for young and old alike, please join The Magic Boat Puppet Show at the Wicker Park Playground - 1425 N. Damen Avenue - this Sunday morning at 11am. Magic Boat.

 

Wicker Mic - Open Mic

Performers! Come out and perform your songs, poetry and stand up, or just enjoy listening at the outdoor open mic in Wicker Park this Friday from 6-9pm. Sign-up on the day of the event at 5pm. Each slot is 5 minutes (2 songs, 3 poems or 5 minutes of stand up). The weather should be cooperating. Wicker Mic.

 

 

Wicker Park Historic Walking Tour

If you've been to Wicker Park, you know how stunning the architecture is. The Chicago Architecture Foundation agrees and is hosting a Historic Walking Tour this Summer throughout the neighborhood. A tour is scheduled for this weekend. If you haven't signed up yet, you can learn more here: Historic Tour.

 

 

 

 

 

  MUSIC

    

 

WeHaveAirConditioningAndIndoorPlumbingFest

As many know, one of Chicago's most famous music venues - Double Door - is just steps away from all of the action at Wicker Park Fest. This weekend they're opening their doors at noon on Saturday. So if you'd like to step out of the heat and into a little a/c they'll be open and there's no cover. If you've never been to Double Door, you should go. There's a reason the Rolling Stones asked to play there. That's right. The Rolling Stones asked if they could play Double Door. WHACAIPF.

 

 

Wicker Park Fest - Saturday & Sunday

Wicker Park Fest arrives this weekend July 28th and July 29th and will be the biggest fest to date. On Milwaukee Avenue from Paulina Street to North Avenue you'll find shopping, food, music and more. For full details about Wicker Park Fest's final line up: 2012 Line Up.

 

 

 

 RESTAURANTS

 

Pizano's Deep Dish Update

In Wicker Park & Bucktown, we have a number of different pizza restaurants but they're all very different...and good. Gratto, for example, specializes in rustic Italian and it's fantastic. Pizza Metro's roots are in Rome. Piece's specialty is New Haven-style. And now Pizano's, who will focus on deep dish, is heading to Division Street. Hoping to open last June/July, Pizano's is working hard to open in August. Fingers are crossed. Pizano's.

 

 

WXRT Lobster Bash

In partnership with Supreme Lobster Co, Executive Chef Troy Graves celebrates Summer by hosting WXRT's and Supreme Lobster's Rockin Lobster Bash at Red Door in Bucktown - 2118 N. Damen Avenue next Tuesday July 31st.  Incredibly talented chefs like Mindy Segal (Hot Chocolate), Mark Steuer (The Bedford) and the Sheerin Brothers (The Trenchermen) will be participating. Get your tickets now while you can: Lobster Bash.

 

 

 

 

 

 RETAIL/SHOPPING

 

 

Greenheart's Semi-Annual Clearance Sale

There's still time to score BIG savings at Wicker Park's most eco-friendly store. Greenheart is focused on fair trade practices, items using recycled materials and anything that involves being environmentally aware. Right now you can save up to 70% in their huge sale. But their sale is ending very soon so head to Greenheart Shop at 1911 W. Division Street today. Clearance Sale. 

 

 

Into to Ballet Starts Tuesday

If you've been wanting to try ballet but haven't known how to get started, we can help. So can Mazi Dance & Fitness in Wicker Park. Starting this Tuesday, Mazi will host an introductory ballet class with the very talented, Marisol Sarabia, as your instructor. Reserve your spot today. Here's how. Intro to Ballet.

 

 

 

Featured Deal of the Week - $30 Craniosacral Sessions

Have you ever considered trying Craniosacral Therapy? This is an amazing deal. Lindsay Burch, practitioner at Temple Beautiful, is offering 1 hour sessions for only $30. But you have to act quickly. This incredible deal is ending August 9th. $30 Deal.

 

 

Those are the highlights for the weekend ahead. Again, if you're interested in receiving up-to-the minute news & event information from us throughout the week, please feel free to join us on Facebook & Twitter.  We're getting close to 10,000 followers! If you have news or an event to share, please don't hesitate to let us know. And last but not least, if you're a Wicker Park or Bucktown business, be sure to sign up. We'd love to include you.

 

 

Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.  

 

 

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide

July 26th, 2012

 

Hello and welcome to this week's edition of your Insider Weekend Guide.

