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. Â 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. Â I hear that. Â I mean, this place was never designed for acoustics... it was supposed to be a cool dance hall featuring impressive moorish architecture. Â 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. Â 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. Â Also true. Â But this is a concert venue. Â In Chicago. Â Things are expensive. Â If you don't want to pay for parking, take the train. Â This is literally right under the Lawrence stop. Â 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. Â I'm truly sorry to hear that... but let's not take it out on the venue. Â This is a historic place that has a lot to offer. Â 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. Â 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. Â Missed the opening band because the line stretches around 3-6 blocks, and never starts letting in on time.
2. Â Harassed and searched by aggresive meatheads who are more just looking to molest you.
3. Â HORRIBLE ACOUSTICS (if you've been there, you know)
4. Â I feel like I need a rape kit after seeing the drink prices.
5. Â The heat / smell of this place (smells like you're in the bathroom, even when you're not)
6. Â 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). Â They'll just bust the door open, they don't even care.
7. Â Witnessed so many beatings on patrons by security, mindless monekys pounding on people like they're in the jungle. Â 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. Â Burn it down, start all over again. Â 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. Â
Screw you Aragon, I figured out how to sneak my booze in now, and I commit random acts of vandilism everytime I'm there. Â THE CROWD WILL FIGHT BACK, AND WE WILL WIN.
I've been here three or four times, and I never liked the vibe of this place.
When you first enter, it feels huge and feels like it should be the location of the next D&D convention. Â The ceilings, frescoes, and general architecture has a fantasy feel to it and it is just a bizarre environment with surroundings that don't seem to belong.
From what I remember, the acoustics are bad and for some reason it seems to attract more rowdy people - maybe that's just the shows I have happened to end up seeing here. Â When it comes to shows, patrons have no choice as to what venue their band of choice goes to. Â Not sure if this venue would make or break it, but this is certainly not the venue of choice for me.
Very lousy sound for a concert - there are many places on the floor where the dead spots are so severe that it sounds like the singer's mike has been cut. Â The location is pretty crappy, although it does have the benefit of being near the El. Â Make sure the band is somebody you REALLY want to see before buying a ticket to a show here.
Review Source:I went to see Ellie Goulding with St. Lucia opening last night. Tickets, venue site et al just said "7pm" with no indication of if this was the time doors opened or the time the concert started. We arrived late because what concert starts on time? Evidently any all ages show at Aragon must legally render the building vacant by 10:30. So the opener was done by 7:40, headliner came on right at 8pm.
It just wasn't fun. The acoustics are horrible. Maybe it's ok for a jam band or something like that, but Ellie Goulding was drowned out by too much bass, lost her backing track a couple of time and it just never sounded any better than a stereo that was turned up too loud in an echoing room.
Also, the ATM lines were super long, the machines were fickle and it was difficult to get them to actually accept a card. Staff was incompetent directing us to ATMs that didn't exist, bars kept running out of beer.
I won't ever see another show here again. I spent one third the cost of this show on a show last week at Lincoln Hall which was infinitely better. WHAT A DUMP.
Three stars really? Not in my opinion. Â So maybe you have to make your way through a crummy part of town and pay $20 to park - but it's convenient and worth it. Â I love that they sell tickets on alternative sites (band site) vs. being an exclusive Live Nation/Ticket Bastard monopoly. Â
I recently drove up from Indianapolis to see my favorite band, Deftones, touring to promote their new album; Koi No Yokan. Â The line was easy to get through, especially if you already had your tickets. Â
Once inside, I couldn't believe how large the venue was, with merch and refreshments stops all the way up to the second floor. Â Upon entering the ballroom, the first act had the floor vibrating. Â I was stunned by the beauty everywhere I turned. Â The ceilings are a work of art. Â The top level was closed off, but the floor was plenty large to accommodate the crowd, even allowing my friend and I to make our way up front to the center stage. Â
I thought I'd die when Chino jumped into the crowd. Â We were so close I could almost have reached out to touched him! Â This was one of the most amazing shows I'd seen in a while, and I've been to my fair share, most recently seeing them tour with SOAD at the Rosemont. Â This was different, very intimate. Â We were interacting and feeling every word. Â I couldn't wait for their cd release (you'll NEVER catch me saying 'to drop') & have had it on repeat since.
Besides the ambiance and all around cool vibe, the sound was absolutely amazing. Â This place is now on my radar, well worth my 3.5 hour drive for a great show.
I stood in line for an hour down the road until the doors opened.... miiiistake. Â Sure, I got a primo spot, about 4 rows in front of the stage, but that was even after I stopped to buy some merch before hand. Â So, don't be fooled by the giant line forming by the side of the building a block down.... well, unless you really want to be up front.
Anyway, the ballroom is huge. I can understand if you're in the back its hard to see because its standing room only- get the best seat you can type deal. Â That being said, the front gets uber crowded. Thank God it was a Tristan Prettyman (FAVORITE artist) and the Script concert, so no crazy smelly hippies by my side.
