The People's Music School, Chicago

Uptown

With the glory days of Goldlbatt's long past, Uptown isn't much of a destination for shopping - save, of course, for the Asian imports on and around Argyle

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

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)

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

Black Ensemble Theater

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

Japanese American Service Committee

A social services agency for the Chicago Japanese community with occasional exhibits of interest, such as a collection of photos and art relating to internment camps during World War II

Montrose Beach

Uptown got short-changed when it comes to beaches compared to its neighbors on the north and south, but this is what's there, a short walk east on Wilson

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

Hollywood Beach

Although the beach earned its original name (Hollywood Beach) from being at the end of Hollywood Avenue, the Lake Shore Drive high-rises in the background give this nice, long beach a slightly Miami look

The People's Music School, Chicago