Evanston's New S.P.A.C.E. Features Dave Specter CD/DVD Release Party May 22, Spring Concerts and Hootenanny Series

Photo by: Jennifer Wheeler

 EVANSTON, IL –S.P.A.C.E., a unique, fully-equipped audio-visual and music venue and function space at 1245 Chicago Avenue in Evanston will kick off spring with concerts featuring celebrated Chicago musicians including   Dave Specter.  Also, starting on the first and third Sunday of every month, S.P.A.C.E. will host The Evanston Hootenanny, a fun family sing-a-long night.  Two benefit concerts for local charitable organizations will take place in May.

The schedule for events is as follows:

 1st and 3rd Sundays from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

(the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month)

The Evanston Hootenanny family sing-a-long

Chris Walz of the Old Town School of Folk Music will lead a rousing selection of old folk, bluegrass and popular favorites during these raucous sing-a-long nights.  This new family-friendly series will encourage families to turn off the TV, unplug the computer and gather with others for old fashioned fellowship and fun.  Tickets to all shows are $5 per individual and $10 per family and available by calling 847-492-8860.

Thursday, May 1 from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

2nd Annual Mama Jam benefit for The WINGS organization

Just in time for Mother’s Day, WINGS and the Vocal Gymnasium present the 2nd Annual Mama Jam! Showcase.  Wendy Morgan serves as hostess to Stephanie Rogers (Soul-Singer and Pop-Rocker), Marjie Killeen (TV Host and Producer), Nancy Davis-Shaffer (Singer/Songwriter) and Jeannie Bonansinga (Jazz Performer).  Proceeds will benefit WINGS, an organization that provides a continuum of integrated services in an effort to end domestic violence and homelessness one family at a time. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.  For tickets or more information visit www.wingsprogram.com.

Saturday, May 17 from 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

I Hear Music benefit for Metropolitan Family Services of Evanston/Skokie Valley

This benefit to support at-risk families in the Evanston and Skokie Valley communities will feature cuisine from Union Pizzeria and musical performances by Stuart Rosenberg, Dave Specter, Don Stille and Howard Levy.  Metropolitan Family Services provides comprehensive services - including child and youth development, violence prevention, senior care, legal assistance and financial management - to help families become stronger and more self-reliant. Tickets are $100 per person and available by calling 312-986-4099 or visiting www.metrofamily.org.

Wednesday, May 21 at 9:00 p.m.

Dave Specter DVD/CD release party at Buddy Guy's Legends  www.buddyguys.com

Thursday, May 22 at 9:00 p.m.

Dave Specter DVD/CD release party and concert, performing with Tad Robinson and special guests

Live in Chicago, the new Delmark DVD/CD release, features Specter and his band at two of Chicago's most famous blues clubs hosting an all-star blues revue. Specter’s guitar talents are featured on over 30 albums including collaborations with B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Carlos Santana, among others.

He has always straddled the blues/jazz fence with a hip disregard for arbitrary restrictions, his funky lines echoing the jazz masters, but his grinding single-note work greasy enough for any Windy City after-hours club.  Specter was recently featured at Millennium Park and the Chicago Blues Festival and named by WXRT as one of the top 5 blues concerts of 2004.  Tickets are $10 and available by calling 847-492-8860.

The S.P.A.C.E provides a flexible creative canvas for the community.  Serving as an ideal venue for visual arts, dance, music, and literary events, the versatile 3,000 square foot area also serves as a perfect location for social gatherings and celebrations.  The rustic urban décor is highlighted by the wood floor, made from the original timbers of an East Coast barn.  With collapsible tables and chairs and portable staging and technologically advanced video and audio recording equipment, the S.P.A.C.E is versatile as well as stylish. By combining flexibility with functionality, it’s a venue that could easily be used for hosting a business meeting by day and showcasing an up-and-coming local band by night, and will certainly become a favorite place for celebrations of all kinds.

The League of Creative Musicians is a membership club offering an extraordinary setting to pursue the passion for music. A comfortable and convivial setting, the lounge-like area features a state-of-the-art control room that blends the finest modern recording equipment with classic vintage technology for a powerful and flexible tech environment.  Described by the partners as a “country club for music instead of sports,” members can combine the virtues of musical creativity with the social pleasures of collaboration and the camaraderie of good-natured fellowship. 

The beautifully furnished and fully equipped multi-room studio complex offers an exquisite acoustic design, in addition to food and beverage service in the members-only lounge and an exclusive smoking room.  Members can record their compositions, write songs, participate in master classes and seminars with legendary musicians, or play the clubs exquisite collection of vintage instruments.

They will also have priority in booking the S.P.A.C.E for their own performances and social celebrations, receive premium seating at all concert events in the S.P.A.C.E, and enjoy special club privileges in Union Pizzeria.  The League offers all musicians, professional and amateur, an opportunity to pursue their passion or simply to “come out and play.”

The venue’s versatility is sure to make it a magnet for the region’s most coveted local concerts, parties, meetings and events, and a haven for local musicians.  Membership for the League is limited and still available by e-mailing creativemusicians@mac.com or calling 847.492.8190.  For more information on any of the three spaces at the venue, call 847.492.8190 or e-mail evanstonspace@mac.com.

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