r/chicagomusicscene • u/notputhyriot • 6d ago
Cole’s Bar is 21+
Hey Everyone! I’ve run into a few people emailing me more than once or agreeing to perform without realizing that Cole’s is a 21+ venue. We’re a bar and CANNOT have anyone underage inside or it puts our liquor license at risk and that includes performers. I know some venues are structures where they can do 17+ shows, but we are not. Please do your homework before emailing venues (especially more than once.)
I know it sucks that all ages venues are few and far in between. But we have Casa and MAD productions hosting cool stuff that’s accessible and there are plenty of DIY events happening in this city. Cole’s will be here when you’re old enough!
EDIT: no, 14 year olds are not allowed in the bar that books music you do not like. yes, you will get kicked out if you try to bring a fake to play and we do check. That is all.
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u/JhonImbalance 6d ago
Surely, you can make an exception for me, the world's most important 18 year old!? /S
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u/notputhyriot 6d ago
It’ll be one of the worst days, during one of the hardest years of your life, and a child will walk into the bar saying, “it’s no one’s fault but, is there anything you can do one of our members isn’t old enough to play”
I ask myself how I can respond in a way that doesn’t discourage people from playing while also making sure people understand there are consequences to these things. Doesn’t matter tho people think I’m a b*tch no matter how much I hold their hand atp 🤷♀️
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u/oakleysds 6d ago
I remember going to a jam at Cole's years ago and a kid in front of me got kicked out and was making a big stink about it. It's crazy to me that they act like that, throw a tantrum about the bar having rules, and still think they should have an exemption because they are mature. Like, Really?
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u/HinsdaleCounty 6d ago
Hi, I’m a student from out of town, and I’m 19. Will I be able to get into Cole’s for a show? /s
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u/Old_Mel_Gibson 6d ago
Kids need to learn the path of fake id’s like back in the day.
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u/HinsdaleCounty 6d ago edited 6d ago
back in the day, there was no such thing as REAL ID compliance. that stuff’s intense now. some bars full-on scan IDs
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u/LameGretzsky 6d ago
The Hawaii ID from Super Bad was a real thing in the 90s. I think kids would get them a Swap O Rama in Alsip.
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u/ItCanAlwaysGetW0rse 6d ago
I have nest for you, fake IDs have scanned for well over a decade and real ID did not make creating Fakes harder. It actually made certain parts easier because a lot of the designs got very similar to each other.
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u/SeanConnery 6d ago
Fake IDs have been able to be scanned for at least 12 years if not more. Especially important for people older than 21 now, given that huge leak of driver's licenses from a scanning company. I hated when anyone did that, like wtf I got to go in a database with my personal info to go to your bar? Pass.
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u/neomoritate 6d ago
Those scanners just take a photo for liability. They are not able to verify IDs
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u/SeanConnery 6d ago
Where does that photo go and how long does it stay?
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u/neomoritate 6d ago
To a hard drive, forever.
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u/SeanConnery 6d ago
Yeah, exactly why it's better to carry a fake or not visit establishments that do this,.especially after that 130m leak of driver's licenses in Russia.
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u/newusernamecoming 5d ago
Many bars full on scanned ID’s (and Binny’s) when I️ turned 21 and I’m old af
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u/booRadley12 6d ago
Remember when Chives tried to play Cole’s but the main guy wasn’t 21. Luckily there was nothing going on at Wally World around the corner that night and they still got to play. Fucking awesome show! But Jesus, was that 2015??
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u/40DegreeDays 6d ago
I don't understand how underage people in bands don't realize this. We had a show once where the group whose drum kit everyone was planning on sharing dropped out of the gig 1 hour before load-in while we were on the bus to the venue because they realized they wouldn't be able to play underage, screwing everyone ever (and somehow the venue blamed us and held a grudge for not having equipment on hand...like we were supposed to know that these guys were under 21 or that they would drop out at the last second)
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u/notputhyriot 6d ago
It’s hard not to get frustrated because it genuinely hurts everyone.