The interior ceiling/wall murals were cool and sound was decent, probably because I was up front. Â I'd go again but skip early wait and hang out in the second level.
OK, so I went to a rave for the first time in like (counting on fingers) 9 years...
The Aragon Ballroom or "Brawlroom" as it is lovingly called, is pretty badass.
Here's the skinny:
THEY HAVE A COAT CHECK
Recently got a new sound system.
Everyone knows this fact: open floor, no seats except the "VIP" & balcony
Ventilation is OK at first but, then it gets downright pig sex hot 'n sweaty
Non-Smoking??? maybe... maybe not... who's lookin'?
Mosh, Rave, Rage... whatever, it's game on in there!
Here's the fat:
There's a Coat Room, first time I went I froze my ass off because I didn't know that. Now you know! And I just saved your Nipples! (keep reading for a laugh)
Over the summer sometime they got a pretty badass sound system! Bassy and with good mids and highs too. The extra bass did make a few rattles and squeekies up above though... shit vibrates... what can you do? No biggie though, you only hear it when it's quiet... wait what? NVM it's only quiet during sound checks...
Open floor, Duh. The only seating is in the balcony and VIP area. VIP area is tiny,,, like sitting in a roped off corner tiny. Not bad but, for whatever they paid I'm sure that The Aragon could offer something a bit nicer... Like a half wall with some sweet frickin' couches and all that. The Balcony Area looks like that's where it's at though, I just barely peeked... looks sweet. perhaps some sneakiness is needed next time I'm there... shhh don't tell no one!
It does get pretty damn hot in there, My first time there was for Gigantour in January. 11 degrees outside when we got there. Went in, it was great. Nice 'n warm at the doors, then cooled down as you walk through the hall. Bands started playing, we started jamming and jumpin' and eventually moshing(got a knee to the face! #pic). It got to be ridiculously hot in there, like JUNGLE hot, the bowels of HELL hot! The show went on till about midnight or so, I was soaked in sweat(not just my own). Upon stepping outside I genuinely wished there was better ventilation and A/C... it was 7 (SEVEN) degrees out and my T-shirt instantly froze to my tender nipples... not fun at all btw.
It's a "Non-Smoking" venue... riiight...
At first it is, then the crowd forms and the lights dim, The it's get your smoke on and not just cigarettes either. I personally don't care, I smoke(cigarettes) and did partake in a few while I attended, the security personell "catch" a person here and there, By catch I mean the Flashlight Tag you... that's it, they don't come after you or kick you out... they know it's happening but, can't really do much about it, ESPECIALLY if there's an undulating crowd moshing or raving with spinning glow-sticks and LED hula-hoops!
I like the Brawlroom, it's a good fun place. Great for concerts and all that!
Last few pointers, if you've read this far you deserve to know:
The only bar that's not CASH ONLY is between the stairs, all others = CASH
Beer is $7.50
Mixed drinks are STRONG but a bit more $$$
When I went on 11/10/2012 they were taking all lighters and tossing 'em
There was also a "No Re-Entry" sign posted above the main doors.
SYOY
I was really excited to come to the Q87.7 "The Night we Stole Christmas" show here last night. Â I won tickets and they were supposed to be at Will Call. Â That was the end of what was good for me with the Aragon Ballroom.
The show was supposed to start at 6:30pm, and online it said the doors would open at 5pm. Â When we arrived at 6pm the line was all the way down the alley, down another alley, and all the way down Broadway. Â The line hadn't started moving yet because they hadn't opened the doors yet.
Everyone waits in the same line to get in. Â Then once you are inside it is a complete shit show. Â It is chaotic, there are people everywhere and no one knows where to go. Â The Will Call box is badly labeled in the center of the room. Â I had to ask a security guard where Will Call was. Â (Luckily the security guards were polite, easy to spot, calm, and helpful at pointing people in the right direction).
I went to will call to pick up my tickets, but they told me they didn't have my tickets and said that I said go to the window on the right. Â Well the window on the right was empty. Â So I had to ask another person where to go. Â That guy was very trying to be helpful. Â He told me to go to the door on the right and see the woman with the guest lists. Â The guest list door had a huge line, because everyone with tickets thought they were supposed to go through that line. Â There were no signs anywhere, and that was where the line fed into.
The "guest lists" were a joke. Â They were just a few pages with lists that were sent from other people in all different formats. Â One of the lists was a printed email with the body of the email saying the name of the person on the list. Â Shockingly she could not find my name on those lists.
I found another person to ask about the tickets and try to figure out where mine were (and a bunch of other people that had been sent away from the guest list woman. Â It seemed to me as though she was turning more people away then she was finding. Â Some of them managed to get a hold of someone important on the inside who came down and corrected the guest list woman so they were let in. Â But a bunch of us were just screwed.
It turns out Will call only has tickets for people who purchased them online from Ticket Master. Â Any other tickets are left on guest lists. Â So there is no centralized system for will call. Â And there are no labels anywhere.
