Comments from uptownjen

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uptownjen
uptownjen commented about Uptown Theatre on Feb 9, 2008 at 10:19 pm

here’s Jam Productions, Inc.’s info:

207 W Goethe St Fl 5
Chicago, IL , 60610-1809
Phone: 312-266-6262
FAX: 312-266-9568
Website: www.jamusa.com

let’s make this happen, people!

uptownjen
uptownjen commented about Uptown Theatre on Jan 22, 2008 at 10:29 pm

had a bit of a panic moment today when i heard that fire trucks showed up at the theatre this morning when smoke was seen coming out of the west side of the building.

turns out they had the old boilers fired up…something with keeping the place heated so pipes don’t burst…my heart has restarted.

uptownjen
uptownjen commented about Uptown Theatre on Jan 10, 2008 at 10:12 am

i received the following update last night, which, to me, sounded like more good news. i am going to stay positive about this for now, even though i know failed attempts have been made in the past. it’s still better than thinking the ‘ol girl is in limbo with no interested parties.

Today’s Uptown Advisor further clarifies today’s Sun Times article. The Uptown Advisor is a volunteer service of Friends of the Uptown, an outreach activity of Landmark Uptown Theatre Corp., an Illinois not-for-profit corporation. Visit http://www.uptowntheatre.com for more information and to sign up for their newsletter.

Uptown Update January 9, 2008

Editor’s note: Chicago-based JAM Productions, which made some of its first fortunes booking rock shows onto the UPTOWN’s long-forgotten stage from 1977 to 1981 (?), has long been named as one of the recent and active contenders for ownership or control of the UPTOWN THEATRE, Chicago.

The second prominent contender, Live Nation, which is a major entertainment corporation, was not too public until today.

Sources have suggested that each company is interested in renovating and reusing the UPTOWN for entertainment. At this time, that’s good news for the landmark and its large community of fans, supporters, neighbors and volunteers.

uptownjen
uptownjen commented about Uptown Theatre on Jan 9, 2008 at 5:38 pm

good news for the uptown’s possible future in today’s chicago sun-times:

Live Nation has eyes on Uptown
REAL ESTATE | Northerly Island promoter seeks to restore theater’s glory

January 9, 2008
BY DAVID ROEDER Sun-Times Columnist

Live Nation Inc., the concert promoter that manages the outdoor performance stage at Northerly Island, is negotiating with city officials to take over the landmark Uptown Theatre, 4816 N. Broadway.

The 1925 building has been mostly unused for 25 years. But Live Nation is said to be interested in restoring it to its former glory and using its 4,300-seat auditorium for concerts and other events.
» Click to enlarge image
It’s been about a quarter of a century since the Uptown Theatre has been used regularly. If it can deal with all the potential roadblocks, Live Nation Inc. would like to change that.
(Al Podgorski/Sun-Times file)

Possible hitches — and there are many — include a city subsidy for what could be a $40 million restoration. Also, the city has a lien of at least $1 million on the property because of emergency repairs it had to order on the building. The City Council has given Mayor Daley’s administration authority to acquire the Uptown via condemnation.

City Hall and Live Nation had no immediate comment. Ownership of the Uptown is a matter of litigation.

uptownjen
uptownjen commented about Uptown Theatre on Dec 26, 2007 at 11:18 pm

A good point indeed, Jayne!

uptownjen
uptownjen commented about Uptown Theatre on Dec 26, 2007 at 11:37 am

Oprah could surely make it happen too, if she wanted to. She’s good at making dreams come true, right?

uptownjen
uptownjen commented about Theatre seats for sale, Antique end capped cushioned seats. on Dec 18, 2007 at 9:48 pm

do you know from what theater these seats are taken? i might be interested.

uptownjen
uptownjen commented about Riviera Theatre on Dec 7, 2007 at 11:25 am

By the way, update on the office building next to the Riv: a Bank of America is definitely coming soon. The square gets better all the time…the boarded-up buildings are starting to come back to life!

I know I sound like a broken record, but if only the majestic Uptown could be next…

uptownjen
uptownjen commented about Riviera Theatre on Dec 7, 2007 at 11:22 am

Probably a first for the Riviera takes place tonight:

“Change Rocks”, a benefit concert for Barack Obama’s campaign, takes place tonight at 8:30, featuring Jeff Tweedy (of Wilco), Stephan Jenkins (of Third Eye Blind), Jill Sobule, Cool Kids, The Changes ,and Canasta. Barack will be there too!

Such a cool event for the Uptown neighborhood! I’m going, and I can’t wait!

uptownjen
uptownjen commented about Springsteen fundraising opportunity for classic theaters on Nov 29, 2007 at 4:32 pm

It’s probably too late to qualify as “early” in his career, but Springsteen played the Chicago Uptown Theater 9/6/78, 10/10/80, and 10/11/80.

It would be really cool to do a fundraising screening at a nearby theater like the Music Box, seeing that I don’t think the Riviera would work (right up the street, but no seats) nor, sadly, the Uptown itself.

uptownjen
uptownjen commented about Liberty Theatre on Nov 13, 2007 at 10:34 am

What a lovely little theater!

uptownjen
uptownjen commented about Colony Theatre on Nov 6, 2007 at 10:13 pm

In the artwork for the newly-remastered version of the Beatles' movie Help! released today, an “Advance Prevue Showing” ticket stub from the Colony is shown as part of a collage. The ticket is for Monday, August 23, 1965’s 6:30 PM show. The cost, including tax, for the ticket is listed as $2.00.

uptownjen
uptownjen commented about New Port Theatre on Nov 6, 2007 at 10:09 pm

I just purchased the newly-remastered Beatles movie Help! today, and two ticket stubs from the Port are included in the artwork. The two tickets, one for a 10 AM show and the other for a 7:30 PM show, are dated September 1, 1965. The price, including tax, for the “Premiere Showing” was $1.49.

uptownjen
uptownjen commented about Esquire Theatre on Oct 29, 2007 at 11:36 pm

as late as early summer, the marquee was still lit up at night too.

uptownjen
uptownjen commented about Meet the people who run Cinema Treasures! on Oct 27, 2007 at 3:52 pm

i’d be in for one in chicago! sounds fun!

uptownjen
uptownjen commented about Lorraine Theatre on Oct 26, 2007 at 3:50 pm

is the theater staying open while they look for a new buyer?

uptownjen
uptownjen commented about Avalon Regal Theater on Oct 26, 2007 at 3:46 pm

what is going on with this theater? i’ve been visiting their “website” and no events are listed, but photos of smokey robinson, the temptations, tyler perry, and ciara keep coming up.

living in chicago, i think it’s weird i haven’t heard anything about this place reopening other than right here.

anyone have any more current news on the regal?

uptownjen
uptownjen commented about Fox Theatre on Oct 18, 2007 at 8:59 pm

little caesar’s may own it, but at least they haven’t changed the name. i saw wilco there last night and didn’t see any sign of little caesar’s other than banners in the concession stand advertising pizza for sale.

speaking of concessions, the candied warm nuts they sell just inside the door are delicious!!!!! what a great theater, in every possible way. it gives me hope that chicago’s uptown, which i live near, can still be saved from near-death.