Visiting Chicago

Subject: Visiting Chicago
From: Lady McMoo
Date: 29 Apr 00 - 05:23 PM

I'll be crossing the pond from Belgium and will be in the Chicago area (Deerfield) from 7 May through to 12 May. Are any 'Catters able to provide details of sessions, interesting events, etc. that I might be able to visit while I'm there. If so, I'll probably pack something portable like a mandolin! Any tips or information will be much appreciated.

All the best,

mcmoo

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Mark Clark
Date: 29 Apr 00 - 07:47 PM

The first place to look to see what's going on is the Chicago Reader, a freely distributed newspaper of culture, entertainment and opinion. You can start with the online version and see what you find. Also you'll want to check out The Old Town School of Folk Music as they may know of scheduled performances not listed in the Reader.

As for sessions, I can't be much help. There used to be a Friends of Sing Out! group there but I dont know whether it's still active. Again you could check out Sing Out! online to see if they list local friends groups. If it's bluegrass you're looking for, try contacting Greg Cahill. He'll know if there are any regular jams in the area. Also, Bluegrass Unlimited used to maintain a directory and scheduled for bluegrass jams across the country.

Deerfield is a long way from the entertaining central areas of Chicago. You'll want to make sure an event is actually taking place before going that far. If you're a jazz fan, you'll want to visit The Jazz Showcase and Buddy Guy's Legends is a popular Blues club for visitors. Doc Pelegrino's Kingston Mines is another popular blues club.

If Art Thieme is lurking about, perhaps he has more specific session information about local folk jams. If not, he'll know who does.

Good luck,

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Apr 00 - 08:56 PM

Check out the David Adler Cultural Center which houses the Libertyville School of Folk Music. They have various events and are not far from Deerfield.

In Deerfield, you'll be ten minutes from where I spent most of my growing-up years. I'm sorry we didn't stop the strip malls now plaguing the land. I hope you find the places that are still wooded and lovely.

Be sure someone takes you on an all-night drive down Sheridan Road, and do stop in Wilmette at Gillson Park beach, where the water of Lake Michigan is steps away from the parking. The Baha'i Temple with its surrounding gardens will loom in the darkness, white dome uplit, just around the bend.

Take it slow through the ravines section of Sheridan, now, no racing down the bottom of it!

~Susan~

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Apr 00 - 08:57 PM

Oops, how could I forget Hogeye Music in Evanston??????

They sponsor concerts also, but are well worth a trip just to chat.

~S~

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: GUEST,anna
Date: 30 Apr 00 - 03:07 AM

I strongly recommend the Green Mill for jazz on Broadway and Foster (or Lawrence?)--former hang out of Al Capone. Get there a bit early to snag a seat....and I also recommend a cab if you're not driving your own vehicle.

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Apr 00 - 03:10 AM

And Judy Roberts if she still has weekly Hotel Intercontinental jazz gig, Saturday nights.

Not skipping blues I hope???? Or great Thai food?

~S~

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Mark Clark
Date: 30 Apr 00 - 11:07 AM

Mcmoo, I just found thislink to an entertainment search site and thought it looked pretty interesting. I haven't poked around much so it may just list the tourist places but it may be helpful.

And if you enjoy Greek food, you might want to try The Parthanon on South Halsted Street. Good food and great fun. Some of the Greek places still feature belly dancing to a live bazouki band on weekends during the tourist season.

Praise is right about the Baha'i Temple. Plan to stop for a few minutes if you drive down Sheridan Road. And take Anna's advice on the cab if you decide to go clubbing.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Apr 00 - 11:28 AM

Sweet Home, Chicago!

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Mark Clark
Date: 30 Apr 00 - 11:33 AM

Yeah, c'mon let's go. Oh, and don't forget to bring lots of dead presidents.

