Low-reen's Live Blues

OK Spring, bring it on! Come on out & support your favorite venue! Got your picks & sticks? Gotta Go Jam? Want to support the local musicians & blues scene? Hear the local blues news? Then you are in the right place! Blues jams come & go, I started this list to try to keep up! If you hear of one that’s not on the list, or have a correction, please let me know. Low-reen’s Live Blues List is updated at least monthly. Call ahead: these things change minute-to-minute!! Also be sure to drop a few bucks at the establishments that hosts these jams: buy a drink – if you don’t drink, buy some food or buy your friend a drink - otherwise the jams go away.

Come Out & Play!

Low-reen

Low-reen’s Live Blues List

http://LowreensLiveBlues.com

Blues Jams Chicago to Milwaukee…and then some

Issue #49

May 2013

in memory of Dirty Otis

…join a Band, not a Gang…

Join the Mailing List / Updates / Corrections / List your Jam: send to BlackCatBones@sbcGlobal.net

Quick Updates & Jam Pictures: “Like” us on Facebook, search for Low-reen’s Live Blues page

~~~~~~~~~~

Low-reen’s upcoming shows:

-Weekly blues jam, Wednesdays 8pm-12, Lee’s Unleaded Blues, 7401 S. South Chicago, Chicago, IL (773) 493-3477, host Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band with Stewart, Chicago Paul Petraitis & Low-reen. Guest drummer. No cover, free secure parking

- Friday May 10 from 8-11pm, Confetti’s, 5101 Washington St (SE corner at Rt 21), Gurnee, IL (847) 249-2000, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band with Bobby Too Tuff, Stewart, Chicago Paul Petraitis, John Linczmeier, & Low-reen

-Sunday May 19 from 5-8:30pm, Confetti’s, 5101 Washington St (SE corner at Rt 21), Gurnee, IL (847) 249-2000, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band with Stewart, Chicago Paul Petraitis, John Linczmeier, & Low-reen

-Saturday May 25 from 3:30-4:30pm, Los Jabalines MC Relay for Life Benefit, San Luis Restaurant, Green Bay Rd, Waukegan, IL, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band

- Sunday May 26 from 3-5pm, Randolph Street Market, 1340 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL www.RandolphStreetMarket.com 3-5pm, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band with Bobby Too Tuff, Stewart, Chicago Paul Petraitis, guest drummer & Low-reen

-Saturday June 1 from 9pm-1, Deep Blues, Kenosha, WI, Dirty Otis with Diane Saucee Mama Doolan, Demon Don Petrausky, Kokomo Joe, Russ Rusty Pipes Reeves, & Low-reen, no cover

-Friday June 7 from 11am-11:45, Chicago Blues Fest, Windy City Blues Society Tent on Colombus Blvd, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band with Bobby Too Tuff, Stewart, Chicago Paul Petraitis, guest drummer & Low-reen

-Saturday June 22 from 6-8pm, Lake Bluff Brewing Company, Lake Bluff, IL, outside, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band with Stewart, Chicago Paul Petraitis, guest drummer & Low-reen

-Sunday June 23  from 10am-2pm, Maxwell St Market main parking lot “stage” area at Polk & Harrison at the West side of the parking lot, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band with Chicago Paul Petraitis, Stewart, Ken Neufeld, & Low-reen, no cover

-Friday June 28, The Alley, 210 Green Bay Rd (at Rt 22), Highwood, IL (847) 433-0304 www.BowlHighwood.com Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band with Chicago Paul Petraitis, Stewart, guest drummer, & Low-reen. Cover

-Saturday July 13 from 9pm-1, Hopscotch Beer & Whiskey Bar, 9743 Franklin Ave, Franklin Park, IL (847) 260-5318 www.Hopscotch-Bar.com Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band with Chicago Paul Petraitis, Stewart, guest drummer, & Low-reen

-Sunday July 14  from 10am-2pm, Maxwell St Market main parking lot “stage” area at Polk & Harrison at the West side of the parking lot, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band with Chicago Paul Petraitis, Stewart, Ken Neufeld, & Low-reen, no cover

-Saturday September 14, Claws animal recue benefit at the Thirsty Horse (formerly Grizzly), Bristol, WI, Dirty Otis with Diane Saucee Mama Doolan, Demon Don Petrausky, Kokomo Joe, Russ Rusty Pipes Reeves, & Low-reen