I never even made it into the theater, but the reason for that is the Aragon staff and system. Every single thing I saw was disorganized, poorly explained, poorly labeled, poorly executed. Â The system seemed as though this was a 1 time event out of their normal functions. Â They couldn't even handle the normal functions well, and anything abnormal was impossible for them to deal with. Â On top of that, most of the staff was incredibly rude. Â This is probably due to the fact that everything was in complete chaos and none of them seemed to know what they were doing, so it was probably very stressful. Â However from a customer point of view I cannot believe any venue that has been in business as long as the Aragon could be organized so poorly.
In the end I had no choice but to leave without getting to see anything and it could easily happen to every person that needs to pick up tickets from them at Will Call.
You know what's really sad? The fact that Chicago has NO good music venues. I mean, com-on, house music originated from here, so that should be the number one reason why our city should have the best venues in all of the US! That's def not the case here.
Oh, and please don't get me started on Congress Theater...
I am a huge music buff, I've been to most places around here and throughout the states. My bf is a *bedroom DJ*, but he knows his stuff more than your average person. We came here recently and though the show was absolutely amazing, Aragon had definitely ruined half of the experience. The sound system is outrageously horrible, and to make it worse, the sound engineer had no idea what she was doing. Maybe she wasn't used to adjusting the sound to banging electro beats, or whatever the issue was, but it was BAD!
The reason that Aargon has two stars and not one is that you can't deny the fact that it is architecturally beautiful. It's spacious so you never feel claustrophobic, which is def a plus especially in raves. Bathrooms, though they are downstairs and are harder to get to, I have never had to wait in line to use them. And lastly, there are plenty of bars to choose from. My comfort level is def a 4.5 stars here, but quality of sound overweighs quality of comfort or me any day of the week.
I've been here twice, the first time was a few years ago, and sadly, nothing has changed, except the building got older. I hope whoever is in charge of this place reads Yelp reviews so they can make some adjustments. If the sound improved, I would def improve my rating to 4 or maybe 5 stars.
Well, I will say that the Aragon is BETTER in my opinion than the Congress Theater.
It's cleaner.
Its not bad but I guess soundwise the venue may not live up to your expectations.
Soundwise, I guess congress might actually be better but that place is a shithole.
Wonder if there is a venue that can perhaps do both.
Beautiful venue. Â Horrible hollow acoustics for the New Order show 10/21/12. Â I hate the snobbery about the VIP upstairs seating --taking seats away from everyone. Â They need to display signs banning "whoo-ing". Â I can't stand people who whoo or talk at concerts. Â You're messing up my bootleg recording of the show...
Review Source:As a person who's hard of hearing, it's hard for me to get any kind of hard on for the old 'brawl-room'.
Over the past decade and a half I've seen dozens and dozens of shows here, but I think I've only recently been able to come to the following realization: Ceiling = Super; Sound = Suck.
Every time I leave a show at AB I find myself wondering the same thing, 'why do I come back here?'. And I have to equate it to being something like the pain of childbirth (something I hope to never experience, btw), where it's hot and excruciating and you're being pushed to your very limits, but once it's all said and done the memory of the whole insufferable experience fades, and you're left with the satisfaction and pride that you did that thing that you did, ya know, with all the pushing and screaming and ish and came out with something to show for it.
I go to these shows, I stand through the crazy long lines to get in to the venue and then the bathrooms, and then to get an ultra sh*tty beer, and then I struggle to see any part of the show, I'm being pushed from every angle and I can't hear sh*t while I'm there, but then when I leave (an hour and a half after the show ends- because that's how long it takes to get out of here with a crowd) I get to have the bragging rights to seeing a band that not too many other people got a chance to, because of the semi small-mid range venue.
I'd like to give you a better star rating based on the bands you pull, but sadly, when I look around the venue and see everyone singing along to a different song because the sound is so f*cked up that no one can decipher, I have to go a big rubbery one and give the monotone mediocrity what it deserves.
Went to see Aoki perform here this past Friday night - I was surprised to hear that his concert didn't sell out, but once I stepped inside I understood why. Aragon is HUGE (I think bigger than Congress even) and it has a much better balcony area, not to mention Aragon sounds better than it's competing venues. The crowd was sweaty as usual, but everyone seemed to have a great time and enjoyed themselves. Also the security didn't search you too extremely, just a quick pat down before they let you in (always a bonus in my book)
Definitely going to drop one star because of their outrageous rates for a solo cup of beer ($7) or water ($3). Granted, Congress, and all the other electronic/house music venues do the same thing, it'd be nice if they can ease up on charging for the water (there was also an ambulance in front when I got there; somebody probably died from not being able to afford any water).
What an amazing venue for concerts. The inside of this old theater is made of mostly wood and metal, with very high ceilings, and it kind of looks like the inside of an opera house, so its a very classy place to have concerts at.
