Independence Tap
3932 W Irving Park Rd
Friday, October 8
7:30 PM

We are slowly getting the Henge ready for Halloween, but first we must have an early October Hootenanny to get us in the proper frame of mind.

The usual array of fine musicians, comics, poets, storytellers, and whatever else comes through the door will be on hand, plus the fine folks who come to witness the spectacle. And don’t forget Independence Tap’s excellent array of reasonably priced ales and spirits.

Please come and join us for a Mystically good time!!!

Independence Tap is a great space and this night is perfect for working out new material and expanding horizons as an Artist/Performer.

When we host Open Stages we create an atmosphere of respect for all genres of performance where Artists can feel safe and secure. [No stylistic cliquishness OR DISRESPECT allowed!]

Our greatest joy comes from seeing someone perform for the first time or watching an Artist try out a new genre: a Musician doing Storytelling, a Storyteller doing Stand-Up, a Poet playing Music, a Stand-Up reading a poem…

The Place Where The Boundaries Meet & Overlap Is Where True Magic Happens.

And there is nothing like the feeling of opening a door into a new room in the mansion of your soul— SO COME ON DOWN & GO ON UP!!!

Independence Tap

3932 W Irving Park Rd

Friday, June 11

7:30 PM

That’s right. We are firing up the Hootenanny Machine again! Stann Champion has been keeping the flame alive by himself on Zoom during the Ordeal (all thanks and praises to him).

Now it’s Michael Hollywood’s turn to do the heavy lifting and host/ringmaster FretKnot Friday LIVE.

Bring your *actual physical self* to Independence Tap to either spectate or participate in this celebration the joyousness of community and of human expression in all its forms.

Musicians, Poets, Storytellers, Standup Comics, Jugglers, Magicians, Dancers— Whatever Ya Got To Share.

First Time Performers Encouraged!

ATTENTION PERFORMERS OF ALL GENRES/TYPES:

The Independence Tap is a great space and this night is perfect for working out new material and expanding horizons as an Artist/Performer.

When we host Open Stages we create an atmosphere of respect for all genres of performance where Artists can feel safe and secure. [No stylistic cliquishness OR DISRESPECT allowed!]

Our greatest joy comes from seeing someone perform for the first time or watching an Artist try out a new genre: a Musician doing Storytelling, a Storyteller doing Stand-Up, a Poet playing Music, a Stand-Up reading a poem…

The Place Where The Boundaries Meet & Overlap Is Where True Magic Happens.

And there is nothing like the feeling of opening a door into a new room in the mansion of your soul— SO COME ON DOWN & GO ON UP!!!

UPDATED UPDATE:

CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE CHANGED SUCH THAT CANCELLATION IS UNAVOIDABLE.

STAY HEALTHY, MY SWEET PEEPS!!!

Winter’s Icy Grip Has Broken And The Sap Is Beginning To Rise In All Our Metaphorical Maples— So Time For A Sweet Hootenanny To Celebrate The Coming Spring And Banish The Last Vestiges Of Winter Gloom.

You Know The Story:

Stann Champion’s Musical Mightiness
Michael Hollywood/LaGrange’s Multifaceted Oddness

AND YOU, Sweet Human.

Either Showing Us What You Got Or Just Drinking It All In.

Poetry Standup Storytelling Music Juggling Magic Dance

It’s All Good To Us!!!

And Speaking Of Drinking It In, The Independence Tap Has A Fine Array Of Inexpensive Libations If You Wanna Get Your Drink On (Especially Since It’s REAL Close To A Certain Verdant Holiday).

Come On Down And Join The Fun!!!

ATTENTION PERFORMERS OF ALL GENRES/TYPES:

TRY SOMETHING NEW!!!

The Independence Tap is a great space and this night is perfect for working out new material and expanding horizons as an Artist/Performer.

When we host Open Stages we create an atmosphere of respect for all genres of performance where Artists can feel safe and secure. [No stylistic cliquishness OR DISRESPECT allowed!]

Our greatest joy comes from seeing someone perform for the first time or watching an Artist try out a new genre: a Musician doing Storytelling, a Storyteller doing Stand-Up, a Poet playing Music, a Stand-Up reading a poem…

The Place Where The Boundaries Meet & Overlap Is Where True Magic Happens.

And there is nothing like the feeling of opening a door into a new room in the mansion of your soul— SO COME ON DOWN & GO ON UP!!!

Independence Tap

3932 W Irving Park Rd

Friday, February 14

7:30 PM

The Second Friday Comes Late This Month And Coincides With A Certain Consumer Capitalist Hetero-Normative Celebration.