 

Another busy weekend is on the agenda in Wicker Park & Bucktown with Wicker Park Fest heading to Milwaukee Avenue. This year's fest will be the biggest to date with the festival extending from North Avenue to Paulina Street. Traditionally, the fest has ended at Wood/Wolcott. If you're there and take photos, feel free to send them to us. We may just publish them and you'll get full credit. But there's more. We also have lots of great community events happening throughout the neighborhood, art exhibition openings, fundraisers, news and more. 

 

 

Thanks, as always, for joining us. For up-to-the-minute information throughout the week, be sure to follow us on Facebook & Twitter. Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.

 

 

 ART

         

In her new exhibit of watercolors and hand-sewn hair drawings, Cap the Violence; Pile on the Sexy, Rosemary Meza-DesPlas reflects with humor and sensitivity on violence, the sexy and femininity. Opening Reception Friday July 28th at ARC Gallery in Bucktown: 2156 N. Damen Avenue. Gallery Opening.

 

 

Yo Solo Opens This Weekend

You Solo - The Theatre Festival of Latino Solo Shows - opens this Friday at Collaboraction. Throughout the weekend you'll find both Visual Art Openings and Music. For the schedule of events being showcased from Friday through Sunday at Collaboraction: Yo Solo.

 

 

 

  BARS

         

 

 

COMMUNITY  

 

 

They're back! Last month ET was featured in Wicker Park proper and approximately 2,000 people attended - including us! This month, don't miss Raiders of the Lost Ark heading back to Wicker Park next week. Movies start at dusk. You may want to head there a little early to get a great seat. Also a very special thank you to our friends at Wormhole Coffee who have sponsored so many of our movies this year. Movies in the Park.

 

 

 

Quickly becoming a regular Summer event and fun for young and old alike, please join The Magic Boat Puppet Show at the Wicker Park Playground - 1425 N. Damen Avenue - this Sunday morning at 11am. Magic Boat.

 

Wicker Mic - Open Mic

Performers! Come out and perform your songs, poetry and stand up, or just enjoy listening at the outdoor open mic in Wicker Park this Friday from 6-9pm. Sign-up on the day of the event at 5pm. Each slot is 5 minutes (2 songs, 3 poems or 5 minutes of stand up). The weather should be cooperating. Wicker Mic.

 

 

Wicker Park Historic Walking Tour

If you've been to Wicker Park, you know how stunning the architecture is. The Chicago Architecture Foundation agrees and is hosting a Historic Walking Tour this Summer throughout the neighborhood. A tour is scheduled for this weekend. If you haven't signed up yet, you can learn more here: Historic Tour.

 

 

 

 

 

  MUSIC

    

 

Girl In A Coma Tonight

When we first published this event on Twitter we said: Girl In A Coma Heads to Double Door. One of our fabulous twitter followers responded: "True but that probably sounds little different than you intended". Duly noted. So, San Antonio's amazing "Girl In A Coma" is playing at the Double Door tonight. If you haven't gotten your tickets, do it now. This should be a great show and no one's been hurt: Girl In A Coma.

 

WeHaveAirConditioningAndIndoorPlumbingFest

As many know, one of Chicago's most famous music venues - Double Door - is just steps away from all of the action at Wicker Park Fest. This weekend they're opening their doors at noon on Saturday. So if you'd like to step out of the heat and into a little a/c they'll be open and there's no cover. If you've never been to Double Door, you should go. There's a reason the Rolling Stones asked to play there. That's right. The Rolling Stones asked if they could play Double Door. WHACAIPF.

 

 

Wicker Park Fest - Saturday & Sunday

Wicker Park Fest arrives this weekend July 28th and July 29th and will be the biggest fest to date. On Milwaukee Avenue from Paulina Street to North Avenue you'll find shopping, food, music and more. For full details about Wicker Park Fest's final line up: 2012 Line Up.

 

 

 

 RESTAURANTS

 

Pizano's Deep Dish Update

In Wicker Park & Bucktown, we have a number of different pizza restaurants but they're all very different...and good. Gratto, for example, specializes in rustic Italian and it's fantastic. Pizza Metro's roots are in Rome. Piece's specialty is New Haven-style. And now Pizano's, who will focus on deep dish, is heading to Division Street. Hoping to open last June/July, Pizano's is working hard to open in August. Fingers are crossed. Pizano's.

