Just off the California Blue Line el stop, small clusters of people locked up their bikes against a fence, while others, dressed in winter caps and scarves, excitedly strolled to the venue. They quickly packed a basement with fans shoulder-to-shoulder, as a number of them remained outside puffing on cigarettes. More than 100 people showed up at the house throughout the night on Nov. 22 for the housemates’ first show.

Sabrina*, one of the occupants of the house, said she hopes to create a network connecting underground venues such as F–k Mountain in Wicker Park and a space at 18th and Peoria streets.

With three bands playing that were either friends of the housemates or found on MySpace, the entire basement and backyard were packed. More than 30 people stood in the backyard at a time. The bands were Meah!, David Lineal of Bird Names and Dance Band from Minneapolis.

Sabrina and Kerry,* two housemates who recently lived with others on Sacramento Boulevard for three years, have shows at the “Sac House” about twice a month and are hoping to continue the trend at their new home, Sabrina said. They have yet to decide on a name for their new venue.

While the Sac House was on the second floor above commercial space, they are a little more wary now since the new location is more out in the open, Sabrina said.

House venues have benefits that proper venues don’t necessarily have, like a more personal environment and no necessity to make a profit, Kerry said.

“It becomes less personal when you’re dealing with a proper venue,” Sabrina said. “I made [the members of Dance Band] dinner tonight. They’re going to crash here, and I’m going to make them breakfast.”

Off to the side, in the basement, cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer for $1 and shots of liquor for $2 were being sold. The donations they asked for were not used for profit, but to help compensate the bands for things like gas money, Kerry said.

Although there’s no definite number of house venues in Chicago, there could be anywhere from dozens to hundreds-some of which are at little risk of facing legal problems and others at greater risk because of frequent and large shows.

Sabrina said news of shows is usually spread by word of mouth, and this particular show drew such a large crowd because it was the first event at their house. For future events, she said she would like to have about 30 or 40 people show up for a more personal setting.

“I go to art openings and shows,” she said. “I spend time keeping up with what these people are doing, and they do the same.”

When Dance Band, a geek-funk group who Sabrina said she found on MySpace, began playing in the back end of the basement, people crowded in while dancing with each other and the singers of the band. Most people were dripping sweat, even though it was below freezing outdoors.

Stuck in the frosty weather, the crowd outside mulled around in conversation, pausing often to greet anyone passing by. Andrew Lorish, a manager at the Museum of Contemporary Art, stood smoking a cigarette and offering free sips from his jar of moonshine to most people who he said looked like they needed a drink.

Lorish said he is more comfortable giving a donation when he knows it’s all going to support the band.

“I like the idea that there’s not a stage-not a pedestal,” he said.

Chicago zoning ordinance says a residence must have the status of a nonprofit lodge or club in order to ask for donations. It is also illegal to sell liquor without a license, and occupancy issues as well as noise ordinances could interfere with continuing shows.

At Sac House, the housemates only had the authorities called to their parties twice throughout their run, Sabrina said.

But Kerry said as long as everyone who shows up is a friend, she’s not worried.

“We’re acting in an environment where Chicago has a large history of underground spaces,” she said. “I guess that’s why we feel safe, because so many other people do it.”

*The owners of the house asked that their address and full names not be used due to legal ramifications of using a house as a venue.