Blues Clubs/Venues

Welcome to the Windy City Blues Society Blues Clubs & Venues Directory

Want to have your club listed? Send your information to us via our Contact page.

Interested in a FEATURED LISTING? Purchase a featured listing in our directory and your club/businesses will appear at the top of this list for only $25.00 per year.

The WCBS Blues Clubs & Venues Directory is published quarterly in PDF format. Print this guide and take it with you. It’s a handy mobile guide to the Chicago Blues scene. Special thanks to BlackJack for compiling most of this material.

View the Directory! (but for the most current club updates, see the venue listings below)

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YOUR CLUB HERE
555 W. 999th St. Chicago, 312-555-555
Get a featured listing for your Blues Club and you’ll appear at the top of the list!

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Harlem Avenue Lounge
3701 South Harlem Ave, Berwyn, 708-484-3610
www.HarlemAvenueLounge.com
WCBS MEMBER DISCOUNT!
Blues Bands only Friday & Saturday & usually a solo show on Tuesday

Rosa’s Lounge
3420 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, 773-342-0452
www.rosaslounge.com/
WCBS MEMBER DISCOUNT!
Blues Bands on Friday and Saturday, sometimes Thursday and usually a house band on Tuesday/Thursday

Buddy Guy’s Legends
700 S. Wabash Ave. (new location as of May 28, 2010), Chicago, 312-427-1190
www.buddyguys.com
WCBS MEMBER DISCOUNT!
Blues every evening and often at lunchtime! WCBS $5 Member Discount to most shows (excluding special events, like WCBS Blues Challenge, Buddy Guy shows in January, Blues Awards, etc.)

B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted
2519 N Halsted St., Chicago, 773-528-1012
www.chicagobluesbar.com/
WCBS half-priced Member Discount to most shows (excluding special events)
Top local Blues acts every evening of the week. Recommend that you call the venue close to the date of performance to confirm who will perform, as their website calendar sometimes is not accurate or updated. Also note that validated parking at Children’s Memorial Hospital lot is a good option for $6 (and not $3 as indicated on their webpage).

After the Fox
1406 N. Riverside Dr., McHenry, 815-344-3760
An occassional blues appearance by Barrelhouse Chuck, Geneva Red & others

Alley Bowl Highwood
210 Green Bay Road, Highwood, 847-433-0304
www.BowlHighwood.com
Once a month or so Blues in the Alley Lounge, including Honeyboy Edwards, Toronzo Cannon, Rick Weeds and others- and bowl a few lines while you’re there!

Andy’s
11 E. Hubbard, Chicago, 312-642-6805
www.andysjazzclub.com/
Mostly jazz but occassional blues

Angelo’s Taverna
1612 N. Sedgwick (at North Ave.), Chicago, 312-397-1900
www.angelostaverna.com
Blues on Wednesdays & Fridays, includng Johnny Drummer, Sammy Fender, Tri-State Blues Band and others

Artis’s Lounge
1249 E. 87th St, Chicago, 773-734-0491
Billy Branch on Harmonica on Monday Nights and occassional special drop-in guests

Austin’s Saloon & Eatery
481 Peterson Rd., Libertyville, 847-549-1972
www.austinsaloon.com
Thursday nights it’s the Homewreckers with their Blues, R&B and covers in the “Fuel Room”

B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted
2519 N Halsted St., Chicago, 773-528-1012
www.chicagobluesbar.com/
WCBS half-priced Member Discount to most shows (excluding special events)
Top local Blues acts every evening of the week. Recommend that you call the venue close to the date of performance to confirm who will perform, as their website calendar sometimes is not accurate or updated. Also note that validated parking at Children’s Memorial Hospital lot is a good option for $6 (and not $3 as indicated on their webpage).

Back Room
1007 N. Rush St., Chicago, 312-751-2433
www.backroomchicago.com
Music nightly, but jazz…occassionally bordering on Blues/R&B

Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant (Aurora)
28 W. New York St., Aurora, 630-844-0400
www.ballydoylepub.com
Occassional Blues

Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant (Downers Grove)
5157 Main Street, Downers Grove, 630-969-0600
www.ballydoylepub.com
Occassional Blues

Bandito Barney’s Beach Club
10 N. River Street, East Dundee, 847-426-7300?
Occassional Blues on a Friday/Saturday night, and during the summer on Sundays from 2 to 6 p.m. The Q-Balls (Buzz Kranz on harmonica) are a regular performer.

