Before Park Ridge, Illinois, was famous as Hillary Clinton's home town, it was famous for the Deep End Club, one of the few venues that catered to teens in Chicago and the northwest suburbs. I've been thinking recently about some old friends from Chicago's Taft High School and the great times we had at the Deep End.The photo is one I found on Google Images of someone from the Jefferson Ice Company band, which appeared at the Deep End. Between neighborhood bands, some Chicago headliners such as New Colony Six, Ides of March and the American Breed were booked. I believe even bubblegum band The Ohio Express graced the Deep End teen club stage. Yummy, yummy. It was a club where you could participate in a "love in" circle or do the Funky Broadway -- your option.
One landmark night, Deep End owners got on stage and asked the audience which direction they wanted the venue's music to go -- psychedelic or soul? The resounding answer -- soul music! So many of the cover bands hired brought music from Motown that we could dance to. And dance we did!
We managed to get our share of psychedelic music, as well, at the Kinetic Playground (aka Electric Theater) and the Cheetah II (aka Aragon Ballroom). I'd work after school and on Saturday mornings waitressing at Rose Grill at Higgins & Harlem just to spend all my money at the music venues, including Deep End.
Some little known trivia. One of the bouncers at the Deep End was none other than moonlighting Chicago cop Dennis Farina, who later turned Hollywood actor. He talked about wanting to head west even then, and made his dream come true.
If you have memories of the Deep End, let's hear from ya!
8 comments:
In my hood, we had The Pit in Glenview and The Panther in Deerfield. *Sigh* I remember winning a dance contest doing "the jerk" that was mc'd by Art Roberts and being heartbroken when my "boyfriend" danced with another girl to "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying." Thanks for the memory prompt, Cynthia.
Also remember The Hut in DesPlaines and The Attic in Arlington Heights, where I saw the Shadows of Night and Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels. Everyone wore white at The Attic to show up under the ultraviolet black lights. Former high school coach Vic Giovannini co-owned both Deep End and The Hut.
Sorry to say our parents had to drive us everywhere and public trans was non-existent, so we were never able to go far. How I envied Chicago kids who could ride the el and make-out with their boyfriends on the train, with everyone looking and no one tale-telling.
I played The Deep End many times in the late sixties and early seventies. We opened for The Amboy Dukes, Styx, Arthur Brown, CTA, and even the Who before anybody even knew who they were. Vic Giovannini and Al Hummerding launched many bands and should really compile a history of the Deep End! It was a magical place!
I remember being thrilled to FINALLY be able to go to The Deep End! There was also a place on Oliphant and Northwest Highway, if I remember correctly. I can't think of the name of it and it's making me crazy. lol Thanks for the partial memory!
I believe the club on Oliphant and NW Hwy was the Cave. But I mostly went to the Deep End and the Hut.
The Holiday Ballroom on Milwaukee Ave was also another one for great bands. I also share memories with Cynthia with the Aragon Ballroom and the Kinetic Playground.
A lot of great memories. Thanks everyone!
I went on my first date at Holiday Ballroom at Lawrence & Milwaukee in Jefferson Park, followed by an ice cream sundae at Lockwood Castle, located at Peterson & Central. A tacky strip mall arose after the ballroom was torn down and Starbucks inhabits the old ice cream parlor.
I remember Lockwood Castle too.
Post a Comment