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Art Thieme
Date: 30 Apr 00 - 11:53 AM

May 7th:

The Battlefield Band ---at the ABBEY PUB--3420 Grace St.--Chicago--773-478-4408 (Sun. the 8th is their traditional Irish jam.--young ones at 4:00 Pm--older folks at 8 PM)

KAT EGGLESTON--a fine singer/songwriter--Lake County Folk Club concerts at Greenleafe Grill--301 Greenleaf --Park City, IL 847-949-5355

May 12:

Waeavermania --- with Frank Hamilton (former Weaver and a founder of The Old Town School as guest opening act plus he'll join the quartet for a few songs I', sure.) This great concert will be at the OLD TOWN SCHL. OF FOLK MUSIC--4544 N. Lincoln Ave.--Chicago--773-728-6000--2 shows--need advance tickets--$18.00

-----**These are what's in town in the Northern end of things --- fairly close to Deerfield sort of.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Wotcha
Date: 30 Apr 00 - 12:11 PM

Mccmoo,
Thanks for asking the question. Looks like I'll be living in Chicago for the next year as of August ...
Are there any song circles/sea chantey singers in the area?
Is Holstein's Pub still around?

Cheers,
Allahamdalla
Brian

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Apr 00 - 01:43 PM

That does it, Hardiman, we're moving back.

Saturday night Midnight Special, WFMT-FM radio, with Rich Warren.... heaven!

~S~

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: lloyd64
Date: 30 Apr 00 - 02:15 PM

Art.......

Does Fox Valley still maintain the Folk Phone? That was always a main source of music and dance in the Chicagoland area.

I would also second the David Adler Cultural Center, This was a fine group of people with a real love for the Arts.

mcmoo, You will love Chicago, it is a great city. Find your way to Warrenville, and look up the Warrenville Folk Organization at the Acorn Coffee Shop. Lots of good things are going on there, while there, check into the Fox Valley Folk Festival every September. It is a few miles from your new area, but well worth the trip.

Have a great time, I wish I was back in Chicago.

lloyd

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Apr 00 - 03:22 PM

Methinks a Mudcat reunion for Chicagoans may be in order.

Just for a visit...

I remember sitting at the Barbarossa many nights with musician and bartender Fred Campeau, discussing one Chicagoan after another who would leave the city ("I'm really going this time, never to return to this sh*thole town of misery!!") or TRY to.... the city would suck people back like feet stuck in industrial-grade flypaper.

"They say" you can never go home again but when it comes to Chicago, it's the being actually gone that's harder to manage, in body or soul.

The truth is, when you are actually there, it is easy to see the crap instead of just hear the music. And the folk music is so spread all over the norhern part of the state now that you can be far away from it no matter where you are. Too far. Way way too far. Thinking about goin cuz it would be so good for you, but then not going after all. If I were there now, life in that area would be choking the energy out of me, to go to any of the places so fondly recalled above.

So mcmoo-- see it for me, dear!!!

Is it like that for any of the rest of you?

~S~

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Mark Clark
Date: 30 Apr 00 - 04:32 PM

Yes, I know what you mean. Our kids and grandkids live in the northwest suburbs and though we vist fairly often, we never get to Chicago. I used to think I was just nostalgic about the city so we recruited friends and took a pleasure junket to Chicago, just like tourists. We had a fantastic time; didn't tell the kids until after we'd returned home. It was great.

We keep talking about moving back just to be around the kids but I don't think I could take the suburbs. You get all the hassle and we probably wouldn't get to Chicago any oftener than we do now. I'd need to be in the inner city and then we probably wouldn't see the kids any more than we do now.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Apr 00 - 04:45 PM

There ya go, eh Mark?

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Lady McMoo
Date: 30 Apr 00 - 05:25 PM

Many thanks for the tips everybody...it's very much appreciated.

Peace

mcmoo

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Mark Clark
Date: 30 Apr 00 - 06:25 PM

Mcmoo, Now you'll have to bookmark this thread so you can come back in after your trip and tell us what you wound up doing.

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: GUEST,Phil Cooper
Date: 30 Apr 00 - 10:19 PM

Fox Valley Folklore Society host a song circle on Wednesday nights in North Aurora (about an hour to an hour and a half south of Deerfield). Starts from 7:00 pm till about 10:00pm. It's at the North Aurora Cultural Center at the intersection of Routes 31 and 56 (56 is butterfield road on local maps). A mandolin would be welcome and there would be guitars you could borrow when your turn came up. Otherwise, would vote for the Adler Center in Libertyville, There should be a concert the first Saturday on May. On the question of Holstein's: It's long gone. --Phil

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Petr
Date: 30 Apr 00 - 11:47 PM

One day in Chicago the windy city ... the wind stopped.

. . . . .. . . . and everybody fell.