Blue Bayou
3734 N. Southport, Chicago, 773-871-3300
Cajun Restaurant that used to have frequent blues shows throughout the week, but that ended. “Jazz Brunch” (often bluesy) has started up again as of March, 2010 with Guy King duo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. Call to confirm performer/brunch.

Blue Chicago (at Ohio St.)
536 N. Clark, Chicago, 312-661-0100
www.bluechicago.com/
Top local Blues acts nightly, often 2 bands.

Blues Bar
2 West Busse Ave, Mount Prospect, 847-788-9977
www.blues-bar.com
Blues on the weekends

Blues Heaven Foundation
2120 S. Wabash, Chicago, 312-808-1286
www.bluesheaven.com
The Old Chess records…Occassional Blues shows on Thursday evening during the summer in the outdoor “Blues Garden”

Blues Island Pub
2100 W. Vermont Ave., Blue Island, 708-203-6151
www.bluesislandbluesclub.com
Blues from Wed. to Sat., with Killer Ray Allison on Wednesdays & Nick Charles & the Sons of Blues Band on Thursdays - Go with Friends- (may be closed)

Brixie’s
9526 W. Ogden Ave., Brookfield, 708-387-0050
www.twitter.com/brixies
www.brixies.com
Occassional Blues (especially during the Brookfield music fest in July), with the Southsiders, West 34 and others

Buddy Guy’s Legends
700 S. Wabash Ave. (new location as of May 28, 2010), Chicago, 312-427-1190
www.buddyguys.com
The top local & touring Blues acts every evening (Friday & Saturday there are 3 shows, starting at 5:30 or 6 p.m.) and often a lunchtime show from Noon to 2 p.m.
WCBS $5 Member Discount to most shows (excluding special events, like WCBS Blues Challenge, Buddy Guy shows in January, Blues Awards, etc.).

Bungalow Joe’s
7406 Jensen Boulevard, Hanover Park, 630-830-8899
www.bungalowjoes.net
Blues or Blues/Rock shows sometimes several times a month, including Magic Frank, Homewreckers, Joe Jammer, Universal Slim and others

Cab’s Wine Bar Bistro
430 N. Main St. Glen Ellyn, 630-942-9463
www.cabsbistro.com/upcomingevents.htm
Wine Bar & Restaurant with upstairs & downstairs stages. Variety of music with once in a while bluesy or blues performances

California Clipper
1002 N. California, Chicago, 773-384-2547
www.CaliforniaClipper.com/
Blues once in a while, especially Josh Kalmus with his Delta Blues once a month on a Friday night.

Capone’s Hideout (formerly Village Tavern)
6873 N. Milwaukee, Niles, 847-647-8147
www.myspace.com/caponeshideout
New venue (Jan. 2010) with occassional Blues-ish shows, including Harlan Flo & Little Johnny and likely more to follow

Carolyn’s Zodiac Lounge
1744 N Central Ave, Chicago, 773-804-9664
Blues on Sundays - Call for updates/info

Cary’s Lounge
2251 W. Devon, Chicago, 773-743-5737
www.caryslounge.com
Occassional Blues on the weekend, including Dave Weld, Pat Smillie, Madman Duo and Sue Hughey

Casino Tavern
230 W. Main St., West Frankfort, 618-932-3865
Occassional Blues

C.C.’s Grove Inn
8258 S. Kean, Willow Springs, 708-839-1959
http://www.ccsgrove.com/
Occassional Blues for the Bikers

Checkerboard Lounge
5201 S. Harper, Chicago, 773-684-1472
www.checkerboardhydepark.com/
The “New” version of the Checkerboard, with R&B, Jazz & Blues (Blues on Fridays & Saturdays, but call to confirm schedule). May be cash only, with cover and 2 drink minimum.

Chicagoblu
11917 S. Lagrange Road, Frankfort, 815-469-2204
www.chicagoblu.com
Occassional Blues, including T-Bird Huck, Harry Garner, Universal Slim, Joliet Dave

Chicago Cultural Center (Randolph Cafe)
78 E. Washington St., Chicago
www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing.html
“Jazz, Blues and Beyond” features jazz, blues, gospel, soul and more- held fall through spring on Tuesdays at 12:15 pm (one hour at lunchtime) in the Randolph Café. Many of the great local solo/duo and blues bands play.

