There is some Chicago love on THIS LIST put together and ranked by my buds at Consequence of Sound, but there also seems to be some great venues painfully absent.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the Empty Bottle, Lincoln Hall, Schubas, the Hideout and the Metro and think they all deserve to be on this list…

But color me shocked to not see the pavillions at Grant Park or Northerly Island listed, the Chicago Skyline makes for the best stage backdrop I have ever seen. The House of Blues is one of my favorite places to see a show, and how could you not mention the legendary Aragon, Double Door, Riviera Vic and Chicago Theatres, Cubby Bear, or the uniqueness of Park West or seeing a band at Wrigley Field… what about Bottom Lounge, or the Foundry, Thalia Hall, or even Martyrs or Joe’s on Weed? Milennium Park anyone? Bands playing in front of the lake at Montrose or Oakwood beaches put out a vibe like nothing else. And what about the incredible sound stage at JBTV studio?? The beautiful City Winery, Reggies, Liar’s Club, or the Elbo Room (who the city just came together to help keep the doors open to.) And don’t get me started on our live Jazz joints…

Or maybe I am just biased….