2025-05-17 Radius - Chicago, IL
 

Let's do it! We all had such a great time in '99 and 2002. Any veterans from previous meetups? (I missed the meetup in '98, but was at the show.)

First question is when to get together. I'm thinking noon-early afternoon on Saturday. Dinner would be cutting it too close to the show. I'd also consider something the night before.

The venue is on the south side and not in an area I'm very familiar with. Anyone here from nearby or attending the University of Chicago?

Last question: We need to think of Something Goofy to Hand to Karl. In '98 it was Nickole's famous snowglobe, which even earned a magazine photo as part of their stage setup.
A later show during the Easter season saw Peeps from Amy (Karl's bewildered expression was priceless). Finally, there was the crowning glory that was Nickole's Beaucoup Fishing trophy. Something fun and friendly without being fawning.

Can't wait!

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

cant answer those questions as I'll be driving down from Wisconsin but I'd be down to meet some of yall

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

I think a lot of people will be traveling for this one. The more the merrier!

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

:)

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

Hey there cdave2! Yes! Let's do it up old school here :D I was at the '99 and '02 dirtymeets and it would be cool to do it all again.

I've been to Radius for a show in 2022 and I think that it should be a UW-friendly sort of place. Modern lights and a big open room. Think 'warehouse-style' and not 'converted theater'. No seating unless you want to grab a bench on the wall all the way opposite of the stage though!

I like the idea of an early-afternoon meetup so that folks can get to the venue and stand in line as soon as they want. I'm not 100% sure when I'll be able to make the drive in though...

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

Hey dubno! Hope to see you and your wife there!

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

I got my tickets, im up for a meet early in the day, somewhere to eat bonus without the need for a reservation, I should arrive a few days before.

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

Hey!

Not sure how it's all going to work, but my wife and I are going to fly into Chicago day of the show, then fly back the next morning

*it'll be the first time the in-laws are watching the baby overnight, so here's hoping everything goes smoothly*

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

my buddy suggested https://www.skylarkchicago.com/ for the meet / pre-game its walking distance

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

Great suggestion, Yannick, thank you!

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

Not sure if anyone would remember me from the dirtylist/trsr-trade days, but I was a semi-active lurker from 96-2001 (under the name kaliema). Going to Chicago to *finally* see UW for the first time (!) and it'd be great to meet up with other UW fans. Especially folks from the dirtylist era - following those discussions introduced me to the music that got me through my teens and twenties.

Anyway, I'll be in town solo for a few days before/after, in case anyone wants to go crate digging or wandering Chicago with a fellow UW nerd.

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

I know it's still a few weeks out - but if anyone finds out ahead of time when UW are actually coming on stage - please share! This whole "open till close" deal makes me a bit anxious... especially as we're not getting into Chicago until 4 o'clock.

I mean, with a normal show - I'd imagine they wouldn't come on stage until about 9pm, but if they're their own opener (so to speak) - it could be anywhere between 7 > 8, right?

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

They will be playing UW songs on the PA from when the doors open at 6 PM. About 1 or 1.5 hours after the doors open you should expect UW to take the stage for a 1 hour Set 1. Half hour break (with UW playlist on the PA again), then 1.5 Hours for Set 2.

Given the early door times, I'd say it's more likely the first set starts at 7:30. They'll most likely post detailed set times as the date approaches or on the day of the gig.

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

Thank you Bang, that’s very helpful!

Let’s all meet the day of the show at Skylark, Yannick’s suggestion:

2149 S Halsted St
Chicago IL 60608
(312) 624-8583
www.skylark.com

Please be aware they are CASH ONLY (although they do have an ATM on the premises)!

What do you guys think about timing? Is 1:00pm too early?

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

I have to say, I'd love to meet up here, despite being a bit of a newbie and/or lurker on the forums here, but I'll be with my son (12) and two other folks who aren't super plugged in, so I'm not sure if I could persuade them to join us. But it might happen. Hope you guys have a great time.

Does anyone know if there's parking nearby Radius or Skylark?

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

I'm up for getting together a bit earlier at Skylark pre-show. Looks like a pretty nice spot to hang out.

I'm getting in a few days early on the train from Minneapolis, so I decided to get a ticket to the previous night's show at Radius - Armin Van Buuren - to get a feel for the space. Anyone going to that as well?

Not sure about parking, planning to take the red line to the Cermak/Chinatown station and walk across the river. Looks to be about a 20 minute walk, but I guess the 21 bus can make it go a bit faster. Been over a decade since I've used Chicago transit though so I might be a bit out of date.

Anyone have recommendations for record stores to check out?

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

Reckless Records is pretty great, though the downtown one is kind of small and not worth the visit.

I waited too long to book my hotel, and now they're extremely expensive, thanks to Beyonce being in town, I'm guessing.

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

Most of the places I'm familiar with are on the North Side, but this mentions a few in Pilsen not far from the venue:

https://www.insidehook.com/music/bes...stores-chicago

Gramaphone is still THE place for dance music, although I've been told their hours are now very limited.

