Japanese American Service Committee, Chicago

Black Ensemble Theater

Committed to building racial bridges through telling stories of African-American history to a cross-cultural audience

Graceland Cemetery

The Graceland Cemetery is a large Victorian era cemetery and arboretum spread over 119 acres in the north side community area of Uptown

The Riviera

Probably the only old Balaban and Katz movie palace that's still in full use as a nightly entertainment venue, mostly for all-ages punk and indie rock bands, but occasionally hip-hop as well

The Green Mill

Jazz and lots of it at this Uptown landmark, famously an old hangout of Al Capone (who's not, though, around as much as he used to be)

Overshadowed by the magnificent Graceland Cemetery across the street in Uptown, the smaller, slightly overgrown Wunders was established in 1859 and features some intriguing monuments, with more of a forgotten-by-time atmosphere than its more famous neighbor

Annoyance Theater

The Annoyance began with the long-running Co-ed Prison Sluts, which set the tone for what followed: fun, original shows with equal parts ironic kitsch and cheerful shock, led by Mick Napier, who directed some of Second City's best shows

Aragon Ballroom

Built in 1926 with an interior that is meant to recreate a Spanish palace courtyard, the Aragon cost more than two million dollars at the time, and the well-preserved interior still has the otherworldly brilliance

Music Box

Chicago's foremost source of cinematic delight, with two screens for classic and world-premiere independent movies and the occasional mini-festival

Swedish American Museum Center

Celebrates Swedish-American heritage and Swedish immigration in all its forms, including Buzz Aldrin's temporary immigration to the moon

The People's Music School

For a distinctly non-seedy music experience, try the kids-friendly classical and world music concerts at this community-based not-for-profit music school

Japanese American Service Committee, Chicago