Hi, I'm Curious City producer Jodossoe. For decades, Chicago has been an incubator for punk

and indie rock. Fans like Sludgeworth and Braid earned their stripes in local bars and basement

shows back in the 1990s.

These acts offered a dose of nostalgia as part of the lineup for 2023's Riot Fest in Douglas Park.

Their music, sounding is fresh and vital today as it did back when it was written,

no doubt fueled yet another generation of young punks.

And while summer events like Riot Fest offer a moment in time for music fans of any age to connect,

it's just that, just a moment.

But with such a vibrant independent music scene, one listener asked us,

why aren't there any licensed All Ages live music venues in the city?

To be clear, there is no specific city-issued license for an all-ages venue.

We'll just say things get complicated once alcohol is involved. But there isn't really a dedicated

place where teens can just show up knowing they'll be able to watch a band any night of the week.

It's a challenge kids have faced throughout the decades. Generally, it's a patchwork of spots.

Venues like Subterranean, Chop Shop, and Bottom Lounge have all-ages nights here or a 17-plus show there.

But there was a moment nearly 30 years ago when a then-dank rundown spot not known for music

opened its doors in for a little over a decade,

but the walls shake and music blare for audiences of all ages, including kids, far and wide,

to throw on their Doc Martins and flannels and mosh, now their heads, and sing along.

Because I'm lost, and I need to be found. It was a little bit runny

to be found

Crazy as it sound.

...