I went to the Steve Aoki concert here, and the set designs for this concert was done well (very sci-fi, with lots of stars on the ceiling), and there's even a balconey area at the Aragon, to watch the concert from above!
I recommend the Aragon for almost any concert imaginable,LOL.
I hate to give such a low review for a place I've only been to once, but unfortunately, the Aragon deserves it.
It was NYE '10/'11, and two friends and I were stoked to see the Black Keys for the first time. I can't really complain about the 1.5 hour wait to get in--that's pretty standard on NYE. When we finally got through the doors of the venue and headed toward the bar, I was shocked to see ONLY Miller products. Ew. Plus, one measly (8-10 oz.?) cup of beer was $7.
The Black Keys put on a solid show with a good set list (this tour was for Brothers, but they jammed on plenty of their lo-fi classics), but the sound was muddled and ears-ringing-for-a-week loud.
The worst thing about this show was that it was waaaay oversold. I was at least 200 feet back from the stage and still crammed in like a sardine. Since the floor is completely flat, I probably wouldn't have seen any of the show if I was under 6' tall. In fact, my friend who is only 5'1" was gasping for air for half the show because she was practically in a crush, and apparently the only air she was getting was moist, stinky, and most likely filled with evaporating sweat.
And what IS it with music venues charging its patrons $4-5 for a tiny cup of water?!
When the show was over, it took another hour to herd everyone out of the venue, and it was during this hour that I witnessed the most disturbing event of the night: two young men were shoving each other, obviously about to fight, when a security guard stepped in and roughly broke up the fight. He completely manhandled one of the patrons, and when the female friend started putting up a stink to the security guard, she was shoved to the ground (by said security guard) and whacked her head on the floor. Yikes--not the kind of security that makes you feel safe.
I have avoided going to shows here since then, and it would take something like a Led Zeppelin reunion show to bring me back.
As I start to write, I find myself once again looking for the half-star, because it's not quite deserving of a 2-star diss but just the same has not earned "A-OK".
The stairways are screaming for a trampling event and a lawsuit. The security patdowns were simply weak and left me wanting more.
Architecturally speaking, it's a fun place. But when Junior takes the reigns on the sound board, forget it. The show sounded decent for the most part, but I found myself wincing because of poor engineer work. The acoustics aren't special here, but you can weasel your way around to various spots to get the type of sound that suits you best.
If you're a cheapskate, skip the $20 lot parking which is a zoo anyway and park down the street. After 9 the meters are irrelevant; parking for $3 beats $20, and you get to avoid traffic to boot.
The Aragon historically has been my least favorite non-arena venue in Chicago. The sound has typically been awful and I have seen some amazing acts here. I have seen Rob Zombie, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Pixies, and I have even seen Billy Corigan's diarrhea Zwan. All of those shows had me questioning why do I go to concerts at the Aragon.
Then the amazing happened! I saw Portishead last night and it was absolutely perfect! They must have a sound guy that went to Harvard because they figured this shit out! I applaud you grizzly looking guy wearing the same t-shirt for the last month in the sound booth. YOU TAMED THE BEAST!
Now if they can figure out how to lower the temp from 100 degrees to 90!
The Aragon Ballroom is, hands down, the most beautiful indoor concert venue in the greater Chicago area. The "stars" in the ceiling actually twinkle, completing the effect of being in a Spanish courtyard only steps from the CTA.
Sadly, it is not the most beautiful to listen to. While I have never, despite coming here for numerous shows over the years, been in the balcony area, on the main floor, the sound quality is unpredictable. When I was here to see the Pixies, it sounded great. One of the times I came to see Morrissey here, it was pretty good. Another time I was here to see Morrissey, I put in earplugs because it was way too loud, the drums were drowning out the vocals, and moving around to different areas in an attempt to find an acoustically-better spot to stand didn't help. Then again, where else was I going to see the Pixies or Morrissey? He always plays here when he comes to town, and the chance to see him live is worth the bathroom lines and having to see people make pukey faces when they taste the pizza sold at the bar. (I suggest not eating that pizza.)
Beyond that, some of the problems that plague the Aragon can be solved or improved with a little strategy. I get here plenty early for a show if I possibly can, ideally just before the opening band starts (if there is one) but not the very moment the doors open. That way, there aren't lines around the block, just a shorter line that, at this point, is moving pretty briskly. I also have my coat unbuttoned when I get to the security staff, or in appropriate weather, forgo a coat entirely. If I'm wearing tight jeans and they can see that I have no pockets on my shirt, they sometimes forgo the frisk and let me pass. I have made it through the line and onto the floor in under ten minutes. Showing up late will not facilitate such an easy entry.
Once inside, carefully evaluate whether you really want to go to the coat check. If you're here early, there might be no line. Maybe go onto the floor and see how cold or hot it is--sometimes it's damn chilly in the winter, and you'll want that coat. Regardless, at the end of the night, you will have to wait for your coat. I get pretty confused when I am standing in the coat check line after the show and hear people complain that the line is just as bad as when they dropped off the coat--I mean, logically, everyone who checked a coat wants it back, right? Dressing in layers might be a better strategy, perhaps a cardigan you can button or unbutton as the room heats up or cools.
