We asked readers to tell us which stage in Chicago they’d perform on if they could pick any one. Here’s what you told us, lightly edited for clarity:
“Pritzker Pavilion. I watched it being built while learning to be a ‘musician.’ Many great performances I’ve witnessed on that stage.”
— Daniel R. Shaughnessy
“The Hideout, just to get one of those epic introductions.”
— Darin Latimer
“I’d love to be on the stage at the Lyric Opera. It’s so huge, and the sets and costumes are always amazing. Do I have an operatic singing voice? No, but to be acting with those who do? It’d be a priceless memory.”
— Paul Lockwood
“Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island — intimate, and the view!”
— Topher Menard
“Just east of the parking garage for the Cook County Courts along California Boulevard sits Plaza Garibaldi. I would perform at this stage to share a moment of joy and provide a small distraction for those awaiting trial and their families. Even if they couldn’t see the performance, they could at least hear the music.”
— Luis Narvaez
“The Aragon. So many great bands have played there over the years so it would be an honor for The Polkaholics to grace that stage.”
— Don Hedeker
“United Center for the main show. The Riv or Park West for the after-show jam.”
— Dave Dreyfus
“The Old Town School of Folk Music’s Mauer stage. One of the best rooms in town, and our band met there.”
— Bob Cbecker
“Second City with a stop after for a cheezborger at Billy Goat Tavern.”
— Deborah Fuller Tobias