File: 27 Live, Evanston
The main stage at 27 Live
When you think of good venues to see live music, north suburban Evanston doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. However, John Tasiopolous, owner of 27 Live is planning to change all that. In a city that allowed its first liquor store in 1984, Evanston’s live music scene has developed at a snail’s pace for the last 30 years. The shuffleboard court sized Bill’s Blues was its only viable music venue for years in the late ’90s, while Space has diligently carried the torch for Northwestern students and alt-rock fans for the last several years, it’s also somewhat limited in size.
27 Live is a multi-level performance venue and restaurant where you can come hear good music and “let your hair down, a little bit” Tasiopolous told IE.
Whiskey Lounge at 27 Live
Nestled in the shadow of the the Century Theatres on Church Street (and the city parking garage), with the Davis Street Metra and Purple Line stop around the corner, 27 Live offers two levels of music viewing in a lofted space you can only experience in a vintage building. With an expansive sound stage and impressive concert sound system, it may change the way you feel about the college town on the lake. 27 Live’s best secret may be its Whiskey Lounge on the second level, an intimate enclosed space with a huge bar, exposed beams, and leather seating areas to get away for an acoustic performance or a fine Single Malt.
Tasiopolous and Special Events Manager Charlie Athanas, (including former Abbey Pub talent buyer Sean Duffy) plan to mix up its entertainment offerings between legacy rock acts, indie rock, and a smattering of high profile cover and tribute bands popular in the suburbs. They’re also engaged with local theater companies and performance artists to include an eclectic mix of live theater and film showings.
“We’ll really mix it up here, entertainment wise,” Tasiopolous said. “We have Parliament Funkadelic co-founder Bernie Worrell Orchestra here on October 5th, and our Rocky Horror Picture Show Live event on Halloween. There’s something for every music fan.”
“Being so close to the train and the El, we feel like people in the city and the suburbs can drive or hop on the train, have dinner, and see a show.” Sounds like a plan.
27 Live in located at 1012 Church Street in Evanston. See their schedule in IE or visit www.27live.com
Great looking venue and a great sounding room, but these guys have to figure out how to treat musicians if they want a steady draw of quality bands on their stage. There are plenty of other options on the north side of Chicago, over at Space and elsewhere on the north shore. Treat bands like dirt and they won’t want to come back. Try charging people that much for beer when no one wants to play your room….