Wild Wednesdays in Chicago-June 2004
All pics by Montana
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Every city has it's own partying schedule and culture.  For example, in Cleveland, Sunday has always been a hot night for Hip Hop.  In Chicago, the hottest night for Reggae during the week has got to be Wednesday night.    As of writing time of this article, there are currently 5 spots to hear hard core dancehall reggae in Chicago.

This particular Wednesday, I decided to visit 3 of the longest running, most popular Wednesday reggae spots.  These three are staples of reggae in Chicago that I remember being popular even before my arrival here in Fall of 1999.

First we decided to check out Exedus.  Located in the heart of Wrigleyville, this club is in prime partying territory.  They usually have bands, but on Wednesdays, it's all about  hardcore dancehall Dj's running the area.  A cozy place reminiscent of an authentic Jamaican rum bar that you find on any given corner in any given Jamaican town, Exedus is a must see for true, authentic reggae lovers. 

On to the next and possibly the most popular reggae spot in the midwest, Wild Hare.  Across the street from Exedus, Wild Hare has a wide open, spacious atmosphere due to the high ceilinged loft effect of the club.  There is a stage at the far end and from there, on Wednesdays, Dancehall selectors play the hottest tracks for the crowd who dances directly below on the spacious dancefloor. 

For the late night crowd, there's the Cotton Club.  Wednesdays will find it packed with dancehall fans, usually after they leave the wild hare, around 2am.  It closes around 4ish, so there is plenty of time to get your dance on if you haven't had enough for the evening already.  Even if you have had enough, the Cotton Club is a must see with a 20's speakeasy vibe, located just south of the heart of Downtown Chicago.   If you arrive at midnight and the place is empty, don't worry!   The crowd is always there by 230 so you're sure to enjoy yourself!