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

ill be staying near Reckless record, Wicker Park:
1379 N Milwaukee Ave

ill be sure to check it out

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

Shuga and Dusty Groove are around there too, Yannick.

I used to live near there above what used to be the Double Door (now a Yeti store). Good times!

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

6 days to go! Okay, unless anyone has any objections, 1:00 at Skylark it is.

I'm the middle-aged woman with short brown hair and glasses, wearing a multicolored plaid shirt. Geeky, yes, but I have good taste in music. :)

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

We'll head to Skylark, though not sure about time, as we're driving down from MSN and need to check in to our B&B first.

Have not been to Radius before – do you need to get there early to get a spot with decent sightlines? My better half is on the shorter side, and so doesn't get to see much at a show if surrounded by taller folks.

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

I imagine we'll be hanging out at Skylark for a couple of hours. Anyone who’s interested, please shoot me a PM and I'll send you my number so you can text to see where we are. Please PM me by 10am on Saturday so I’ll be sure to get your message!

I've only been to Radius a couple of times, but I would recommend getting there early. If I remember correctly, the floor isn’t sloped. The venue is more warehouse than theater.

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

FYI, the box office is saying the first set starts at 7 PM.

Re: Chicago dirtymeet, May 17, 2025
 

Thank you, Bang!

Re: 2025-05-17 Radius - Chicago, IL
 

Thank you for the insights, Cdave2 and Bang – appreciated!

Seems like we may know a bit more after tonight's NYC show (first of the 2025 US tour).

Re: 2025-05-17 Radius - Chicago, IL
 

Just pulled into town on the ol’ Empire Builder Amtrak train, more and more excited for the show. Planning on joining the crew at Skylark day-of, but few plans before/after. Gonna roam downtown a bit today. If anyone else is around Millennium Park this evening and sees a tall, beardy, bespectacled guy with a Mezzanine album cover tee shirt it might be me, heh.

I did get a ticket for Armin van Buuren at Radius the night before, mostly to check out the venue. Other than that, just riding the sainted rhythms for a few days.

Re: 2025-05-17 Radius - Chicago, IL
 

Well… CRAP

I bought my tickets through the official seller for the show (“AXS”) and the verification code keeps being sent my old phone number… and of course there’s no other option for Two-Factor Authentication!

I’ve already contacted customer service, but it’s been four days and it still hasn’t been fixed.

Hopefully it won’t be too crazy at the box office and they can sort it all out, especially if I have the confirmation emails. BUT if you see a full grown ass man decompensating, and crying that he’s waited 13 years to see UW again- say ‘hi’ - it’s me! :p

(Edit)
Was finally able to speak to a person and got it fixed!

Re: 2025-05-17 Radius - Chicago, IL
 

Dang. I hope the box office can print your ticket for you.

What was the address posted on UW’s Instagram for issues with the NY show? Was it for the promoter or did it go to UW’s management?

Re: 2025-05-17 Radius - Chicago, IL
 

i missed out on merch last night.

can someone grab me a L white tshirt and i will happily repay you with interest.

Re: 2025-05-17 Radius - Chicago, IL
 

I just got an email saying doors open at 7 and the show starts at 7??

Re: 2025-05-17 Radius - Chicago, IL
 

Yeah... That seems insane.

I'm guessing that's when the UW playlist starts? Before the first set

Re: 2025-05-17 Radius - Chicago, IL
 

Looks like it’s doors 7, music 8.

https://twitter.com/radiuschicago/st...14259746488394

“There is an issue on AXS. Show will begin at 8pm CT.”

Looking forward to meeting up with some fellow dirties at Skylark today! Ran into a half dozen UW fans that’ll be at the show at Shuga Records and on the Red line yesterday. Guess wearing a Massive Attack tee shirts turned out to be a good signaling mechanism, lol.

Re: 2025-05-17 Radius - Chicago, IL
 

On my way to Skylark. See you guys there!

Re: 2025-05-17 Radius - Chicago, IL
 

This place is great, Yannick, thanks for the suggestion! It feels like someone’s basement. Not fancy at all, but there’s a friendly bartender named Brian, a pinball machine, old country music playing in the background, and, so I’m told, Chicago’s oldest urinal. :)

Re: 2025-05-17 Radius - Chicago, IL
 

Heading that way myself, see ya’ll soon.

Re: 2025-05-17 Radius - Chicago, IL
 

Also, for those of you driving, Brian mentioned that people often park near Skylark for shows at Radius. Space is limited, but it’s an alternative to the venue parking lot.

Re: 2025-05-17 Radius - Chicago, IL
 

have fun Chicago! This show was EPIC!

Re: 2025-05-17 Radius - Chicago, IL
 

Thanks potatobroth! We’re in line at the venue now and we are READY!!

Re: 2025-05-17 Radius - Chicago, IL
 

Radius is going off like a frog in a sock!!!