Chicago Theatre - Chicago, IL (June 9th, 10th, & 11th) Roll Call

[BigHerm]

Has anyone started to look for hotels? Any locals have advice? I'm not finding anything near the venue for less than 200-250 per night. Where should we look that is a little further out, close to public transportation?

Also anyone else planning on the Cubs game Friday? We got our tickets, can not wait.

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[Emb1528]

Any place downtown will be pretty pricey. Sometimes groupon has some pretty good deals so you could check there, but I don't know think that will be your best bet. I would look at places along the cta blue line. You can probably find some decent rates that are right off of that. You can take this into the loop to get to the show. Also the blue line stops at Addison which is like a mile and a half away from wrigley, buttt your cta pass works for the buses as well do you can just get off the L and onto the bus.

[ericm]

Has anyone started to look for hotels? Any locals have advice? I'm not finding anything near the venue for less than 200-250 per night. Where should we look that is a little further out, close to public transportation?

Also anyone else planning on the Cubs game Friday? We got our tickets, can not wait.

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I'm not familiar with Chicago, and am staying close to the venue, but I have some friends going to GD50 who are staying out by the airport,and taking the train into the city each day. Supposedly the rooms are a lot cheaper, and the train isn't costly.

I'm sure some more local people will chime in with some great advice. 

Edit to say GD50 is over a Holiday weekend, and that might be a factor in those rooms being cheaper, as most hotels near airports are "businessmen" hotels. Who cater to business travelers. They usually have cheaper rates on weekends as most of their business is during the week.

[romedawg]

Has anyone started to look for hotels? Any locals have advice? I'm not finding anything near the venue for less than 200-250 per night. Where should we look that is a little further out, close to public transportation?

Also anyone else planning on the Cubs game Friday? We got our tickets, can not wait.

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I would consider looking at https://www.flipkey.com/ or homeaway.. When I travel to other cities, I try these places, usually cheaper then a hotel.. I checked for Chicago, plenty of options.

[Emb1528]

Has anyone started to look for hotels? Any locals have advice? I'm not finding anything near the venue for less than 200-250 per night. Where should we look that is a little further out, close to public transportation?

Also anyone else planning on the Cubs game Friday? We got our tickets, can not wait.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm not familiar with Chicago, and am staying close to the venue, but I have some friends going to GD50 who are staying out by the airport,and taking the train into the city each day. Supposedly the rooms are a lot cheaper, and the train isn't costly.

I'm sure some more local people will chime in with some great advice. 

Edit to say GD50 is over a Holiday weekend, and that might be a factor in those rooms being cheaper, as most hotels near airports are "businessmen" hotels. Who cater to business travelers. They usually have cheaper rates on weekends as most of their business is during the week.

If they are going to the dead, odds are they are staying close to Ohare airport which is right off the blue line. Rosemont isn't a bad area to look for hotels. There is a bunch of cool stuff right there by the airport.

[ericm]

Has anyone started to look for hotels? Any locals have advice? I'm not finding anything near the venue for less than 200-250 per night. Where should we look that is a little further out, close to public transportation?

Also anyone else planning on the Cubs game Friday? We got our tickets, can not wait.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm not familiar with Chicago, and am staying close to the venue, but I have some friends going to GD50 who are staying out by the airport,and taking the train into the city each day. Supposedly the rooms are a lot cheaper, and the train isn't costly.

I'm sure some more local people will chime in with some great advice. 

Edit to say GD50 is over a Holiday weekend, and that might be a factor in those rooms being cheaper, as most hotels near airports are "businessmen" hotels. Who cater to business travelers. They usually have cheaper rates on weekends as most of their business is during the week.

If they are going to the dead, odds are they are staying close to Ohare airport which is right off the blue line. Rosemont isn't a bad area to look for hotels. There is a bunch of cool stuff right there by the airport.

Pretty sure you're right. That sounds familiar. Their plan is to just crash at the hotel, and spend most of their time in the city without having to rent a car to get there. They would've preferred being right in the city but this was the next best thing for them.

[ALady]

I love the loge there.  Very nice, great view. 

Actually, im looking to swap tickets with someone for night 2 or 3 if anyone is interested.  Ive got two 3-day tix in 3L row EE (fifth row from pit) seats 303 and 305 (one seat into section from right side aisle) and would like to be in row AAA of any of either 3L, 3R, or 4 (in balcony, preferably 4 or 3R) for June 10th or 11th.  Plan on getting in touch with nature that night and those seats would allow us to sit back and just take it all in.  Would be a great trade for anyone who wants to get a taste of the floor for one night.  PM me if interested.

AAA will be part of the GA pit for this show - not an actual row.

edit: unless you mean row AA of the balcony? If so, sorry - misunderstood.

[ALady]

I wouldn't personally recommend staying out at the airport - it's a good hour to downtown and there's nothing to do out there unless you have a car. But if the price is right, it's easy enough to take the train.

Check out airbnb or homeaway for cheaper rentals closer to downtown.

