CARL SANDBURG WRITES “CHICAGO”

A love-hate relationship

by Jose Soto

I have a love-hate relationship with you. I’ve heard so many great, phenomenal bands that have toured throughout the world and visit Chicago’s House of Blue’s, yet I wasn’t amazed at all. The first time I came to you, you were far too crowded and incredibly smaller than I thought. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you oversoled {oversold} your tickets to just about anyone.

Then, there’s your railing. The one dividing the main floor from the bar. Your railing is a safety hazard, I understand, but it is so huge and I honestly feel that it is unnecessary to have it there. The main floor gets so crowded that we can’t even move at times, and this rail only gets in our way.

Yet, despite all of this, I love the way you portray yourself. By far, you are the classiest and most elegant venue I’ve ever been to. You somehow bypass the sweat on the main floor and the drunks on {at} the bars.

I absolutely love the diverse group of bands and people that come to visit you. When it’s a heavier fast-paced band, you really join our mosh pit with us, yet on an acoustic session, you take a deep breath and hold up a lighter with us.

You share your sanctuary with everyone and regardless of how filled it gets, it feels like there’s always room for more.