Edition: Chicago Architecture 101
Get Amped: Chicago's Live Music Venues
Author: By Audarshia Townsend
Chicago’s rich, live-music scene goes far beyond hearing updated versions of “Sweet Home, Chicago,” “My Kind of Town” or “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” at the local pub. You’re likely to find your favorite sounds all over town, and at these particular venues you can sometimes join in on the action!
CUATRO
Nosh on modern Latin bites as you check out music six nights a week. There’s bossa nova during Sunday brunch, straightforward jazz on Tuesdays and Caribbean jazz every Thursday. No cover and no dancing. (2030 S. Wabash Ave., 312-842-8856).
MARTINI PARK
The new downtown hot spot attracts a friendly crowd of young trendy types as well as stylish seniors. A spacious dance floor accommodates them all as they move in unison to nightly bands (except Sunday) playing everything from Maroon 5 to Motown. (151 W. Erie St., 312-640-0577).
MARTYRS'
A swift taxi ride will take you to one of the North Side’s most eclectic live music venues. You can get decent pub grub as you chill out in this venue that is known for one of the best sound systems in town. Rockabilly, alternative rock, folk and jazz is what you’ll get. (3855 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-404-9494).
POPS FOR CHAMPAGNE
In town celebrating a special occasion with a significant other? Head over to Pops for Champagne to make memorable moments. Known for their extensive list of bubby, Pops also caters to the jazz fan with a lower-level music lounge that feels more like a cozy den. Classic jazz is their specialty. (601 N. State St., 312-266-7677).
STANLEY'S KITCHEN & TAP
They’ve made karaoke cool again as a local band accompanies wannabe singers every Sunday night at this Lincoln Park standby. A loaded songbook of thousands of classic and contemporary hits no doubt will have the song you’re itching to sing. And it doesn’t hurt that there is enough eye candy to satisfy every sweet tooth. (1970 N. Lincoln Ave., 312-642-0007).
SUBTERRANEAN
This Bucktown bar caters to mostly an underage crowd of hip-hoppers and rockers. Local bands on the verge hit the stage, and audience participation is strongly encouraged. Most shows are 18+, but many are also all ages. Check before you roll through. (2011 W. North Ave., 773-278-660).
THE WILD HARE
You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the islands, mon, instead of in the heart of Wrigleyville. Famous for its world-class reggae bands, The Wild Hare has been around for more than 20 years and is still going strong. (3530 N. Clark St., 773-327-4273).
UNDERGROUND WONDER BAR
So, it’s after hours and you’re feeling a little frisky? Head over to this legendary jazz joint that stays open until 4 a.m. every night (5 a.m. Saturday). You might even spot a celebrity as some well-known singers have been known to grace the stage if they’re in town. (10 E. Walton St., 312-266-7761).
BACK ROOM
Chicago’s famous for its jazz and Blues history, so head on over to Rush Street and take in some live jazz at The Back Room. As the name suggests it has a dark hidden-away feel that harks back to clubs of the ‘50s. The crowded room is filled with fellow music fans tapping their toes at their candlelit tables. (1007 N. Rush St., 312- 751-2433).
Cuatro
2030 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60616
Cuatro’s menu features Latin American and Caribbean dishes, earth tones, floor-to-ceiling windows and an eight-foot aquarium full of tropical fish. If you’re stopping in for dinner, Live Latin jazz bands and DJs are slotted for entertainment most nights.
Pops for Champagne
601 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60611
Live jazz, huge champagne list, and a fireplace create a memorable atmosphere.>
