On Friday May 9, ten undercover officers of the Chicago Police Department ordered the non-profit performing arts center, HotHouse, to cease and desist all operations, claiming the venue was operating with improper licenses.

At the time of the citation, HotHouse was transitioning from a 7 p.m. performance to a sold-out 10 p.m. show of the legendary Cuban charanga band Orquesta Aragon. A crowd of ticketholders to the 10 p.m. performance had formed an orderly line outside the venue in anticipation of the concert.

HotHouse management asserts that all licenses for the venue are in good standing and proper order. Hothouse believes that the raid, which will cause untold financial losses to the venerable non-profit cultural center, was politically motivated. Read More

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