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Mark Clark
Date: 01 May 00 - 12:13 AM

Historically, Chicago was dubbed the windy city because of politicians making speeches and not because of any meteorological phenomenon. If that sort of wind stopped, the effect would be just the opposite; everyone would be uplifted.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: GUEST,Chocolate Pi
Date: 01 May 00 - 01:32 AM

If you get down to the Hyde Park neighborhood (approximately South 50-59th St, from the lake to Cottage Grove) , we have Sacred Harp sings every Thursday evening; location varies, so if you're interested, send me a message.


Chocolate Pi

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Art Thieme
Date: 01 May 00 - 10:12 AM

Mark,

Another version: The devil and the wind were walking down Michigan Avenue one cold Chicago day. The devil ducked into the Tribune Tower to get away from the cold and snow. (He wasn't used to it !) He never came out. And the wind is still waiting for him...

*****Mr. Mark, I couldn't take (afford) the suburbs either. We lived in Chicago -- a street away from you if I recall--us on Nelson & you on Wellington just west of Racine. When Chris's 3rd grade teacher at the Morris School decided to quit and become an evangelist, everyone found out that he had falsified ALL the kid's grades for two solid years---he never made one assignment or gave any tests. The kids didn't know from squat what was going on. But Chris was in danger of not learning to read. For me, it was the last straw---even though I worked in the schools of the 6 counties of Northern Illinois trying to show the kids what folksongs were for over 20 years. So we moved to Peru, Illinois---100 miles S.W. of the city where they had a good public school system. It was cheaper to live on what a folksinger could provide out in the Illinois River valley.The Chicago schools are some better now than they were 20 years ago when we left. I LOVE CHICAGO ! I sang and toured (musically) out of Chicago my whole life until I could no longer do that. But leaving was necessary---and we're glad we did it. Our son and his wife now live in Chicago across the street from the public grade school I went to on Broadway. What goes around, comes around. I suspect I was always considered a "Chicago folkie" even though we didn't live there any longer. Good things are stll happening there folkwise, but it sure was a great scene there just a few short years ago. It was the place to be. It was wondrous. It was youth and energy and glamour and smoke dreams that'll never happen that way again. Mostly, it was fine singin' and pickin'. And it was the best of times-----but I bet you remember too...

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Mark Clark
Date: 01 May 00 - 04:04 PM

Art,

I like your version much better. It really hurt when Mike Royko had to move to the Trib. Sort of like the Devil won (again). I still miss the Daily News.

Lakeview was indeed a great neighborhood in those days, but you're right about the schools. Chris' experience is tragic. I gather he made up the lost ground but what a devistating thing. The schools were also one of the reasons we decided to leave. Manda went through parochial schools and got a good education. When Kate was born, I got "an offer I couldn't refuse" here in Cedar Rapids and we decided to make the move. As in Peru, the schools here are first rate.

Cost is a real issue too. It may actually be cheaper to live in the suburbs now. The two-flat on Wellington just to the west of ours sold in 1973 or 74 for $11,000 [sic]. I doubt you could buy it for half a million today.

And you're right again about "the best of times." Everybody was creating and excited, learning from each other and from anyone who whould share a story or a lick, meeting legends on the dark near-north streets after the clubs had all closed and just standing there shooting the breeze. It was awesome. Somebody should write a book about that whole thing. Maybe you and Studs. That would be very cool. Peter Coyote's book Sleeping Where I Fall is a good narrative of the times, nationally, but it really doesn't include Chicago. That's another story altogether.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Art Thieme
Date: 01 May 00 - 07:30 PM

The Chicago-wind story I recounted was from B.A. Botkin's "Treasury Of American Folklore" (I think)--Botkin, a former head of the Archive of Folk at the Libr. o' Congress, was a great source for tales from all over the USA. Local tales that were great for introducing the songs.

Utah Phillips used to say this was an old nursery rhyme:

"B.A.--B.A.Botkin,
Have you any folklore?"

