The perfect storm of events helped to make Chicago one of the blues capitals of the world. In the 1920s there was an increase in musical recording and live performances. Combine that with the Great Migration from the South to the Midwest, and the location of Chicago on the train just after Memphis, and it’s easy to see how Chicago evolved to a blues culture that is still thriving today.
Chicago is definitely the place to go to see top blues performers live in these four clubs. So go ahead, hop on Gogobot, book a hotel, and get ready to fly to the Windy City for some seriously good music.
Green Mill
The Green Mill, located in Uptown Chicago, is the oldest continuously running blues bar in the country. With affordable cover charges and a casual atmosphere, patrons can enjoy the blues at this former gangster hangout and speakeasy. The Green Mill is known as the favorite hangout of Al Capone, and has hosted performers like Joe E. Lewis, Mighty Blue Kings, David Lieban, and Patricia Barber. The Green Mill, which still maintains its cool speakeasy feel, is for true blues lovers; people who talk during performances are frowned upon.
Rosa’s Lounge
Rosa’s Lounge has received lots of praise since its opening in 1984. Tony immigrated to the U.S. from Italy, opened the longue, and named it after his mother. The food is mostly Italian, and it gets almost as much praise as the music. Rosa even caters some parties. The stage of this northwest Chicago club has been graced by Honeyboy Edwards, Homesick James, and Lurrie Bell. Rolling Stone called Rosa’s Lounge “A blues mecca for true believers,” and the New York Times named it “Chicago’s best blues club.”
Blue Chicago
If you’re looking for a warm and friendly atmosphere, check out Blue Chicago in the River North Entertainment District. Open seven nights a week, this bar boasts performances from Koko Taylor, Eddie Lusk, Magic Slim, and Willie Kent. The cover is $10 or less depending on the day. Blue Chicago first opened its doors in 1985.
Kingston Mines
Located in Chicago’s North Side, Kingston Mines is the largest blues club in Chicago. Kingston Mines is owned by Doc Pellegrina and received the 2014 Keeping the Blues Alive Award for Best Blues Club. This club opened in 1968, and since then, greats like B.B King, Magic Slim, and Carl Weathersby have all performed there. While you’re at the club, it’s customary to try the ribs at Doc’s Rib Joint. Kingston Mines always offers a fun atmosphere and is open seven nights a week. Make sure you obey their motto: “Hear Blues, Drink Booze, Talk Loud, You’re Among Friends.”
If you’re visiting Chicago, the two musts are the music and the food. If you’re going to go to a blues club, you definitely want to visit the best. These four clubs will satisfy the blues craving, and many of them will also give you some cool historical perspective on how this unique type of music grew and evolved in Chicago.
