Chicago’s Most Loved Blues & Jazz Lounges

Hey guys, Mannat here. And for my last blog as a Rockit Ranch Intern, I’d like to tell you about one of my favorite things- blues & jazz. If there’s one thing Chicago knows besides delicious food and drinks, it’s music. Blues and Jazz have been a big part of Chicago’s culture for years. Chicago has been known as ‘The Blues Capital’ of the world for a long time, as a lot of the most influential and talented musicians started right here on these streets. For us Chicagoans, the genre isn’t just about music; it’s about the history of this amazing city!

Here’s a list of 5 awesome places to visit in Chicago if you are a Blues and Jazz fan:

1) Kingston Mines

This joint is my favorite blues bar in the city. It has live bands playing seven days a week, on two different stages and plenty of room to get your groove on and dance the night away. Doc Pellegrino opened this multi award-winning establishment in 1968. With artists such as Joanna Connor, Linsey Alexander, Mike Wheeler and Carl Weathersby, it is hard not to jump around and have a good time! Not only this, but they have a large selection of drinks and the food is on point. The jambalaya and the ‘Doc’s Blues Platter’ are my favorite dishes here. One of the biggest reasons I visit Kingston Mines is to see Mr. Frank Pellegrino who is a blues musician himself and famous for being the deep-voiced MC and piano man of the amazing Chicago treasure that is Kingston Mines.

2) Buddy Guy’s Legends

“He was for me what Elvis was probably like for other people.”

-ERIC CLAPTON

George “Buddy” Guy started his incredible journey in Louisiana. He left for Chicago in hopes for a better life, but ended up becoming a world-renowned musician. He is internationally acclaimed and a 6-time Grammy Award-Winner, for his work on electric and acoustic guitars and his contemporary and traditional forms of blues music. He is also an inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Artists such as Matt Hendricks, Cash Box Kings, Chicago Blues Angels, Annie Mack, Mike Wheeler and Chris O’Leary are frequent artists at Buddy Guy’s. Every once in a while you will even catch Buddy himself putting on a show for the audience. Try some ‘Cajun Popcorn’ or their traditional ‘Jumbo Gumbo’ and come enjoy some beautiful jazz.

3) Green Mill–

Here’s another one of Chicago’s gems, Green Mill. This establishment has been around since 1907 and was a popular hangout for many movie actors. During the prohibition, Jack McGurn of Al Capone’s Chicago Outfit became part owner. Green Mill is “sophisticated informality” and has a cozy atmosphere. It was originally patterned after Clark Monroe’s Uptown House in Harlem, which gives it its ‘40s look. For all of you who don’t know what Clark Monroe’s is, it was a nightclub in New York City, one of the principal clubs in the early history of bebop jazz. Many legendary figures such as Von Freeman, Franz Jackson and Wilbur Campbell as well as Kurt Elling and Eric Alexander have all played here. Today, Dave Jemilo who maintains the authenticity of the original Green Mill owns the establishment.

4) Chicago B.L.U.E.S. Bar–

Chicago Blues Bar has been voted ‘Best Blues Club’ on Chicago’s North Side. This smaller and more intimate bar features mostly local artists like Lil Ed, John Primer, Big Time Sarah and Pistol Pete. The blues bar is a charming old school dive bar that impresses me every time I go there. The seating of this bar allows you to get up-close-and-personal with the performers, too. Artists such as Demetria Taylor, Lurrie Bell, and Jimmy Burns are some of the artists that frequently perform here. So come grab a drink or two and enjoy the lovely tunes of blues.

5) Rosa’s Lounge–

Rosa’s is another old school jazz lounge that is owned and operated by an Italian immigrant who came to Chicago in 1978 after meeting Jr. Wells and Buddy Guy in Milan. It is one of the friendliest blues bars and was named “Chicago’s Best Blues Club” by The New York Times and “…a blues Mecca for true believers” by Rolling Stone. They have amazing performers such as Jimmy Burls, Vance Kelly & The Backstreet Blues Band, Pete Galanis and Lil’Ed & the Blue Imperials. Rosa’s also has a blues cruise that sails on Lake Michigan and is hosted by local and international soul, R&B, and Blues bands. What a great way to spend a warm summer day in Chicago!

So here you go folks, a list of the best places to experience the musical history of Chicago.