MONTROSE HARBOR — You don't have to be a member of a boat club to enjoy live music at Montrose Harbor.
Freedom Boat Club Chicago introduced a new floating party dock, "Captain's Quarters," this summer. It hosts live music every Thursday from 5:30-8 p.m. evening through October.
The best part? Anyone can watch the shows from the walkway, which is located a mere 15 feet away from the dock.
The boat club is still in the process of nailing down future acts, but past musical acts include jazz and acoustic music from Aaron Williams, Joy Mills, Elle Casazza, Charley Cheney and Sugar Still, according to a spokeswoman. Frontman of Pearl Jam, Eddie Vedder, played a VIP event on July 10.
In order to hang out on the actual "Captain's Quarters," though, you do have to shell out for a boat club membership, which costs $99 monthly plus $2,500 annually.
The membership includes use of a 22-foot single-engine boat, paddle boards, docks and four rolling reservations Monday - Friday excluding holidays. Weekend boat use is based on availability.
Members can use the floating dock seven days a week from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. through Oct. 31. They can bring their own refreshments or use Uptown-based Brix Catering & Events for a fee.
According to photos, the 20-foot-by-30-foot dock looks like your average wooden deck — yet it's on Lake Michigan. It has seating, a stage area, a movie screen and access to the water for swimming, paddle boarding and kayaking, according to the release. It can accommodate 40 people.
Though Freedom Boat Club Chicago is new to the city as of last year, the club has locations throughout the country, mostly on the east coast, according to a spokeswoman. Currently, the Chicago club has 50 members.
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