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EDM Banned from Congress Theater

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“LOGAN SQUARE — Some of the biggest names in EDM have played the Congress Theater in Logan Square, but electronic dance music is now banned from the old movie palace under an agreement between the city of Chicago and the theater’s embattled owner.” –  excerpt taken from a  Darryl Holliday www.dnainfo.com article.

For the full article follow this LINK

Congress Theater and its owner have had their share of battles with the City of Chicago which eventually led to the loss of its liquor license in May of 2013. This is the latest in Congress Theater news and arguably the most popular EDM hosting venue in Chicago is now banned from hosting EDM events.

Spring Awakening 2013

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Is there a way to go back to Spring Awakening weekend?!?! I wish… Having gone to previous EDM events and concerts, I thought I knew what to expect when Spring Awakening rolled around the corner. I was wrong. The energy at Spring Awakening was so much stronger than any one-day event in Chicago. The first festival I have gone to left me speechless and recovering for a few days. According to others, in its second year Spring Awakening Music festival rocked Soldier field right here in Chicago harder than before. The festival seemed to be a larger production in general with a slightly different stage arrangement with expanded assortment of lights and effects. Da Main stage was larger and looked great and Da Equinox stage transformed to a grand open-air stage instead of being a tent-covered stage like the Drive Stage (which stayed the same). Da Colonnades received a tent and was turned around 180 degrees to minimize noise overlap of from the stages.

During day 1, Bingo Players played a great set with all their hits. We couldn’t be at EDC LV this year, but since we love Bingo Players here is their live set:

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/98273461″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Too bad the garbage cans that people were dancing on were taken away during their show. Everyone was having a blast. The night was closed out with Moby. His song choices and impeccable light show left an insane impression on me. I could not believe how amazing it all looked and how great the crowd was. Even though a lot of people complained about his “old” music, I still think he was one of the best. Day 2 and 3 included some of our favorites such as Nervo, Wolfgang Gartner, Krewella, the Porn n Chicken Crew, Calvin Harris, and Bassnectar. Even though it started pouring during Bassnectar’s set (also rained during Skrillex’s set last year), a ton of people stayed on the field. The lighting turned out to look pretty cool while raining, especially the lasers (see pictures below).

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As mentioned in last years (here is the LINK), beers were $8.50 and water was not permitted inside unless you walked in without a cap. There were plenty of refill stations though if you needed to refill a bottle that you purchased.

Overall, it is safe to say Spring Awakening blew me away. We are excited for any upcoming events (especially Kaskade in October) and festivals! Make sure to tag us in any Instagram photos/videos and Facebook posts (#whysochi & @whysochi)!!!! Can’t wait to see everyone there. Oh, and remember… don’t be shy, just stay Chi.

 

Some SAMF Tips

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It’s that time again; Spring Awakening Music Festival is back at the historic Soldier Field with Chicago’s amazing skyline as its backdrop. This year it expands from 2 to 3 days; which means more music, more lasers, more memories to make and more time to meet new friends. Having attended the entire festival last year and attending a few other ones since then I’m sharing with you a few pointers on how to have the most fun and enjoy yourselves.

1. Be Aware

This means be prepared to see anyone from young “ravers” aka ragers wearing kandi bracelets, to the stereotypical “douche bag” that is very prominent in Chicago’s Club scene to old school Chicago house purists. It is what it is just chill and focus on enjoying yourself, everyone is generally  there for the music.

2. Be Smart

This will tie in with point number one and a comment I made in my Spring Awakening post from last year (FOLLOW LINK HERE TO READ IT) but I feel it’s important. Don’t complain about water being overpriced. Better yet don’t complain about any prices. This is a major corporately funded music festival which means the prices will be at a premium. Make sure to scope out water REFILL stations and keep your original bottle of water and you’ll set. There is no need to constantly pay $5 for water if you are prepared.  Also if you or anyone you know part takes in any extracurricular activities please be safe, festivals are supposed to be happy events not tragic ones.

3. Be Positive

Many people are traveling from across the us to attend this festival, don’t assume its all local kids. Be open to meeting and seeing people that you don’t see on the regular. Be friendly and bring good vibes and you should have a good time. Make sure our out of town friends have a good opinion of Chicago and all of its residence when they leave after the festival. Don’t be a douche.

4. Be Supportive

If time and your work schedule permits, try to make it out early to get to see some of our local talent. It’s always good to support our own as it motivates them to keep working on  their craft.

5. Be Open

I’ve learned at other festivals that exploring artists you may not know could be just as rewarding as seeing the headliners and favorites. it never hurts to add to your music library and favorite playlists with new tracks.

Congress Liquor License Revoked

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On Friday May 24th City Officials revoked Congress Theater’s liquor license. That being said it’s important to mention that the theater has appealed the revocation and will continue to sell liquor during its appeal. The venue will also remain open even though the city has a separate case against did for several code violations.

Information Taken from Chicago Tribune article located HERE.

The Show Must Go On

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On Thursday May 9th Erineo “Eddie” Carranza once again was given the “all’s clear” to continue operating the 87 year old concert venue Congress Theater. During the court appearance, which lasted less than five minutes, attorneys for the city and Carranza updated Judge James McGing on building renovations, including the removal of obstructions from passageways in the corridors and installation of back-up lighting on the upper floors. Another inspection was scheduled for May 22, with another court date the following day.

Information taken from a blog post by Jim Derogatis on WBEZ91.5’s blog located HERE.

Carranza’s next inspection is May 22nd with a court date is scheduled for the following day. Carranza’s attorney hopes for a quick hearing due to only “minor” repairs needed to be completed  so the venue could reopen its top level and be at max capacity 5000 (one of the larger concert venues in Chicago).

This is just one battle Carranza and his team are fighting as he’s also facing the possibility of losing his liquor license in deleterious impact/public nuisance hearings. Not to mention the lawsuit (now settled) with his bank.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, as much as I like going to Congress for shows I feel a change of ownership would be good not only for its image but for the long term safety and security at future EDM events.