~~~~~~~~~~

Clubs Off the Beaten Path

Now, didn’t you just think that there must be more to the Chicago blues scene than what you see in the Reader or in some of the guidebooks? Well ME TOO! So I started blues traveling in my own city! Here are some Chicagoland spots to check out. Some are not in the safest neighborhoods, so don’t be stupid about it. Be friendly & respectful, don’t have too much to drink, and park on the main street. Some have parking security. These clubs do a great job to create a safe atmosphere inside but be careful coming & going. Oh, and have fun!

• Big Ed’s BBQ, 30 N Genesee, Waukegan, IL (847) 782-8772, www.BigEdsLLC.com $5 cover. Fridays 7-12pm, Archie Parks Band; Saturdays 7-11 various blues bands
• Big O’s, 52nd & Halsted, Chicago, Saturdays 9pm: Grown Man
• Carolyn’s Zodiac Lounge, 1744 N Central, Chicago (773) 804-9664
• The Firkin, 515 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL (847)367-6168,
  http://firkinoflibertyville.com, Thursdays Vance Kelly 10pm
• For the Good Times Lounge, 5545 S Damen, Chicago (773) 737-0184, Sundays new time 7pm: Killer Ray & the Bottom Dollar Band
• Gene’s Playmate Lounge, 4239 W Cermak, Chicago (773) 590-9127, Sundays 9pm: Willie White & friends soul review
• Hot City Lounge, 7432 S Racine, Chicago (773) 224-9583, Mondays 9pm: jam with Mz Peaches & the Casanovas with Killer Ray & Chuck Crane; Thursdays 9:30pm: JoJo Murray
• New ImLa Cocktail Lounge, 1116 W 51st St, Chicago (773) 285-0285; Monday jam
• Keynote Lounge, 1116 W 63rd St, Chicago 1st & 3rd Sundays 7:30pm Smilin’ Bobby, other Sundays Super Percy, also music on Wednesdays
• Odyssey East (the old Rocking Horse), 9942 Torrence Ave, Chicago, Fridays 9pm-1;  Sundays 7-11pm: JoJo Murray
• Phyllis’ Musical Inn, 1800 W Division, Chicago, first Thursdays 10pm Smilin’ Bobby, no cover
• Spectrum Bar & Grill, 233 S Halsted, Chicago (312) 715-0770 sometimes Linsey Alexander
• Ted’s Lounge, 5813 W Madison, Chicago (773) 378-8389, Sundays Mary Lane & the No Static Blues Band 6-11pm
• Toby’s Tavern, 1949 Greenbay Rd, North Chicago, IL (847) 689-4742, Saturdays live blues from Chicago or Milwaukee, usual $10 cover
• The Toolbox, California & Arlington, Chicago. Occasional blues: Tail Dragger, Grown Man
• Vaughn’s, 6633 S Ashland Ave, Chicago (773) 931-9080
• Vern’s Friendly Lounge, 1258 S Pulaski, Chicago, IL (773) 521-4477, Fridays West Side Wes
• Wallace’s Catfish Corner, 2800 W Madison, Chicago, IL (773) 638-3474 blues has moved indoors
• Wash’s Lounge, 4223 W Madison, Chicago, music some Saturdays, Jerry-O, Tail Dragger
• The Water Hole, 1400 S Western, Chicago (312) 243-7988, Wednesdays jazz 8-1130pm with Isaiah Spencer $8, Thursdays & Fridays blues, various bands 9pm-1am, cover
• Other Chicagoland blues clubs you may already know about: Blue Chicago, B.L.U.E.S., Buddy Guy’s Legends, Checkerboard, Chord on Blues, Harlem Ave Lounge, House of Blues, Kingston Mines, Lee’s Unleaded, Nick’s, Rosa’s, Smoke Daddy blues on the weekend, Walnut Speakeasy

