Jack Sweeney's Open Mic residency

While Zwan was in the studio recording Mary Star of the Sea, they held a "secret" open mic every Monday at The Hideout in Chicago, called Jack Sweeney's Open Mic. The was belief Jack Sweeney was actually Matt Sweeney of Zwan, and rumors were confirmed at the debut event on September 9, 2002. At the second event, the club was filled to capacity hours before the event's scheduled 11:30 P.M. start.

Chicago-area musicians would sign up and play two-song sets every week, in between the two-song sets by Zwan members Billy Corgan, Matt Sweeney, Paz Lenchantin and David Pajo. Occasionally the full band (minus Jimmy Chamberlin) would perform. The shows were recorded and compiled as The Hideout: Compilation One and The Hideout: Compilation Two, self-released on Zwan's official website in late 2002.