In addition to Jazz (see our earlier post) Chicago is a great city for Blues music. I asked Niles Frantz, who hosted a Chicago Public Radio Blues show for many years, about the best places for Blues in the area. Here are his recommendations:

Buddy Guy’s Legends
Address: 754 S. Wabash (about 10 blocks from the Hyatt)
Phone: 312-427-1190
Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-2am; Sat 5pm-3am; Sun 6pm-2am

B.L.U.E.S.
Address: 2519 N. Halsted (a short cab ride from the Hyatt)
Phone: 773-528-1012
Hours: Su-Fri 8pm-2am; Sa 8pm-3am; Music starts at 9:30pm

Rosa’s Lounge
Address: 3420 W. Armitage (a longer cab ride, but Niles’s favorite place)
Phone: 773.342.0452
Hours: Tu-F 8pm-2am; Sa 8pm-3am; Su-M closed; Music begins at 9:30 or 10pm

Are you staying at the Hotel Orrington during the conference? If so, you might also be interested in:

Bill’s Blues Bar
Address: 1029 Davis Street in Evanston (a walkable distance from the hotel)
Phone: 847-424-9800
Hours: Su-W 4pm-2am; Th-Sa 4pm-3am

- Pat Pinkowski