Chicago

[A Brick in the Wall]

We got tickets also! I'm amazed at the courage of you folks who toss them back in hopes of getting better seats. I took the first ones offered. We had 2nd row in Kitchener so can't complain.

Marie Paris-I agree with Steve-incredibly generous offer. We haven't booked a hotel yet, but I suspect that we will stay somewhere close by. I also have tickets on Sunday for Minneapolis so it will be a quick turn-around. I wonder if they would have room for me on the tour bus!

Steve, I will send you an email so that we can keep in touch about where the meet-up will be. I'm not familiar with Monk's but it sounds good.

Joe

I guess I'm a gambler -- but I did some practice runs on the A group ticket sales so I thought I had a plan --- famous last words of so many...

I've never been to Monk's -- I don't really know the town -- just a couple blocks of it....

Keep in touch so we can figure out where to meet.

Steve

[A Brick in the Wall]

I would also be very interested in a pre-show meet up. They make the experience that much better.

I can't believe I'm actually going to see Leonard Cohen. My seat will be in the balcony, but it is near the front. I saw another show in almost the exact same seat, so I know it will be a good seat. The Chicago Theater will be a fantastic venue for Leonard and his style of music. I was worried he might play a large venue where the sound wouldn't be as good. I am very happy to say the least!

Assuming someone comes forward with a plan for a meet-up --- watch this thread & I hope we see you there.

Steve

[wondercookie]

Re; meetup.... The Chicago Theater website has some suggestions for nearby watering holes....among them is
Emerald Loop Bar & Grill
"Emerald Loop is a lively bar where the pints are cold, the conversation spirited, the food is hot and the service is friendly. Located just steps from The Chicago Theatre, it is accessible for locals and visitors alike. The menu features traditional American bar and grill favorites along with Irish specialties in the large bar, dining room and outdoor patio. Reservations are accepted and private party space is available for groups of 35-300 people
'
216 N. Wabash Ave. (Between Lake & Wacker) (312) 263-0200
http://www.emeraldloop.com

Someone, maybe Marie Paris mentioned Miller's Pub....which is another Irish bar kind of place.
Other options on the Theater list were Don Shula's steak house, an Italian restaurant, the Marriott's various restuarants.....

Personally, an Irish pub atmosphere works for me, but I'm open to other ideas......

If we can settle on an atmosphere, then that would narrow the choices some....

[A Brick in the Wall]

Re; meetup.... The Chicago Theater website has some suggestions for nearby watering holes....among them is
Emerald Loop Bar & Grill
"Emerald Loop is a lively bar where the pints are cold, the conversation spirited, the food is hot and the service is friendly. Located just steps from The Chicago Theatre, it is accessible for locals and visitors alike. The menu features traditional American bar and grill favorites along with Irish specialties in the large bar, dining room and outdoor patio. Reservations are accepted and private party space is available for groups of 35-300 people
'
216 N. Wabash Ave. (Between Lake & Wacker) (312) 263-0200
http://www.emeraldloop.com

Someone, maybe Marie Paris mentioned Miller's Pub....which is another Irish bar kind of place.
Other options on the Theater list were Don Shula's steak house, an Italian restaurant, the Marriott's various restuarants.....

Personally, an Irish pub atmosphere works for me, but I'm open to other ideas......

If we can settle on an atmosphere, then that would narrow the choices some....

I think Marie Paris said that Monk's had better atmosphere than Miller's --- I believe it's in this thread ---

Emerald Loop looks good --- Do we have a leader from Florida?

(I'm a Guinness / Smithwicke's fan)

[wondercookie]

Hey everybody...I just checked out Monk's website and it looks pretty cool too....Although I love Marie Paris offer of a meet up in her home, I think that would work well for folks driving into Chicago...for those of us flying in and staying downtown..makes sense to stay put. Perhaps Marie's guests could meet us townies before the concert?
I don't know about the leader thing, but I do seem to be the fun stuff organizer for my group of friends down here in the south...soooo ya'll interested in a meet up... check out some websites, the Chicago theater, Miller's, Monk's....Emerald Loop whatever..let's put our ideas together and come up with a place and a time. If we need reservations, I'll be happy to make them...

Deal?

I like Smithwicke's myself....

[Joe Way]

Hi All,
Any of the Irish pub type places sound great. We love Guiness & Smithwickes, too!

Steve, I've sent you an email and look forward to meeting everyone. Wondercookie, we met some great folks from Florida at the Leonard concert last June in Hamilton.

We'll stay in touch.

Joe

[Dan K.]

I would advise against Miller's. I went there twice and did not like the attitude of the staff. I've never been to Monk's, so I don't know anything about it.