Chicago Prime Steakhouse (new location in Schaumburg)
1444 East Algonquin Road, Schaumburg, 847-969-9900
www.chicagoprimesteakhouse.com
Blues on some Fridays/Saturdays with Neil Rose Band (and often w/ Smilin’ Bobby on guitar) - Call for schedule and other bands

Chicago Street Pub
75 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 815-727-7171
www.chicagost.com
Once in a while blues-ish show, including Backyard Tire Fire, Steepwater Band and others

Chord on Blues (River Road House)
106 S. 1st Ave., St. Charles, 630-513-0074
www.myspace.com/chordonblues
Once a top Blues club, they’ve returned in 2009 with occassional blues related bands, including Train Company, Backyard Tire Fire, Blue Mauds and others, but watch for updates

Chuck’s Southern Comforts Cafe
6501 W. 79th St., Burbank, 708-229-8700
www.chuckscafe.com
Blues on Wednesday nights (and some weekends) in their Voodoo Lounge

CityGate Grille
2020 Calamos Court, Naperville, 630-718-1010
www.citygategrille.com
Upscale restaurant with an occassional serving of blues, including Special 20’s, Matt Stedman, Eclectic Soul, Downtown Charlie Brown and others

C.J. Arthur’s
1168 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, 847-256-8870
www.cjarthurs.com/
Blues one or two weekends a month

Clearwater Theatre
96 W. Main Street, Dundee, 847-836-8820
www.clearwatertheater.com/
Blues performances once a month or so

Cobra Lounge
235 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, 312-226-6300
www.cobralounge.com
Occassional blues with Matt Hendricks, Bluz Brothers, Luna Blue and others

Cool River Draught House
12622 W. 159th St, Homer Glen, 708-301-8006
www.coolriv.com/
Blues shows have gotten very sparse

Crossroads Tavern & Eatery
396 W. Irving Park Rd., Wood Dale, 630-860-0055
http://www.crossroadseatery.com/live_music.html
Occassional blues (acoustic or band), with award-winning ribs, wings and chile

Curly’s Bar & Grill
499 Pennsylvania Ave, Glen Ellyn, 630-790-4878
www.curlysbarandgrill.net
Family restaurant has regular bands, once in a while Blues.  Call to confirm all shows before heading over.

Demito (a.k.a. De Mito) Time Bar & Grill
335 E. Kenilworth Ave., Villa Park, 630-530-1700
www.myspace.com/demitotime
Bikes, Beer and sometimes Blues - call for shows as they don’t post anywhere

Dragon House at Sushi Bar
1107 Lake Street, Oak Park, 708-660-8899
More jazz, but frequent blues- Shirley King & Gerald Noel, Vino Louden, Wind Gypsys, Rick Simcox.

Duke’s Hideaway
6920 N. Glenwood, Chicago, 773-764-2826
Occassionally Blues, including Tom Holland, Mississippi Gabe Carter, Rockin’ Johnny and others - call for shows as they don’t post anywhere

East of the Ryan
914 E. 79th St., Chicago, 7773-908-7513
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chicago-IL/The-All-New-East-of-the-Ryan-Lounge/128986020085
Under new management (April, 2010) - Club now has Blues on Tuesday nights with Walter Scott & the Mighty World Band with Shorty Mack and often special guests

Ed & Joe’s - Restaurant & Pizzeria
17332 S. Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park, 708-532-3051
www.ednjoes.com/
Pizza with your Blues, usually 2 or 3 times a month on Fridays/Saturdays, including (Chicago) Kingsnakes, Madman Duo and others

Elbo Room
2871 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773-549-5549
www.elboroomchicago.com
Music nightly, but only an occassional hour of blues mixed in

Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago St., Elgin, 847-468-8810
www.elginpublichouse.com
Now booking Blues and other acts for its “Pub 217″

Firkin
515 N. Milwaukee, Libertyville, 847-367-6168
www.firkinoflibertyville.com
The Harry Peter Project performs on Tuesdays and Vance Kelly plays Thursday Nights

Fitzgerald’s
6615 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn, 708-788-2118
www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com/
Variety of music with frequent blues (often in the side bar) & Wishbone Restaurant for the food

Flatlanders Restaurant & Brewery
200 Village Green, Lincolnshire, 847-821-1234
www.Flatlanders.com
Once in a while blues, including Howard & the White Boys, Michael Charles and others

For the Good Times Lounge
5545 S. Damen, Chicago, 773-737-0184? or 773-865-9938?
Occassional blues & events. Lately (as of March, 2010), Wednesday & Thursday nights at 9 p.m. with JoJo Murray and/or Shorty Mac. Recommend calling to confirm, if you kind find a good phone number.

