Amazingrace Coffeehouse
Grace | |
Interactive map of Amazingrace Coffeehouse | |
| Address | Scott Hall, 601 University Place (1971–72) Shanley Hall, Colfax Street (1972–74) 845 Chicago Avenue (1974–78) |
|---|---|
| Location | Evanston, Illinois |
| Owner | Amazingrace Family |
| Seating type | Floor and chairs |
| Capacity | 100-400 |
| Type | Performance and recording venue; counterculture gathering place |
| Events | Folk, jazz, country, bluegrass, newgrass, roots, blues, rock, theater, poetry |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1971 |
| Closed | 1980 |
| Website | |
| amazingrace | |
Amazingrace Coffeehouse (later known as Amazingrace) was an influential counterculture music and performance venue in Evanston, Illinois, during the 1970s. Run by a collective called the Amazingrace Family, it was known for its welcoming atmosphere, eclectic menu, excellent sound system, and respectful audiences. Amazingrace was the top music club in the Chicago Reader poll 1973-1975, plus Number 3 in the 1975 wrap-up of "Who's Who in Chicago's Alternative Culture". Performers from a wide variety of genres (including blues, bluegrass, folk, funk, rock, jazz, comedy, spoken word, and theater) played at Amazingrace from its beginning on the campus of Northwestern University until its final incarnation at The Main on Chicago Avenue in Evanston.