Real Estate (18+ Event) Metro Chicago Chicago

Metro Smart Bar is a concert hall located in Chicago, Illinois. The venue was formerly known as the Stages Music Hall and Cabaret Metro. It was constructed in 1927 and opened for the public in 1979. The concert hall has a seating capacity of 1,100, including 400 in the Smart Bar. It is under the ownership of Joe Shanahan. Metro Smart Bar plays host to various local, national, and regional talented musicians and bands. The main building is known for housing Metro which also houses Smart Bar just underneath the main venue.

Shanahan opened Smart Bar in July 1982 as a dance club that used to mix various new genres of the time. The venue was located on the 4th floor of the main building. DJ Joe Smooth and DJ Frankie Knuckles used to perform at the club regularly. Also, similar bands to the Ministry used to perform new industrial music. Shanahan booked and promoted a concert for the then little-known band named R.E.M. in August 1982. The booking and promotion were done through his production company Latest Creations. The show was a massive success and resulted in Shanahan booking weekend slots of the Smart Bar.

Later on, the Smart Bar was moved from the 4th floor to the basement of the building. Notable bands that performed in the club are The Killers, No Doubt, They Might Be Giants, Kanye West, Pearl Jam, Atmosphere, Aesop Rock, Fatboy Slim, Arctic Monkeys, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and many more.