VICTORIOUS: The Vic Theatre opened in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood in 1912. (Getty Images)
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The Vic Theatre |Chicago, Illinois
Much like its owner, stalwart indie promoter Jam Productions, The Vic Theatre in Chicago remains a beacon for nightlife in the Windy City, a must-play for developing talent and a storied location that lends itself to special one-offs, release parties and other high-profile events.
While the Vic’s busy concert calendar has been mostly business as usual since Jam acquired it in 2000, the theater dates to 1912, predating Wrigley Field.
Opened in the Lakeview Neighborhood on the North Side as part of a theater boom that came toward the end of the Vaudeville heydey, the Vic initially served as an alternative to the expensive entertainment fare taking place at downtown theaters.
The Vic remains true to its original purpose decades later, despite multiple changes in ownership and events running from German operettas to blockbuster flicks and adult movies.
These days, of course, it’s music that keeps the 1,400-capacity The Vic as one of the busiest concert venues in the country, with Jam Productions talent buyers Nick Miller and Dave Rockland keeping the calendar full most nights.
One sold-out, three-day stretch in August demonstrates the type of buzzworthy talent on display, with red-hot Chappell Roan, followed by alt-country sensation Faye Webster followed by pop-punk sensation Benson Boone, back to back July 31 to Aug. 2.
More than 2 million fans have flocked to 2,000 events at the Vic, according to Jam officials, which prides itself on offering genres and talent of all types and at various stages in an artist’s career, from the early days to special intimate performances from everyone from Bob Dylan to Pete Davidson to Janelle Monae to Sinead O’Connor. Chances are if an artist tours at all, they’ve played — or wanted to play — The Vic.
With a keen eye for what’s buzzing in Chi-Town, and with Jam’s steady hand preserving and growing its rich history, there’s reason to believe The Vic will continue to not only survive but thrive as a cultural anchor to the bustling Lakeview neighborhood, continuing the rich musical tradition hopefully for generations to come.