Leaving the Aragon, there will be a traffic jam. If you're like me, and you get claustrophobic when there are two centimeters between your face and a wall on one side and you and a hundred people on the other side, this could be a problem. One solution is to look up and find out how many encores the band is doing in other cities on their tour. Then, start making your way to the exit toward the end of the last encore. You will still be able to hear the music right up until you leave, and you might miss...half a song? You can even get a head start on some people if you leave exactly when that last song ends, because people who are expecting another song will hang around a bit, waiting for the house lights or some other cue to leave.
In short, this place is wonderful for many reasons (beautiful, unique, great bands) and not so wonderful for other reasons (lines, lines, lines). With a little strategy, you can get the most out of your experience here and enjoy the positive while minimizing the negative.
I enjoyed watching Silversun Pickups here last year and thought that for what it is, this venue is pretty nice. We arrived late, too late for both front of the floor or the seats above on the balcony but I've come to appreciate places with balcony level seats for those of us who don't want to mash it up in the middle of the crowd.
The ticketing was quick, the staff was friendly, and they even scored me some nice ear plugs since I totally forgot to bring mine and they ended up selling out at the merchandise table.
The drinks were averagely priced and the merchandise table was full of goodies still in stock. The concert was great, music was great, good experience overall!
The last time I was at the Aragon was in high school circa 1997 to see Ani Difranco. Ha! What I didn't notice then was the 1990 trapperkeeper-esque design on the ceiling...oohhh...galexies. The rest of the place looks like Medieval Times.
Sound was fine - at first I thought it was terrible, but turns out the opener was just horrible. What really annoyed me was the bar - Miller Light and Red Bull. That's it. Wha? Sick...it really IS like I am in high school. Where's the jager? Â Not sure if this is always what they have, but it was pretty disappointing.
I think this might be the worst concert venue on earth. Been twice now, once for Atoms for Peace and once for Black Keys on NYE. Both times, I was very disappointed in just about every aspect.
1. The entrance, the line wraps around the building, which 9 months out of the year means standing in uncomfortable weather in Chicago. In a dark alley, that smells, and is filled with puddles. Gross. Then they split the line by gender at the entrance for bag checks etc. Not only does this result in mass confusion and "I've already waited in the boys line" claims, it's really annoying when people wait to regroup after they make it through the entrance. Hmmm bottleneck into clueless people finding their friends??? Methinksnot.
2. The bathrooms. Seriously? I know it's super old blah blah blah, but did people not pee in 1920? Only one bathroom, and it's on the bottom floor. How on earth are you supposed to find people in this gigantic place if you leave them to pee? Not to mention the line....the line that extended almost to the entrance during both shows I went to.
3. The sound. OMG what sound? Admittedly, I've stood on the balcony for both shows I attended, once near stage and once somewhat towards the back. Both shows had horrible sound. Almost like there's an invisible sound proof wall stifling any sort of clarity and crispness, you'd expect to hear from a live show. You'd figure night 2 of the Black Keys would've helped them fix these sorts of problems, but no... It was terrible. Â
And there's long lines for the bars, exiting, etc blah blah blah. But really, there are so many better venues in Chicago, I'd never go back to Aragon no matter how good the band, because I'm fully convinced the venue would make me hate them if I had to suffer through experiencing it again. I think the only people who like this place must be native Chicagoans with some sort of nostalgia factor. Personally, I'd rather see a show in standing room only at Texas Stadium.
Sigh. The total and typical love/hate relationship. How do I always manage to get myself wrapped up in these? They're not healthy for me. It's utterly torturing, and only sometimes in that beautifully bittersweet kind of way. Nothing good ever comes of them. Ever. They make me require shameful self-help books and boatloads of wine therapy, yet, I'm always unswervingly attracted to the allure of something so bad it's almost good.
Yes, I'm talking about you, Aragon. With your hideous Knights of the Round Table decor, amateurish night sky ceiling mural thing, one big, never-ending floor with no elevated areas for short fries, appalling echoey sound and to top it off, a really lame selection of beer. Yes, YOU!
Yet despite your apparent suckville, I find myself coming back. Endlessly, relentlessly, consistently, yours. I'm not sure if the appeal stems from the draw you seem to have over bands I positively adore, the good time I always seem to have despite all aforementioned flaws, or the security staff you employ that without fail are always mean to me regardless of how polite, out-of-the-way and composed I act. It's punk rock, it's mosh pits, it's crowd surfing, and upon my last visit, I saw a brave young man rush the stage, do a back flip on it and then swan dive back into the crowd.
That is rock, my friends. Pure, unadulterated fucking rock. You'd think such hardcoredness would warrant a higher Yelp score, eh? Well, I'm still bitter about all those self-help books. Suck on that and all your shitteous Miller Lite! Minus one star.