 

 

WXRT Lobster Bash

In partnership with Supreme Lobster Co, Executive Chef Troy Graves celebrates Summer by hosting WXRT's and Supreme Lobster's Rockin Lobster Bash at Red Door in Bucktown - 2118 N. Damen Avenue next Tuesday July 31st.  Incredibly talented chefs like Mindy Segal (Hot Chocolate), Mark Steuer (The Bedford) and the Sheerin Brothers (The Trenchermen) will be participating. Get your tickets now while you can: Lobster Bash.

 

 

 

 

 

 RETAIL/SHOPPING

 

 

Greenheart's Semi-Annual Clearance Sale

There's still time to score BIG savings at Wicker Park's most eco-friendly store. Greenheart is focused on fair trade practices, items using recycled materials and anything that involves being environmentally aware. Right now you can save up to 70% in their huge sale. But their sale is ending very soon so head to Greenheart Shop at 1911 W. Division Street today. Clearance Sale. 

 

 

Into to Ballet Starts Tuesday

If you've been wanting to try ballet but haven't known how to get started, we can help. So can Mazi Dance & Fitness in Wicker Park. Starting this Tuesday, Mazi will host an introductory ballet class with the very talented, Marisol Sarabia, as your instructor. Reserve your spot today. Here's how. Intro to Ballet.

 

 

 

Featured Deal of the Week - $30 Craniosacral Sessions

Have you ever considered trying Craniosacral Therapy? This is an amazing deal. Lindsay Burch, practitioner at Temple Beautiful, is offering 1 hour sessions for only $30. But you have to act quickly. This incredible deal is ending August 9th. $30 Deal.

 

 

Those are the highlights for the weekend ahead. Again, if you're interested in receiving up-to-the minute news & event information from us throughout the week, please feel free to join us on Facebook & Twitter.  We're getting close to 10,000 followers! If you have news or an event to share, please don't hesitate to let us know. And last but not least, if you're a Wicker Park or Bucktown business, be sure to sign up. We'd love to include you.

 

 

Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.  

 

 

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide

July 20, 2012

 

Hello and welcome to this week's edition of your Insider Weekend Guide.

 

This weekend is going to be incredibly busy in Wicker Park & Bucktown with celebrations happening across the board. First, AKIRA Chicago is celebrating 10 years with a party up and down North Avenue on Saturday. The Silver Room is hosting a block party all weekend long and one of the neighborhood's Annual Sidewalk Sales will also be happening up and down our main streets. But that's not all. We also have great music, lots of restaurant news, new fitness centers moving in and your chance to win a FREE breakfast for 2 at one of our neighborhood gems: Riverside Cafe.

 

If you'd like to receive this every Thursday, sign up! Thanks, as always, for joining us. For up-to-the-minute information throughout the week, be sure to follow us on Facebook & Twitter. Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.

 

 

 ART

         

In her new exhibit of watercolors and hand-sewn hair drawings, Cap the Violence; Pile on the Sexy, Rosemary Meza-DesPlas reflects with humor and sensitivity on violence, the sexy and femininity. Opening Reception Next Friday July 28th at ARC Gallery in Bucktown: 2156 N. Damen Avenue. Gallery Opening.

 

  BARS

         

 

COMMUNITY  

 

Milwaukee-Wood Intersection Getting Revamp

If you missed it earlier, this intersection is getting a much needed make-over. The redesign will remove the island on the northeast side (where many pedestrians get stuck) and enable a better overall flow of traffic. Work is scheduled to start in September. Steve Vance of Grid Chicago does an excellent job of outlining the issues/solutions. Redesign.

 

The Magic Boat Puppet Show

Quickly becoming a regular Summer event and fun for young and old alike, please join The Magic Boat Puppet Show at the Wicker Park Playground - 1425 N. Damen Avenue - this Sunday morning at 11am. Magic Boat.

 

 

Wicker Mic - Open Mic

Performers! Come out and perform your songs, poetry and stand up, or just enjoy listening at the outdoor open mic in Wicker Park next Friday from 6-9pm. Sign-up on the day of the event at 5pm. Each slot is 5 minutes (2 songs, 3 poems or 5 minutes of stand up). We're publishing this announcement early so you can plan ahead for your performance. Wicker Mic.

 

 

 

 

  MUSIC

   

 

FREE Soul Summit Dance Party - Tonight

The Soul Summit FREE Dance Party is back this Friday July 20th at Double Door - 1572 N. Milwaukee Avenue. The Soul Summit Dance Party has been recommended by both Chicagoist & Time Out Chicago and spans the spectrum of early, raw r&b, funk & soul. Don't miss it. Soul Summit.