Francesca’s Passagio
3124 S. Rt. 59, Naperville, 630-946-0600
http://miafrancesca.com/restaurants/passaggio/
Restaurant with occassional blues

Frankie’s Blue Room
16 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville, 630-416-3310
www.frankiesblueroom.com
An occassional blues show, but calendar spotty

Friendly Tap
6733 W. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn, 708-484-9794
www.friendlytap.net
Occassional Blues with Eric Noden, Barrelhouse Chuck, Yellowhammer, West 34 and others

Gabe’s Backstage Lounge (formerly Pops for Champagne)
214 Green Bay Road, Highwood, 847-266-1313
www.gabesbackstage.com
Occassional Blues on the weekend, including Bev Perron, Barrelhouse Chuck, Matthew Skoller and others, with a history of popular bands over the years

Genesis Lounge
4838 W. 183rd, Country Club Hills, 708-647-0509
Billy Branch on Wednesdays & Vance Kelly on Sundays, and occassionally Johnny Drummer and others on the weekend

Geno’s Place - Restaurant & Lounge
12401 South Ashland Ave., Calumet Park, 708-385-3100
Skinny Williams (Bluesy Jazz Saxophonist) can often be found here, and on the 5th Monday of every month that has a 5th Monday, Johnny Drummer & the Starlighters perform. Likely blues every Monday, but call to confirm/determine any shows.

Gino’s East
8725 W. Higgins, Chicago, 773-444-2244
Thursday shows in the past that may renew in future, but call

Good Times Lounge (see For the Good Times Lounge)

Green Dolphin Street
2200 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, 773-395-0066
www.jazzitup.com
Mostly Jazz but some R&B

Hanson Brothers
1945 Willow Rd., Northbrook, 847-498-1955
www.hbtavern.com
Blues often on the weekend and sometimes jams mid-week

Harlem Avenue Lounge
3701 South Harlem Ave, Berwyn, 708-484-3610
www.HarlemAvenueLounge.com
WCBS MEMBER DISCOUNT!
Top local Blues Bands Friday & Saturday & usually a solo acoustic show on Tuesday

Harte’s (Hartes) Saloon
9858 S Artesian Ave., Evergreen Park, 708-424-2618
Occassional Blues on Fridays or other, including Smiley Tillmon. Call for details.

Heartland Cafe (and affiliated Red Line Tap & No Exit Cafe)
7006 N. Glenwood, Chicago, 773-338-9862
www.heartlandcafe.com
Variety of music genre’s with an occassional blues show, often eclectic - check all 3 calendars for each venue on the main site/link

Heaven on Seven (Rush Street location)
600 N. Michigan Avenue, 2nd Floor, Chicago, 312-280-7774
www.heavenonseven.com/rush.html
Occassionally Blues, especially in February during Mardi Gras week and used to be during Sunday Brunch

Hideout
1354 W. Wabansia, Chicago, 773-227-4433
www.hideoutchicago.com
Often packed quaint & ancient venue with eclectic young crowd that welcomes occassional blues-related shows, including Eric Noden & Rick Sherry’s Sanctified Grumblers (jug style-Tuesday nights), Honeyboy Edwards and others. Lot’s of character here.

Honky Tonk Barbeque
1213 W. 18th St., Chicago, 312-226-RIBS (7427)
www.honkytonkbbqchicago.com
BBQ & Country music with an occassional Blues band mixed into the sauce

Hotel Baker
100 West Main Street, St. Charles, 630-584-2100
www.hotelbaker.com
Historic hotel on the Fox River has Folk/Blues once or twice a month in the Rox Lounge, usually starting at 8:30 p.m. Performers include Folk/Blues artists Dennis O’Brien and Greg Boerner

House of Blues - Back Porch Stage
329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, Illinois, 312-923-2000
www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/chicago/
Predominantly Blues on the Back Porch Stage (most nights) - Solo blues show (Tuesday to Sat.) at 7 or 7:30 p.m. & Band (usually blues) at 10 p.m., with an occassional touring band upstairs. The 7 p.m. show is often Diamond Jim Greene, Keith Scott, Guy King, Joanna Connor or Jimmy Burns.