I'd not realized any of the history with Peter Coyote. I only knew him as the voice of THE CIVIL WAR series by Ken Burns. At first I couldn't beieve how very much he sounds like HENRY FONDA. If Fonda wasn't dead, I'd've thought it was actually him.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Mark Clark
Date: 01 May 00 - 09:02 PM

I have an old copy of the Botkin book, I'll have to look it up. I also have Botkin's book on Mississippi River folklore; got it for a dollar at the public library book sale. I'm probably the only one in the county that wanted it or even knew who Botkin was.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: GUEST,Alex
Date: 02 May 00 - 01:35 AM

May 7th - Kat Eggleston (beautiful voice, wonderful singer/songwriter, master of guitar and hammered dulcimer and a blonde babe - God was generous to this one) - Lake County Folk Club - 7pm Greenleaf Grill, Greenleaf St (between Rte 120 and Washington St) Park City (about 20 minutes N. of Deerfield on Rte 41) $6 web site http://members.xoom.com/lakefolk/ (tell us you are mcmoo and we'll let you in for members $5 price - ask for Alex) May 7 - Battlefield Band - Abbey Pub, 3420 W Grace (Grace & Elston - OK part of the city), Chicago [phone] May 7 - Bill Robinson (helluva hammer dulcimer) at Dulcimer Society of N. Illinois at St Augustine's Episcopal Church, 1140 Wilmette Ave , Wilmette. 2pm. May 7 - Frank Hamilton at Jones Family Music Studio, Lombard [phone] - $15 May 8 - Open Stage - No Exit, 6970 N. Glenwood, Chicago (actually Rogers Park - kind of rough neighborhood - take a friend with you) May 9 - Old Timey Jam - Folk-Lore Center, 29W140, Butterfield Rd, Warrenvile - [phone] (1 hour drive) May 10 - Singaround - Fox Valley F.S - N Aurora Community Center, (Rte 31 & State (Rte 56)), [phone] May 12 - Jam at David Adler Cultural Center, 1700 N Milwaukee, Libertyville [phone] May 12 - Weavermania (Michael Smith, Tom Dundee, Mark Dvorak & Barbara Barrow? + a bassist)w/ Frank Hamilton 7pm and 10pm shows - $18 at Old Town School, 4544 Lincoln, Chicago [phone] (1 hour drive) May 12 - Jim Post & Randy Sabien - Friendship Jr High School, 550 Elizabeth Lane, Des Plaines [phone] 8 pm - $15 (30 mins) May 12 - Curtis & Loretta - Barrington Area Library, 505 N Northwest Highway, Barrington - Free, but call [phone] to reserve a seat. Also call Newport Coffeehouse in Bannockburn (5 mins from Deerfield) [phone] they usually have entertainment on Saturdays.

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: lloyd61
Date: 02 May 00 - 08:11 AM

Alex......

I was Home Sick for Chicago before your thread now I'm just SICK. I'm down in Bluegrass Country, longing for Chicago and the wide verity music that is available in that GREAT city.

Art... I will always miss the No Exit. Nothing will ever be able to take it's place, and I have said before, New Years eve will never be the same witout Art Thieme and the No Exit.

mcmoo... It's worth the trip to Fox Valley just to hear Phil Cooper.

Lloyd62 of North Carolina

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Lady McMoo
Date: 02 May 00 - 05:43 PM

You guys are great! Many thanks for all the wonderful information. Be sure to let me know if any of you visit Belgium so I can return the favour!

Peace

mcmoo

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Art Thieme
Date: 02 May 00 - 08:59 PM

The NO EXIT is actually back open again. Brian and Sue Kozin sold it to the fellow who owns the Heartland Cafe---just one block away. He remodeled it. That means he pulled everything off the walls and painted it white (from what I was told) and sanded all the tables (no chess boards permanently attached to the tables any more)---got rid of the graffiti in the johns---cleaned everything---even tried to get rid of the smoky ambiance/aroma. No piss puddles in the john either.----- In other words, the place now looks like the Heartland ! Tom Dundee has been playing there recently. Also Michael Smith and Kat Eggleston. One night is the open stage. Another night is poetry slam night I think. Alas, it's a clean No Exit with nothing on the walls ??? What is this world coming to!!!

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 May 00 - 12:55 AM

Not the same NO EXIT after they moved it to the other side of the tracks.

Hey Art, whatever happened to the wonderful big oil painting that hung, for sale, for a long time, behind the pew bench? The kid holding the rooster-- hot to hit the cockfight? Should have bought it.... still dream I am finding it.... seeing the kid's eyes.... can ya ask around?

