You can support local Chicago venues, music stores and other organizations this holiday season by purchasing presents (for yourself or others) featured on our 2020 gift guide! This list isn’t exhaustive, but here are a few businesses we wanted to highlight.
Lincoln Hall & Schubas Tavern
LH+Schubas has lots of merch on their site, including t-shirts, exclusive posters and a history book on the venues. Check it out here.
The Hideout
Our friends at The Hideout have tons of cool apparel on their site! From tees to hats to bandanas to totes (and more!), they have something for everyone. Browse their online shop here.
Thalia Hall
Treat yourself and everyone you know to some of Thalia Hall’s super cool merch. They’ve got it all: candles, puzzles, holiday socks, tees – and an exclusive “Distraction Pack” including a copy of Rob Mazurek and Exploding Star Orchestra’s “Dimensional Stardust” vinyl LP, 2 cans of limited-edition Dimensional Stardust CBD Elixir and an ice-dyed Thalia Hall tote bag. See everything for yourself here!
CIVL Chicago
CIVL advocates on behalf of independent Chicago venues to help keep their doors open and to emphasize their importance in our communities. They sell apparel, posters, masks and even a shower curtain! You can find their store here.
Old Town School of Folk Music
Been thinking about purchasing new instruments? Why not support a local venue and business with a non-profit mission at the same time by shopping around at Old Town School of Folk Music! Their quality is unmatched and so is their passion for what they offer to the community. You can also even donate old music gear! Check out their online shop here.
Subterranean
The beloved Wicker Park venue Subterranean has some super cool sweatshirts featuring a drawing of their famous chandelier, as well as masks, hoodies and tees with their logo … and if you donate or have donated $250 to the Subterranean/Beat Kitchen PayPal or GoFundMe they’ll put the name and words of your choice on the SubT marquee! View the rest of their merch here.
Block Club Chicago
We know Block Club isn’t technically music-centered, but they’re a local nonprofit news organization which has always been dedicated to in-depth arts coverage all around the city. Plus, they have super cute t-shirts designed by local artist Steve Shanabruch! See them for yourself and support Block Club here. You can also even gift subscriptions (and a free tote bag)!
Sooper Records
Sooper is a record label in Chicago owned and operated by artists NNAMDÏ, Sen Morimoto & Glenn Curran. You can support them and the artists they represent by purchasing merch and more at their site.
Chicago Ray Records
Chicago Ray Records is a new store in Rogers Park near the corner of Clark and Greenleaf. They sell new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, audio equipment, DVDs, books and more. They also have a Christmas sale going on until Dec. 24! For more information, check out their Facebook page.
Local Record Stores
Speaking of record stores, here are a few more you can check out:
Reckless Records has three locations, in Lakeview, Wicker Park and the Loop.
Rattleback Records in Andersonville.
Shuga Records is a label in store in Wicker Park offering in-store shopping, as well as curbside pickup and even delivery to parts of Chicago.
As stated above, this list is certainly non-exhaustive and there are many local businesses which could greatly benefit from shopping local this holiday season. Stay safe, and enjoy the holidays!
Written by Morgan Ciocca