Man stabbed and killed in brawl at City Winery in Chicago’s West Loop

CHICAGO (CBS) — A man died after being stabbed multiple times during a fight at City Winery on Restaurant Row in the West Loop on Wednesday night.

What was supposed to be a fun-filled evening of music and entertainment at City Winery was instead surrounded by police cars throughout the evening as investigators investigated the deadly violence.

The victim, a 47-year-old man, was stabbed to death by a 41-year-old assailant with a knife around 5 p.m. at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., Chicago police said.

It was not clear whether the stabbing took place inside or outside the venue, but this led to events there being cancelled.

“It’s really sad that people go through this,” said concertgoer Mack Miller. “You know, I don’t know who it was, who was stabbed – I don’t know anything about it. But I just know that it’s just useless. You know, it’s really sad.”

CBS 2 was told there were two events planned for Wednesday night at City Winery – a fundraiser for a nonprofit organization and a concert by local artist Danny Boy – or Danny Boy Steward – who was rehearsing at the establishment at the time of the stabbing.

He said the victim wished him a good show shortly before he was stabbed.

“When you say this is starting to happen in a workplace, in a place where we do live music, in a place that’s supposed to bring good spirits and good vibes, I think we need to talk about these things,” Steward said.

CBS 2 observed people who stopped by being turned away at the door and told that their events had been canceled.

“A few friends and I came from the suburbs,” said Cathleen Himes, who came for the fundraiser, “but as we approached the venue, we saw cop cars everywhere – and we were quickly told there had been an altercation.”

Police have not yet said what led to the argument that preceded the stabbing.

“Sad that this is happening in the middle of our neighborhood, you know,” Himes said. “You want to celebrate. You want to go to dinner. You never want anything to start or end in violence.”

“I just pray for the families,” Steward said. “It is an unfortunate thing; something that happens all the time here in the city of Chicago.”

The suspected perpetrator was arrested, the police said.

Detectives from the Belmont area investigated the stabbing.

CBS 2 reached out to City Winery about the incident and to find out what happened with Wednesday night’s canceled show. There was no response as of just before 10 p.m.