Blues Clubs
Blues Chicago: The most convenient blues club for tourist. It is filled with tourist and conventioneers but it still retains the feel of an old fashioned neighborhood joint. It is nothing fancy which in a blues club is a good thing. They have a rotation of very good, local musicians. 8:00 p.m..- 1:30 a.m., $8 Sun-Thu., $10 Fri & Sat. 536 N. Clark. Website
Buddy Guy's Legends: Chicago's most famous living blues legend. The bands are usually some of best locals with the occasional well known national act making appearances. Its recent reopening makes it one of the nicer and bigger clubs. Tickets can be bought online in advance, although it does not guarantee a seat. Sun-Thu.$10, the music starts at 9:30, Fri.,$20, opening act at 9:00, main act at 10:30, Sat. $20, 9:30 and 11:00. 700 S. Wabash, Website
Kingston Mines: A reasonable cab ride from downtown. A large club with good music. It lacks the intimacy of a good blues club and has more of a roadhouse feel. It is the best club for those looking for more of a party and a younger crowd. They have 2 stages so there is always someone playing and you do not get that half an hour of dead time while the band takes a break that you get at the other clubs. Music starts at 9:00 and goes until the early morning. $12 cover most nights, 2548 N. Halsted, Website
B.L.U.E.S: A classic Chicago blues club. They feature mostly local blues artists at this intimate setting. They are across the street from Kingston Mines so you can pick between the two when you get there. Music starts at 9:30 and lasts until at least 2:00. 2519 N. Halsted, Cover varies, Website
Jazz Venues
Jazz Showcase: A Chicago legend that recently moved into a new, larger spot. They book in national acts like Roy Hargrove on the weekends and usually have local performers on weekdays. The space is fairly spartan but it does contain some fun, old paraphernalia. A short cab ride from most downtown hotels. The cash only cover is usually $10 for local acts and $20 for national acts. Performer take the stage at 8:00 and 10:00 every night and there is a 4:00 matinee on Sunday. 806 S. Plymouth Ct. Website
Andy's: Another Chicago legend just off the Magnifiencent Mile. They bring in top local acts and it is a chance to see them in a fairly intimate setting. The Chicago Jazz Orchestra plays a regular set on Monday Night. It is near a lot of good restaurants. The first band performs from 5:00-8:30 every night. The main act is 9:00-1:00 on Sun-Thu. 9:30-1:30 Fri & Sat. The cover is $5 Sun-Thu. before 8:30, $10 after 8:30, $10 before 8:30 on Fri & Sat and $15 after 8:30. 11 E. Hubbard, Website
Green Mill: It is like going back in time when you step through the door at this 100+ year old speakeasy. The most fun of the jazz clubs. It has more of the crowded and relaxed feel of a blues club. It was a gangster hangout in the 20's. It is a 20 minute cab ride from downtown and the neighborhood is safe but not that pleasant. They have a wide variety of local bands that play all kinds of jazz. 4802 N. Broadway, Several bands play every night and times and cover charges vary. Website
Pop's: More of a champaign bar than jazz club. A very sophisticated place that feature small jazz combos. 601 N. State, Website
Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Every year from the Fall through the Spring the CSO hosts a series of 10 jazz concerts. The concerts feature world renowned acts like Wynton and Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves. A more sophisticated way to see jazz but it lacks any intimacy. Patrons do dress well but a suit is not necessary. 220 S. Michigan Ave. Website