~Susan~

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: GUEST,Alex
Date: 03 May 00 - 01:26 AM

Art, a native Chicagoan once informed me that the true reason it is the Windy City is that Wisconsin folks are always blowing and Indiana sucks

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: GUEST,Bartholomew
Date: 03 May 00 - 09:49 AM

Mcmoo - Hope you have a wonderful time here in Chicago. You have already gotten a lot of good advice - it would take you a month of Sundays to get around to all the different ends of the city that have music. One word of advice is to CALL FIRST, before going anywhere. Schedules get changed and the papers aren't always accurate or up to date.

There is a lot of "hidden music" around the city and suburbs - the coffeehouses are often local, neighborhood places that don't make the papers. Go to the Old Town School, if not first, really soon. It is the closest thing to a cultural center for folk music in town and the new facility on North Lincoln Avenue is a great place to hear music and find information (and inspiration).

Enjoy the city. The weather should be beautiful.

Bart

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Art Thieme
Date: 03 May 00 - 10:30 PM

Praise,

That painting and many other hard hitting and unbelievably detailed works were by a great artist--NED BRODERICK. Ned is still working out the terrible things he witnessed and was a part of in Viet Nam in his stunning and emotion-filled paintings. He and a couple of buddies started a Viet Nam art museum in Chicago. I think it's still showcasing works by Nam vets.-----Do you remember the amazing one of the guy shooting up? It was so hard to look at---so full of pain. And so very graphically beautiful at the same time.

Ned has done other grand works also---like the glorious parrots on the wall of the old BIRD HOUSE at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.

Art

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Chris Amos
Date: 14 Nov 03 - 01:29 AM

The day job is sending me to Chicago for the week starting 08/12/03, I'll be staying in Wood Dale.

This thread is wonderful, lots of places to research, but you can't beat personal recommendations, 'specally on the cat.

Wondered if there are any sessions, open mike etc.. that might welcome someone droning out English trad songs.

Regards

Chris Amos

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: GUEST,Bill Kennedy
Date: 14 Nov 03 - 02:22 PM

i'm assuming you use european dating system and that's the week of December 8?
the above postings are all three years old, but still valid, check out the Chicago Reader and other free mags available as soon as you hit town. Heartland Cafe is an interesting place to eat and hear music, Green Mill is the most fun for jazz, also home to the original slam poetry night on Sundays. I don't like slam poetry, but the crowd is great and you get to hear some great readers/performers (I've read there as part of a group of featured readers before the slam begins).
check out Walker Brothers Pancakes in Wilmette for a great dining experience but not at brunch time on a Sunday unless you like lines!

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Chris in Wheaton
Date: 14 Nov 03 - 03:05 PM

When we moved back to Chicago, we picked the Western burbs - folk on WDCB (Mike, George, and Bill), Jones Family, Two Way Coffeehouse, Two Way Saturday song circles (see Plank Road or Jones Family in Lombard sites), Maple Street Church, Fox Valley Fest (the greatest by far), the OTSFM (Greg Brown on Sat.), etc.   The occasional Friendship concerts are always great and shown on the Mount Prospect Park District site (none this Fall, I quess).   AS MUCH NOW AS IN THE GLORY DAYS OF ART - we just don't stay out as late.
Would love to see visitors and whoever at a Saturday Two-Way Circle in beautiful Downers Grove!
Chris in Wheaton

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Mark Clark
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 12:31 PM

Chris in Wheaton, What are the particulars on the Saturday Two-Way Circle in Downers Grove?

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: BK Lick
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 06:14 PM

Any 'Catters in the Chicago area can find a special treat this weekend, April 7th & 8th, at Charlie's Coffee House in Wilmette -- Jennifer Armstrong (daughter of George and Gerry) will be singing, storytelling, and playing fiddle, banjo, guitar, and bagpipes.
Here are some links:
Jennifer's site
1999 All Things Considered Interview (streamed audio)
2001 Kennedy Center Performance (streamed video)
Charlie's Coffee House, a splendid new folk music venue that many are finding reminiscent of the Chicago folk music scene in the '60s and 70s. (Some recent performers: Jim Craig, Tom Dundee, Mark Dvorak, Kat Eggleston, Ed Holstein, Corky Siegel, Michael Smith.)

—BK

Subject: RE: Visiting Chicago
From: Once Famous
Date: 07 Apr 06 - 07:54 AM

I've played there 3 times.

Great place.