Chicago has long been a hotbed for musical sounds to mix and reemerge. From the blues and jazz of the ‘20s through to soul in the ‘60s and house in the ‘80s, even rock and hip-hop – they’ve all had their day in this windy city. And they continue to do so, with the sights and sounds that spill from every corner.
Combining your trip with one of the many annual festivals that grace the city – Lollapalooza, Intonation and Pitchfork included – would be a great way to really get your Chicago-focused music fix. There’s also The Chicago Blues Festival in June and the four-day free Chicago Jazz Fest’ in September – both of which attract old time aficionados and contemporary followers alike.
Day One
Music fans should bed down at the Hard Rock Hotel – every floor commemorates a different band, rooms are music-themed and Jimi Hendrix’ 1956 custom-made Les Paul is on display.
From there hit Buddy Guy’s Legends club for lunch. The exterior’s designed like a music store, southern Cajun soul food is on the menu and there’s a major archive of blues memorabilia to peruse.
Record Row on Michigan Avenue should be high on your list for street side sights. Home to Chicago’s major recording hub between the ‘40s and ‘70s, famed labels Chess, King and Wonderful have all worked along this strip, recording the likes of Chuck Berry, Jimmy Reed, Bo Diddley and Muddy Waters. Even The Rolling Stones produced an early EP at Chess – their 2120 South Michigan Avenue track is named in honor of that very building.
Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation currently occupies the original Chess Records building, promoting and documenting the blues, educating children about its history and supporting contemporary artists in the field.
Next, hit up your Hard Rock abode for a refresher and dinner – the attached China Grill is especially noted for its international menu.
If contemporary acts are more to your liking spend the evening at Lincoln Hall. You can even reserve dinner (flatbreads and burgers are standard at this joint), which they’ll have ready and waiting on the balcony one hour before show time.
True party people should carry on to Metro for a hot night of Chicago House in the downstairs Smart Bar. This is as close as you’re gonna get to its ‘80s heyday, as led by Frankie Knuckles and Felix da Housecat at The Warehouse.
Day Two
When you’ve woken your weary heads and brought them out from the Hard Rock’s hideaway, take your senses for more music-themed fulfillment over brunch. Choices are plentiful but the world famous gospel brunch at Marina City’s House of Blues comes hot on the list. Acoustic sessions at the predominantly rock-led neo-Gothic-designed Schubas bar are pretty good also. And both venues stand out as architectural splendors in their own right.
More touring could take you to The State Street Stroll sight. In the ‘20s and ‘30s people dressed their best and strolled this street swaying to the sounds from the many theatres, cafes and ‘black and tan’ nightclubs along the strip. The Blues Brothers Mural also marks a definitive photo opportunity for your music-themed trip. Created for the popular movie, right at the sight of Ray’s Music Exchange no less, it’s also homage to the areas rich musical heritage.
If you’ve still got the energy or the inclination, of course, hit up Kingston Mines for blues or the Green Mill for jazz – two of the best in their field for live music in Chicago.
(Image: Blues Brothers Mural, Zol87)
