Article & Journal Resources

By Jessica Hopper

It seemed like the end of the world in 2004. After a decade as Chicago's favorite all-ages music venue, the Fireside Bowl on Fullerton Avenue was returning to a bowling alley.

But in 2007, Chicago's all-ages scene thrives, being shaped by hands new and old. Venues have figured out that an all-ages policy can make more money, and Brian Peterson, the scene stalwart who brought the Fireside to life, now has a host of other venues that carry the all-ages flag. The Fireside's unique booking policy of throwing bands together regardless of genre -- often just who happened to be coming through town that night -- made it the hub of many scenes. The shuttering of the venue decentralized the Chicago all-ages world, and also opened the playing field. Now, three years later, the benefits are evident -- more venues offer all-ages shows than ever before.

At a recent all-ages show at Subterranean, underage attendees apparently outnumbered the over-21 crowd. The kids are easy to spot: The backs of their hands are swiped with big black X's upon entry. The opening act, Paulson, was an emo-pop band with a young fan base that was dancing from the band's first chord.