 

 

Disappears AfterShow

The Disappears will be heading to the Empty Bottle for an AfterShow following their show at the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Fest. Disappears features members of Chicago dignitaries 90 Day Men and The Ponys, as well as Steve Shelley from Sonic Youth. Disappears.

 

Silver Room Block Party

The Silver Room's Annual Block Party is this weekend and party goers can enjoy a culturally diverse celebration of people, unity, art, fashion and music. It is an interactive event that is open to all ages and boasts DJs, live music performances, artists, fashion shows, children’s activities, mural artists and food. Three stages host music all weekend. Silver Room.

 

 

Wicker Park Fest - Next Weekend

Wicker Park Fest arrives next weekend July 28th and July 29th from Wood Street to North Avenue with shopping, food, music and more. For full details about Wicker Park Fest's final line up: 2012 Line Up.

 

 

 

 

 RESTAURANTS

 

50% Off Wine at Via Carducci

Every week Monday- Friday, you can take advantage of 50% off bottles of wine at Via Carducci; the Wicker Park location at 1928 W. Division Street. So enjoy great Italian on their beautiful patio and get a great deal too. For full details including the fine print of this offer: Via Carducci.

 

 

WXRT Rockin' Lobster Bash at Red Door

In partnership with Supreme Lobster Co, Executive Chef Troy Graves celebrates Summer by hosting WXRT's and Supreme Lobster's Rockin Lobster Bash at Red Door in Bucktown - 2118 N. Damen Avenue. Incredibly talented chefs like Mindy Segal (Hot Chocolate), Mark Steuer (The Bedford) and the Sheerin Brothers (The Trenchermen) will be participating. Get your tickets now while you can: Lobster Bash.

 

 

 

 RETAIL/SHOPPING

 

 

AKIRA Celebrates 10 Years

This weekend AKIRA Chicago is celebrating 10 years in Wicker Park & Bucktown. And they'll be hosting one heck of a party up and down North Avenue from 1:00pm - 8:00pm. There will be food, drink, prizes, giveaways and more so be sure to stop by and congratulate AKIRA Chicago. Anniversary.

 

 

Bella Colletta Trunk Show

Edith Hart, formerly The Edit, in Bucktown at 1917 N. Damen Avenue is hosting a trunk show this weekend which will feature the Fall Collection for Bella Colletta. If you're looking for bold, statement making accessories you need to stop by. Wine will be served. Trunk Show.

 

Mariano's Fresh Market to Open in Bucktown

Mariano's Fresh Market has been considering a move to Bucktown since 2008 and it seems an agreement for the location at 2160 N. Ashland has been reached. The new space in Bucktown will be Mariano's 6th location and from what we hear from the people who visit Roscoe Village, it will be a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Mariano's.

 

 

RetroActive Announces New Concept/Fitness Center

The team behind Wicker Park's newest fitness center reached out to us this week to let us know they'll be opening a brand new facility at 1448 N. Western Avenue. What can you expect at RetroActive? An 80's feel with personalized training sessions, boxing and Muay Thai. Look for RetroActive to open in October. RetroActive.

 

 

3 Sales You Don't Want to Miss

Looking for a great deal? Here are some BIG sales and great deals you don't want to miss. First Goorin Brothers will be hosting a huge Sample Sale in Wicker Park starting Friday. But don't go their store. Mazi Dance will be hosting this event. Secondly, Greenheart Shop is hosting their Semi-Annual Clearance Sale with as much as 70% off. Eco friendly and wallet-friendly. And last but not least, you can now score a Craniosacral Session for only $30 an hour at Temple Beautiful in Wicker Park. This amazing offer ends August 8th. 

 

 

Wicker Park - Bucktown Sidewalk Sale

Last but not least the Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Sidewalk Sale in the neighborhood this weekend. You'll find lots of additional sales up and down Milwaukee Avenue, Damen Avenue, North Avenue and Division Street from 11am -6pm Saturday and Sunday.

 

Those are the highlights for the weekend ahead. Again, if you're interested in receiving up-to-the minute news & event information from us throughout the week, please feel free to join us on Facebook & Twitter.  We're getting close to 10,000 followers! If you have news or an event to share, please don't hesitate to let us know. And last but not least, if you're a Wicker Park or Bucktown business, be sure to sign up. We'd love to include you.

 

 

Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.  

 

 

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide

 

The History of Wicker Park's Most Famous Music Venue