The Safe House was founded July 3rd, 2004 as a private refuge for the Revolutionary Music family. Originally a photography studio, the spot was first considered by Bryan Ford and Jeremiah Seraphine as they knew the owner of the building (Harry) and some of their close friends already lived next door. Bryan lived across the street at 657 Lake Street from 1998 until 2001 when it was still known as the Lick Loft. He and Jeremiah held events there which served as a pre-cursor to the Safehouse/Lake Street loft scene.
The Safehouse was to be a place where we could program the music we wanted to hear, close when we wanted to close and be around the people that shared our mindset. For more than 3 years we threw some of the most amazing parties Chicago has ever seen.
We typically opened at midnight and closed at 7am. Our parties were invitation only and featured both DJs and live music. The vibe was amazing because the people were amazing. Our staff set the tone with professionalism and personality. They included bartenders Viki, Mercia, Bess and Crystal; security guards Norman “the Punisher,” Steve and Brian; our partner Peachfuzz (Andy Mason) did the interior decorating, Bryan brought the sound system and gear, Jeremiah promoted the parties and Geoff helped mix the bands.
The guests included DJ Heather, Fred Everything, After School Special, Groove Matters, Bloom, Monna, Pat Nice, Lady D, Danny the Wild Child, Redloxx, Andre Harris, Jeremiah Seraphine, DNS, DJ Mes, Chad Mitchell, Deron Delgado, Q Burns Abstract Message, Chicago Afrobeat Project, JaGoff, Brian Gardner, Brenda D, B Jak, John “BID” Simmons, Champagne Brothers, FLX, Brian Borden, Deejay Phix, Dr Dillow, Alo, AmPm, Alexander East, Dr Groo, Eliot An, Mr Egg Germ, Baldwin Brothers, DJ Harri, Bryan Ford, Burton L., Mark Grant, J Davis Trio, Frique, Rasoul, Total Eclipse, Terry Swank Love Machine, Colin Response, DJ Afro, Ricardo, Gerald Moore ,Kevin Ford, Glenn Underground, Andrew Emil, Striz, E Spleece, Josh Harrell, Sound Republic, Justin Long, Tarek, Karina Nistal, Gracie Chavez, Frank Solano, Diz, Michael Serafini, Lee Jarvis, Soul Jay and more.
The Safe House ran from 2004 – 2007 in a space on the edge of downtown Chicago. On New Year’s Eve 2008-09 we threw another bash at the old spot. The final Safehouse party EVER was on May 16th, 2009 at the Revolutionary Music Artist Showcase. The bands were Burton L. and Darcy, Bryan Ford & Goulet, and Elev8tor. The DJs were Justin Reed, Jeremiah Seraphine, Ryan Scott, and Lee Jarvis. Now the Safe House is simply our brand of underground parties. Stay tuned for the next one.
