Greg Kot of the Trib is reporting the owners of Schubas are planning to open a new live-music venue, called Lincoln Hall, at 2424 N. Lincoln Avenue. Yes, that’s the old Three Penny space. And yes, that’s just down the street from the old Lounge Ax.Schubas has always been one my personal favorite venues in the city, both because of its intimacy and its seeming dedication to book shows that get me all jazzed up. I’ve been a fan since I was a kid.
Once, when I was 17, I tried to sneak in to see Low. My friends and I entered through the kitchen door and smoothly immersed ourselves in the crowd. That lasted about thirty seconds until someone shouted “Those guys just came in through the kitchen!” and we were escorted out. Ah, memories.
Saw a lot of big-time acts there before they exploded. Sufjan Stevens, The Decemberists, Andrew Bird, Modest Mouse. There are certainly more, but there’s been too many shows and too much beer to remember them all.
Lincoln Hall is supposed to be three times larger than the 167-capacity Schubas. While I’m betting other club owners and promoters aren’t too happy with the new competition, the addition should be welcomed by live-music fans, especially those who are fans of the excellent booking done at Schubas by Matt Rucins. The new Bottom Lounge has turned into a success, at least when you consider the number of quality shows it’s hosted in the last year.
My main concern right now is, actually, the location. With no CTA lines really close, and extremely limited parking along Lincoln Avenue, the new venue is gonna be a bitch to get to. (Tom Lynch)
UPDATE: A colleague has pointed out the location of the Fullerton Red Line stop and its relatively close proximity to Lincoln Hall. Admittedly, I forget about the Red Line all the time. Red Line = Cubs and/or Sox games. Also, it’s still like two blocks, and music writers are traditionally out of shape and lazy.
