[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 117 (Thursday, August 2, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING METRO CHICAGO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2012

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, thirty years ago, in August of 1982, a 
little-known band from Georgia took the stage at a new music venue at 
3730 North Clark Street in Chicago.
  Five hundred tickets were sold for 5 dollars each, and Chicagoans 
gathered in ``the big room'' to watch R.E.M.
  The show was a huge success, and the Metro Chicago has been an 
influential music venue ever since.
  Celebrating their 30th anniversary this month, the Metro continues to 
hold an important place in the Chicago music and performing arts scene.
  There is a long list of memorable moments, including performances by 
music legends like James Brown, Bob Dylan, the Ramones, Smashing 
Pumpkins, and my personal favorite, Poi Dog Pondering.
  The Metro has always been a venue that has provided a platform for 
new music talent to start their careers the old fashioned way, by 
sending in a demo and booking a slot.
  Their dedication to independent music comes from the enthusiasm of 
owner Joe Shanahan, a south side Chicago native.
  In the late 1970s, looking to better connect the music community of 
his home town, Joe started hosting parties for performing artists out 
of his loft apartment in the city.
  It was not long until his musical gatherings outgrew his small space.
  He eventually converted an old community center into a venue, and he 
has been bringing Chicago the best local and national talent ever 
since.
  Shanahan, an icon in independent music promotion, stays involved in 
the community as well by serving on the boards of the Chicago 
Children's Choir and Rock for Kids, a charity that provides music 
education to underserved children in Chicago.
  Without a doubt, the Metro and Shanahan's influence on the Chicago 
music scene is beyond measure.
  Music before money always has been the message, and because of this 
commitment, the Metro has helped shape Chicago's cultural landscape.
  For 30 years the Metro has contributed to the music scene in Chicago, 
and for 30 years fans have flocked to it.
  Congratulations on three decades of rock.
  We'll be lining up for thirty more years of great music to come.

                          ____________________