PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

If you want to see a big rock or metal show that has that arena look to it but not the feel, then taking a drive out to far suburban Mokena to the Pearl Room is the thing to do. The sound is beyond excellent in the main stage area, parking is free and ample, the bar is well stocked and well tended (though expensive), and there are a number of places to munch at afterwards. On top of that, this place really does a great job of taking on only the best local acts for openers, so no set features a “beer line band”, making it an excellent place to support your local bands.

Even though many A List bands perform here, the Pearl Room's policy allows fans to come in with their cameras and snap some pictures! Some shows even allow video cameras! Also, those who really want to meet their favorite artists can usually walk around back where the tour buses are located in hopes the bands will be gracious enough to pose for pics and sign autographs. After the show, you may even be allowed to go upstairs and party with them up in the green rooms! How cool is that? Those in the know are aware the folks running the merch booths are usually good friends with the bands, so buying at-shirt or CD and hanging out a while can also stand you the chance of meeting the artists in person!

The layout is very unique, as the Pearl Room is part of a big complex that is interconnected to a couple other clubs and even some strip mall type shops. The parking lot itself is also connected to a couple chain restaurants, giving folks time to sober up and chow on some pancakes before getting behind the wheel. People fortunate enough to get upstairs can actually look down through glass windows into the club connected below.

The one caveat to the place is there is no in and out allowed, so if you plan on buying up a lot of merch from the booths, you may want to ask if the vendors would be kind enough to hold onto your purchases. Don't wait until the end of the night, because just like everyplace else, e good stuff always goes first, as well as the most popular t-shirt sizes.