Special Events & News

—–”It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses” -Elwood Blues

• ArtSpace Lofts opening. Mixed use arts facility with subsidized housing 1-3 bedroom apts & studio space for artists including musicians. Rents range from $350-850, 214 W Washington St, Waukegan, IL (847) 445-6440 http://www.artspacewaukegan.org/
• May 17, join Low-reen for a Windy City Blues Society Meet-up featuring Barrelhouse Chuck with Kathryn Davis and Erwin Helfer, Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Belt St, North Chicago, IL www.LCFPD.org/GreenBelt/ (847) 968-3477, 7-9pm, $7
• May 24, Allens Grove Blues Festival/Open Jam to benefit Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, picnic shelter at Allens Grove Park, Hwy X between Darien & Clinton, Allens Grove, WI mmoore@sharontelephone.com or (262) 882-3373, free, raffle & food for sale or bring your own food, BYOB, 7pm.
• May 31, Welcome Home & Birthday Party Benefit for Eddie C Campbell, Buddy Guy’s Legends, 700 S Wabash, Chicago, IL, all star lineup of Chicago blues.
• June 1- August 10, Black Ensemble Theater presents Jackie Taylor’s Ain’t No Crying the Blues: In the Memory of Howlin’ Wolf starring Rick Stone, 4450 N Clark, Chicago (773) 769-4451 www.blackensemble.org tickets $45-65
• June 6, Chicago Blues Fest Kickoff, Millenium Park, Chicago, IL
• June 7-9, Chicago Blues Fest, Grant Park, Chicago, IL. Check out the Windy City Blues Society Stage on Colombus south of Monroe
• Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research, focused on the needs of musicians with bipolar disorder,  www.SeanCostelloFund.org 
• Chicago Musicians: Windy City Blues Society’s Chicago Blues Challenge. Go to www.WindyCityBlues.org for details
• Chicago Musicians: get listed on Windy City Blues Society website www.WindyCityBlues.org
• Kenosha Musicians: want to influence the local music scene? Join Musicians Advancing and Assisting Musicians on Facebook.
• Kenosha Musicians: Join Musicians of Kenosha Directory on Facebook
• Milwaukee Musicians: want to get heard on WMSE FM 91.7? Drop off your CD or album at 820 N Milwaukee or MSOE Krueger Hall 9am-6pm. OR mail it to WMSE, 1025 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 attn: Music Director. Tune in weekdays 3-6pm for the Blues Drive. www.msoe.org
• Maxwell St Market Vendor Association “Like” them on Facebook, help make the market more friendly to musicians
• Chicago Blues Tour: a good way to go if you want to go with a group and don’t want to drive. Shuttle van between several venues, cover charges included as well as a couple drinks, poster, & CD. www.ChicagoBluesTour.com
• Cheat You Fair, a documentary about old Maxwell Street, now available for purchase at Amazon.
• Maxwell St links, courtesy of Professor Steve Balkin http://sites.roosevelt.edu/sbalkin/maxwell-street-webpage/
• Kickstarter projects: you can get in on the ground floor and financially back blues projects for as little as a buck!   www.KickStarter.com
• Health, life, & dental insurance group plans for music industry professionals available through the Blues Foundation. For more info: www.Blues.org or www.SoundHealthcare.org or call 615-256-8667

Blues Jams (call ahead, they change frequently!)

