Rocking on a Wednesday

4 bands, $8, don’t encourage the “bums”. The show took place at Reggie’s Rock Club, an ambitious establishment consisting of a concert hall, restaurant and record store, located in adjacent storefronts at the confluence of the Bronzeville and South Loop neighborhoods. (The aforementioned sign, by the way, is no subtle commentary on our gentrifying city.) Reggie’s serves up a variety of BBQ in its restaurant, the record store specializes in hard to find vinyl and CDs and the music venue caters largely to unsigned bands of all genres. In this day of streaming media, instant downloads, literally thousands of entertainment options and new regulations on concert promoters after the E2 tragedy, opening a new concert venue/record store in the city is no small act of courage.

The concert hall is largely open between the bar and the raised stage, with standing room for perhaps 200. A lofted lounge area, sits to the back of the room, with seats and tables for a few dozen. If the show is crowded, be prepared to stand for the duration. The acoustics are clear enough, though the slab floors and brick walls cause a bit of reverberation. Standing to the side of the stage actually provided better sound than watching the bands head on. Beer selection is standard, the staff is friendly and prices are reasonable. Overall, Reggie’s seems like a promising spot and a welcome addition to the local music scene.

The Chicago-based sextet On We headlined the show, taking the stage at 11:00PM*. On We played a tight 45 minute set of textured, melodic and often catchy original material. On We is fronted by singer Bridget O’Callaghan, whose look evoked an early Bjork and whose voice was vaguely reminiscent of Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth. Backed by 2 skillful guitarists, bass, keyboards and drums, On We squeezed every ounce of energy out of their performance. Their self-proclaimed “Cold Pop” sound is clean and their songwriting is developed and nuanced. In a city teeming with local acts of all descriptions, On We seems to be a highly marketable product that is refreshingly different from the norm.

*Is 11:00PM too late to start a mid-week concert? (I once saw Brian Ritchie of the Violent Femmes perform at 2:00 AM in Manhattan’s Bowery neighborhood, but that was on a weekend and I was on vacation.) Not everyone who enjoys live music has the interest in, or the stamina for, the bar scene. Unless it’s an affront to their Rock & Roll sensibilities, a 10:00 start for the last act on weeknights might just increase attendance for Reggie’s and other music clubs throughout the city.