[A Brick in the Wall]

I would advise against Miller's. I went there twice and did not like the attitude of the staff. I've never been to Monk's, so I don't know anything about it.

marie paris advised against Miller's Pub too ---

We've got some time to get something going.

Wondercookie has offered to make some calls if we can get a consensus.

We're staying at the Embassy Suites -- as is Wondercookie --- quite a bit cheaper than the ones right by the Theater... but still + $200.

[wondercookie]

Let's just drop the wondercookie..and call me Alice...I'm not sure how I came up with wondercookie...must have been the wine.
I agree that Miller's doesn't look very inviting at least from the websites....I'd vote for Emerald Loop if i had to choose now, just because it's closer to the Chicago Theater.....it looks bright and cheery, Monk's has atmosphere galore...either would be great....or perhaps there's another choice we don't yet know about. We do have quite a bit of time.....as was said...but it's fun planning....L.C, and Chicago AND an Irish pub with fun people......sounds like a very good evening....

[marie paris]

Hey guys.

Yes, was trying to be diplomatic, but I wouldn't recommend Millers' and Monks is really aesthetically pleasing with good prices, selection, and service, though there may be something else nearby with a better beer selection. I and my roommate are local musicians and he does the live Irish session circuit (I do not-yet) so he knows almost every Irish or Irish -themed pub in the city (and he's from here originally-I am not). I will shoot this by him and ask his opinion, he really knows the area around the Theatre like the back of his hand, so he'll be a reliable source, and he likes Guinness as well, haha. I don't think the steakhouse mentioned is the best option, either. Will get back to everyone with any suggestions soon.

And to whomever mentioned, yes, if anyone driving in from out of town wants to park for free at my place and ride in on the Metra to the meet-up, share cab to theatre, or just park here and head into town on your own with a map, etc., just drop me a line whenever you make your plans for directions and so forth. All L Cohen fans are welcome!

~PMarie Paris
phoenixmarieparis at gmail dot com

[Dan K.]

I'm all for the whole Irish pub scene (used to live in Ireland), but here's an idea. Marie's offer is extremely generous. Perhaps if we all brought something to her place for a pre-show, that would be an excellent opportunity for an intimate gathering before what we all know will prove to be a stellar concert. I will be more than happy to bring a bottle of wine. If anyone else in the area can do the same or bring an appetizer, we just may have our plans! Okay, Cohenites! What do you say?

[A Brick in the Wall]

You can buy VIP -- yeah $549 per -- just for hahas I searched --- main floor tix 3 rows directly behind my seats were availabe....

wowser!

[A Brick in the Wall]

I'm all for the whole Irish pub scene (used to live in Ireland), but here's an idea. Marie's offer is extremely generous. Perhaps if we all brought something to her place for a pre-show, that would be an excellent opportunity for an intimate gathering before what we all know will prove to be a stellar concert. I will be more than happy to bring a bottle of wine. If anyone else in the area can do the same or bring an appetizer, we just may have our plans! Okay, Cohenites! What do you say?

I love Marie's incredibly generous offer -- but I'll be driving into the city & staying in the city.

I don't think I'd want to drive out to her place -- then drink something & drive back into the city before the concert.

I don't know the area well enough to try the Metra / mass transist system to get out to her & back.

I guess I'm just a pansy ----

[wondercookie]

Marie, Dan: the invitation is much appreciated, but I'm feeling the same way as Steve and Ann...AKA bricks in the wall. I'll be flying into Chicago Tuesday morning, likely get to the hotel early afternoon and would feel kind of daunted about tackling the Metra system and getting to Marie's and then back.....so I'll be staying in the city as well.
If we end up having two meet-ups, then perhaps Marie's meet up could end up at the Irish pub meet up for a shared drink...then on to L.C.
Lots of ups in the scenario, no downs....sounds good to me.

Alice/wondercookie

[A Brick in the Wall]

Marie, Dan: the invitation is much appreciated, but I'm feeling the same way as Steve and Ann...AKA bricks in the wall. I'll be flying into Chicago Tuesday morning, likely get to the hotel early afternoon and would feel kind of daunted about tackling the Metra system and getting to Marie's and then back.....so I'll be staying in the city as well.
If we end up having two meet-ups, then perhaps Marie's meet up could end up at the Irish pub meet up for a shared drink...then on to L.C.
Lots of ups in the scenario, no downs....sounds good to me.

Alice/wondercookie

There is a "rumor" based on something someone saw on another website that there may be a 2nd show in Chicago on the 6th --- I'm trying to convince my wife that seeing him two nights in a row is not a strange idea.....

I wish us all luck...