This article contains new, firsthand information uncovered by its reporter(s). This includes directly interviewing sources and research/analysis of primary source documents.
On the Ground
Indicates that a Newsmaker/Newsmakers was/were physically present to report the article from some/all of the location(s) it concerns.
Sources Cited
As a news piece, this article cites verifiable, third-party sources which have all been thoroughly fact-checked and deemed credible by the Newsroom.
Fans dance as Ahee opens for Big Gigantic during the first indoor show at The Shed music venue in Goose Island on Feb. 18, 2023. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
GOOSE ISLAND — The Salt Shed kicked off its season of indoor concerts Saturday with performances by Big Gigantic, EAZYBAKED, Ahee and local Levity following months of anticipation.
The venue opened last summer, though it’s only been able to host outdoor shows so far. The venue, 1357 N. Elston Ave., is part of a development of the Morton Salt site. The iconic Morton Salt logo remains on the venue’s roof.
Tove Lo was slated to perform at the first indoor show Friday, but the show was postponed after the singer fell ill. That show has been rescheduled to Sept. 6.
Inside the venue on Saturday night, thousands of fans milled about the massive music space, which included merch shops, multiple bars and food trucks on the patio.
Attendees were spread out across the venue’s multiple admission areas, which include a premium balcony, stadium-style seating in the grandstand and general admission on the floor of the venue.
“I’m super impressed so far, probably the best venue I’ve been to here,” fan Michael Jelinek said. “This place is unbelievable.”
Jelinek was in attendance with Katie Gaertner. The two are moving to Chicago this year and they see the new venue as “a perk” of relocating to the city.
“It’s spaced out very well… there’s space for everyone,” Gaertner said.
And for those curious about the sound — it’s loud.
“I have had to check multiple times to see if I had my earplugs in because it’s so loud. You can like feel it in your soul,” Gaertner said.
See photos from Saturday’s show:
Ahee opens for Big Gigantic during the first indoor show at The Shed. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoFans dance as Ahee opens for Big Gigantic. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoMike Mellien holds an inflatable alien while fans dance as Ahee opens for Big Gigantic. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoA wide view of the venue as Levity opens for Big Gigantic during the first indoor show at The Shed music venue. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoLevity performs during the first indoor show at The Shed music venue in Goose Island on Feb. 18, 2023. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoPlush seats in the grandstand seating area of The Shed in Goose Island on Feb. 18, 2023. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoFans mill about the lobby during the first indoor show at The Shed music venue. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoGuitar shop Fret 12 has a storefront inside the Salt Shed indoor music venue. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoBranded merchandise, snacks and more are for sale at the Salt Shed’s indoor music venue. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoThe indoor music venue at the Salt Shed features various seating levels and general admission standing area. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoFans dance as Levity performs during the first indoor show at The Shed music venue in Goose Island on Feb. 18, 2023. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoThe patio features seating, food trucks and fire pits at the Salt Shed music venue. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoTraffic on Elston Avenue is directed during the first indoor show at The Shed music venue. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoFans trickle in from Elston Avenue during the first indoor show at The Shed music venue. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoCustomers are served at one of the bars at The Shed. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoA wide view of the venue as Levity opens for Big Gigantic during the first indoor show at The Shed music venue in Goose Island on Feb. 18, 2023. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoAhee opens for Big Gigantic during the first indoor show at The Shed music venue in Goose Island on Feb. 18, 2023. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoCars are parked on Magnolia Avenue off of Elston Avenue near the Salt Shed. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
