IT'S OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY! Metro is embarking upon an exciting time in our history this year - we're celebrating our 25th anniversary! We are so proud and happy to have remained independently owned and operated and dedicated to our mission of bringing new artists to Chicago for twenty-five years. This calls for a celebration, so we're spending this year celebrating our heritage, and our future, with a variety of special events and programs. (Metro 25th Anniversary mockumentary produced by staff) (Short clips of all the bands playing at Metro's SXSW party) In March of 2007, Metro kicked off our anniversary season with the Metro 25th Anniversary Kickoff Party at the South By Southwest Music Festival in Austin, TX. South By Southwest is the industry's largest gathering of musicians and music business professionals, and showcases new and independent musicians from around the world. Featuring only Chicago artists on two stages, the show was a success that left everyone talking about the great musical talent in Chicago Thanks to the folks at Emo's in Austin, and all the bands who played - Smoking Popes, The Redwalls, Catfish Haven, The Changes, The M's, Office, The Hush Sound, Cameron McGill & The Quartet Offensive, Sybris, The Prairie Cartel, This Is Me Smiling and Of The Opera.     Metro 25th Anniversary Gear available at our online store and the Metro Store! Located below Metro, the Metro Store is open Tuesday through Saturday 12-8, Sunday 12- 6 and 12-8 on Mondays if there is a show in Metro that day.		October 13, 2007 - Tortoise will be performing at the Symphony Center in Chicago as part of Macy's Day of Music on Saturday, October 13. Since its inception in 1997, this much anticipated event has welcomed tens of thousands in the community to free performances. Macy's Day of Music has also been increasingly successful in welcoming new audiences to Symphony Center. This year's event will feature the Chicago Symphony Orchestra while offering a variety of other musical performances, including classical, folk, jazz, blues, gospel, and dance in locations throughout Symphony Center. March 8, 2008 - The Waltz returns to celebrate Metro's 25th anniversary. The successful five year run of The Waltz, a benefit concert for Chicago's homeless youth, raised over $100,000 between 1999 - 2004. In celebration of Metro's 25th anniversary, The Waltz will return one more time, and will release a DVD of footage from its five years. Year Round Activities - Metro will also celebrate with several year round activities including a poster design contest, a tshirt design contest, children's educational programs, and charitable events.