Chicago’s Favorite Blues Venues

Flickr Credit: Discosour

“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” -Berthold Auerbach

Oh, the Chicago blues. One of the greatest musical genres of all time. (No bias here…) Though the underground blues scene may not be what it once was in this city, there are still plenty of great venues churning out timeless music every night of the week. So, if you’re in need of a little ‘dusting off’, check out these local favorites around town.

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Lee’s Unleaded Blues Location: 7401 S. South Chicago Ave. Phone: 773.493.3477 Website: leesunleadedblues.com	Kingston Mines Location: 2548 N. Halsted St Phone: 773.477.4646 Website: kingstonmines.com
Rosa’s Lounge Location: 3420 W. Armitage Ave. Phone: 773.342.0452 Website: rosaslounge.com Self-proclaimed “friendliest blues bar”	B.L.U.E.S on Halsted Location: 2519 N. Halsted St. Phone: 773.528.1012 Website: chicagobluesbar.com
Blue Chicago Location: 536 N. Clark Phone: 312.661.0100 Website: bluechicago.com	Checkerboard Location: 5201 S. Harper Ct. Phone: 773.684.1472 Website: checkerboardhydepark.com
Artis’s Lounge Location: 1294 E. 87th Street Phone: 772.734.0491 (Jam session) – Monday nights for more than 20 years	Buddy Guy’s Legends Location: 754 S. Wabash Ave Phone: 312.427.1192 Website: buddyguys.com
Annual Chicago Blues Festival The Chicago Blues Festival is also a great place to enjoy live, authentic Blues music. As the largest free Blues festival in the world, this giant concert has been taking place in Grant Park for more than 20 years. For four days every June, some of Blues’ greatest legends take to six stages to celebrate the music that calls Chicago home. Among those who have performed are Bo Diddley, B.B. King and Buddy Guy. For more information about the Chicago Blues Festival, check out chicagobluesfestival.org.

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The UPchicago team is out busily reviewing each of these great blues joints, so check back soon for more info and our own insights on the best of the Chicago blues scene.

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