Aragon Ballroom, Chicago

A Chicago institution, this concert hall has staged rock shows with the likes of Nirvana, Santana and The Smashing Pumpkins since the mid-1960s and has featured live entertainment since the 1920s. It earned the nickname of "the Brawlroom" because of the folding chairs that are sent flying during mosh pit formation. Drinks are served in plastic cups and are overpriced like most strictly performance venues. The theater features occasional salsa and blues nights. The Aragon is somewhat run down these days, only a shade of its former, more glittery self. Call for performance schedule.