One Last Jam
B.B. King wasn't thinking about Chicago blues clubs when he wailed, "The thrill is gone." But it certainly could apply. Six ways to revive a fading cultural art form
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Still Kicking
Real blues musicians still jam around Chicago-you just have to know where to find them. Here are ten places to start.
1. Buddy Guy's Legends >> At press time, the doors were still open for Chicago's premier room for blues. 754 S. Wabash Ave.
2. Rosa's Blues Lounge >> Energetic owner Tony Mangiullo makes sure his spot lives up to his boast of "friendliest blues lounge." 3420 W. Armitage Ave.
3. Lee's Unleaded Blues >>This snug corner bar emphasizes soul. 7401 S. South Chicago Ave.
4. B.L.U.E.S. >> The North Side's tourist-heavy alternative to the South Side clubs. 7313 S. Halsted St.
5. Artis's Lounge >> One reason to go: Billy Branch headlines every Monday. 1249 E. 87th St.
6. 7313 Club >> Thriving South Side juke joint. 1249 E. 87th St.
7. Harlem Avenue Lounge >> This narrow bar toasts blues half the week. 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn
8. Wallace's Catfish Corner >> The rare place in the summer to find live street blues. 2800 W. Madison St.
9. Chord On Blues >> The burbs' classiest blues room. 106 S. 1st Ave., St. Charles
10. The New Checkerboard Lounge >> Legendary club re-staged in Hyde Park. 5201 S. Harper Ave.
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