LOGAN SQUARE — Good news for fans of the Double Door, which was kicked out of its longtime Wicker Park home in February after a prolonged legal battle: The club has partnered with a Logan Square bar on a free concert series.
Each month, beginning in May, popular nightlife spot The Owl, 2521 N. Milwaukee Ave., will host a free concert, dubbed "Double Door Presents" to keep the spirit of the club alive.
The first show, which kicks off at 6 p.m. May 8, will feature punk and indie artists from Dark Circle Records, including Luke Henry and Engine Summer. Band members will DJ in between and after their live sets.
The concert series was created by the owners of The Owl, David Halpern and Scott Spidale, and Double Door's former talent buyer and production manager, Jesse Ewan.
"When discussing possible spots to keep the Double Door flame alive after the eviction, The Owl seemed like an obvious choice because of our relationship with the bar and their capability to host unique, eclectic, live and local music on occasion," Ewan said in a prepared statement.
Future concert dates are set for June 5 and July 10. More information, including the music lineups, will be released in the coming weeks.
There's no cover charge for the concerts. Drink specials include $4 for Breckinridge and PBR cans and $8 for Jameson and PBR combo. Folks who arrive early can take advantage of The Owl's "Early Bird Special" from 6-8 p.m., which includes half-off cocktails and beers.
The owners of Double Door have made it clear that they'd like to permanently relocate to a stately bank building at 2551 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Logan Square, but it's unclear if that will happen anytime soon.
Back in February, Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd), whose ward includes the site, said most immediate neighbors — both residents and businesses — don't support the move. They believe the rock club would disturb the stretch of restaurants, retailers and apartment buildings near the Logan Square farmers market.
The Zoning Board of Appeals — not the alderman — decides on applications for public place of amusement licenses. The board could grant approval for the zoning variance whether the alderman and neighbors oppose it or not.
However, Waguespack said the majority of neighbors within 250 feet of the building oppose the plans, and if those folks show up to the hearing and speak out against the plans, it could heavily influence the board's decision.