House of Hughes (New Lenox) (see Subterranean Blue)

Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House
1024 N. Rush, Chicago, 312-640-0999
www.hugosfrogbar.com/
Seafood & Blues or Jazz, including Professor John on Thursdays/Fridays, but call to confirm

J.D. Muggs
437 S. Addison Road, Addison, 630-833-2570
www.jdmuggs.com/
Occassional Blues, including Danny & the Devils, Universal Slim & the Blues Kangaroos and others

Jilly’s Piano Bar
103 S. Main St. at Van Buren, Naperville, 630-355-1001
www.jillyschicago.com
Jazzed up with occassional Bluesy shows

Jimmy’s Place Cocktail Lounge
13832 S. Indiana Ave., Riverdale, 708-849-1990
Vance Kelly on Wednesdays - Bring someone to ride shotgun

Jimmy’s Woodlawn Tap (see Woodlawn Tap)

John’s Buffet
Winfield Road at Jewell Road, Winfield, 630-752-2000
www.johnsbuffet.com
Sporadic smattering of Blues

The Joynt
650 N. Division, Chicago, 312-573-2233
www.thejoyntchicago.com
Mix of Jazz, Soul, R&B, Blues, with Lorna Boston (Reggae, Soul, Blues) on Mondays and Shirley King on Wednesday (Soul, R&B, Blues), but call to confirm, as schedule changes and website not necessarily reliable yet.

J.T.’s Porch
665 W. Roosevelt, Lombard, 630-932-9596
www.jtsporch.com/
Blues one or two weekends a month

Katerina’s
1920 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, 773-348-7592
www.katerinas.com/
Variety of music with occassional blues in this “hip” joint

Kerry Piper
7900 Joliet Road, Willowbrook, 630-325-3732
www.kerrypiper.com
Occassional Blues, including Downtown Charlie Brown, Windy City Rev Ups, Wattson

Keynote Lounge
1116 W. 63rd St., Chicago, 773-436-5220
Off the radar upscale music club on the far south side with occassional blues, including Elmore James, Jr. and Smilin’ Bobby

Kingston Mines
2548 N. Halsted St., Chicago, 773-477-4646
www.kingstonmines.com/
Top local Blues acts nightly- Usually 2 or more bands

Landmark Inn
1352 Shermer Road, Northbrook, 847-559-1919
www.landmarkinnbar.com
Occassional Blues with Wind Gypsys, Madman Blues Band and others

Lee’s Unleaded Blues
7401 S. Chicago Ave., Chicago, 773-493-3477
www.leesunleadedblues.com/
Great Southside Blues…Fridays: New Orleans Beau. Saturdays: Sir Walter Scott. Sundays: Shorty Mack. Sometimes blues on Thursdays. Call to confirm schedule.

Lilly’s
2513 N. Lincoln, Chicago, 773-525-2422
www.myspace.com/lillysbar
Former blues club still with an occassional blues show

Limestone City Grill & Lounge
13415 S. Ridgeland Ave., Palos Heights, 708-371-9000
www.limestonecitygrill.com
Once a month (3rd Friday of each month) it’s been the Bluz Brothers (Blues Brothers Tribute Band), but call to confirm

Linda’s Place
1044 W. 51st St., Chicago, 773-373-2351 (disc?)
Known for it’s hospitality and for Monday Night’s “Fantastic L-Roy” set

Lovell’s of Lake Forest
915 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, 847-234-8013
www.lovellsoflakeforest.com
Upscale Steakhouse with occassional blues (or a deriviative) in the Captain Quarters, including Donna Herula and others

LunaR Brewing Company
54 E. St Charles Rd, Villa Park, 630-530-2077
www.myspace.com/lunarbrewingco
Beer and occassional offbeat Blues including Wattson, Harlan Flo and others - call for schedule as it appears posting of shows is erratic

Mahoney’s Pub & Grille
551 N. Ogden Ave., Chicago, 312-733-2121
Occassional Blues with Cadillac Dave, Jeff Dale & the South Woodlawners, Sue Hughey

Mambo Room (Latin Grill)
25 W. Calendar Ave., La Grange, 708-354-8100
www.mamboroomlatingrill.com/
Occassional Blues-ish shows, including Mr. Blotto, Ivas John band, Windy City Rev Ups and others

Manhattan’s Bar & Grill
300 S. Schmale Road, Carol Stream, 630-871-2991
www.manhattansgrill.com
Once in a while danceable blues to go with a nice-sized dance floor, but blues shows few and far between lately

Mark’s House of Rock and Roll
322 N. Milwaukee, Wheeling, 224-676-0327
This new venue (Winter 2009) has started hosting Rocking Blues on the weekends, including J.B. Ritchie w/ Frank Bandy, Blue Road w/ Jimy Rogers & Gary Gand, Magic Frank, Soul Chasers and others

Martini Park
151 W. Erie St., Chicago, 312-640-0577
www.martinipark.com/chicago/events
Was swinging, jazzy blues like the Flat Cats, Rhythm Rockets and Morry Sochat & the Special 20’s, but Word on the street is (as of May, 2010) that they are changing their musical format, which will not include blues.

