House Of Blues Chicago review

          This is not a review on the performances of December 15 & 16, 2006---those are covered elsewhere in my musings as a concert attendee.  However, I do want to give my musings on the House Of Blues Chicago.  This was my first House Of Blues experience and I really believe that to do the experience justice, one must write about the pros & cons.

         First, we'll cover what the complaints are---the "cons": 

          It is not uncommon for any music venue to have a NO CAMERAS rule--a lot of venues have this rule; however, with House Of Blues, it is much different.  Although House Of Blues thoroughly checks people as the doors open (I don't see how anyone got in with a camera, either night---although some were crafty enough to get a couple of cameras in), for the most part, there weren't really any cameras. Exception: Cell Phone Cameras.  Now, my first complaint is this:  why does House Of Blues allow cell phone users to take video or pictures----yet, no other cameras allowed???  What about fans that have no need for a damn cell phone and just would like to take pictures of a memorable night???  The pictures don't have to be of the live performance---I would have liked them as a fan, yes, but, I really was more interested in getting pictures of the building; the company store, the live venue SRO area, the coat check---but could not even get these kinds of pictures due to the NO CAMERA rule.  My thinking is, if you don't allow cameras, you shouldn't allow cell phones (at least the ones with cameras)----in all fairness to all patrons.

          Second Complaint: No Smoking Venue.  Okay, I can dig it---I will do without a cigarette for 4-5 hours to see a favorite band ( and the opening act) without having too much of a nicotine fit/craving.  HOWEVER, if you're a NON-SMOKING VENUE---it should apply to EVERYONE IN THE VENUE---meaning the VERY ACTS THAT ARE PERFORMING ON STAGE.  During the first nights' show, the bass guitarist of one of the opening acts had a lit cigarette in his mouth while performing 9/10 of the time.  Almost everyone that has heard me complain about this has told me "well, their part of the performers so that's why they allow it".  I DON'T CARE IF THEY ARE THE PERFORMERS OR THE CONCERT ATTENDEES---NO SMOKING MEANS NO SMOKING BY ANYONE, PERFORMER OR NOT!!!

          Third Complaint:  The "doors open" schedule.  I understand that doors open early for events, however, when you're mainly a SRO VENUE (which is mostly what any HOB is about from what I understand),it's a little maddening to have to stand in line so early (the shows both nights began at 9:00 p.m., yet doors opened early at 7:30 p.m.) for such a late show/performance????  I understand the security necessities, but, I feel it's a bit of a stretch to have to open the doors any sooner than an hour before the first performance, ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE A SRO VENUE!

          Final Complaint:  The prices on bottled water, drinks, etc.  Although HOB is an "EXCLUSIVE" Live Venue, I don't believe for one moment that HOB patrons need to go into debt just to have a good time.  The first night, for instance, my significant other went up to the bar and purchased two (and only TWO at these prices!) rum and cokes.  The tab??? $16.50 WITHOUT SERVER tip!!! I don't know where they are getting their rum and coke from---but, they need a different supplier!!  For $16.50 (at a liquor store) I could have gotten at least a full fifth of rum!  Instead, we got to 8-10 oz. plastic cups for this price!  The second night we were in attendance---to try and conserve on cash---we decided to have the least expensive drinks for the night---I had a bottle of water ($5.50) and my date had a can of bud light ($6.00)!!!!  Again, way too pricey for what we received.  I understand that any business has overhead and has to pay the bills---that's the bottom line of any business.  However, I really believe that drinks should not be outrageously priced when your also trying to sell souvenirs (which are notorious for being over-priced in the first place)!!!  C'mon, HOB!!!  I understand exclusivity, I understand the need to pay for the performers and the whole nine yards of what you're establishment is about.  But, I still have a very difficult time with how patrons are raked out of their cash just to quench their thirst!

          Now, we'll cover what's really terrific about HOB Chicago---the "Pros" of our experience:

          First, in regards to the live music venue, I would still recommend at least one House Of Blues experience to any avid concert goer.  The sound system was truly amazing, and, if you're seeing a favorite band, it makes the experience an awesome, heart-thumping/soul jumping time.  You can't help but dance and sway with the performers who are up on stage. 

         Second, the House Of Blues atmosphere rates very high as well.  The exclusivity thing really does have it's benefits in regards to atmosphere; people socialize and have fun with pure strangers and hang with it well.  The inside of House Of Blues has a very awesome setting, is a 3-tier SRO venue with awesome bluesy decorative items, and, it added to the atmosphere as much as the socializing scene.

          Third: Security is definitely on the ball at HOB.  When there is a problem, they take care of it---and the show goes on afterwards.  No crazy out of this world happenings are going to go on (one won't have to worry about physical safety in any House Of Blues venue).  The HOB staff members---from Security/Coat Check/Cashier (in the store)/Restaurant host---were all very polite, friendly, informative (when necessary) and so down to earth that it made the experience just as welcoming as the performers up on the stage.  It really helped make the experience of a SRO EXCLUSIVE MUSIC VENUE one of my better concert experiences---and that is probably what led to a second night at HOB Chicago.  Normally, I would have shied away from the exclusive pricing (I tend to be a very FRUGAL person as far as my budget!)---but the atmosphere, the staff, and the truly amazing sound system will have any FRUGAL person wondering why they are so damn FRUGAL.

           Although I am no pro on rating venues---(I previously read that HOB rates a 9.8 (live music venue) and 9.6 (overall)---I really wouldn't give HOB Chicago an overall rating of 9.6.  I do agree that for a LIVE SRO MUSIC VENUE, the House Of Blues has got a definite 9.;6-9.8 rating; however,due to the outrageous pricing, the earlier than usual opening doors, the no-smoking if you're just their for the show (instead of being the performers), and the lop-sided "NO CAMERA" rule, I give House Of Blues Chicago an overall rating of 8.0.  Exclusive shouldn't mean put your patrons in debt, no matter where you're located, no matter how exclusive.

          Live Music Venue rating: 9.6-9.8;

           Staff, rating:  9.5

           Prices, rating: 4.0

           Overall rating: 7.5-8.00