2008 Woodie Awards
Culberson's Corner
Small venues make for better concerts
By: Jade Lee Culberson
Issue date: 3/19/07 Section: Entertainment
- Page 1 of 1
I went to see the Pogues perform at the Congress Theatre on March 6. They were fantastic - it's great to see lead singer Shane MacGowan back with the band. The Pogues have a fantastic stage presence and seem to enjoy performing - they performed three encores.
But I think one of the best parts of the event was the location. The Congress Theatre is fairly small and is comprised mostly of a general admission area great for pushing your way toward the stage. With our general admission tickets, we were able to get close enough to the front to read MacGowan's champagne bottle.
Rather than having to either park miles away and then hike to the venue or pay a small fortune to use a parking garage or valet service, we enjoyed the ample street parking (well, as close to ample parking as Chicago ever has) close to the Congress.
I know Chicago is in the process of implementing a fascist anti-smoking policy but this area of the city seemed yet untouched by the breach of civil rights. It was such a relief to enjoy a cigarette in the lobby of the theatre after purchasing a drink from one of the many well-stocked bar stands throughout the establishment.
After not being able to find the merchandise table at the last concert I attended, I was very relieved that the Pogues merchandise was easy to find (and even more pleased that it was plentiful, with a good variety at decent prices).
Had I seen the Pogues at a larger venue, I don't think I would have enjoyed the experience as much. After this show, I'm done with fancy concert halls and I can't imagine going to an arena concert.
Good things may come in small packages and the best concert experiences certainly take place in small venues.
But I think one of the best parts of the event was the location. The Congress Theatre is fairly small and is comprised mostly of a general admission area great for pushing your way toward the stage. With our general admission tickets, we were able to get close enough to the front to read MacGowan's champagne bottle.
Rather than having to either park miles away and then hike to the venue or pay a small fortune to use a parking garage or valet service, we enjoyed the ample street parking (well, as close to ample parking as Chicago ever has) close to the Congress.
I know Chicago is in the process of implementing a fascist anti-smoking policy but this area of the city seemed yet untouched by the breach of civil rights. It was such a relief to enjoy a cigarette in the lobby of the theatre after purchasing a drink from one of the many well-stocked bar stands throughout the establishment.
After not being able to find the merchandise table at the last concert I attended, I was very relieved that the Pogues merchandise was easy to find (and even more pleased that it was plentiful, with a good variety at decent prices).
Had I seen the Pogues at a larger venue, I don't think I would have enjoyed the experience as much. After this show, I'm done with fancy concert halls and I can't imagine going to an arena concert.
Good things may come in small packages and the best concert experiences certainly take place in small venues.
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