Looking for some fun in the Windy City?  Chicago is known for its music scene, most
notably the blues, and the city is ripe with clubs that showcase some of the
finest musicians playing the emotional urban sound in the country.  One of my favorites, in the Lincoln Park
neighborhood (far from the epicenter of blues on the city’s South side), but
billing great acts nightly is a tiny, back-room-feel joint called B.L.U.E.S. located
just north of the Lincoln/Halsted/Fullerton intersection on Halsted
street.  While the surrounding area tends
to gravitate mostly DePaul students to the barrio, the crowd inside B.L.U.E.S.
is a mix of regulars to the city’s blues scene, tourists from the world over,
and first-timers to this Northside blues joint. 
The music is loud, crisp, and to the point, though sometimes the set
breaks can run a bit long.  One highlight
to the place is that there is no backstage area; when the musicians break for
the set or for the night, they hang out in the cramped space by the bathroom or
else just to the right of the midget stage. 
The best musician I’ve seen play B.L.U.E.S. is a 50-something guitarist
named Carlos Johnson, who’s clear, fluid style of playing tends to silence the
crowd just before the room goes wild. 
Cover can be $10 on the weekends but is certainly worth it.  During the week, it’s less crowded and cheaper.  A special deal on Sundays gets you into The
Kingston Mines, a tourist spot that has two stages (no breaks in the music)
going until 4 a.m., with an admission ticket to B.L.U.E.S.

B.L.U.E.S.

2519 N. Halsted