Atmosphere: Cool.
Sound: Shitty.
I'm down with the look of The Aragon. Â It was apparently designed to replicate a Spanish palace courtyard, complete with crystal chandeliers, mosaic tiles, terra-cotta ceilings, balconies and arches. Â The ceiling is painted to look like the evening sky complete with twinkle lights and shooting stars. Â
The main floor is huge. Â It's where the masses gather to fist pump, dance, bump, jive, even crowd surf their way to musical nirvana. Â Nothing says "love" like up to 4500 sweaty strangers, right? Â Should you choose to be more low-key about your evening, you can head up to the balcony where folks tend to chill out. Â However, you should know that the balcony is FAR away from the stage so while you're not getting clocked in the head by a crowd surfer, you won't be able to see the facial expressions of the band. Â And really... isn't that why we go to these smaller venues? Â To have a more personal experience?
Despite a great look and feel, the sound at The Aragon is abysmal. Â Echo-y is an understatement. Â Hell, I could hardly understand the lyrics being sung by the lead singer of the band. Â It's such a bummer because I really like everything else about this venue.
I would go back to Aragon, but I definitely don't make it a regular thing. Â If a band I love is playing there, OF COURSE I'll be in the front row rockin' out, but the whole time I'll be wishing I was at a venue with better sound quality.
Back in 2002 I came here to see the Flaming Lips. I almost passed out from the heat and had to leave the show early.
Fast forward to 2010. Came here to see Atoms for Peace, it's 50 out, and I wore shorts and a tank top and put my hair up, determined to not again suffer from heat exhaustion.
Smart move. Some things never change, and this is one of them. It could probably be -20 outside and it would still be 110 in this place. That's partially because there are no windows, no real air circulation, and too many people. I survived because of my minimal clothing, but my friends wearing jeans and gym shoes were pretty miserable.
Reminds me of the rave in Milwaukee for some reason, except it is supposed to look like a castle inside and has those fake starry skies. Bars are plentiful but I think they only serve miller lite. Awesome if you were born without taste buds. Of course, what difference does it make? It's way too hot to drink, I would dehydrate.
If there was a fire here you would die. One exit, it took us about 20 minutes to get out of here. Just atrocious.
Still better then the Riv. I hate that fu*king place.
Can't they knock down some pillars?!?!
Back in the day the Aragon was the place to be, at least for my type of music. I didn't mind the ear blowing sound or the heat coming off the mosh pits, the weed in the air, or the shady security guards. It was the pure joy of seeing your favorite bands live. Rage Against the Machine top 5 shows ever!
Through the years, things change just like my taste in music. It seemed that the Aragon was going one way and I the other. It was as though we would never meet again, so I had to stop in at least one more time to visit the place that held so many great memories. Sadly I didn't find her in the same shape she was once in. All torn up and smelled like the El stops, plus the sound was unbelievably bad. How disappointed was I...
Many years later, oddly enough, fate stuck. The Phoenix show was moved to the Aragon, hesitant at first but I figured why not. To my surprise she was back and as good as new. It doesn't seem like they changed a whole lot (new paint job, patched walls) but it was clean and didn't smell. Sound was better too. There are areas that you can cool off from the heat of the crowd and they actually staffed all the bars. It seems that the Aragon and I have many years to catch up on and I can't wait for some up coming shows.
Hello Pixies, here I come!!!!!!!!
You could walk by the Aragon and think it is just another old and tired theater. The facade with it's blacked out doors, graffitied walls and posters plastered about certainly doesn't give a nod to the mysteries that await within.
But push open those doors (or have them opened for you on a night there is a concert or other venue by the many security guards) and you are swept into a the courtyard of a Spanish castle complete with palm trees, twinkling stars and and a few middle eastern touches thrown in (check out the huge swords protruding from above the stage).
Built in 1926 for ballroom dancing- the Aragon is now home to many concerts that come to town (I saw Morrissey here recently and have attended several private parties in the place)
Look around. The grand staircase to get up to the ballroom (yes it's on the 2nd floor) is from a by gone era. Huge wood banisters with mosaic tile stairs. Step into the ballroom. Look down. The wood flooring with it's thin strips and circular pattern is craftsmanship that you don't get anymore. The room is huge- holding 4500 people. Look up. The ceiling far above you has twinkling lights reminiscent of stars.
Bars are along the perimeter with beers costing $6. Know before you go that unless you snag one of the balcony areas (often unavailable as they are booked for private parties) that there are no seats at the Aragon. You will be standing for the entire concert or event.
Everyone gets searched (including a pat down) on the way in- two lines- one for women and men but the guards are cool about it and keep the lines moving.
The place is huge- so acoustics could be a problem- but it was solved for the recent concert I saw- by a sound curtain hanging from the ceiling. Stand in the front third of the ballroom to reduce the echo and you should have a fine concert experience.
