A new chapter is beginning in Chicago’s music scene with the opening of Bookclub, a Black-, queer- and woman-owned music venue in Lincoln Park.
More than just a performance space, Bookclub, 2871 N. Lincoln Ave., is a community-driven venue that prioritizes inclusivity, accessibility and a platform for underrepresented voices in the industry.
Behind Bookclub are Kevante “K.O.” Weakley, Cam Stacey, Nick Heineman and Maren Rosenberg—a team of artists, entrepreneurs and community organizers who share a passion for building an inclusive creative space where artists can better connect with their audiences.
“This venue was built specifically with local artists in mind, so we wanted to see how emerging bands reacted to a stage and production experience that they have never witnessed before,” Weakley said.
Located at the former Elbo Room space, Bookclub merges the best of the venue’s rich history with a reimagined vision for the future. The basement, once home to legendary rock performances, has been transformed into an intimate stage for emerging and established artists across all genres.
Meanwhile, the upstairs space offers a cozy, lounge-like atmosphere for book readings, spoken word performances and community events.
Transforming the former Elbo Room into Bookclub required significant renovations, Weakley said.
“We custom-made this place to be for the artist,” Weakley said. “If we could imagine our dream venue, what would it look and feel like? That was our approach to remodeling this space.”
The team focused on updating the venue’s infrastructure while maintaining its historic charm. The extensive renovations ensured that the venue was not just aesthetically inviting but also a safe and functional space for both performers and guests.
“Most of our investment went into brand-new electrical, brand-new plumbing, internet, brand-new HVAC, fiber internet,” Heineman said. “We reinforced the entire building’s character because this building’s from 1910.”
The stage itself received a major upgrade to enhance artist-audience interaction with a a new “thrust,” a catwalk allowing artists to immerse themselves in the audience.
“It’s a palace where artists can come and lay it all out, surrounding by the people who came to see them,” Weakley said.
Bookclub also introduces a cutting-edge production experience, including state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and digital displays, including 4K cameras that can stream the show from other parts of the venue and a new lighting system.
Beyond music, the Bookclub owners are focused on creating a safe space for underrepresented communities, Rosenberg said.
“Now more than ever, it’s really important for us to own and operate our own safe spaces,” Rosenberg said. “The community that K.O. and Cam curated is about being warm and caring and accepting of all people.”
Bookclub’s journey began as a DIY venue in a small loft space ran by Weakley and Stacey. Their first show was June 2021 with a capacity of 50-60 people.
Over the next three years, Bookclub became a fixture in Chicago’s underground music scene, hosting multiple shows a week while building a strong, dedicated following.
As demand grew, so did the need for a larger, permanent home. When the former Elbo Room space became available, it was the perfect opportunity to bring Bookclub to the next level.
“We understood as a unit that this place could move up and go somewhere into legitimacy, while also keeping the same energy of its roots,” Heineman said.
Bookclub’s upcoming lineup is a testament to its mission, featuring a mix of local artists, DJs from across the city and other kinds of music. The venue’s schedule is available here.
“Bookclub is famously kind of genre-agnostic, and we’ll book anything and everything as long as it’s good,” Stacey said. “People know us for punk, pop, hip hop, and what I call laptop music—anything that’s electronic or doesn’t use instruments per se.”
In addition to concerts, Bookclub will host open mic nights, album release parties, and community forums tackling issues like racial equity in the music industry, Weakley said.
“We see it as an escape from the real world for a bit,” Weakley said. “Drop in, tune out, and have fun at Bookclub.”
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