Montrose Room
Intercontinental O’Hare Hotel
5300 N. River Road, Rosemont, 847-544-5300
www.icohare.com/montrose_room/
Occassional high energy Blues (or a form of it), with Train Company, Robert Hynes Band, The Muggs and others

Morgan’s Char House (Steakhouse)
27 W. 150 Roosevelt Rd. (just west of County Farm Rd.), Winfield, 630-588-0500
www.morganscharhouse.com
Formerly the “Viking Restaurant” - More often Jazz, but occassional soul/R&B-type blues, with Robin Watson, Downtown Charlie Brown and others

Morseland
1218 W. Morse Ave., Chicago, 773-764-8900
www.morseland.com
Once in a while blues

Mr. G’s Supper Club
1547 W. 87th St., Chicago, 708-369-0998
Occassional shows, including Artie “Blues Boy” White, Denise LaSalle, Johnny Drummer, Sherman “Moody” Thomas -Call for details

Muldoon’s
133 W. Front Street, Wheaton, 630-668-8866
www.muldoonswheaton.com
Restaurant with occassional blues in the back bar

Mullen’s Bar and Grill
3080 Warrenville Rd., Lisle, 630-505-0240 or 630-505-0299
www.mullensbarandgrill.com
Variety of Bands, sometimes Blues, including Ronnie Baker Brooks, Cadillac Dave & the Red Hots, Peaches Staten and others

The Music Station
1808 West 103rd St., Chicago, 773-840-3005
www.the-music-station.com
Music School with occassional blues performances and jams, including Tom Holland, Vance Kelly, Smiley Tillmon, Paul Petraitis

My Place
15652 Dixie Highway, Markham, 708-825-1257
JoJo Murray & his Top Flite Band performs every Sunday from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. (call to confirm)

Navy Pier Beer Garden
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, 1-800-595-PIER
www.chicagosbestbeergarden.com
Music (sometimes blues, including Grana Louise, Alex Wilson, Nicholas Barron and others) from Memorial Day to Labor Day - Shows are usually at 5 p.m. or 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays

Nick’s Beer Garden
1516 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, 773-252-1155
www.nicksbeergarden.com
Music on the weekends, usually blues. Call the club to see who’s performing if website not updated

Nick’s Uptown
4015 N. Sheridan, Chicago, 773-975-1155
Live music on hold (as of 4/10). See sister club “Nick’s Beer Garden” for regular live shows

Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773-728-6000
www.oldtownschool.org/concerts
Variety of Performances & Lessons with occassional Blues event

Ole St. Andrews Inn
5938 N. Broadway St., Chicago, 773-784-5540
www.olestandrewspub.com/
As of April, 2010 the regular Saturday show has been cancelled. Call for possible other shows, but likely blues will be thin or non-existent.

Otto’s Niteclub
118 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, 815-758-2715
www.myspace.com/ottosniteclub
Far west venue with occassional blues related shows- with Lubriphonic, Mr. Blotto, Get Lucky and others, but blues is a stretch here.

Papa T’s Pizza & Pub
7130 W. 79th St., Burbank, 708-233-7740
www.papatpizza.com
Occassional Blues with West 34, Joe Jammer and others

Pete Miller’s of Evanston
1557 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, 847-328-0399
www.petemillers.com/music-evanston/index.html
Mostly Jazz in this upscale setting, sometimes with the Guy King Organ Trio on Tuesdays and sometimes on the weekends

Pete Miller’s of Wheeling
412 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Wheeling, 847-243-3700
www.petemillers.com/music-wheeling/index.html
Jazzy locale with occassional bluesy weekend, including Dave Weld & Keith Scott

Pheasant Run Resort, Spa & Golf - Jambalaya Restaurant
4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, 1- 800-4-PHEASANT (474-3272)
www.pheasantrun.com/calendar/
Casual cajun-style restaurant featuring New Orleans-inspired creations, with Bourbon Street setting. Once in a while blues, including Windy City Rev Ups, Six Strings Down and others

Phyllis’ Musical Inn
1800 W. Division, Chicago, 773-486-9862
This diverse club, in the Ukrainian Village/East Village, offers blues once in a while, including Smilin’ Bobby

Pinstripes - Northbrook
1150 Willow Road, Northbrook, 847-480-2323
www.pinstripes.com/cal.html
Bowling, Bocce, Bistro and Jazz/Blues every weekend