Sundays

—–”Let dat boy boogie woogie! It’s in ‘im, and it got to come out!” - John Lee Hooker

-The Alley, 210 Greenbay Rd (at Hwy 22) Highwood, IL (847) 433-0304 www.BowlHighwood.com hosts Mark Blank & B’Ro, 7-11pm

-Breakwater Bar & Grill at Kenosha Yacht Club, 5130 4th Ave, Kenosha, WI (262) 652-2320, host Chris Sipos, 4-8pm (open mic)

-C&J’s Crossroads, N6444 US Hwy 12, Elkhorn, WI (262) 742-3417, host Glen Davis, 2-5pm

-Clark’s Saloon & Eatery, 37895 N Sheridan, Beach Park, IL (847) 662-3020, host AC Blues, 4-8pm

-Deep Blues, 5010 7th Ave, Kenosha, WI (262) 652-3595, host Real Deal (1st Sunday)

-Donovan’s Reef, 611 Rink, Twin Lakes, WI (262) 877-3321 www.DonovansReef.net,  host Mark Rikje, every other Sunday, 3-7pm

-Gene’s Supper Club, 4323 N 60th St, Milwaukee, WI (414) 535-7789, host Marvelous Mack & the Pressure Release Blues Band, 3:30pm

-Hawg Heaven, 10306 Antioch Rd, Salem, WI (262) 862-7777, host Mark Rogers Band, 7-11pm

-Hemingway’s Port-O-Call & South of Disorder Bar, N3270 County Highway H, Lake Geneva, WI

-Irish Mill, 26592 N Rt 83, Mundelein, IL (847) 566-7044, 830pm, host Rob Ray (open mic)

-Kegler’s Pub 905 Theodore St (Rt 7 between Rt 30 & Rt 53), Crest Hill, IL (815) 722-1089, host T-Bird Huck, 6-10pm

-Kingston Mines, 2548 N Halsted, Chicago, IL (773) 477-4646, www.KingstonMines.com, host Linsey Alexander 6-9pm. Also blues on a second stage.

-Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grille, 60 N Bothwell St, Paletine, IL (847) 991-2420, www.lamplighters.com, 8pm (1st Sun)

-Leroy’s Hot Stuff, 333 W Hwy 20, Porter, IN (219) 926-6211, 8pm-12am+

-Maxwell St Market main parking lot “stage” area at Polk & Harrison at the West side of the parking lot, host yours truly Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band, June 23, July 14, 10am-2pm

-New ImLa Cocktail Lounge, 1116 W 51st St, Chicago (773) 285-0285

Low-reen’s Live Blues List

http://LowreensLiveBlues.com

Blues Jams Chicago to Milwaukee…and then some

Issue #48

April 2013

in memory of Dirty Otis

…join a Band, not a Gang…

Join the Mailing List / Updates / Corrections / List your Jam: send to BlackCatBones@sbcGlobal.net

Quick Updates & Jam Pictures: “Like” us on Facebook, search for Low-reen’s Live Blues page

~~~~~~~~~~

Low-reen’s upcoming shows:

-Weekly blues jam, Wednesdays 8pm-12, Lee’s Unleaded Blues, 7401 S. South Chicago, Chicago, IL (773) 493-3477, host Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band with Stewart, Chicago Paul Petraitis & Low-reen. Guest drummers: 4/3 Wolf Records recording artist Jimmi Mayes, 4/10 Steve Collier. No cover, free secure parking

-Saturday April 6 at 9pm, TR’s Front Row, 219 W Greenwood, Waukegan, IL, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band featuring Bobby Too Tuff, with Jeff Big EZ Vernezze, Stewart, Chicago Paul Petraitis, guest drummer Allen Lee, & Low-reen, no cover

-Sunday April 14 from 10am-2pm, Maxwell St Market main parking lot “stage” area at Polk & Harrison at the West side of the parking lot, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band with Darnel DC Conley, Chicago Paul Petraitis, Stewart, & Low-reen, no cover

-Monday April 15, reception at American Planning Association national convention, Chicago, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band

-Sunday April 21 from 10am-2pm, Maxwell St Market main parking lot “stage” area at Polk & Harrison at the West side of the parking lot, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band with Darnel DC Conley, Chicago Paul Petraitis, Stewart, & Low-reen, no cover

-Saturday May 25, Los Jabalines MC Relay for Life Benefit, location & time TBD, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band

-Saturday June 1 from 9pm-1, Deep Blues, Kenosha, WI, Dirty Otis with Diane Doolan, Demon Don Petrausky, Joe Hey Joe Majewski, Russ Rusty Pipes Reeves, & Low-reen, no cover

-Friday June 7 from 11am-11:45, Chicago Blues Fest, Windy City Blues Society Tent on Colombus, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band, no cover

-Saturday June 22 from 6-8pm, Lake Bluff Brewing Company, Lake Bluff, IL, outside, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band

-Saturday September 14, Claws animal benefit at the Thirsty Horse (formerly Grizzly), Bristol, WI, Dirty Otis with Diane Doolan, Demon Don Petrausky, Joe Hey Joe Majewski, Russ Rusty Pipes Reeves, & Low-reen

