Chicago, IL (May, 2009) – This June, Chicagoans will experience the birth of a nightlife concept unlike any other in the city, The Shrine, located at 2109 South Wabash at East 21st Street. Ideally assembled as a sensuous nightclub, state-of-the-art live performance space, and upscale lounge, The Shrine is a dynamic nightlife venue located in the emerging South Loop district of Chicago. The Shrine’s mission is to become a new hub for music across an eclectic cross-section of genres. More than just a nightspot, the venue will be an entertainment and lifestyle destination for its audience of young, diverse, and culturally aware urbanites.
For over a decade Joseph Russo, The Shrine’s founder and principal, has created some of the most successful, and influential establishments in Chicago, including iconic nightclub The Funky Buddha, Thyme Restaurant and its upscale lounge component Sinibar, which eventually expanded into its Wicker Park location. With The Shrine, Mr. Russo envisions a return to the classic elements that make for an eminent nightlife experience.
“There are several timeless components that create a momentous nightlife experience: a beautiful venue, progressive clientele, exceptional customer service, and a lasting commitment to amazing music and entertainment,” says Mr. Russo. “Right now, it’s difficult to find all of these elements consistently at play at any Chicago venue. The Shrine will set a new standard and bring all of these together each and every night. We are first and foremost a DJ driven dance club and VIP lounge, but there will be nights when we host some of the hottest local and national artists.”
Mr. Russo goes on to say, “Chicago used to have a great selection of nightspots that catered to a hip, musically driven and multi-ethnic clientele, but they all closed a few years ago, and not much has opened to fill that void. The audience is still here, but they don’t really have a venue that’s for them, a space where they feel right at home on any given night of the week. When The Shrine opens, they will.”
‘Eyes Wide Shut’
The live music component is an integral factor in The Shrine. The ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ signature event series promises to become the live music destination in Chicago’s music scene. The monthly series on the first Thursday of every month will draw national a-list, local and up-and-coming talent from the hip-hop, R&B, reggae music world and beyond. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy artists who may play at large concert venues in the intimate setting of the club, creating a unique and special experience for guests.
Background
The concept was born out of Mr. Russo’s journeys through Africa in 2006. It was in South Africa where he visited a beautiful contemporary safari lodge-cum-boutique hotel and found his design inspiration: Africa meets James Bond. As the description suggests, The Shrine will feel at once raw and refined, retro and modern, and underground and chic. With a distinctive design enveloping the venue, it is Mr. Russo’s penchant for musical pioneers that makes the soul of The Shrine. The space itself consists of two fully functional and stand-alone venues in one, The Shrine and Coup d’état lounge.
The Shrine
The Shrine is a large, 8,000 sq. ft. venue designed and equipped to accommodate a wide range of music-oriented events. The key difference from other nightlife offerings in the Chicago market is the venue’s unique position as a DJ-driven dance club with the ability to execute production-quality live performances. The space accommodates 600+ guests and includes a live performance stage and sound system that can be instantly optimized for either DJs or live bands. Set as a backdrop to the stage is a custom designed Duratran photographic installation, while at the base of the stage is a 45-foot bar. Additionally, there are two elevated VIP seating sections dedicated to bottle service flanking the dance floor, a separate DJ booth and high-definition television monitors.
Coup d’état at The Shrine
Coup d’état at The Shrine is an intimate, upscale lounge connected to the main venue by two nine-foot doorways, but each with its own separate entrance. The space will include a dedicated DJ booth, lounge and table seating, a custom bar, and its own dedicated service staff. Specialty handcrafted cocktails will be offered to patrons in addition to a premium bar. Coup d’état at The Shrine will feature lush, sensual design elements in keeping with its upscale focus.
Neighborhood
The South Loop district is the ideal home for The Shrine. With its proximity to trendy South Loop restaurants such as Cuatro, Via Ventuno, Opera, Café Bionda, and Gioco, The Shrine will dramatically broaden the array of entertainment options to the surrounding South Loop community. In addition, its convenient, centralized location will attract residents from South, West, and North Chicago: including Hyde Park, Pilsen, West Loop, River North, the Gold Coast, Bucktown/Wicker Park, and beyond.
The Shrine and Coup d’état at The Shrine
2109 South Wabash at East 21st Street | Chicago, IL 60616
www.theshrinechicago.com | 312-753-5700
Hours: 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. Tuesday – Friday, Sundays and 9:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. Saturdays. Closed Mondays.