Parking can be a bit of a challenge but if you get there early enough- there is a lot across the street ($20).
Too much amazing detail to go into here - but one final thing to note. As you exit the building - take a look at the terra cotta faces carved into the building. The story is that the ballroom was originally built for a wedding and that these faces were the faces of the guests at that wedding. True? I'll leave that up to you to decide.
Yes, another review about a concert venue from the unknowledgeable one....case in point, the other day, the boyfriend was talking about the band Rise Against. Â I gave him a quizzical look and he scoffed at me, "Amanda, Rise Against is currently the biggest band to come out of Chicago...", proceeded to roll his eyes and walk away. Â (I know, how rude, right? Â Not to worry, I punished him with a faux mad lecture and all was harmonious once again.)
That little non-related tidbit aside, I feel like this is a great place to see a show. Â We came here a few weeks ago for the Bloc Party show, which was really a good time.
I love the old feeling to this place...the old front on the building, the balconies, the ceiling with its twinkles. Â I can imagine being here back in the day all dressed up, dancing, having a swell time.
Nowadays, you get a lot of punk-kids (well, that's what there were for the Bloc Party show) or whatever kind of following the featured band has....but still, you can buy your overpriced beverage and enjoy great sound from the floor. Â
Several bars make getting beers relatively easily. Â Coat check on the first floor is a plus for those cold wintry concert-going nights. Â And the bathrooms with the looooong mirrors provide plenty of room for a-primping after serious dance party upstairs (or whatever you've been doing.)
Go, have a good time. Â Listen to music. Â Don't date music snobs. Â (Just kidding about that last part.)
I love all the reviews of people who are shocked about the Aragon being "crowded" or "people everywhere". It's a concert! People go to concerts! And it's a venue that holds close to 5000 people. If the band wasn't a big band they'd have played the Riv (3500 people), the Vic (2500) or Metro (1000). If they are playing the Aragon, then they are a pretty big band.
Yes, security is going to usher you through as quick as possible, and they are going to pat you down, but seriously, I was through the line in about 3 minutes. You then walk to the main hallway to the stairs, go up and walk into a massive room. The acoustics do depend on where you stand. If you are in the main floor area, it's good sound. If you're off to the side or back, under the arches, then the sound is distorted.
Yeah, beer is expensive, but very average for a concert ($6). At the place is beautiful. I understand why my grandma used to come here in the 40's to dance.
This is one of the most beautiful buildings in Chicago, If I had a few extra millions this is the place I would spend it on.
I went to see Thievery Corporation concert here and had a great time as well.
The acoustics was not much to talk about but good enough, the drinks were cheap and had enough option other than beer, the service was decent.
I wish someone would see the potential in this place and return this in to it's original purpose, a play ground for grown ups :-)
I would go back here, just see the rest of the building, yes it really is that beautiful.
I've seen countless shows here: New Order, Pixies reunion, the Strokes, Flaming Lips, and recently My Bloody Valentine. You're got to get close to the stage to avoid sound wash, but I like good sound as much as anybody and I still think this is a great venue for many reasons.
The Jazz Age Ballroom is an amazing setting. From wood floors where you can picture Cab Calloway's band leading  frenzied Hi-dee-Ho Lindy hopping crews of Zelda Fitzgeralds, to exotic Oriental-style architecture touches; the setting just adds to the excitement of seeing rock shows here! The Flaming Lips took full advantage, with a stage that jutted out into the audience and Wayne Coyne easily being tossed Bubble Boy-style into the audience and back.
I drive here everytime, and yes parking is difficult. But I never have trouble eventually finding a spot less than 4 blocks away. And for MBV I found a secret spot I ain't telling any of you about! Sweet! A huge minus is the price of water for us people not drinking, $3 for an itty bitty 8 oz. bottled water? At least give me 12 oz. for that price, sheesh!
All you "sound purist" reviewers can hand over your tin-can iPods right now and buy a turntable...yeah, I didn't think so! All things in perspective people. Take in the setting, wear tall but comfortable standing shoes, and enjoy the show!
Irony here is that the room actually has really great acoustics, but only a select few seem to know how to properly mix music in the room. You can literally stand on the stage, whisper, and have that whisper heard clearly at the back of the room. Unfortunately, since most sound mixers seem to mix only by making everything loud, and when it still doesn't sound right, they just make things louder and kick up the bass frequencies, most music doesn't end up sounding very good in this place. If you do end up seeing a show with a person mixing that knows and understands the dynamics of the room, it will be a good sounding show. I had to knock one star off for most shows sounding like you're on the other end of a tin can phone but really loud.
The drinks, including water, at this place are way overpriced. $5 for a bottle of water? Really? There's a star knocked off for that too.
On the plus side, it is a beautiful room. It's "very Pirates of the Caribbean," as Les Claypool once said from the stage. Plus it's one of the few surviving ballrooms. My grandmother tells me stories of going dancing here in its heyday. I really like the history and architecture of this place. I added two stars for those two things.
