Our last newsletter issue (way back on January 30) featured a poll question:

Do you go out for live music in the Tri-Cities? If so, what’s your favorite venue?

Preservation in Geneva (with its all-seasons patio) was a particularly popular response, along with EvenFlow in Geneva, Maple Park Pub, various Tri-Cities breweries and the outdoor summer concert series in Batavia and St. Charles.

But one venue emerged as a clear favorite: The Arcada Theatre in St. Charles.

Known as one of the Midwest’s top live music venues, the 900-seat theatre downtown on Main Street hosts an array of exciting, unique performers on a weekly basis.

Although it’s an iconic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you may not be aware of some of the more intriguing aspects of its story:

• Epic history: Funded by local millionaire and Chicago Tribune cartoonist Lester J. Norris, the Arcada Theatre first opened its doors to a sold-out crowd on September 6, 1926 — with theatre-goers from Chicago brought in on a special train. The St. Charles History Museum has more details.

• Gangster lore: Owner Ron Onesti is reportedly confident that Al Capone used to hang out at the Arcada during his heyday in the 1920s (and perhaps even ran a secret brothel). Watch this WBEZ video of reporters exploring the depths of the building’s underbelly.

• Spooky reputation: The venue is rumored to be haunted, with reports of faint voices heard from the balcony, unexplained footsteps and shadowy figures that quickly vanish.

Visiting today’s Arcada

After its 2019 sale to a local development group, the Arcada Theatre underwent major renovations (completed in 2021), adding additional amenities and a courtyard to further cement its status as one of the top local entertainment destinations.

Within the theatre today, you can also find the Club Arcada (a 1920's speakeasy themed restaurant), as well as the Rock N' Ravioli and Rock N' Za restaurants.

📖 Thanks for reading

Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments.

Not signed up yet? Subscribe here.