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Music venue opens near Geneva

The WC Social Club embraces varied artists including wrestler 'Hacksaw' Jim Duggan's comedy Feb. 20

[American English will perform its noted Beatles tribute at The WC Social Club.] WEST CHICAGO – A new destination for touring rock bands and other acts opened this fall in West Chicago. The venue, tucked in a plaza on Route 38 just east of Route 59, incorporates the city's name in its own, The WC Social Club. Wheaton native Chris Triebes said he came on board and helped rebrand the former Tequila Roadhouse, where acts now range from Beatles tribute band American English to metal musicians playing all its genres, as well as comedy. "The whole concept is everyone is welcome," he said. "It's an events space, food, eatery and bar." The space also can be reserved for parties, meetings and weddings. The menu was just expanded and features pub favorites. Among the most popular dishes are the burgers prepared with Angus beef that's never frozen. He calls the pressed burger unique and says it is served caramelized on the edges. (Photos provided)

By Renee Tomell

[American English will perform its noted Beatles tribute at The WC Social Club.] WEST CHICAGO – A new destination for touring rock bands and other acts opened this fall in West Chicago. The venue, tucked in a plaza on Route 38 just east of Route 59, incorporates the city's name in its own, The WC Social Club. Wheaton native Chris Triebes said he came on board and helped rebrand the former Tequila Roadhouse, where acts now range from Beatles tribute band American English to metal musicians playing all its genres, as well as comedy. "The whole concept is everyone is welcome," he said. "It's an events space, food, eatery and bar." The space also can be reserved for parties, meetings and weddings. The menu was just expanded and features pub favorites. Among the most popular dishes are the burgers prepared with Angus beef that's never frozen. He calls the pressed burger unique and says it is served caramelized on the edges. (Photos provided)

[The band Attila will perform at The WC Social Club.] "Also popular are the loaded nachos – kind of humongous [and featuring] a bunch of toppings," Triebes said. The nachos can be ordered with any kind of meat, which extends to the "really good" fillings in the street-style Mexican tacos. "I've had a ton of positive response [and] compliments on our food," he said, adding that people are surprised when they walk in and see the venue, which now sports an enhanced sound system. For people who want to check out the new club, he suggests attending the Beatles tribute concert at 9 p.m. Feb. 22 or Wedding Banned at 9 p.m. March 20, both known for putting on great shows. "American English is a great one," Triebes said. "They do an amazing job. It's a spot-on performance [I] highly recommend."

He's pleased that the metal band Attila will bring its national tour to The WC Social Club at 6:30 p.m. April 15, noting the musicians perform at venues like the House of Blues in Chicago. "Attila is a mix of metal and rap – a pretty fun band," he said. "They play … party metal." The club has booked a variety of metal bands with a darker edge – all part of the genre known for heavy guitar distortion, he said. "Some of these guys have a dark image, [but are] normal guys," he said, noting they may wear masks and adopt different personas. For those curious about the musical style, he calls it another side of the art form, suggesting people think of cinema, whose offerings range from horror movies to the comedy genre, each with their own fans. "It helps people understand what is this crazy metal music," he said.

Wrestling fans can look forward to a night of storytelling and comedy by famed former wrestling star "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan and special guests at 9 p.m. Feb. 20. Duggan is in the WWE Hall of Fame. "He'll tell jokes and fun stories," Triebes said. "He's larger than life. These were my idols when I was in elementary school. A lot of people are interested in what they have to say. [They have] rock star types of lives." Actress and pop singer Meg Donnelly will appear in concert at 6:30 p.m. April 10, including a meet-and-greet opportunity. Triebes has long been at home in the music scene. "I started playing drums in middle school, [and] in high school joined a local band. … I did end up … in the metal world," he said.

He watched his older friends put on concerts in legion halls and helped sell tickets. By the time he attended Valparaiso University in Indiana, he was acquiring skills and connections in booking entertainment. The WC Social Club has 150 seats, and general admission tickets range from about $10 to $25. People also can purchase tickets that reserve tables with their seating. If you go WHAT: The WC Social Club WHERE: 920 Roosevelt Road (Route 38), West Chicago, just east of Route 59 WHEN: Varied concert dates COST: $10 to $25 for general admission INFO: www.thewcsocialclub.com, thewcsocialclub@gmail.com (Shaw Media)

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Renee Tomell

Renee Tomell

Covering the arts and entertainment scene in northern Illinois, with a focus on the Fox River Valley.