I have also seen many a good show here. I added a star for that too.
This place is not easily accessible by those in wheelchairs. however, I have seen the burly security guards help those with wheels as legs up and down the stairs to the main room. I have even seen them be so nice as to lift them up a second flight of stairs to the VIP section in the balcony as to bring them out of potential harm's way.
I have to say that I like the Riviera more than the Aragon, but I'll still go see shows at the "Brawlroom".
Once upon a time, a young girl and her friends wanted to see rock shows at the Aragon. At that time , Aragon, like many other venues was just a big open space, no seating,or if there was seating, no assigned seating.
We slept outside to get in line and were offered "fire water" from the crazy Native Americans who roamed the streets all night.We had no idea how crazy we were.
Many of the performers who played here are now gone-Warren Zevon comes to mind.I know there are plenty of others, but it was sooo many years and brain cells ago.
I could not understand why my Mom was so freaked out by us sleeping on Lawrence Ave back then. I would not recommend it now.
The venue has a great many varied performers these days,everything from boxing to Tejano to punk. Very gritty and raw,definitely for the younger crowd.
The venue itself,only three stars, the memories-so much more!
I will never go to a show here again if the temperature outside is above 70 degrees. I paid $80 in tickets for Manu Chao and left half way through his set because I was about to pass out from heat exhaustion. Seriously, you can't expect to cram 3000 people into a place with no ventilation, no AC, no open windows, no free water and one fan. It's only a matter of time before someone croaks or has a heat stroke.
I went to see The Muse there last August and don't remember it being bad at all yet I didn't see any ventilation system so I don't know how that would have been possible. Anyway, the only way I will go back is if it's in the middle of February.
The acoustics suck ass as well; its pretty much all brick and concrete with wood floors, very cavernous sounding. If I didn't know the music, I wouldn't have been able to tell when Manu switched from Spanish to English.
It really is a shame because it's a beautiful hall and we are lucky to have theatres like this. Imagine the Music Box if it were a music venue and that's how cool looking the Aragon is inside.
Oh ya, I went to the back bar to get a mixed drink because they only have MGD and Lite and ordered a Gin and Soda and the guy gave me 2 club sodas with no gin and a sprite. Where the fuck did they hire these people?
Good thing I had already seen Manu Chao at Lollapalooza last year and could justify going home and relaxing in the AC.
LOVE this venue. Â If we were voting on looks alone (I know, so shallow) Â I would give it 5-stars. Â There isn't a bad seat in the house and the ballroom is just gorgeous. Â Don't forget to look up at the ceiling because it is probably the coolest part (think a version Starry Starry Night).
Another cool thing about Aragon is the fact that it's IN the city and practically has it's own Red Line stop. Â There isn't too much around it - Green Mill, Uptown Lounge but no place with good eats - so the option of jumping on the train before or after a show is key.
Monday night, Lee and I went to see Snow Patrol and OK Go. Â It was a great show minus the crowd (tweenies and couples making out to "Run". Â Yikes!), the rules (you couldn't leave and come back in), and the beer prices ($6). Â It was easy to get a beer (or a Tequila and Squirt if you are Lee) because there are concession stations aplenty. Â Phew. Â If you have the opportunity, make sure you catch a show here!
I went to see the All American Rejects concert few months back here. Â I liked the location, right on the redline stop. Â I dig the huge ceilings and vintage look. Â I really wanted to go since this was my first concert in Chicago. Â I did however realized it was going to be crowded with screaming teenagers. Â But I went anyways since I listen to this music and I wanted to see the band AAR. Â
How cool was it? Oh yes, it was very cool. Â Move along, move along, move along... you get the drift.. fun fun fun.
I was getting tired though standing around 3 hours waiting for the main band to show up. Â Next time I'll show up few hours later, skip the cover bands; they weren't that good plus standing around wasn't fun.
I will definitely go back to this theater for another concert.
This place is awesome. Death Cab for Cutie and Franz Ferdninand last night. The show was awesome. The european bands always bring so much energy when they play. I was there more for Death Cab but grew to like Franz more. Anyway, about the Aragon. I love the old theatre feel to it. The beer lines are never too bad and for the most part the bathroom lines go quickly.
Between the Vic, Riv and Aragon I would choose the Aragon.
The 5 best restaurants in the 2015 Denver Restaurant Week
3,611 Views | Category: Denver
The complete list of 2015 Denver Restaurant Week businesses
1,972 Views | Category: Denver
The tourists' guide to Portillos: 5 must have dishes
3,318 Views | Category: Chicago
Pho = Pronounced "fuh" not "foe" for pho-king sake
2,915 Views | Category: Denver
Indulgery selected to exhibit at Collision Conference
2,987 Views | Category: Press Releases
Not Logged In
BUSINESSES
Local Businesses
Near Me
My Favorites
SOCIAL
Blog & News
MY ACCOUNT
Login
Register
Contact Us
Add Your Business
