Re: [Harp-L] Going to Chicago

["David Brown" <nonidesign@xxxxxxxxx>]

Check online for blues jams as there is one every night of the week,
although you may have to leave the city to find one on Friday and Saturday.

The Green Mill jazz club.
I bemoan the loss of so many great old places now being homogonized for
tourist consumption. The Green Mill, however, gives a glimpse of Chicago
from the past. For me, it's the great jazz club of Chicago. I love that the
doorman tells people when they walk in that talking during the jazz
performances is not allowed...and evryone enforces that rule.
The Vic, the Aragon, and a couple of other clubs are also in the vicinity.
Also, THere is a vietnamese section a stone's throw from the Green Mill.
PLenty of places to eat for cheap.

A Maxwell Street polish sandwich with mustard, grilled onions, and "sport"
peppers.
East of Halsted, just south of Roosevelt near the Kennedy expressway
Southbound on -amp. The hot dog may be Chicago's reknown, but a Maxwell
polish is pure, uncut, blues food. Walk around the corner from the stand
onto Maxwell St. itself and weep at the desecration of Chicago blues most
hallowed ground.

Chess Records building. If Maxwell is the most hallowed ground, then Chess
Records is the Vatican. Bow and kiss the ground. You can take tours but I
think you have to call and make a reservation.

More unnatural deaths in Chicago are caused by this question than any other:
"what is the best pizza in Chicago?"
I don't have the answer, but the most unique pizza, and a sleeper spot not
as famous as it should be, is "Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinders" on Clark.
You order the pizza by weight with either plain or deluxe sauce. It's a bowl
lined with cheese, filled with sauce, and covered with dough on top. In an
oven the pizza is cooked and the dough rises, causing it to fall over the
bowl edge down to the oven shelf. When it is served it is flipped over and
the bowl is pulled out, leaving (literally) a  pizza "pie". They also serve
beers about as big as a bowling pin. They don't take reservations and they
don't write down names. In true Chicago fashion ya git yer turn when itz yer
turn, see?
Oh yeah, the site of the famous "Valentines Day Massacre" is almost right
across the street.

Blues clubs: I rec Artis' place on the South East side. Call and see  if
Billy Branch is playing. If you want a club in the city try Buddy Guy's
legends. I know, I know, it;s a tourist place yadda yadda, but the
sightlines are good and the jambalaya is great. The bans are also
consistantly good. Open stage on Mondays.

Check the local paper, "The Reader", which also has a website. Great source
for things Chicago.

Museums: Like art? The Art Insitute has a world class collection. It is next
to Chicago's main public park and also next to the lake. A walk through
Millenium Park is cool too. WIth good weather all three would make a really
nice day. Check to see if there is a concert at the Millenium Park outdoor
stage.

Have fun.






On Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 5:01 PM, Aaron Willie Kazmer <gripwillie@xxxxxxxxx>wrote:

> HI all
>
> I am going to Chicago for the 1st time from Oct 15 to the 20th and was
> wondering if any of you know of some thinks to not miss.  Like clubs jams
> and any other must see thinks.
>
> Thanks for the help in advance
>
>
> Aaron "Willie" Kazmer
> www.myspace.com/aaronwilliekazmer akazmer1@xxxxxxx
>
>
>
>
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