[ericm]

I wouldn't personally recommend staying out at the airport - it's a good hour to downtown and there's nothing to do out there unless you have a car. But if the price is right, it's easy enough to take the train.

Check out airbnb or homeaway for cheaper rentals closer to downtown.

I'm with you there, it's not my thing but evidently my buddies saved enough cash for that hour  each way to be worth it.

I checked some rates by O'Hare for the MMJ dates and they aren't as cheap as my friends got for the GD50 weekend, at least the bigger chains I checked.

[63schoefflin]

1. Stevie w/ Megan
2. BigHerm +1
3. Emb
4. justbcuzido + 3 every night. Making the pilgrimage from Texas.
5. LB + 2
6. YimYodd + 1 (Yuls). Two nites, hopefully 3...plus Chris Botti there on 13th.
7. Mama Kel + fam & little man (first MMJ shows) x 3...
8. CHIMMJFAN all 3 nights and with some others on at least a couple nights.
9. Tater + my imaginary Mr. Peepers
10. johnnYYac x3
11. robb
12. ralph
13. timescaper +1 (all 3)
14. Kyle (and Wife) all 3
15. Ruckus x3
16. Mr. White + 1 (Nights 2 & 3)
17. sassbox + 1 (x3)
18. MMJ612+1
19. ericm x3
20. mynameiscurt x3
21. Crispy
22. logan5ive +1
23. kydiddle
24. ALady + Aussie Dave x3
25. ms yvon
26. Sue +3 night one and +1 night 3 (already had Dawes tickets for night 2)
27. Woldie + Sarah
28. rjlemons
29. wh7gator + 3 (all nights, coming from FL!)
30. numbr5 & Mrs. Flynn
31. rmpotsies (wed) rmpotsies +2 (thurs)
32. flugger +2 (all 3 nights...sons first MMJ shows ever)
33. 63schoefflin (all 3 nights)

And yeah I booked on a whim so I need to convince a few other people to come out and split a hotel. But i recommend staying downtown if you can. Not too much going on out by the airport. I had a friend who used to live by Wrigley in Lincoln Park and that was a pretty great area. Although idk how many hotels are in that area really.

[Stevie]

I love the loge there.  Very nice, great view. 

Actually, im looking to swap tickets with someone for night 2 or 3 if anyone is interested.  Ive got two 3-day tix in 3L row EE (fifth row from pit) seats 303 and 305 (one seat into section from right side aisle) and would like to be in row AA of any of either 3L, 3R, or 4 (in balcony, preferably 4 or 3R) for June 10th or 11th.  Plan on getting in touch with nature that night and those seats would allow us to sit back and just take it all in.  Would be a great trade for anyone who wants to get a taste of the floor for one night.  PM me if interested.

AAA will be part of the GA pit for this show - not an actual row.

edit: unless you mean row AA of the balcony? If so, sorry - misunderstood.

Oops, i did mean AA.  For some reason i was seeing three of 'em.  Edited.  Thanks.

[BigHerm]

Thanks for the help. We went with 1BR condo in Lincoln Park via AirBnB. It's right across the street from the Red Line which I think will take us to the Theatre.


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[marino13]

Chicago Theatre is one of my favorite venues, if you've never been there, you are in for a treat.  Last spring saw The National there in the 3rd row and went to both nights of MMJ last time around.  The place is stunning, pictures don't do it justice.   For people looking for things to do, there is a lot of shopping right there on State St. if you don't feel like going over to Michigan Ave.  Took my wife and daughter to see Sara Bareilles at the Theatre and they were completely content with the shopping within a few blocks of the show.  Also a Chik Fil A next door and a Potbelly across the street if you want something quick to eat.  There is a record store a few blocks south and 1/2 block east as well.  There is a parking deck right by the Theatre if you are driving but don't remember the cost, maybe $20-25?  Really bummed I can't go this time around, but can't wait for the reports.

[ultravisitor]

Edit: The parking next to the hotel is $39 per day with the hotel's discount. (Pretty bogus you have to pay for outside parking, but it appears to be the normal money grab for being downtown.)

You'll be paying for parking just about everywhere in Chicago. Even in residential neighborhoods there are deeded parking spaces.

[tippitoes22]

Just saw the Alabama Shakes Saturday night at the beautiful Chicago Theater.
AMAZING SHOW doesn't even come close to describing what Brittany and the band did on that stage. Goosebumps! Fleshed out sound, new band member and back up singers make this a tour not to be missed. Cannot recommend catching a show enough. Opener was great as well!

But I digress: I've seen btween 75-100 of all variety of shows, from all different kinds of bands at the Chicago Theater over the years. Wonderful place! BUT Saturday night I saw something I've never seen there before, A WORKING DOG w/handler at the entrance and walking around the venue, and past bathrooms. I'm just putting this information out there. Whatever you like to do, or how you experience shows is nobody's business  but your own, no judgement here. However, the Cook County "bed & breakfast" (jail) has some pretty bad yelp reviews :)
BE SAFE and BE CAREFULL roll-callers.