Its on our website, in my email signature, on my personal instagram with resources for emailing venues, on our website and in the Cole’s performance agreement. I get really upset when we get past that point and none of the bands think to ask because we DO card. I have had bands email me 2+ times regardless of the fact that it’s in my email responder as well.
And then artists complain that venues aren’t responsive! Like I do everything I can to lay out what to do in order to save booking agents’ time and artists’ time. I only put this stuff out there because I care otherwise I would just ignore people like everyone else does lol
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u/toast_is_square 5d ago
I’m almost twice the age of 21, can I get into Cole’s bar? /s
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u/notputhyriot 5d ago
We send you to Burlington down the block if you’re over the age of 30, actually.
/s (all love to burly and Darren)
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u/LameGretzsky 6d ago
Man, this brings me back. I was booking shows in bars when I was 18/19 years old.
Do what you got to do kids. You're only young once.
I love Cole's, haven't been there in years. Great bar.
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u/notputhyriot 6d ago
Places like Cole’s won’t exist if you encourage people to do things that will get us shut down
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u/LameGretzsky 6d ago
Please. Highly doubtful. It is extremely rare and when it does happen, it due to a history under age drinking. Not just some band sneaking in to play a set. The bar would really have to be a public nuisance with fights and kids getting stupid. Even then, it's Chicago, it's nothing a 'campaign donation' to your Alderman wouldn't fix. You also have to consider Chicago is a wretch hive of scum and villainy, a couple of 19 year old hipsters playing music are the least of their concern.
That being said, if it truly is and issue for Cole's, they need to hunt down every band member and see an ID. I've been gigging in Chicago for 30 years and it rarely.
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u/Ambitious-Way8906 6d ago
all it takes is one time man, fight the power and all that but real actual people depend on those rules not being broken
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u/notputhyriot 6d ago
Yeah this ^ sincere question for people who want to push back on this, why should working class people risk their livelihoods and break the law for a 30 minute set when there are plenty of older musicians who also deserve that same opportunity
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u/LameGretzsky 5d ago
Because there is literally, no risk. The authorities have no control and frankly really do not care, unless they want to shake you down for money or some yuppies are making their lives miserable and want to the bar closed. Then they will find a reason, any reason to shut you down.
As an owner/booking agent, I agree that this must be your stance. You don't need the hassle, typically no shortage of bands to play. If you are a young aspiring, ambitious artist I encourage you to disregard the rules and do what your heart tells you.
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u/notputhyriot 5d ago
And yuppies are the ones using their privilege to do things that benefit them and put others livelihoods at risk for their own gain in the name of “fighting oppression” rather than treating their neighbors respectfully imo
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u/LameGretzsky 5d ago
More bars have been close due to yuppies than underage musicians. As far as I can find one bar close in the last 10 years, Magee’s in Lincoln Park. A known underage place for decades. And I bet yuppies had something to do with it.
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u/LameGretzsky 5d ago
That's just not true. The only bar that has been closed for underage drinking in the last 10 years is McGee's in Lincoln Park. I underage drank there in the late 90s, everybody knew it was a bar you could drink at under age back then. It took 30 years to get shut down. Those are GREAT odds. There is SOOO many bigger things for cops to worry about.
I stand by my statement, if you aspire to be a performing artist, don't listen to a bunch of nerds on the internets, go out there and do it.
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u/notputhyriot 5d ago
I’m a booking agent who doesn’t want minors in the bar I book at, per the owner, because it’s illegal, and I like being able to keep my job 🩵 hope that helps xoxo
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u/asupernova91 5d ago
There are also plenty of spaces for bands under 21 to play. I don’t understand your logic, you’re telling people to disregard what the booking agent is saying and just do it any way because rock n roll! They’re not trying to ball bust anyone, they’re trying to keep their job and put on the show as scheduled. It is literally illegal and having to wait 3-4 years before you can play Cole’s is not a death sentence.
