U2 Show a No Go at Soldier Field

This is old news, but just in case you missed it we thought we would let you know that the July 6th U2 show at Soldier Field has been postponed. It also gives us a chance to post a video from last years U2 show at Soldier Field, it looked crazy:

U2 Monster Stage Invades Soldier Field

If you're one of the thousands of people who hate the renovated Soldier Field because you think it looks like a space ship landed on the old structure, then you probably would laugh because it looks like Soldier Field is now a landing pad for UFOs. U2 brings a gigantic stage to Soldier Field for the weekend and in our opinion it looks like another UFO has landed on the grounds:

We Love Live Concerts in the Sloop

If you come to Sloopin often, you probably realize we like live concerts. Why you might ask? Well it's quite simple actually. Good music is obviously the key, but an amazing show adds so much to the experience. Although YouTube doesn't do it justice, you can still get a sense of the spectacle.

This past weekend U2 launched their 360 tour at Soldier Field. We didn't go, but you can tell that it was an amazing show just by checking out their stage:


We're not huge U2 fans (we like them, but wouldn't shell out the money to see this), but it reminded us of the Daft Punk light show at Lollapalooza in 2007. However, not every band has the capacity or funds to pull off shows like this, but that's fine. Sometimes the people watching makes up for this and that is always the case at Lollapalooza. If you don't believe us check out these sweet moves from Perry's stage at Lolla:


Who wouldn't pay $200+ to watch moves like that?

U2 Sells Out Soldier Field; Announces Second Show

Chicago has a great music scene and one of the biggest venues in the city is Soldier Field.  This year there are a couple big summer shows scheduled, but none bigger then U2.  The Chicago Tribune is reporting that they sold out their first scheduled show on September 12th and as a result announced a second show on September 13th.  Get your tickets fast:

You probably won't see us there, but we still imagine it will be a pretty good show.

Bird is the Word! Cafe Society to Become Spoke & Bird

It appears that the quirky, but lovable Cafe Society is getting a makeover (via Crain's):

Cafe Society at corner of Indiana and 18th

Cafe Society in the South Loop is getting a new menu, new look, new name and, the owners hope, a liquor license.  

The sandwich and coffee spot that Jorge Armando Afanador opened in September 2000 is turning into Spoke & Bird in May. Alicia Bird, a project manager at online advertising buying firm Centro LLC, and Scott Golas, founder and CEO of Xmplifi, a Chicago-based software company, are now the majority owners. Mr. Afanador will remain as a minority partner who will manage the restaurant and its catering operations.  

"It needed a little love," Ms. Bird said of Cafe Society, where U2 lead singer Bono once stopped by in search of beer and Maggie and Richard Daley used to frequent.  

The new 33-seat dining room will get new furniture and flooring as well as cafe-style windows that will open onto 18th and Indiana streets. The owners, who are seeking a liquor license for beer and wine sales, are aiming for a late May debut.

We've always liked Cafe Society, their spacious patio and friendly owner Mr. Afanador, but it's good to hear that he's going to get some fresh blood to help him out.

Looking forward to seeing the changes come to life.

(Hat tip:  TOC, MS, AB!)

Eater Chicago Talks to White Palace Grill Shift Manager

Eater Chicago had "greasy spoons week" recently and not surprisingly they stopped in to talk to Hector Rivera, shift manager at White Palace Grill (1159 S. Canal), to get a sense of how things are run.

It's a fun Q&A for all you diner fans.  Our favorite blurb:

What do you do for these celebrities who come in?
When Bono came in, one of the waitresses was a big fan. She paid for his ticket, but then he turned around and left her a $50 tip. I was kind of nervous, but I got his autograph. We tried not to bother him too much. I say hi, I'm a fan, and I'll shake their hand. I try not to bother them too much cause they're celebrities and they get that all the time wherever they go.

Gives us an excuse to post this video from U2 playing at Soldier Field a couple of years ago:

The Sloopin Open House: Townhouse with Soldier Field View

It's been awhile since we did our weekly open house post and for some reason we feel like winter is winding down (although this past work week was pretty cold).

Today a townhouse in the Prairie District area got our attention.  This specific one is listed at $675K and is located at 312 E. 17th St.  While nothing inside the unit stands out as unique, it does look like this one had a nice remodel.  The kitchen looks lovely and the fireplace is on point:

Beyond that, some of the outdoor space has a view of Soldier Field. While it seems like you might struggle to hear cheers from Bears games (man they suck!), at least you could listen to some of the big time concerts coming this summer such as U2 and Coldplay:

If this seems interesting, head over on Sunday from noon to 1:45pm!