The Riviera Theatre, along with the Vic and the Metro, is part of what many refer to as the holy trinity of Chicago's small-to-mid-size concert venues. The capacity of the Riviera tops out around 2,500 music lovers, making it larger than the Metro but smaller than the Aragon Ballroom, allowing the Riviera to maintain some air of intimacy. The acts that play the Riviera are groups that have a strong and steady following, but aren't necessarily commercially-minded: think Sleater-Kinney, who played the venue in June 2005, or Bright Eyes, who played a month earlier. As such, expect hipsters galore.

On the other hand, many a punk act has come through the Riviera (i.e. Bad Religion), so you can expect to get nice and personal with people who like to bounce up and down. Maybe, just maybe, you might get acquainted with their shoes once they land on your head as a result of a monstrous mosh-pit. If this is the case, you can plan your escape to the balcony. Either that, or you can move to where the soundboard or bar is located; as in the Vic or Metro, those are the best spots to be both safe and to actually see the stage.

The Riviera is general admission, so you will want to arrive early. Take the time to look up and around, as the Riv (as those in-the-know refer to it) is noted for its architecture. Although the antique stage and balcony facades are deteriorating, and it seems like lights and speakers were crudely affixed to the delicate ceiling texturing, you can tell that the Riv was once a beautiful venue. (Jon Graef)