Pinstripes - South Barrington
100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington, 847-844-9300
www.pinstripes.com
Bowling, Bocce, Bistro & Jazz/Blues every weekend

Porter’s Oyster Bar & Yellowtail
446 W. Virginia St. (Rt. 14), Crystal Lake, 815-356-0700
www.portersyellowtails.com/entertainmentschedule.html
Back with occassional blues-ish shows, including Anthony Gomes, Hudson McCoy, Axe Grinder and others

Potato Creek Johnny’s
1850 Waukegan Road, Glenview, 847-486-1007
www.potatocreekjohnny.com
Occassional Rockin’ Blues on Saturdays, including Windy City Rev Ups, Triple Threat, Max Cady and others.

Potbelly’s - Gurnee
6641 Grand Ave., Gurnee
Donna Herula can be found playing her Delta Blues most Saturdays for lunch from 11:45am-1:45pm

Sheffield’s (River Grove)
3131 N. Thatcher Avenue, River Grove, 708-452-3131
www.sheffieldschicago.com/saturday-nights-unplugged-at-sheffields-in-river-grove
Occassional Saturday Night “Unplugged” Blues, including Keith Scott, Pat Smillie

Silvie’s Lounge
1902 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, 773-871-6239
www.silvieslounge.com
Occassional Blues of all kinds, including Luna Blues Machine, DP & the Alley Cats, Handsome Dave & the Ravens. Call for performance if not on their site.

Smilin’ Jim’s Saloon
6306 N. Western Ave., Chicago, 773-743-7321?
No known website, but looks like occassional blues with 830 Blues, Madman Blues Band and others

Smoke Daddy BBQ
1804 W. Division, Chicago, 773-772-6656
www.thesmokedaddy.com
Blues and BBQ (usually a couple times a week)…What more do you need! If their website calendar is not posted for the current month, call them for schedule.

Someplace Else
11043 S. Ashland, Chicago, 773-239-4010
Vance Kelly on Tuesdays

S.P.A.C.E.
1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-492-8860
www.evanstonspace.com
Blues usually at least a couple times a month in this “spiffy” venue run by Dave Specter, often with high-profile shows

Spectrum Bar & Grill
233 S. Halsted St. Chicago, 312-715-0770
Open other days, but Friday till 4 a.m. and Sat. till 5 a.m.
Blues often on the weekend until the wee hours. Your last stop after the other clubs close. Linsey Alexander and other bands appear there. Call for schedule.

Subterranean Blue (part of House of Hughes)
201 E. Maple St. (Rt.30), New Lenox, 815-462-9000
New blues/jazz venue with T-Bird Huck Fridays from 8 to Midnight and Little Johnny on occassional Saturdays, also Chicago Kingsnakes (call to confirm)

Tavern On La Grange
5403 S. La Grange Rd., Countryside, 708-469-7750
www.tavernonlagrange.com
New venue on the radar, with occassional blues or bluesy shows, including Harry Garner Band with the Wydra’s, Rodney Brown Trio and more to follow.

(This Must Be) The Place
206 Main St., Lemont, 630-243-1500
www.BeThePlace.com
Occassional Blues, including Howard & the White Boys, 40 Miles from Chicago and others

Tommy’s Place
12237 Western Ave., Blue Island, 708 389-7810
Occassional Blues, especially the two annual Sopro events: “Easter Parade Revue” and “Thanksgiving All-Star Revue”

Tower Grille
2901 W. Lake Avenue, Glenview, 224-521-1991
Occassional North-suburban Rockin’ Blues on a Saturday night, including Magic Frank, Cold Sweat, 8 Miles South, Steel Chops

Two Way Street Coffee House
1047 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, 630-969-9720
(Across from the Downers Grove Public Library)
www.twowaystreet.org
Small, intimate room beneath a church hosts occassional blues acoustic acts, including Joe Filisko & Eric Noden

Uncommon Ground (2 locations)
(Wrigleyville Neighborhood) - 3800 N. Clark, Chicago, 773-929-3680
(Edgewater Neighborhood) - 1401 W. Devon, Chicago, 773-465-9801
www.uncommonground.com
Mix of genres, with occassional blues sets of 45 to 120 minutes, including Matt Hendricks, Corky Siegel, Yoko Noge and others

Underground Wonder Bar
10 E. Walton, Chicago, 312-266-7761
www.undergroundwonderbar.com
Nightly music jazzed up with blues, soul, rock & reggae mixed in, including Lonie Walker, Lorna Boston and others

U.S. Beer Company
1801 N. Clybourn, Chicago, 773-871-7799
www.USBeerCompany.com
Diverse mix of music, with blues getting an occassional hour slot among the many that take the stage each night, including Big T & the Diverse Curse, Chicago Blues Angels and others

Vern’s Friendly Lounge
1258 S. Pulaski Rd., Chicago, 773-521-4477
Sometimes they’re open for business & some blues, but more often not- it varies over time. Take a friend and check it out, and maybe you’ll catch Taildragger there.

