Introduction to the Wild Hare
FULTON MARKET — The Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary, a mecca for reggae music in the Midwest and beyond, is leaving the North Side and moving to Fulton Market.
The legendary venue, dubbed “Reggae Capital USA,” is moving from Lincoln Park to the lower level of 950 W. Fulton Market, with a target opening date of late spring, its owners said.
The New Venture
The Wild Hare is part of a new venture by Taratsa Hospitality Group, which acquired the businesses at 950-954 W. Fulton Market from Avli Hospitality Group. Those businesses include private event space Morgan’s on Fulton, new quick-service Greek restaurant Pitaki and a yet-to-be-announced restaurant on the northeast corner of Fulton and Morgan.
The Taratsa Hospitality team includes CEO Alan Cichon, former president of Avli Hospitality, and private equity investor William V. Glastris Jr. of Evanston Partners, LLC.
Venue Details
The club will be accessible via a hidden alley entrance where the original Wild Hare sign will eventually hang. The venue is initially planned to be open five days per week, with live performances, DJ nights and artist showcases on the lower-level main stage and rooftop.
“We have a large, very flexible venue that can serve as a sort of one-stop shop for an evening and for friends to meet up,” Cichon said in a statement to Block Club. “If you are looking to have dinner and catch an early set of live music, we can deliver a terrific experience. If you are hosting an event and want a late-night spot to continue the festivities, we can customize a show, including with a house band.
“If you are looking for the best live reggae and world beat on the planet, you will find it here.”
A live show at The Wild Hare in Lincoln Park. Credit: Wild Hare Facebook
The Wild Hare in Lincoln Park. Credit: Wild Hare Facebook
History of the Wild Hare
The Wild Hare started as a country music bar on Clark Street in