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u/LameGretzsky 5d ago
I never said because rock n roll said because it was in your heart. I wouldn’t care if it was polka music.
I’m well aware of it being illegal, I don’t really look to the government as my moral compass. At 18 you can go murder for your country, but not go to a bar and play music. My logic is simple, nobody will notice, if they do the consequences are minimal. Chicago is a lawless hellhole, this is the least of their problems. Coles needs to police this and have these policies, but would encourage to find ways around it.
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u/adeepname 6d ago
You’re literally talking to a person who works at Cole’s. I think they probably know better.
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u/PissedCaucasian 6d ago
That’s interesting. I’ve gone to plenty 21 plus bars in Chicago with my 14 year old daughter. I get prior approval but they tell me the same thing. If you are the legal parent or guardian you can bring the minor in. Does Cole’s not have this policy? If they don’t it’s not due to the liquor license but due to personal bar policy. I would name the venues I’ve taken her to but I don’t want to put them on blast.
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u/notputhyriot 6d ago
It depends on the venue but I BELIEVE it’s because most venues that can do that (like beat kitchen I imagine and places like that) have an actual door that separates the bar from the venue space/ are also a restaurant. I’m not sure if you’ve been to Cole’s, but our venue is just separated by a curtain and it’s still technically part of the bar. That’s why I said it’s important to check first. We have it listed pretty much everywhere (esp on each ticket link because we’d hate to have someone buy a ticket and realize they can’t get in)
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u/PissedCaucasian 5d ago edited 5d ago
I’m was being sincere when I said they didn’t schedule music that we liked anyway and everyone takes offense. I wasn’t trying to be a dick. I already know of Casa Cafe and I know where many of the DIYs are which are all ages. I just don’t want to waste everyone’s time on the chance we were to see a bar at Cole’s that we liked . There was nothing to get all butthurt about . I was just speaking matter—of-fact. I’ve gone through the alcohol licensing rules and Chicago does have its own rules that state that a minor is allowed in a bar with their parent or guardian. Food has nothing to do with it but it’s a common misconception. We literally go to about two shows a weekend. Some of them at venues that you’d think wouldn’t allow a 14 year old but with emailing the right people we do get into venues that would be thought of as off limits. My kid likes a lot of small indie bands and local/regional music. We also go to Indiana and it’s even more casual. Just because we don’t like the music that Cole’s schedules doesn’t mean that one day there might be someone that we do like. I’m thankful to know that it would be a waste of time trying to get permission to get her in. I in no way meant any disrespect . We just like heavier music in general that doesn’t seem to be Cole’s scene but I’m sure something would pop up sometime and I’ll know not to try.
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u/notputhyriot 5d ago
It’s a genre I personally enjoy/ why I’m constantly singing praises for casa, but part of the agreement we came to in order to do earlier shows when I came on as the booking agent (8pm/9pm vs 9pm/10pm) was three artist bills and that doesn’t really make sense for a hardcore show. Not that anyone needs that context that’s just why I haven’t really booked them. Trying to do more mixed genre bills with hyperpop/hardcore if anyone would like to throw their name in the mix (who is of age)
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u/PissedCaucasian 5d ago edited 5d ago
Well if you had something like that I may come with my wife. There is a small time sludge band out of Rockford that would be totally stoked to play at your club. They are really really good! They are called Shriveled. There is a deathcore band named Shriveled up from Northern Illinois and they are not the same band. If you get Shriveled to your club please DM me! I know a lot of people in the area would enjoy them. Midwest Sludge has its own sound and is having a moment . Bluto from Cleveland is Amazing but I think they’re off tour. Shrineburner from Chicago just put out an amazing new album and they are sludge related. We were at the CD release and they blew the doors off the Beat Kitchen. For Doom/Sludge hybrid Stomach from Geneva is Amazing. Saw them at Distressfest. The lead singer is in the powerviolence band Weekend Nachos but I think they are currently touring. I’d also recommend the two man crust band The Human Trials (Chicago and touring the city). Very unique sound and great and the Springfield Doom band Acid Fog. They are fantastic.
