It's very cool...but...so cool you almost can't figure out how to get in. There are two doors. The one before Family Dollar is the one you can get in. This location is NOT handicap accessible as far as I can tell. Could be because I arrived mid-show but there was not much staff or direction or interaction. I paid my entry fee with nary a word and enjoyed a very weird, but intriguing show of experimental electronic sound. Their sound system is impressive! Very 8D, I could really feel the movement of the sound and despite being remarkably off-putting, it was also visceral and intriguing. Parking in the area is a little weird and unreliable. read more

Stopped in for a Screen Printing show with artist from near and far. BUSY but the crowd was mindful of their space and flow offering relatively free movement despite the space constraints. Picked up a few pieces for myself to add to my collection and caught up with friends. read more

Elastic Arts is a performance space above Friendship Chinese and also a non-profit Arts organization run by an All-Star list of Chicago's best improvisers. The space itself is long and clean with low lamp lighting and bright colors. I've been to many spaces used by the Chicago improvising scene and can only say I was extremely impressed at the cleanliness. On the opposite wall from the performers (Rosaly-Rempis Duo) was an art show of photographs of Logan Square and paintings. Water was for sale and you can BYOB! Cover adequately covered the Duo but wasn't too high. The Duo proceeded to rip our faces off with two hours of improvising (with a break). It's impressive to see such high quality musicians in a clean welcoming space doing it for themselves. This place deserves a look! I will definitely be back to support them. read more

This music venue, supported by a non-commercial cooperative of local musicians, is easy to miss. Hidden on the second floor of Friendship Chinese restaurant, this venue supports a wide range of mostly non-mainstream music, including free jazz on Thursday nights and hip-hop on weekends. Supported only by small suggested donations ($5-$10), this is a rare venue that is uncorrupted by economics of running a mainstream music club, sustained only by a commitment to and love of good music, and advertised only by word of mouth. I've seen a couple of free jazz shows at their old location at 3030 Cortland, and they attract the same big names in the tiny free jazz scene that you'd see at Velvet Lounge, Empty Bottle, the Hideout, or Hungry Brain. At the new location, I stopped by to see a night of old jazz movies. This is not the kind of spot for a rowdy night on the town, but more appropriate for a low-key night of entertainment with the same reverence for silent appreciation you'd find in a library. read more

I was dragged here to support a local emcee friend, this was his first live performance in over a year. I didn't know much beforehand, except that it was a show at a Chinese restaurant? I Googled the address - Friendship Chinese was all that came up. I just thought to myself that this would be interesting - and maybe I could grab an egg roll :) This venue is ABOVE Friendship Chinese restaurant and it's byob. Even better. We rolled in with our 40's and proceeded to have a great time. It's basically a long, brightly colored room with a small stage. There had to be about 40 or so people there, so there was a nice crowd for such a small space. We got a chance to see a variety of local hip hop acts, I'm a huge fan of the local scene. Everyone did their sets and afterwards it was a free for all. People from the audience were getting up on stage to sing and spit some of their own rhymes. This is a hidden gem - hopefully more people will get the chance to experience this place. You've gotta support your local acts! And I can't wait to get back here for some jazz. read more

I have only made it here once and it was AWESOME! I went with 2 of my friends and a couple bottles of Fat Tire to see some free jazz. The music was grrrrreat and the art was really beautiful to look at too. I would love to make it back here again soon. read more

One of the finest melodic, artistic and kickastic venues in the Chi. I've spectated in it, I've rocked it, I've passed out in it. Super kill acts and artists roll through this bad boy all the time! I Highly recommend AND you can get in for a friendly dime! Please support your local arts! read more

Even though from the looks of it, The Elastic Arts Foundation could be just another hole-in-the-wall apartment gallery, it is a fully functional 501(c)3 that's supported through the city of Chicago. That said, good for EAF and good for Chicago. Thankfully, the professionalism of EAF doesn't hamper the experimental qualities of the sound and visual artists who perform in the space. I appreciate being able to sit in an actual chair while watching a performance instead of having to stand up because the gallery didn't have enough money to buy dozens of chairs. It also seems like there's a large SAIC contingent at EAF, although one could say that about almost any art space in Chicago, right? The programming at EAF is varied, meaning you won't know exactly what to expect, so check out the website before you go. read more

Their concert roster can get QUITE outside of the box in terms of performing style, but I've seen some incredible performances hosted by this organization. Definitely go support their efforts and the artists they feature - more often than not, I have been pleasantly surprised by their concerts. read more

A lot of people I know and some of my artists in my group (No Vacancy ENT perform here a lot). It is a great space and it has a nice feel from all the love people put into it. It is a foundation for artists and doesn't cost that much to rent out for a show. The bathroom is clean and it's located above a Chinese food place so what more do you need?! read more

I went to Elastic on Saturday to view a Bomba and Plena group, Buya. The other reviewers are correct when they state that their "suggested donation" is actually a cover charge. Something I believe is illegal to do when you don't have the appropriate license. (Can fellow yelpers confirm that?) When we arrived, we had all intentions of giving at least $5 a piece as a donation. The woman at the door very rudely said "no - it's $7-$10". I told her I only had my debit card and she said "that's how much it cost to get in". She was so rude about it! I was very disappointed by a place and event that considers itself "community focused" to treat its supporters in this manner. It was a major turn-off and I will never be back to this place nor to an event by Buya. Also, it was supposed to have been a family-friendly event yet people were smoking marijuana in the performance space. read more