Melissa Mercado

Music Venues Say It's Time To Face (-to-Face) The Music

By Guy Stephens • Jul 13, 2020

As Illinois slowly reopens, live music is also trying to make a comeback -- at least in a few places.

With large-scale gatherings still a no-no in Illinois, big shows and music festivals have mostly been canceled or postponed. But some smaller locations are taking tentative steps beyond virtual or small outdoor offerings.

Arts Matter In Aurora Downtown's Success

By Guy Stephens • Feb 6, 2020

Aurora’s downtown is transforming into what some are calling an “arts district.”

Melissa Mercado is the executive director of the Fox Valley Music Foundation. It runs The Venue, a performance space located in the heart of downtown Aurora.

The Venue opened in 2019. Mercado said the atmosphere of the 200-seat listening room is casual. Most sit around tables, and food and drink are available, and the offerings are intentionally eclectic.