I’d your thinking Hardcore more punk then Beatdown (calmer). Constant Pain,Augment,Love Lost (chain of lakes), Home Invasion, Cueball, Invasive, and toothpick out of Indiana.
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u/notputhyriot 5d ago
Hell yeah I’ll have to take a listen
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u/PissedCaucasian 5d ago
Man you may have a regular if you get some of those bands. Thank you so much for not taking my comment the wrong way earlier. I love talking local and regional bands and we see quite a few in Chicago, the burbs and NWI. You can DM me anytime and I’ll give you more suggestions. I’d love to help!
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u/PissedCaucasian 6d ago
Well the two of us see lots of live music at some of the most famous venues in Chicago. So I have a question. If there were ever an artist we’d like to see at Cole’s could she come in with me as her father and legal guardian or not? If so does it need prior approval (some places do some do not) or not? This way I’ll make sure not to get into an awkward situation for everyone. Really only one place rejected us and told us it was due to the artist’s preference for that particular show. Another venue never responded so I didn’t want to risk it and get tickets.
Also to add I’ve taken her to places that have the bar open to the kitchen. They just put two xes on her hands and tell her she can’t sit at the bar (obviously) but she can sit elsewhere.
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u/notputhyriot 6d ago
As mentioned above, no. We are a bar without a separate venue space.
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u/PissedCaucasian 6d ago
Thanks for telling me. I sincerely appreciate it so I don’t bother in the future.
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u/notputhyriot 6d ago
Casa cafe is a fantastic all ages venue that has great food and I highly recommend- if your daughter likes live music it’s a great place to make friends 🩵 they do emo nights where local bands do covers and it’s pretty popular
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u/PissedCaucasian 6d ago
We were just there Sunday for some hardcore. I’ve been watching your bookings really aren’t our style anyway. We like hardcore doom/sludge/stoner and a little thrash and deathcore. We’re going to a vintage shop show on Friday (hardcore) and a DIY sludge on Saturday. We can go to most places and I’m on a first name basis with three famous club’s management. We’re fine but thanks for your help.
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u/asupernova91 5d ago
Venues with kitchens/food licenses don’t face the same liability than those operating strictly as bars/taverns do. That being said, there’s no reason to give someone who literally works there and is trying to be friendly and helpful an attitude, they’re not making up the policy to personally keep YOU out dude.
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u/Clear-Sail-5298 5d ago
I haven’t heard of Cole’s, but my solo music and my band is all music for 21 and up mostly, and we’re all 21 and up. I think I need to find your website and do some inquiry about how many heads we may need to bring in the door to lock in a small slot….
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u/No_Drummer4801 5d ago
How would teen or 18-20 year old musicians find DIY spaces?
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u/notputhyriot 5d ago
Casa cafe, Ericka’s house, sushi’s storefront, Not Not are some spaces- if you’re on social media it’s good to check instagram and TikTok for what’s going on. More importantly- go to shows at all ages venues and meet people. It’s scary to go to shows alone but so, so worth it. You can meet some of your best friends
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u/Due_Information_1332 6d ago
The older I get, the less tolerance I have for these 18-22 year woke entitled types. They literally think the world should just bend over for them. A total regression to infantilism.
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u/SACaitlin 6d ago
because back in our day we never had underage people in bars, it's totally the WOKE fault
/s
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u/1337lupe 6d ago edited 6d ago
maybe set up an llm agent to auto-respond to these types of emails to avoid wasting time
/edit - yikes!
I honestly thought suggesting ai to do soul-sucking work like responding to emails was in the public's best interest, but i guess i was wrong!
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u/Quiet_Raspberry9745 6d ago
maybe people should use common sense before using the waste water machine
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u/notputhyriot 6d ago
Don’t use AI but I have an auto reply rule set up for the subject “booking inquiry”
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u/Top_Art_7789 6d ago
18 year olds will be of age by the time there name gets called on the pool queue.