Witchy Fleetwood Mac Pop-Up Bar Debuts in Chicago With a Tarot Reader
 

Chicagoans could be described as folks who’re perpetually looking forward to spring, and that’s one of the themes behind the new Fleetwood Mac pop-up that debuted over the weekend at the Rookery in West Town. Fleetwood Mac is a band that’s been around since 1967 and known for songs such as Go Your Own Way and Don’t Stop. The last Rookery pop-up was a tribute to the Jack Nicholson horror film The Shining and brought a dark theme that worked well for Chicago’s dreary winters. Now that spring is here, Fleetwood Mac’s fresh melodies mesh well with the theme of rebirth, one that “celebrates the magic of women” at 2109 W. Chicago Avenue.

The pop-up’s formal name is Rhiannon, which is named for the band’s 1975 chart topper that features Stevie Nicks on vocals. Rookery owner Amy Teri created seven signature cocktails with themed names like Landslide, Songbird, and Black Magic Woman. Like the Rookery’s prior pop-up, this new project’s being spearheaded by Heaven Malone, a well-known DJ and event promoter. Malone talked about the band’s majestic aura and how fans enjoy dressing up at concerts.

“It’s a vibe we wanted to recreate as a sort of shrine to a band we all love,” Malone wrote via email. “And there is a witchy theme to Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks we could easily build upon respectfully and empowering for women while also having that mystical classic ‘70s rock vibe. It just feels cool.”

Malone knows some people may be leery of pop-ups as a lazy cash grab. But they’re going beyond just playing the band’s music at the Rookery. They’ve got original art made especially for the event from local artist Michael K. Skrobin. They’ve brought in Ashley Klich to read tarot cards.


“While I’ve done successful band theme nights such as Bowie Ball and Belle & Sebastian Night that push it further, I felt going even deeper into the world of Fleetwood Mac as an experiential series transforming a physical space rather than just a DJ dance party is just a new way to experience nightlife,” Malone wrote. “The Rookery is pretty amazing for even doing this. And the crowd seems to be in love with it so far.”

The scope of the pop-up includes Nicks’ solo and duet work with artists including Tom Petty. Younger fans may only know Nicks from her role on American Horror Story, so don’t be surprised to see a nod toward the TV show. The band just announced a tour with a Chicago stop in October.

The Shining pop-up made the Rookery a popular spot and long waits weren’t uncommon. Fans can RSVP at the link for Rhiannon and enter for a chance to skip the lines. Check out the drink selections below. Rhiannon: The Fleetwood Mac Pop-Up is open every Friday and Saturday night, and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays on the Rookery’s second floor though June 17.

Landslide: Tequila, Pineapple-infused Rum, Coconut Rum Cream, Chocolate accents.
Seven Wonders: Pisco, Blueberry Jam, Color Changing Butterfly Flower Chai.
Black Magic Woman: Activated Charcoal, Gin & Lychee Liqueur.
Songbird: Rosé, Chareau, Lime, Soda.
Go Your Own Way: Sour & Salty Tequila based cocktail.
Gold Dust Woman: Bourbon, Honey, Ginger Liqueur, Gold Candy Rim.
Crystal Visions: Champagne, Edible Glitter, Color Changing Rock Sugar.
Tarot Cards & Cocktails Special: Get your tarot read while sipping a Rhiannon cocktail.

https://chicago.eater.com/2018/5/7/1...-heaven-malone