Find solution
Modern Traditional Chicago Jazz?

Best place to see jazz in Chicago?

  • Just where is the best place to see jazz in Chicago? My Australian father-in-law is coming for a visit to the US for the first time and is a huge jazz fan. My husband and I will be taking him to Chicago. I have never been there myself, and am looking for some suggestions. He's 69, and we're 35, so we need some sort of happy-medium place. Also, suggestions for any other "must see" places while we're there? I've read the AskMe archives of other "what to do in Chicago?" questions, but given our specific demographics, perhaps the suggestions might change.

  • Answer:

    The http://emptybottle.com/home.php has a jazz series programmed or curated or somehow overseen by Ken Vandermark every Wednesday. It's usually quite cheap--$5 to $10. On Tuesdays they have an improvised music series which is also very good. Tickets usually run about $3. Depending on the night it might be pretty out, though. (Even though I now see you won't be here on a Tuesday or Wednesday I'll leave this part in. There are usually good concerts related to jazz on Thursdays at 3030, too.) The Jazz Showcase downtown usually has bigger-name acts playing two sets a night on the weekends, at 9 and 11. I've never been there but it looks pretty classy. The Green Mill on the north side and http://www.hothouse.net in the south loop are also good. The Velvet Lounge, which I've never been to so I can't really comment on in much detail, is owned by Fred Anderson, a tenor saxophonist and (I gather) something of a legend in Chicago circles, is reputed to be good, too.

cyniczny at Ask.Metafilter.Com Visit the source

Was this solution helpful to you?

Other answers

I forgot to add: we'll be in Chicago May 21-23, if that helps.

cyniczny

onalark

The Green Mill. There is no other answer. Although I'm a big fan of the series at the Empty Bottle. You could also check out some of the smaller clubs http://del.icio.us/peopletalktooloud/Venues [self del.icio.us link]

corpse

I second (and/or third) the Green Mill. Another resource which may help you is http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/search/dispatcher.front?target=entertainment&Query=Jazz. It is an excellent database of Chicago events, culture, bars, festivals, etc. Dig around in there for reviews and descriptions of any place you might have in mind. Additionally, here is a brief listing of Jazz clubs and upcoming concerts via the http://www.chireader.com/listings/static/jazz.html.

mathis23

Green Mill all the way.

FlamingBore

The Green Mill. Yes, there is no other answer. However, know that Chicago is more known for the Blues, so there are more options there: Kingston Mines, some place on the South Side that the Rolling Stones always hang out at when they play in Chicago, etc.

scazza

There is another answer: Fred Anderson's http://www.velvetlounge.net/. Nothing against the Green Mill, of course, but you have the chance to see Fred play if you go to the Velvet, which is not to be missed. The Sunday Jazz Jam is often the best show in town.

goatdog

http://www.hob.com/venues/clubvenues/chicago/ would seem be the natural choice ... though I've never been, and it may have all the authenticity of a Hard Rock Cafe for all I know.

crunchland

[I]t may have all the authenticity of a Hard Rock Cafe for all I know. I've been there once, and yeah, pretty much. It's basically a generic and somewhat overpriced 1500-person rock & roll venue, at least most of the time.

Johnny Assay

Load more

Related Q & A:

Just Added Q & A:

Find solution

For every problem there is a solution! Proved by Solucija.

  • Got an issue and looking for advice?

  • Ask Solucija to search every corner of the Web for help.

  • Get workable solutions and helpful tips in a moment.

Just ask Solucija about an issue you face and immediately get a list of ready solutions, answers and tips from other Internet users. We always provide the most suitable and complete answer to your question at the top, along with a few good alternatives below.