3145 N. Sheffield Ave.
Built: 1912
Reopened as Vic: 1984
Capacity: 1,200-1,400
Ages: All or 21-plus
Music: National alternative rock, wild cards
Ambiance: Lively
Sound: Clear
Sight lines: Good
Parking: Valet parking $5; little on street
Public transportation: Belmont ”L” stop (Howard line)
Promoter: Jam Productions
Tickets: Box office, Ticketmaster
Next scheduled show: Todd Rundgren, March 2, 3
The Vic is like a small-scale Riviera in that both are refurbished old theaters-neither overly ornate-that feature a nightclub-style main floor and a movie-house balcony. The Vic downstairs area, punctuated by brass railings, is five-tiered, with all but the dance floor lined with gray couches, tables and chairs. The dance floor and ascending levels are significantly narrower than at the Riviera, offering a closer, clearer view. The balcony is steep, with worn seats, but not stratospheric.
With so many seats, the Vic is a comfortable place to catch a show, but those who like to stand have plenty of places to bop. Though crowded enough to spark energy, it`s rarely claustrophobic except for those who choose it to be (like stage-crowders and slam dancers up front).
Acoustics are sharp; the room isn`t big enough for an echo, and the sound people keep the volume below a blare. The theater is programmed with a mix of popular alternative rock acts (Camper Van Beethoven, Red Hot Chili Peppers), metal (Voivod), and occasional blues, jazz and country.
The weekend-night ClubLand dance club is gone, to be replaced in a few weeks by The Catwalk, which will supposedly aim for a more upscale crowd. In the meantime the Vic is undergoing some renovations-including an expanded dance floor-with no concerts scheduled till March.
