Maybe it isn’t obvious enough, or maybe it hasn’t been brought to the attention to the general public and musicians, but the privilege of NIU students and DeKalb residents have to have several live music venues around town is something that should not be overlooked.

Otto’s Niteclub & Underground

The most popular of these watering holes would have to be Otto’s Niteclub and Underground, located at 118 E. Lincoln Highway. After a period of struggling with bringing in local and national acts to pique the interests of students, there are now new, fresh acts gracing the bar, courtesy of Chicago-based MP Productions. With stages both upstairs and downstairs, they are able to bring in local bands and more widely recognized acts at the same time. The main stage area has the capacity to support such touring acts – Local H, Wilco and the Redwalls are just a few of the bands who have appeared onstage.

Starbusters Bar & Grill

The second most commonly known bar-by-day/venue-by-night would be Starbusters Bar & Grill. Located at 930 Pappas Drive, just off Annie Glidden Road, Starbusters has been known for bringing in more of the cover-band genre to entertain patrons. Just within the last couple of years, Starbusters acquired the space to make it possible to have an actual stage area.

“It’s nice that now there is the space to give the feel of a concert going on,” said Tim Olson, Bartlett resident and frequent ‘Busters’ visitor, “as opposed to when it was smaller and a little more cramped.”

Fatty’s Pub & Grille

Fatty’s Pub & Grille, 1312 W. Lincoln Highway is traditionally known as more of an Irish tavern than a provider of live music. But from time to time, they have had small acoustic acts perform for customers on weekends. But, like Starbusters, Fatty’s looks more to musicians playing covers, to be looked at more as providers of entertainment and less of a performance opportunity for up-and-coming original musicians, according to Fatty’s bouncer Cory Zhinden

Molly’s Eatery

Probably the least thought-of bar when it comes to live music events would be Molly’s Eatery, 1022 West Lincoln Highway. But believe it or not, some of the tent parties that they host for special events are some of the biggest live events to be found in DeKalb.

Dekalb resident Jamie Porrecea has made it a point attend as many of these as possible when they arise.

“It’s kind of cool that they have these parties as randomly as they do,” he said. “Because they happen so infrequently, I make sure I don’t miss them. Not only is it my favorite bar in DeKalb, but their parties beat out anything any other bar does at our school.”