Versie’s
4310 S. Prairie, Chicago, 773-723-3694
Once in a while blues show

Vine Tastings
123 East Main Street, Roselle, 630.529.1825
www.vinetastings.com
Wine Shop & Tasting Bar with occassional blues (including the Shakes), usually on a Saturday from 7-10 p.m.

Vino Tinto
5114 Museum Dr., Oak Lawn, 708-499-WINE
Performers have included Dave Herrero, Nigel Mack, Deb Seitz and others

Volare’s Restaurant
1919 Meyers Rd, Oakbrook Terrace, 630-495-0200
www.volarerestaurant.com/
Barrelhouse Chuck had played a few gigs, but call for schedule

Wallace’s Catfish Corner
2800 W. Madison, Chicago, 773-638-3474
Catfish and summertime “street performer” blues, and Jams on Friday & Saturday nights throughout the year

 

The Walnut Speakeasy
214 Walnut Ave., Elgin, 847-695-2420
Performers have included Quintus McCormick, Toronzo Cannon & Big Time Sarah

 

Water Hole Lounge
1400 S. Western Ave., Chicago, 312-243-7988
Thursday nights free show with Chainsaw Dupont (and guests) starts at 8:30. Crowd has increased so they’ve moved the band to the more spacious back bar room…and check out the soul menu.

Willowbrook Bowl (In the Willow Lounge)
735 Plainfield Road, Willowbrook, 630-325-1746
www.willowbrook-bowl.com
An occassional rockin’ blues band, including West 34, Southsiders

Wise Fools Pub
2270 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773-929-1300
www.wisefoolspub.com
Once a blues landmark, music seems to be sparse again

Woodlawn Tap
1172 E. 55th St. Chicago (Hyde Park area), 773-643-5516
An institution every Sunday from 4:30 to 8 p.m. It’s Dave Waldman, Willie Phillips, Justin O’Brien, Scott Dirks and occasional special guests. Past guests include Ardella Williams (daughter of blues legend Jazz Gillum), Billy Flynn, Willie Buck, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, L.V. Banks, Elmore James, Jr., Bob Corritore and others. Steve Cushing of “Blues Before Sunrise” radio fame had been the regular drummer - No cover

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salt Creek Wine Bar
8900 Fairview Ave., Brookfield, 708-387-2432
www.saltcreekwinebar.com
Occassional Blues, including The Southsiders, Pat Smillie and others

Rosa’s Lounge
3420 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, 773-342-0452
www.rosaslounge.com/
WCBS MEMBER DISCOUNT!
Top local and occassional touring Blues Bands on Friday and Saturday, sometimes Thursday and usually a house band on Tuesday/Thursday

Rooster’s Palace (a.k.a. Rooster’s Place)
4501 W. Madison, Chicago, 773-678-0739
West side blues on Saturday nights with the likes of Tail Dragger & sometimes Rockin’ Johnny. Lately, you can catch Peaches Staten every other Sunday. Run by Bossman’s brother. Bring friends.

Rockin’ Horse Saloon
9942 S. Torrence Ave., Chicago, 773-978-6520
www.facebook.com/pages/Chicago-IL/Rockin-Horse-Saloon/338854559255
Where blues and local cowboys & cowgirls mix. Artie “Blues Boy” White’s old club. Ronnie Hicks now on Mondays (as of March, 2010), and blues often on the weekend and some Thursdays, but call to confirm/determine any shows.

Rizzo’s Bar
6 W. Jefferson, Naperville, 630-305-4396
www.rizzobar.com
Wednesday Blues shows include Herman Hines & the Chicago Blues Angels, and Nigel Mack, but schedule fluctuates - call ahead

Rhythm Room
1715 Maple Ave., Evanston, 847-491-9723
Blues on hold- Just Jazz for now as of 11/2009

RendezVu Restaurant
1 E. Wilson Street, Batavia, 630-406-9177
www.the-rendezvu.com
Acoustic folk/blues with Greg Boerner once a month or so- on the Fox River

Red Line Tap (see Heartland Cafe)