Chicago’s Best 80s House Music Clubs
Chicago house music was born in the 1980s and is still going strong today. Check out our list of the best 80s house music clubs in the city.
The Warehouse
The Warehouse was the first club to bring house music to Chicago and was instrumental in developing the city’s house music scene. The club was founded in 1977 by Robert Williams and was originally located on Lake Street. The club eventually moved to its current location on Wicker Park Avenue. The Warehouse is known for its large dance floor and its signature sound system.
Location
The Warehouse was a music club in Chicago, Illinois, that played host to many of the influential artists of the 1980s house music scene. The club was founded in 1977 by Robert Williams, who also owned and operated the popular record store Importes Etc. on Lake Street. The club was originally located on West Adams Street, but moved to its more famous location on North Jefferson Street in 1982. The Warehouse became one of the most important clubs in the history of house music, and was responsible for launching the careers of many famous DJs and producers, including Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson, Chip E., and Farley “Jackmaster” Funk. The Warehouse closed its doors in 1983, but its legacy continues to influence the house music scene today.
Music
The Warehouse was a popular dance club in Chicago during the 1980s, located at 640 North LaSalle Street. The club was founded by Steve “Silk” Hurley and his brother Mike. It quickly became known as one of the best places to hear house music in the city. Frankie Knuckles, Farley “Jackmaster” Funk, and Ron Hardy were all regular DJs at the club.
Crowd
The Warehouse was always known for its diverse and inclusive crowd. The club attraction people from all walks of life and from all over the city. On any given night, you could see bankers dancing next to construction workers, lawyers next to teachers, and doctors next to students. Everyone was welcome at The Warehouse and everyone felt like they belonged.
Smart Bar
Smart Bar is one of the most popular clubs in Chicago for 80s house music. The club has been around since 1982 and is known for its great music and friendly atmosphere. Smart Bar is located at 3730 N. Clark Street in Chicago.
Location
Smart Bar is located at 3730 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613. The club is situated in the basement of the former Chicago Sun-Times building in the Wrigleyville neighborhood on the city’s north side.
Music
Music is an art form and cultural activity whose medium is sound organized in time. The common elements of music are pitch (which governs melody and harmony), rhythm (and its associated concepts tempo, meter, and articulation), dynamics (loudness and softness), and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture (which are sometimes termed the “color” of a musical sound). Different styles or types of music may emphasize, de-emphasize or omit some of these elements. Music is performed with a vast range of instruments and vocal techniques ranging from singing to rapping; there are solely instrumental pieces, solely vocal pieces (such as songs without instrumental accompaniment) and pieces that combine singing and instruments. The word derives from Greek μουσική (mousike; “art of the Muses”).[1] see Classical antiquity#Ancient Greek music
In its most general form, the activities describing music as an art form or cultural activity include the creation of works of music (songs, tunes, symphonies, and so on), the criticism of music, the study of the history of music, and the aesthetic examination of music. Ancient Greek theatre was responsible for developing Western opera. Many musical traditions have been influenced by theatre,[2] including Western opera and Chinese Opera.
Crowd
Everyone who comes to Smart Bar is there for the music. The crowd is diverse, but united in their love of 80s house. You’ll see people of all ages and backgrounds dancing together all night long.
Medusa
One of the most popular house music clubs in Chicago during the 80s was Medusa. The club was known for its dark and sexy atmosphere, and it was one of the first clubs to play house music. Medusa was also one of the first clubs to offer a members-only VIP section.
Location
Medusa was located at 320 West Ohio Street in Chicago, just a few blocks west of the River North neighborhood. The club was situated on the ground floor of an office building, with a large dance floor and a mezzanine level that overlooked the action. Medusa was one of the first clubs in Chicago to feature house music, and it quickly became a hotspot for locals and tourists alike.
Music
Music was always an important part of the Medusa experience. The club was originally intended to be a rock venue, but soon shifted gears to focus on 80s music. The club became known for its wide variety of music, from new wave to synthpop to industrial. Medusa was one of the first clubs in Chicago to embrace the industrial scene, and it quickly became a hotspot for fans of the genre.
Crowd
The age range at Medusa is all over the place, as are the backgrounds and style of its clientele. You’ll find plenty of young clubbers, but also a good mix of more mature house music lovers, as well as some industry types. The overall feel is friendly and unpretentious.
