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We talk to the man behind one of Chicago's most musically adventurous clubs.

Tuesday Oct 14, 2008.     By Maya Henderson

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Your average clubber can't live without the glitz and hype of big-name, big-cover spots like Crobar and Zentra, and there's nothing wrong with that. But for Chicagoans looking for more than the latest radio remix or hot Euro trance DJ (and who don't want to be told what to wear), there's Sonotheque.

Although you're bound to find at least a few big headliners here on a monthly basis- Flosstradamus and acts from Peanut Butter Wolf's Stones Throw Records have monthly events at the club-Sonotheque musical programmer Joe Bryl is interested in more than star power.

Bryl was born and raised on the South Side in the Stockyards neighborhood and at 54, can speak on the city's underground music history like few people can.

In the early '80s he started DJing at Club 950, which quickly became known as the place to go and hear new music. "I'd play everything from Sarah Vaughan to Echo and the Bunnymen," says Bryl. "People would come because they knew we were music fans and that they'd hear something different."

Through his years of DJing and working at clubs, he eventually befriended Donnie Madia and Terry Alexander (Blackbird and Violet Hour). When the three had the idea to open Sonotheque, it was quite clear who'd be in charge of what was coming out of the speakers.

As musical programmer, Bryl works with promoters, plans events four to six months in advance and works on the budget. At night, you may find him socializing with the crowd or working the door. "We're like the mom-and-pop store on the corner," says Bryl. "If it's a busy night, and glasses need to be washed, I'm going to wash glasses."

Bryl downplays his musical knowledge, but he's like a walking wikipedia full of info on musical subgenres. He can talk about everything from kraut rock to modern African pop, yet he's approachable and down to earth, something that's vital considering that at most of the parties he spins at – a regular funk party, the popular monthly Braziliance party and a new event called Rebirth of the Cool (somewhat of a jazz tribute night) - he's playing things that 95 percent of patrons have never heard. Bryl enjoys playing teacher, because he genuinely cares about sharing great and sometimes odd music with his city and he also likes being able to give talented young DJs an outlet. "We're different because we really know our music," says Bryl. "You go to some places and you'll hear generic versions of, for example, Brazilian music, but you'll never hear that here. There's a lot of great music out there and I hope we can be the venue for it."

If I were to come to your neighborhood, where would you insist I go?
Unfortunately my neighborhood is full of gangs, so I'm either at home or Sonotheque.

Hidden gem?
Cafe Ballou. My friend Christine owns it. It reminds me of the neighborhood I grew up in as a kid.

Favorite DJ that currently plays out regularly?
I like Ron Trent. He's very technical and I barely match beats sometimes. I appreciate the knowledge that he brings and what he can do with music.

Favorite genre of the moment?
Honestly I don't lean towards one style more than another. When I do my weekly shopping at Dusty Groove, I'll get everything from Peruvian psychedelic to a drum 'n' bass record.

Something about you we don't know?
I don't want to be the old man at the club. Ultimately, I may turn into the Wizard of Oz behind the curtain; you know I'm there but you might not see me.

Sonotheque celebrates six years in December; visit sonotheque.net for updated party listings.