This Is Only Fitting, As This Show Also Marks The 1 Year Anniversary Of Stann Champion & Michael Hollywood Bringing Their Special Brand Of Love Fest Hootenanny To The Independence Tap!!!

As Always, There Shall Be A Fine Array Of Talented Comics, Musicians, Poets, Storytellers, And Whatever Other Type Of Performer Who May Walk In The Door And Sign Up.

And Of Course, YOU! Either Strutting Your Stuff Upon The Stage Or Just Drinking It All In. Either Way, It’s All Good!

We’ve Created A Wonderful Vibe Here Over The Last Year, Come And Share It With Us.

Arrive Early And Stay All Night, Or Roll In A Little Later (After You’ve Had That Nasty Argument In The Crowded Overpriced Restaurant).

We’ll Be Doing What We Do And Having A Ball!!!

Mather’s More Than A Cafe- Chatham.

33 E. 83rd Street

Friday, January 31 1PM

Although not officially part of the Columbian Exposition, the Midway Plaisance shaped America’s taste in popular entertainment well into the next century, and (for better and worse) influenced the young nation’s attitude toward other countries and cultures in ways still visible today.

For this special Chatham appearance on the eve of Black History Month, Historian/Lecturer/Tour Guide/Standup Comic Michael Corcoran will discuss the African-American presence at the Exposition (a story much more complex and involved than even many Exposition scholars are aware), the controversies in the Black community over participation in and exclusion from the Fair, and how exhibits at the Midway and the Exposition contributed to systemic racism and colonialist attitudes of white Americans.

After discussing these sociopolitical aspects, Michael will provide a virtual tour of the Midway interspersed with the fascinating, poignant and often hilarious stories of the polyglot mélange of humankind which inhabited this mile of boulevard in 1893.

An informative and amusing presentation that is not to be missed!

Friday, January 10 7:30PM
Independence Tap
3932 W Irving Park Rd

As We Enter The Post-Holiday Trough And Prepare To Face The Full Brunt Of Winter, It’s Time To Gather Like-Minded Individuals Together For An Incandescently Uproarious Hootenanny To Drive Away All Demons. [Literal, Figurative, Emotional, Psychological, Public, Private, Foreign & Domestic]

All The Elements Are In Place:

Stann Champion’s Musical Brilliance
Michael Hollywood/LaGrange/Corcoran’s Eclectic Insanity
A Committed Cadre Of Talented Regular Performers
A Slew Of Sexy Spectators
An Adorable Venue With Inexpensive Libations

All That Is Missing Is YOU!!!

Either Just Drinking It All In OR Showing Us What You Got!

Musicians, Poets, Standup Comics, Storytellers, Magicians, Jugglers, Mimes, Dancers, Yodelers, Contortionists, Alchemists…

IT’S ALL GOOD TO US!!!

We’ve Got A Beautiful Thang Goin’ On!

Come Be A Part Of It.

ATTENTION PERFORMERS OF ALL GENRES/TYPES:

The Independence Tap is a great space and this night is perfect for working out new material and expanding horizons as an Artist/Performer.

When we host Open Stages we create an atmosphere of respect for all genres of performance where Artists can feel safe and secure. [No stylistic cliquishness OR DISRESPECT allowed!]

Our greatest joy comes from seeing someone perform for the first time or watching an Artist try out a new genre: a Musician doing Storytelling, a Storyteller doing Stand-Up, a Poet playing Music, a Stand-Up reading a poem…

The Place Where The Boundaries Meet & Overlap Is Where True Magic Happens.

And there is nothing like the feeling of opening a door into a new room in the mansion of your soul— SO COME ON DOWN & GO ON UP!!!

Friday, December 13 7:30PM
Independence Tap
3932 W Irving Park Rd

The Holidays Are Upon Us, And The Only Proper Response Is To Have A Rollicking Hootenanny Filled With Love And Joy To All!!!

No Matter Your Race, Religion (Or Lack Thereof), Ethnicity, Gender, Sexual Preference— And Most Importantly, Your Genre Of Performance— We Will Welcome You Into Our Hearts And On To Our Stage.

Stann Champion Will Bring His Musical Genius, Michael Hollywood Will Bring His Special Blend Of Insanity, And You Will Bring Whatever It Is You Have To Give.

We’re Gonna Rock The Halls!!!

The Independence Tap is a great space and this night is perfect for working out new material and expanding horizons as an Artist/Performer.

When we host Open Stages we create an atmosphere of respect for all genres of performance where Artists can feel safe and secure. [No stylistic cliquishness OR DISRESPECT allowed!]

