All ages having fun at Swing State music venue

LAKE VILLA – Amid everything that Swing State music venue and hookah lounge has to offer, there appears to be one thing that is lacking – harsh judgment.

Talk to any of the regulars, and they will tell you it’s not just OK to be yourself at Swing State, it’s encouraged.

“Every type of kid comes in here,” said Kam Hochbaum, 18, of Lake Villa. “Most people come for the shows, but they come back for the people.”

Situated on the corner of Route 45 and Grand Avenue in Lake Villa since 2006, Swing State is unique in more ways than one. It looks and feels like a bar, but no alcohol is served. Instead, free coffee and tea are the drinks of choice, along with an ample supple of hookah flavors.

The lack of alcohol allows Swing State to be a venue where all ages are welcome to come and take in the atmosphere and music, said owner Ian Meyer.

“A lot of venues don’t last, especially all ages [venues],” Meyer said. “People from all walks of life that I never thought would be loving the place, they do. I’m overall proud of society for appreciating it as much as they do.”

Particularly appreciative of the Swing State hospitality are the multitude of musicians who are given the chance to perform. The only requirement for bands to be given a set at Swing State is that they write their own material.

Meyer’s openness to any band looking for an opportunity to play makes for a wide range of musical genres that are featured at Swing State. Anything from heavy punk rock to acoustic sets can be heard through the wafts of hookah smoke.

“Any band that writes their own stuff, I will book them,” Meyer said. “It’s a way for them to get out in front of an audience that’s open ... That’s what we’re trying to nurture here is that whole concept of being open.”

Any visit to Swing State is not complete without a giant bear-hug from sound man Dan Lee, better known as “Popz.”

Sporting a full beard and bright red suspenders, Lee said he first came to Swing State as a concerned parent who wanted to see where his son was hanging out. Once he realized he had nothing to worry about, he asked if he could help with the sound for the bands on stage.

He’s been running sound free of charge ever since.

“I fit in just as well as anybody else,” Lee said. “I’ve just been here ever since.”

New-comers to Swing State are sure to stop by the sound board for one of Lee’s trademark hugs. Hochbaum said he has become something of a mascot for Swing State.

“Popz has his own personality,” she said. “Everybody comes to like him.”

“It’s a real good place to take a load off,” said Brandon Schultz, 20, of Round Lake. “If you’re in high school or underage, it’s a good place to hang out.”

In the end, you just never know what to expect when you spend an evening at Swing State, Meyer said, be it in the music or in the people.

“It’s eclectic, it’s constantly a variety show,” he said. “There is no judgment here. They always feel like they can be a freak.”