Aragon Ballroom

Worst. Sound. Ever. Yeah, yeah, I know it wasn't designed for modern bands, but those are the bands that play here now! I think they need to do a complete overhaul on the acoustic situation here. Everything sounds like water, or like someone's playing music to you over the phone. UGH.

It's conveniently located though; Lawrence red line is right near by, huge plus.

If the band's good enough, if they don't come to town often, I'll go. Otherwise, het.

My grandmother used to come here to dance in the early 1940s.  It's amazing to me that the venue has remained intact and thriving since then.

As I look at some of the previous negative reviews, I see a lot of common beefs:
1) Acoustics are bad.  I hear that.  I mean, this place was never designed for acoustics... it was supposed to be a cool dance hall featuring impressive moorish architecture.  But looking at the recently held concerts there (punk, alternative, reggaton, etc.), the Aragon typically doesn't host the types of music events that require good acoustics.  From what I can tell, most concertgoers are more interested in getting drunk and dancing than appreciating the subtle nuances of the music they are listening to.

2) Alcohol, parking, merchandise are expensive.  Also true.  But this is a concert venue.  In Chicago.  Things are expensive.  If you don't want to pay for parking, take the train.  This is literally right under the Lawrence stop.  Get a drink (or two or five) at Uptown Lounge before the show and head to Green Mill afterward.

3) People have had a bad experience with a specific concert.  I'm truly sorry to hear that... but let's not take it out on the venue.  This is a historic place that has a lot to offer.  I'll be heading back IF there is a concert that I want to go to but won't just for the sake of going.  I think that most people would say the same about any concert venue.

Here is a typical night at the past few shows I've seen at Aragon.

1.  Missed the opening band because the line stretches around 3-6 blocks, and never starts letting in on time.
2.  Harassed and searched by aggresive meatheads who are more just looking to molest you.
3.  HORRIBLE ACOUSTICS (if you've been there, you know)
4.  I feel like I need a rape kit after seeing the drink prices.
5.  The heat / smell of this place (smells like you're in the bathroom, even when you're not)
6.  Harassed by venue security/cops when in the bathroom, because if you go in a stall, they think you're either doing drugs, or smoking (pot or cigs).  They'll just bust the door open, they don't even care.
7.  Witnessed so many beatings on patrons by security, mindless monekys pounding on people like they're in the jungle.  Way to kill the stereotypes you apes.

It sucks that this place really is a beautfiul venue, but it is ruined by every one of these facts stated above.  Burn it down, start all over again.  I guess it's better than getting raped and murdered outside of Congress Theater, but even that fact won't earn this place another star in my opinion.  
Screw you Aragon, I figured out how to sneak my booze in now, and I commit random acts of vandilism everytime I'm there.  THE CROWD WILL FIGHT BACK, AND WE WILL WIN.