If Walls Had Ears, an Open House Chicago signature event, celebrates a venue’s life, and the lasting spirit of Chicago performance.  Click here to register for the virtual event, held on October 23 at 7 PM CDT.

Lloyd Brodnax King, a Chicago-based musician, performer, intellectual, and professor, with deep roots in jazz and world music hosts an insider’s view into four of Chicago’s storied venues: The Vic in Lakeview, The Avalon Regal Theater in South Shore, The Forum in Bronzeville, and Thalia Hall in Pilsen. 

Lloyd speaks with an expert from each venue on its history, architecture, community and culture--and what’s next given the pandemic that has shut down the live music industry. Hear from Jerry Mickelson (Jam Productions/the Vic), Jerald Gary (Community Capital Investment LLC/the Avalon Regal), Bernard Loyd (Urban Juncture Foundation/the Forum), and Bruce Finkelman (16” on Center/Thalia Hall).

Witness conversations ranging from Thalia Hall’s origin as a public house with a stable to the Vic’s history as an automotive repair shop to Avalon Regal’s 1987 sold out reopening with Gladys Knight and the Pips playing to 2700 guests to Bronzeville’s Forum hosting the Pullman porters. Plus enjoy musical interludes performed by Lloyd Brodnax King and Johnse Holt. If Walls Had Ears--what have they heard over the years and what would they tell us now?

REGISTER HERE ($15 public, $10 CAC members, $10 students)

Time: 7:00 P.M. (CDT)