Our greatest joy comes from seeing someone perform for the first time or watching an Artist try out a new genre: a Musician doing Storytelling, a Storyteller doing Stand-Up, a Poet playing Music, a Stand-Up reading a poem…

The Place Where The Boundaries Meet & Overlap Is Where True Magic Happens.

And there is nothing like the feeling of opening a door into a new room in the mansion of your soul—

SO COME ON DOWN & GO ON UP!!!

Friday, November 8 at 7:30PM
Independence Tap
3932 W Irving Park Rd

November Is Rolling In With Its Cloudy Chilly Ways— But We Shall Fight Back With A Stormy Hootenanny That Shall Warm All Our Hearts!!!

You Know How The Story Goes; Michael Hollywood Brings The Blather & Bluster, Stann Champion Brings The Guitar Genius, And YOU Bring Whatever Ya Got!

Music, Poetry, Standup Comedy, Storytelling, Magic, Juggling, Dancing, Fire Eating— Whatever Your Little Heart Desires— It’s ALL GOOD To Us.

Fine Entertainment And Fine Inexpensive Drinks— What’s Not To Love?!?

Last Month Was Epic Fun, Come See How We Get It Done!!!

The Independence Tap is a great space and this night is perfect for working out new material and expanding horizons as an Artist/Performer.

When we host Open Stages we create an atmosphere of respect for all genres of performance where Artists can feel safe and secure. [No stylistic cliquishness OR DISRESPECT allowed!]

Our greatest joy comes from seeing someone perform for the first time or watching an Artist try out a new genre: a Musician doing Storytelling, a Storyteller doing Stand-Up, a Poet playing Music, a Stand-Up reading a poem…

The Place Where The Boundaries Meet & Overlap Is Where True Magic Happens.

And there is nothing like the feeling of opening a door into a new room in the mansion of your soul— SO COME ON DOWN & GO ON UP!!!

Friday, October 11 at 7:30PM
Independence Tap
3932 W Irving Park Rd

There’s A Chill In The Air And Soon The Leaves Will Be Turning To Autumnal Colors.

An Excellent Time For An Epic Hootenanny!!!

You Know How The Story Goes; Michael Hollywood Brings The Blather & Bluster, Stann Champion Brings The Guitar Genius, And YOU Bring Whatever Ya Got!

Music, Poetry, Standup Comedy, Storytelling, Magic, Juggling, Dancing, Fire Eating— Whatever Your Little Heart Desires— It’s ALL GOOD To Us.

Fine Entertainment And Fine Inexpensive Drinks— What’s Not To Love?!?

The Independence Tap is a great space and this night is perfect for working out new material and expanding horizons as an Artist/Performer.

When we host Open Stages we create an atmosphere of respect for all genres of performance where Artists can feel safe and secure. [No stylistic cliquishness OR DISRESPECT allowed!]

Our greatest joy comes from seeing someone perform for the first time or watching an Artist try out a new genre: a Musician doing Storytelling, a Storyteller doing Stand-Up, a Poet playing Music, a Stand-Up reading a poem…

The Place Where The Boundaries Meet & Overlap Is Where True Magic Happens.

And there is nothing like the feeling of opening a door into a new room in the mansion of your soul— SO COME ON DOWN & GO ON UP!!!

Friday, July 12 at 7:30PM

Independence Tap

3932 W Irving Park Rd

Summer Is In Full Swing, And We’ll Be Heading Back Into Town From The Summer Cottage (It’s A Bit Of A Fixer-Upper) To Host A Fantastic Hootenanny.

Chicago Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Honoree Stann Champion Will Be Rejoining Us For Some Steamy Summer Fun.

As Will Several Talented Poets, Musicians, Storytellers, And YOU— Enjoying The Show And/Or Showing Off Some Talents Of Your Own.

Every Month Gets A Little Wilder, So Come On Down And Be Part Of Some EPIC Fun!!!

Let Us Trip The Light Fantastic And Rock The Tap Independence!!!

The Independence Tap is a great space and this night is perfect for working out new material and expanding horizons as an Artist/Performer.

When we host Open Stages we create an atmosphere of respect for all genres of performance where Artists can feel safe and secure. [No stylistic cliquishness OR DISRESPECT allowed!]

Our greatest joy comes from seeing someone perform for the first time or watching an Artist try out a new genre: a Musician doing Storytelling, a Storyteller doing Stand-Up, a Poet playing Music, a Stand-Up reading a poem…

The Place Where The Boundaries Meet & Overlap Is Where True Magic Happens.

And there is nothing like the feeling of opening a door into a new room in the mansion of your soul— SO COME ON DOWN & GO ON UP!!!