Top Spots in Chicago’s Cover Band Scene
Where to Hear Your Favorite Music from Past to Present
If Lollapalooza weekend was any indication, it’s clear that Chicagoans are all about great music and a great time. Whether you have a deep appreciation for classic rock or want to hear your favorite pop songs without paying a small fortune on a concert ticket, cover band concerts are the way to go. Below is a list of the top spots to catch Chicago’s greatest cover band acts:
Uncle Fatty’s Rum Resort: As Chicago’s only all-cover band music venue, Uncle Fatty’s offers an unparalleled lineup of the best cover band acts in the city. Names like Mike & Joe, 16 Candles, The Personnel, He Said She Said and the Spazmatics perform at this Lakeview locale on a regular basis. Uncle Fatty’s is the official home of Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press and features the band every Thursday night. The tropical themed bar has a laidback, fun-loving attitude that lends itself well to a wide range of music. A rotating roster of cover bands and extensive drink menu ranging from tropical cocktails and frozen drinks to domestic and imported drafts keeps Chicagoans coming back for more. If you’re more interested in catching the big game, head back to The Coach House at Uncle Fatty’s where you can watch your favorite team on eight plasma screen TV’s and a state-of-the-art stadium sound system. Uncle Fatty’s Rum Resort is located at 2833 N. Sheffield Ave. Chicago, IL.
Joe’s Bar: Half sports bar, half music venue, Joe’s on Weed Street is a warehouse-style venue that has something for everyone. In addition to popular cover bands like Mike & Jo, Hairbanger’s Ball and iPop, Joe’s concert calendar is also filled with non-cover performances ranging from national acts like the male revue show, Thunder Down Under to newcomers like Jessica Rae, Brantley Gilbert and Craig Boyd. Joe’s is located at 940 W. Weed St. Chicago, IL.
115 Bourbon Street: At 40,000 square feet, this New Orleans-themed spot is the largest entertainment venue on the Southside. In addition to their Performance Hall which hosts bands like 16 Candles, Radio Tokyo and The Rolling Stones’ tribute band, Hot Rocks, the megaplex also houses a nightclub, bocce ball and bean bag courts and full-service restaurant featuring Creole-inspired cuisine like Mardi Gras Jambalaya, Crawfish Etouffee and Andouille Sausage Po’ Boys. 115 Bourbon Street is located at 3359 W. 115th St. Merrionette Park, IL.
The Cubby Bear Chicago: Located in the heart of Wrigleyville, this three-level sports bar has become a destination spot for two things: watching the Cubs and catching great live music. When Chicago’s favorite cover bands like 16 Candles and Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press aren’t occupying the stage, Cubby Bear fills their line up with other musical events like The DMB Cover Up, Salsa Sunday and a local band competition called A Fight For Fame. The Cubby Bear Chicago is located at 1059 W. Addiso
