Recommendations for Chicago blues club?

Cafe Society
1

Some friends of mine are traveling to Chicago in October. I’d like to recommend a blues club to them - something other than House of Blues. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks.

2

Here’s a site with most of the standard Chicago blues hangouts:

http://centerstage.net/music/clubs/styles/blues.html

I can add my own commentary FWIW.

Kingston Mines
2548 N. Halsted, Chicago

Buddy Guy’s Legends
754 S. Wabash, Chicago

Kingston Mines and Buddy Guy’s are the most popular tourist blues bars. I think any tourist wanting a good taste of Chicago blues will be satisfied with either place. They are both also famous for having celebrity stand-ins late at night.
Keith Richards (etc., etc.) has showed up for a late night jam or two with the local boys.

B.L.U.E.S.
2519 N. Halsted, Chicago

This place is across the street from Kingston Mines in what’s called the DePaul area of the city because of the university, a decent neighborhood. They get top acts there, but the place is extremely small.

Blue Chicago
736 N. Clark St., Chicago

Blue Chicago on Clark
536 N. Clark St., Chicago

These two places are located in what would probably be considered the biggest tourist area of the city. I stopped in a couple times but I was never impressed with the quality.

Checkerboard Lounge
423 E. 43rd Street, Chicago

I have heard this is the absolute best Chicago blues bar. Rough neighborhood down there, I never made it to this place.

In general, the blues scene doesn’t really get cookin’ until the wee hours of the morning. I think most of these places are open until 4 or 5 AM. Generally the “A team” doesn’t show up on stage until after midnight. But, if you wait until midnight to show up, you might not get in. I would suggest taking a taxi where ever go.

I hope your buds have a rockin’ mellow night :slight_smile:

3

If you ever see the name Corky Siegel on the lineup, go to that venue above all others. He plays blues harmonica.

Our orchestra toured with Mr. Siegel in England this summer & he had those Brits rockin’. When Brother Corky’s in the house, you best be paying attention because he’s gonna give you the word!

4

I’d say try the Checkerboard. Yeah, it’s rough compared to the other neighborhoods, but it does get its fair share of tourists, so I wouldn’t even hesitate going down there. I would agree on taking a cab there if you’re not a local. For the rest I’d say public transport is fine.