Darnell
Darnell, The Shrine's always dapper door host, operates by a simple philosophy: that patrons should feel welcome and comfortable as soon as they enter the club. Darnell has been committed to providing outstanding customer experience since his days as the original door host of the Funky Buddha Lounge. Darnell has also served as original door host of Spy Bar, and as host of renowned Chicago restaurants like Red Light and Marche.
A native Chicagoan, Darnell loves house music, and counts Terry Hunter, Gene Hunt, Jesse De La Pena and Joe Bryl as his favorite DJs. You'll be able to spot Darnell at The Shrine on Fridays and Saturdays by one of his signature Fedora hats. RSVP for either Fridays or Saturdays on this page (or both) and say hey to Darnell next time you're at The Shrine.
Larry Miller - Host
Larry Miller brings a decade of experience in Chicago, Washington D.C., and New York nightlife to his position as host of the Shrine.
The son of a DJ, Larry was raised on the southside of Chicago and started collecting disco, hip-hop, and rare groove records at an early age. He started working his professional start in nightlife working at Slick's Lounge, and quickly rose to manage the respected venue for a five year period. He went on to management positions in New York, with stints at Club Element, the Times Square BB King's, and as head bartender for renowned chef/restauranteur David Bouley at Bouley restaurant. Prior to The Shrine, Larry was door host at ROOF at The Wit Hotel, Chicago's premier rooftop lounge. In his spare time, Larry makes art, writes rhymes, and DJs disco and boogie at various parties around Chicago.
Joe Bryl
Joe Bryl, previous co-owner and musical director of the famed Chicago nightclub Sonotheque, has assumed the position of musical curator of upcoming Wednesday night events at The Shrine, which will focus on on a wide-range of eclectic, underground sounds. He has been working in the club and entertainment industry for the last twenty years and was an original partner in the creation of the renowned music venue HotHouse, exposing Chicagoans to a wide range of left-field dance music, ranging from Rare Groove, Latin, Funk, Brazilian, Steppers, African, Acid Jazz & Neo-Soul. Mr. Bryl was also involved in early days of The Funky Buddha Lounge, setting new standards for nightclubs in Chicago. He is also an accomplished DJ and record collector, once named by the Chicago Tribune as Chicago's "Most Interesting DJ", with an extraordinary knowledge of music genres and history from around the world.
Renée
Writer and marketing specialist Renée carved out a comfy niche at the Shrine after 8 years of grinding in Chicago and Miami's nightlife industries. This culture junkie and music buff is a Jill of All Trades at The Shrine, but is best known for her distinctive blend of sweet and sassy service as a VIP hostess and marketing assistant. With an appetite for quality, charm, and style, Renée scrapes the plate. Look for the girl with the cute smile and the smart mouth.
DJ Rude One
DJ Rude One is the new curator of classic hip-hop talent and programming at The Shrine. He is one half of the Chicago/New York based DJ & production crew, Single Minded Pros. His status as one of the best hip hop djs in the U.S. has been certified on turntables all over the country as well as Europe & Japan. From DMC DJ battles to a 3 year residency on The Jenny Jones Show, Rude has done it all. Also a celebrated producer, Rude has laced beats for Kool G. Rap, Kool Keith, Tony Touch, and many more. A former URB Magazine "Next 100" artist, his work has been featured to critical acclaim in XXL, Scratch Magazine, Remix, Elemental, and The Source. His productions can be heard on ESPN Radio, as well as episodes of Run's House, Rob & Big, and This American Life.
