Every newly vaccinated show-goer brings Chicago’s live venues closer to fully reopening

Amid an uptick in COVID-19 and freezing temperatures, Chicago’s creative ecosystem has taken another hit this winter. As it has for much of the pandemic, the city’s reputation for world-renowned live music, comedy and theater hangs in the balance.

Independent music and performance venues are trusted cornerstones, depended upon as inclusive gathering places for all forms of live music and artistic endeavors. We’ve seen our audiences’ excitement as they step through our doors for the first time since COVID entered our vocabulary, and it’s only strengthened our resolve to endure setbacks and create a safe and vibrant show-going environment.

After 18 months of quiet stages and empty bars, the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants provided a critical lifeline for venues to reopen safely and responsibly. Before the city’s commendable vaccination requirements, venues rolled out their own safety measures. These included showing proof of vaccination, wearing masks and implementing socially distanced performances. The commitment to creating safe spaces for everyone continues unabated.

Our venues take pride in championing up-and-coming performers, and we continue to take chances on newcomers because we believe the next generation of Chicago’s best and brightest performers shouldn’t go unrecognized.

But what happens on stage is only part of what we do: the school fundraisers, weddings, birthdays and block parties, a greeting from your favorite bartender — it all makes leaving the house worth it. We feel closer to a return to the experiences we enjoyed before the pandemic, and every newly vaccinated and boosted show-goer brings us closer to fully reopening.

We see that passion reignited in everyone who steps through the door of their favorite venue for the first time in nearly two years. To many, live performances feel new again. Nothing compares to the excitement the audience feels as the house lights dim and the performer takes the stage. As venue owners, we relish the opportunity to foster these experiences once again.

Hundreds of concerts are being announced and put on sale each week. Fans await news of their favorite performers returning to Chicago as eagerly as the performers await news they’ll again play on Chicago’s stages. Every day, vaccinations are up and cases are down, and when you’re ready, we’ll be here. We’ll see you at the show.

Katie Tuten and Billy Helmkamp, co-chairs, Chicago Independent Venue League