In the vibrant neighborhood of Wicker Park, Ken Ellis stands out as an integral figure in Chicago’s nightlife. An artist, bartender, and doorman, Ellis has built a career that spans over several decades, entwining his life with the artistic pulse of the city. His journey began in the storied Gold Coast neighborhood, where he grew up under the influence of a neon-lit nightlife that hinted at the future he would embrace.
Ellis moved to a Victorian brownstone on Astor Street at just six years old. His father worked as a building engineer and janitor in the building, which housed prominent figures, including architect Harry Weese and the family of the Drake Hotel. Just a few blocks south, Rush Street was alive with cultural vigor, setting the stage for Ellis’s would-be explorations in the nightlife scene.
Few individuals in Chicago’s nightlife can claim a career as expansive as Ellis’s. He first made a name for himself at North Side punk rock venues such as La Mere Vipere, O’Banion’s, and Neo, but it was his position at the Rainbo Club, at 1150 N. Damen Ave., that would define his legacy. Starting as a doorman about two days after Dee Taira and her late partner, Gavin Morrison, purchased the club in 1985, Ellis became a familiar fixture over the years, ultimately retiring in 2021 after a rewarding career.
Interestingly, the Rainbo Club also paved the way for Ellis’s artistic endeavors. Introduced to quilt-making by his then-wife, he began crafting quilts after his bartending shifts concluded at 2 a.m. Over the years, Ellis has produced over 600 quilts, with themes that range from the iconic Rainbo neon sign to notable figures like Fred Hampton and Indira Gandhi. His artwork has gained recognition, with exhibitions at both the Chicago Cultural Center and galleries in Santa Fe and beyond. An upcoming retrospective at the Rainbo will celebrate his work as part of the bar’s 40th anniversary this October.
Ellis’s journey in the nightlife scene is one filled with colorful anecdotes and unforgettable stories. A Lane Tech High School graduate, he was studying writing and television production at Columbia College when he decided to venture into the nightlife scene at Le Mere Vipere, a new punk dance club in Lincoln Park. The vibrant energy of the venue drew him in, and it was a far cry from the more conventional establishments of his youth.
After a brief stint at O’Banion’s, where he encountered a more challenging crowd, Ellis found a more stable position at Neo, remaining there for four years until the club closed. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Gavin Morrison, who introduced him to the Rainbo Club, a bar that would soon become the centerpiece of his life work.
Taira, who became Morrison’s partner and later co-owner of the Rainbo, also played an essential role in the club’s transformation. Their journey began in Lincoln Park, where a chance meeting at Max’s Tavern led Taira to a romantic and business partnership with Morrison. When Morrison decided to purchase the Rainbo, Taira’s financial backing was vital in making the purchase happen, steering their lives into a new chapter.
The Rainbo Club has a rich history of its own. Opening its doors in 1936, the establishment once inspired a setting in Nelson Algren’s novel “The Man With the Golden Arm.” Surprisingly unchanged since its inception, with its vintage decor and cozy vibe, the Rainbo invites patrons into a space where time seems to stand still.
Under the ownership of Taira and Morrison, the Rainbo began a series of monthly art shows, transforming the bar’s ambiance to showcase the work of local artists. This artistic legacy has become intertwined with the Rainbo’s identity, forging a connection with the cultural landscape of Wicker Park during its gentrification.
During this time, the bar became a haven for struggling artists and musicians, fostering a sense of community among creatives. Unlike many venues of its era, the Rainbo featured no jukebox; instead, its charm relied solely on word-of-mouth recognition, creating an intimate atmosphere where artists like Liz Phair could flourish.
In his role as a doorman, Ellis became an esteemed figure at the Rainbo, known for his soft demeanor and ability to diffuse tense situations. With a height of 5’10 and weighing around 175 pounds, Ellis employed a strategy to handle unruly patrons rather than resorting to violence. The majority of his encounters at the Rainbo revolved around creative disagreements rather than disputes typical in dance clubs.
Ellis’s ability to maintain peace extended beyond handling drunks; his reputation grew amongst musicians and patrons alike. His calm demeanor earned him respect and admiration, solidifying his status as a Wicker Park icon. Legendary tales abound from the Rainbo, such as when Ellis shared a moment with guitarist Rick Rizzo, proving that camaraderie also flourished behind the bar.
The late 1980s brought sorrow with the death of Morrison, who battled heroin addiction during the years that they worked together. Ellis stepped in during Morrison’s absence, helping Taira navigate the challenges of keeping the bar afloat after her partner’s passing. Their collaboration became a testimony to resilience and dedication, allowing the Rainbo to thrive in the years to come.
Ellis’s interest in art developed early in his life, encouraged by gifted artwork from the Weese family. His foray into quilt-making, initiated by his then-wife, blossomed into an artistic expression that provided solace amid the busyness of nightlife. Following the success of his first major quilt showcase, he continued to explore various series, including tributes to significant figures in history.
As the Rainbo Club celebrates its 40th anniversary, plans are already underway for a retrospective of Ellis’s work to honor his contributions to both the bar and the arts. Despite facing health challenges, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Ellis remains optimistic about the role he still plays in the bar’s legacy.
In a notable parallel, Taira and Ellis share more than just a long history together—they also have the same cardiologist. Their paths intertwine through both past and present, as they navigate the challenges of aging surrounded by the cultural watering hole that has defined their lives.
After opening Skylark in 2003, Taira and her partners fostered yet another space that echoed the homey feel of the Rainbo. However, with time, they decided to pass that establishment on to a new generation of leaders, ensuring the continuation of their bar culture legacy.
Taira remains committed to keeping the Rainbo alive, repeatedly turning down offers to sell. “I’m not ready to sell,” she states firmly, showcasing her passion for the bar and its history. With aspirations to surround the Rainbo with individuals who share their ethos, she is dedicated to the legacy that they have built together.
The upcoming anniversary promises to be a reflective celebration of the Rainbo’s rich history, the community it has fostered, and the art it has embraced. As the road ahead unfolds, both Ellis and Taira remain steadfast guardians of a cherished legacy, echoing the artistry and spirit that brought the Rainbo Club to life.
image source from：https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/02/how-rainbo-club-bartender-and-artist-ken-ellis-became-a-wicker-park-icon/
