The Boring Store in Wicker Park

Forbes, known for lists like "the 400 richest Americans", has released a list of "America's Hippest Hipster Neighborhoods". Wicker Park got #4 (almost as hip as Williamsburg, Brooklyn which played #3), but Logan Square oddly isn't in there. Maybe their research is every so slightly outdated. Forbes says:

The Midwest Mecca of hipsterdom started attracting artists and young adults in the late 1980s. Nestled around a park, this artists' community is known for its galleries, music venues, boutiques and food options. It's also home to a smattering of Victorian mansions built by wealthy 19th century merchants and beer brewers.

Bloodiest @ IL Centennial Monument in Logan Sq. in '11 (more by Grant MacAllister)

Logan Square spot The Burlington will be five years old on August 25 and are throwing an anniversary party featuring Bloodiest, CAVE, Lasers and Fast and Shit, Paul Cary, Cloudbirds, Nino Divino, Obnox, and more acts TBA. The celebration show begins at 2PM that Saturday and will set you back a cool $7 at the door. There will be DJs, acoustic performances in the front room, and free beer/a special hosted bar throughout the day.

Song streams from a few of the performers are below...

Continue reading "The Burlington is turning 5; Bloodiest, CAVE, Lasers and Fast and Shit & others helping celebrate"

exterior of the Congress Theater in December of 2011 (more by Matt Ziegler)

According to a press release sent out earlier this week, the Congress Theater is scheduled to go under the knife for extensive renovations this fall. This includes getting up to code in regards to the current mechanical and electrical standards, adding retail spaces and more studio apartments for rental, and improving the cosmetic appearance of the venue.

In order to make this all happen they've partnered with Doejo, a Chicago-based agency startup, who will be spearheading the operation. Congress owner Eddie Carranza stressed, "I don't want this building to be a cookie-cutter franchise-type building. I want to give it its own character, this isn't a strip mall, this is Logan Square. We want to grow that indie spirit not break it up with a bunch of franchises. I'd like the Congress to be a great community center in Logan Square of diverse, independent boutique businesses--we're looking for entrepreneurs with great ideas to invest in and grow with our space."

Reunited Swedish post-hardcore outfit Refused play the venue on Thursday night (7/26) with OFF!.

Read the entire Congress Theater press release below...

Continue reading "Congress Theater talk renovations"