Strollin' Around State Street: Guide To Music In The Loop
It's almost summertime in the city again and of course with that comes many more things to get out and do. If there's one street in the Loop that you can step on and feel instantly more cultured; it's State Street. Here's a quick little guide of all things music related to do around State Street this summer; whether you're looking for ideas to entertain visiting friends or looking to just blow money on live entertainment, we got you covered.
Reggie's Rock Club
Right by McCormick Place, Reggie's offers a unique experience where head banging is not shunned, it's encouraged. Two events stand out to me as a fantastic time, their annual Battle of the Bands and their Grateful Dead pre-party Fourth of July weekend. It's only a short walk from Soldier Field, so if you're looking for something to do before The Dead, hit up Reggie's. They are having a cover band that plays Pink Floyd-Talking Heads-Phish and are also going to cover 'Dead songs. Check out more info here.
As I mentioned earlier, their Battle of the bands is taking place May 31st as well.
Chicago Theatre
I'm sure at least two-thirds of all tourists snap a picture of the famous marquee. The historic interior is equally as special and they bring in large acts consistently like it's nothing. Check out their entire schedule, but my pick would be trying to acquire tickets to go see My Morning Jacket June 9th-11th. Oh yes, they are playing three shows in a row; plenty of opportunity to fit Louisville's finest into your schedule.
Buddy Guy's Legends
If you're a fan of the blues and you've never stepped inside Legends, get a pen and immediately right it down at the top of your bucket list. We'll be there as always broadcasting live to kick off Blue's Fest, but you can find live blues any day of the week. Fantastic first date idea if the person you're trying to woo is a music lover. It's located on the corner of Balbo and Wabash a block off State.
Bank of America Theatre
"Hey Andy, you mentioned being cultured but haven't mentioned live theater yet, what gives?" It would be a sin and a crime of significant magnitude if I wrote a piece on State Street and didn't mention the thriving theater district right off of it. They do a great job of mixing in classic musicals (Lion King, Jersey Boys etc.) with up and coming productions. Currently, The Book of Mormon is playing but is over at the end of the week. My pick for Bank of America is Rain: a Tribute of the Beatles. I saw it in college and it was truly amazing.
Get ticket's here.
Oriental Theatre
Yeah, Chicago is hotter than a jalapeno in the summer, but the humidity might be light for some folks. Step inside the Oriental Theatre and take an instant trip to South Beach. Gloria Esteban is having a residency at the Theatre this summer from June 2nd through July 5th. It's located at 24 W Randolph, right off State. Get more info here.
Now you have a tad bit less of an excuse to find something fun to do on State this summer. If you've lived in the city for awhile it's always fun to go downtown and become a tourist for a day, and you'll actually know where you're going.