[MusiKel Mama]

1) https://m.airbnb.com/s/Chicago--IL
2) Shedd Aquarium Free June 9
3) http://www.choosechicago.com/things-to-do/chicago-events/events-calendar/?e_viewby=day&neighborhood=0&usemap=true&orderby=eventdate%2Ctype_sortorder%2C+title%2C+enddate%2C+featured&e_pagenum=1&e_sdate=06%2F08%2F2015&e_edate=06%2F12%2F2015&e_pagesize=25
All Chicago Exhibits June 8-June 12

[rmpotsy]

Just saw the Alabama Shakes Saturday night at the beautiful Chicago Theater.
AMAZING SHOW doesn't even come close to describing what Brittany and the band did on that stage. Goosebumps! Fleshed out sound, new band member and back up singers make this a tour not to be missed. Cannot recommend catching a show enough. Opener was great as well!

But I digress: I've seen btween 75-100 of all variety of shows, from all different kinds of bands at the Chicago Theater over the years. Wonderful place! BUT Saturday night I saw something I've never seen there before, A WORKING DOG w/handler at the entrance and walking around the venue, and past bathrooms. I'm just putting this information out there. Whatever you like to do, or how you experience shows is nobody's business  but your own, no judgement here. However, the Cook County "bed & breakfast" (jail) has some pretty bad yelp reviews :)
BE SAFE and BE CAREFULL roll-callers.

so did you see anyone stopped, hassled, arrested, or even questioned?  if not, it probably wasnt a drug dog.  i would assume there were at least a few people carrying at a shakes show.

[justbcuzido]

Just saw the Alabama Shakes Saturday night at the beautiful Chicago Theater.
AMAZING SHOW doesn't even come close to describing what Brittany and the band did on that stage. Goosebumps! Fleshed out sound, new band member and back up singers make this a tour not to be missed. Cannot recommend catching a show enough. Opener was great as well!

But I digress: I've seen btween 75-100 of all variety of shows, from all different kinds of bands at the Chicago Theater over the years. Wonderful place! BUT Saturday night I saw something I've never seen there before, A WORKING DOG w/handler at the entrance and walking around the venue, and past bathrooms. I'm just putting this information out there. Whatever you like to do, or how you experience shows is nobody's business  but your own, no judgement here. However, the Cook County "bed & breakfast" (jail) has some pretty bad yelp reviews :)
BE SAFE and BE CAREFULL roll-callers.

so did you see anyone stopped, hassled, arrested, or even questioned?  if not, it probably wasnt a drug dog.  i would assume there were at least a few people carrying at a shakes show.

I would imagine it could still be a drug dog, but the command to seek out drugs wasn't given. The majority of the times you see dogs at airports or anywhere else they are there for intimidation. Now randomly they may issue the command and once they do the dog will go looking. Until the command is given, the dog could care less about the millions of odors it smells (aside from other doggy buts)... Either way, be careful.

I think a large part of it could be that there was a shooting at a club over the weekend in Logan Square.

[kpd737]

Download and use Spot Hero when you come into town, in my experience lower prices than advertised in the same garages. 

Also play with the times you are booking for, sometimes I book for longer and get a cheaper rate.  Just make sure you can get your car out when you need to.

[rmpotsy]

Just saw the Alabama Shakes Saturday night at the beautiful Chicago Theater.
AMAZING SHOW doesn't even come close to describing what Brittany and the band did on that stage. Goosebumps! Fleshed out sound, new band member and back up singers make this a tour not to be missed. Cannot recommend catching a show enough. Opener was great as well!

But I digress: I've seen btween 75-100 of all variety of shows, from all different kinds of bands at the Chicago Theater over the years. Wonderful place! BUT Saturday night I saw something I've never seen there before, A WORKING DOG w/handler at the entrance and walking around the venue, and past bathrooms. I'm just putting this information out there. Whatever you like to do, or how you experience shows is nobody's business  but your own, no judgement here. However, the Cook County "bed & breakfast" (jail) has some pretty bad yelp reviews :)
BE SAFE and BE CAREFULL roll-callers.

so did you see anyone stopped, hassled, arrested, or even questioned?  if not, it probably wasnt a drug dog.  i would assume there were at least a few people carrying at a shakes show.

I would imagine it could still be a drug dog, but the command to seek out drugs wasn't given. The majority of the times you see dogs at airports or anywhere else they are there for intimidation. Now randomly they may issue the command and once they do the dog will go looking. Until the command is given, the dog could care less about the millions of odors it smells (aside from other doggy buts)... Either way, be careful.

I think a large part of it could be that there was a shooting at a club over the weekend in Logan Square.

i hear what you are saying, but from what i understand there are drug dogs and there are bomb dogs and never the twain shall meet.  and once again, from what i understand, the dogs you see in airports are bomb dogs.  obviously allowing for some exceptions in places like customs areas or airports where there is a lot of known trafficking.