Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
blues”—where low-tech soulful singing melded with the rock sensibility of elec-
tric guitars. Blues-influenced rock musicians (the Rolling Stones and Led Zep-
pelin, for example) made Chicago a regular pilgrimage spot. Today, the blues has
become yet another tourist attraction (especially for international visitors), but
the quality and variety of blues acts in town is still impressive. Hard-core blues
fans shouldn't miss the annual (free) Blues Fest, held along the lakefront in
Grant Park in early June. See the “Chicago Calendar of Events” in chapter 3 for
more on the festival.
Blue Chicago
Blue Chicago pays homage to female blues belters with a
strong lineup of the best women vocalists around. The 1940s-style brick-walled
room, decorated with original artwork of Chicago blues vignettes, is open Mon-
day through Saturday, with music beginning at 9pm. Admission allows you to
club-hop between this venue and a second location, open Tuesday through Sun-
day, down the street at 536 N. Clark St. Next door, at 534 N. Clark St., is the
Blue Chicago Store, which sells blues-related clothing, merchandise, and art-
work. From 8pm to midnight on Saturdays, the basement of the store becomes
a venue geared to families, featuring the music of the Gloria Shannon Blues
Band. The cover is $5 for adults and free for kids under 12.
736 N. Clark St. (between
Chicago Ave. and Superior St.).
&
312/642-6261.
www.bluechicago.com. Cover $6-$8. Subway/
El: Red or Brown line to Chicago.
B.L.U.E.S.
On the Halsted strip, look for B.L.U.E.S.—the name says it all.
This is a small joint for the serious blues aficionado—you won't miss a single
move of the musicians standing on stage only yards away. Shows start at 9:30pm
daily.
2519 N. Halsted St. (between Wrightwood and Fullerton aves.).
&
773/528-1012.
www.
chicagobluesbar.com. Cover $5-$10. Subway/El: Red or Brown line to Fullerton.
Buddy Guy's Legends
A legend himself, the gifted guitarist runs one of
the more popular and most comfortable clubs in town. Blues paraphernalia,
from a Koko Taylor dress to a Muddy Waters tour jacket, decorates the walls of
this club near the South Loop. You may catch Buddy on stage when he's in
town. (Or, if you're lucky, one of his high-profile friends, such as Mick Jagger,
will stop by for an impromptu jam session.) The kitchen serves good Louisiana-
style soul food and barbecue.
754 S. Wabash Ave. (between Balbo Dr. and 8th St.).
&
312/
427-0333.
www.buddyguys.com. Cover $10-$15. Subway/El: Red Line to Harrison.
Kingston Mines
Chicago's premier blues bar, Kingston Mines, is where
musicians congregate after their own gigs to jam together and to socialize.
Celebs have been known to drop by when they're in town shooting movies, but
most nights the crowd includes a big contingent of conventioneers looking for
a rockin' night on the town. But don't worry about the tourist factor—every-
one's here to have a good time, and the energy is infectious. The show begins at
9:30pm daily, with two bands on two stages, and goes until 4am (5am Sat). The
late-night kitchen serves up burgers and ribs.
2548 N. Halsted St. (between Wrightwood
and Fullerton aves.).
&
773/477-4646.
www.kingstonmines.com. Cover $10-$15. Subway/El:
Red or Brown line to Fullerton.
Reservation Blues
Blues singer Eddy “The Chief ” Clearwater brings the
blues to Wicker Park at his new club and restaurant. Clearwater, who plays up
his Native American heritage as part of his stage persona, regularly performs in
a headdress (a stained-glass portrait of the boss in his distinctive headgear fills
the window facing Milwaukee Ave.). Music paraphernalia fills the place: Guitars
and colorful boots hang above the bar, and photos of the Chief and his friends
cover the brick walls. The kitchen serves up Southwestern food that's a cut above
Kids
Finds
