North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie — Attraction in Niles Township

We've attended several concerts at this Skokie theater. Always classical music with the Chicago Philharmonic (not to be confused with the Chicago Symphony). It's a nice sounding room with convenient parking.

This week we had tickets for the 1960's pop singer Burton Cummings, founder of the group "Guess Who" (1969 hit "These Eyes"). Cummings was always a very fine singer. In this case "was" is the operative word. His singing was a fraction of what it once was, and the band was mediocre at best.

Live concerts are plagued by the inconsiderate people who somehow believe video recording this kind of event is worth sharing on social media. What about the rest of us who are trying to enjoy the show, while idiots are holding up their camera phones trying to record whole songs? Many venues in the Chicago are very aggressive at stopping this anti-social behavior. The operators of the North Shore Center don't care.

The biggest problem however was the horrible sound system in the theater. It was overly loud and distorted. Lyrics were unintelligible. Never a good sign. I would not recommend this theater for amplified music of this kind.

I also note a small glass of wine in a...

I just attended a Music of the Baroque concert here last night for the first time. I was impressed by everything. First, the parking is ample - an open lot which was full when I arrived, but also a large covered garage with plenty more parking. Also, someone was directing cars so we didn't have to waste time in the full lots and knew exactly where to find available spots.

My tickets were at the box office, but there was a table when I first walked in with no line and a very pleasant woman gave me my ticket with no fuss, and told me which entrance to use.

There were a good number of stalls in the women's bathroom so the inevitable line at intermission was not long.

The theater is relatively small so it seems probably most seats are a good view. The seats were pretty comfortable and spacious, compared to many theater seats.

Also, aesthetically very attractive lobby...

Attended "Flamenco Passion" and watched the dance company 'Raised in Chicago' for the first time. The North Shore Center was perfect- the facility was clean, security guided drivers where to park, and the ushers helped guests find their seats. Air conditioned and comfortable seating. Very worth my ticket price!

I didn't really like that some of the audience members sitting by me were whispering throughout the entire show. People sometimes don't realize that whispering carries out as "buzz-buzz-buzz" and disturbs others sitting nearby. I paid $$$ to see a show in peace. Then when you ask people to be quiet, they get highly offended.

Unless you are having a 911 emergency, NOTHING is so important that you feel talking during a show is ok. Save your comments for intermission or...