By Patty Enrado, Editor
Jazz gained popularity in Chicago in the early 1920s when New Orleans jazz musicians migrated there following the closure of clubs in the Storyville area. Chicago was the place to be for jazz musicians in the Midwest. The Blues descended upon Chicago in the 1960s. Legendary guitarist Robert Johnson called Chicago a “sweet home” for the blues. With so many clubs in town, HIMSS staff recommends these choice clubs.
Kingston Mines (2548 N. Halsted, 773.477.4646, www.kingstonmines.com), Chicago’s oldest and largest blues club, is a favorite of Racquel Orenick, corporate counsel. Kingston Mines offers two bands on two stages, seven days a week, Sunday through Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. to 4 a.m., Thursday and Friday, 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., and Saturday, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Joanna Connor’s acoustic set of blues or another Chicago Blues Legend opens the shows Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. The 41-year-old club has been voted by the Chicago Music Awards eight years in a row as the best blues club.
Andy’s Jazz Club and Restaurant (11 E. Hubbard St., 312.642.6805, www.andysjazzclub.com) gets high marks from Sonal Sullivan, program manager of HIMSS’ Meeting Services. Founded in 1996, Andy’s features local musicians who cover a variety of genres, including Traditional, Swing to Bop, Fusion, Latin and Afro-Pop.
Its “Spotlight Performer Series” events showcase some of today’s most popular world touring musicians in an intimate setting with sophisticated casual dining.
Blue Chicago (736 N. Clark St. 312.642.6261 at Superior, and 536 N. Clark St. at Ohio, www.bluechicago.com) has been a part of the Blues scene in Chicago for more than 12 years. Stacy Olson, intern with Meeting Services, singled these clubs out, both of which are located in the North River Entertainment district, north of the Chicago Loop. The Sunday through Thursday cover charge of $8, Saturday and Sunday cover charge of $10, are good for both clubs. Blue Chicago opens 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Sunday through Friday, and 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. on Saturdays. The club features local blues musicians and vocalists, including current acts Grana’ Louise and the Troublemakers, Bobby Slim James Blues Band with Joanna Graham, and Tenry Johns Blues Band with Claudette.