Illinois, which has several world-class music venues, has been a music lover’s dream destination for years. Its venues are legendary, with interesting stories. For decades, the venues here have been staging the most revered artists and world-renowned bands. The ever-expanding music scene of Illinois calls out to music fans all over the world.
Located in Tinley Park, Illinois, this outdoor music theater opened in 1990. It is one of Illinois's biggest venues, with a capacity of 28,000 (11,000 reserved seats and 17,000 lawn seats). Cher became the first singer to perform here on June 2, 1990, during her Heart of Stone Tour. Since then, stars such as Janet Jackson, U2, the Eagles, and Whitney Houston have performed here.
This distinctively beautiful theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. When it opened in 1921, it was called the "Wonder Theatre of the World." The 3,600-seat theater, which hosts live music and entertainment, was later restored and reopened in 1986 with a gala performance by Frank Sinatra.
FitzGerald's Nightclub in Berwyn has been central to the American roots music scene for four decades now. The nightclub hosts some of the finest country, folk, and bluegrass festivals throughout the year, including the summertime FitzGerald's American Music Festival, which started in 1981.
Chicago is known the world over for its thriving rock scene, which embraces arena rock to indie. A journey to the bustling city is the ultimate pilgrimage for pop, indie, punk, alternative, and emo fans.
Among Illinois's most iconic music venues, Metro has seen legends such as Bob Dylan, Prince, and Nirvana grace its stage. The Smashing Pumpkins made one of their first major live performances here.
For those wanting to hear some great garage rock, electronic music, and the newest bands, the Empty Bottle is the place to be. Be there on Monday night to catch a free concert. The walls of this premier indie-rock club, laden with music history, old club photos, and gig posters, make the perfect backdrop for a photo.
Head to Lincoln Hall for the perfect date. Opened as a movie theater in 1912, the venue was where FBI sharpshooters stationed themselves during an encounter with gangster John Dillinger in 1934. Converted to a music venue in 2009, this two-story concert hall's huge stage has hosted some of the area's biggest performances.
Reggie's is the go-to rock club for great volume and energetic ambiance. People hit the club for its hardcore, metal, punk, power-pop, and garage shows. A part of the club, Reggie’s Music Joint offers great shows, while the attached Record Breakers stocks a superb collection of vinyl and used CDs.
A famous music venue in Chicago, this live rock music venue was once an illegal bar. The Mavis Staples album, "Live: Hope at the Hideout," which was nominated for a Grammy in 2008, was recorded here.
Music in the Great Lakes area is encapsulated by the eclectic rock scene in Chicago more than any other city's. Electronic music made its debut several years ago in the Windy City, and some of the popular names associated with it include DJ Rashad, Supreme Cuts, and Gemini Club.
This dance venue, for every electronic music fan, plays everything from experimental, ambient music to minimal techno.
Crowds head to nearby Chillicothe to groove to experimental electronic music by bands such as Gramatik, Pretty Lights, and Zeds Dead.
People flock to the Mid to dance to the best house and latest electronic sounds spun by both up-and-coming and celebrated DJs. With three bars, a big dancefloor, balcony, and booths, it's a sought-after club for getting that electronic fix.