Good Neighborhoods for Musicians? (Chicago: insurance, mobile home, living in)

[Drover]

OK, Elbo Room is in Lakeview by 3/4ths of a block. My bad -- I didn't have a map in front of me when I posted my response.

Cobra Lounge is not in West Town.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Drover

OK, Elbo Room is in Lakeview by 3/4ths of a block. My bad -- I didn't have a map in front of me when I posted my response.

Cobra Lounge is not in West Town.

Diversey is the border between Lake View and the Lincoln Park neighborhoods until you get to Clybourn. That has been the case for 100 years

Cobra Lounge sure is not in West Loop.

It is in West Town trust me. It is a city "block" north of the border with the Near West Side neighborhood.

[Drover]

Corbra Lounge is actually a couple blocks south of the West Town border, but eh, whatever. I don't feel like arguing neighborhood boundaries with you because it's not really the point.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Drover

Corbra Lounge is actually a couple blocks south of the West Town border, but eh, whatever. I don't feel like arguing neighborhood boundaries with you because it's not really the point.

I am talking about the West Town neighborhood-not the West Town Community area.

Oh nevermind.

[Ulterior Motive]

well regardless of where the county lines are...whats the folk scene like out there...thriving? I know metal is up...Russian circles/Pelican...I know PitchFork has that festival out there...then theres Lalla P.....what else my friends?

[Drover]

For the folk scene, there's Old Town School of Folk Music (no longer in Old Town; I believe it's in Portage Park).

[jwaiter]

Originally Posted by Drover

For the folk scene, there's Old Town School of Folk Music (no longer in Old Town; I believe it's in Portage Park).

They still have their old location in Old Town, but the new digs (in Lincoln Square) are really beautiful. Definitely a place for him to check out, good shows.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by jwaiter

They still have their old location in Old Town, but the new digs (in Lincoln Square) are really beautiful. Definitely a place for him to check out, good shows.

The "new" Lincoln Square location has been there for years already... It is in the old Sulzer Library building (built in the 20's I believe). Old Town moved in (1998) years after the city built a (1985) new Sulzer library on Lincoln a block or so north of Montrose across from Wells Park. I forget what occupied the old Sulzer building until Old Town moved in.

[Chi-town Native]

lots of musicians are along the blue line, basically, at least until Irving Park. that's because in my experience you've got housing that isn't so tightly packed, so you can find a place where you won't bother anyone when you rehearse. A coach house is your best bet if you can find one, as they're detached many musicians I know can turn them into usable studios. Avondale, Logan Square, Irving Park all have these, Lake View has some at the western edges as well. I'd suggest getting on a bicycle (if you're still looking) and biking in concentric circles around the blue line Western, California, Logan Belmont & Addison stops and just looking for "for rent" signs, plus Craigs list.

North Center/Lincoln Square has lots of good places *for* music, but rents are more, and you're more likely to get neighbors who will complain - you don't want to go somewhere it's dead quiet at 9 pm on a Friday.

[Drover]

Ah, Irving Park: home to both Jeff Tweedy and the Wilco Loft.