~~~~~~~~~~

Clubs Off the Beaten Path

Now, didn’t you just think that there must be more to the Chicago blues scene than what you see in the Reader or in some of the guidebooks? Well ME TOO! So I started blues traveling in my own city! Here are some Chicagoland spots to check out. Some are not in the safest neighborhoods, so don’t be stupid about it. Be friendly & respectful, don’t have too much to drink, and park on the main street. Some have parking security. These clubs do a great job to create a safe atmosphere inside but be careful coming & going. Oh, and have fun!

• Big Ed’s BBQ, 30 N Genesee, Waukegan, IL (847) 782-8772, www.BigEdsLLC.com $5 cover. Fridays 7-12pm, Archie Parks Band; Saturdays 7-11 various blues bands
• Big O’s, 52nd & Halsted, Chicago, Saturdays 9pm: Grown Man
• Carolyn’s Zodiac Lounge, 1744 N Central, Chicago (773) 804-9664
• The Firkin, 515 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL (847)367-6168,
  http://firkinoflibertyville.com, Thursdays Vance Kelly 10pm
• For the Good Times Lounge, 5545 S Damen, Chicago (773) 737-0184, Sundays new time 7pm: Killer Ray & the Bottom Dollar Band
• Gene’s Playmate Lounge, 4239 W Cermak, Chicago (773) 590-9127, Sundays 9pm: Willie White & friends soul review
• Hot City Lounge, 7432 S Racine, Chicago (773) 224-9583, Mondays 9pm: jam with Mz Peaches & the Casanovas with Killer Ray & Chuck Crane; Thursdays 9:30pm: JoJo Murray
• New ImLa Cocktail Lounge, 1116 W 51st St, Chicago (773) 285-0285; Monday jam
• Keynote Lounge, 1116 W 63rd St, Chicago 1st & 3rd Sundays 7:30pm Smilin’ Bobby, other Sundays Super Percy, also music on Wednesdays
• Odyssey East (the old Rocking Horse), 9942 Torrence Ave, Chicago, Fridays 9pm-1;  Sundays 7-11pm: JoJo Murray
• Phyllis’ Musical Inn, 1800 W Division, Chicago, first Thursdays 10pm Smilin’ Bobby, no cover
• Spectrum Bar & Grill, 233 S Halsted, Chicago (312) 715-0770 sometimes Linsey Alexander
• Ted’s Lounge, 5813 W Madison, Chicago (773) 378-8389, Sundays Mary Lane & the No Static Blues Band 6-11pm
• Toby’s Tavern, 1949 Greenbay Rd, North Chicago, IL (847) 689-4742, Saturdays live blues from Chicago or Milwaukee, usual $10 cover
• The Toolbox, California & Arlington, Chicago. Occasional blues: Tail Dragger, Grown Man
• Vaughn’s, 6633 S Ashland Ave, Chicago (773) 931-9080
• Vern’s Friendly Lounge, 1258 S Pulaski, Chicago, IL (773) 521-4477, Fridays West Side Wes
• Wallace’s Catfish Corner, 2800 W Madison, Chicago, IL (773) 638-3474 blues has moved indoors
• Wash’s Lounge, 4223 W Madison, Chicago, music some Saturdays, Jerry-O, Tail Dragger
• The Water Hole, 1400 S Western, Chicago (312) 243-7988, Wednesdays jazz 8-1130pm with Isaiah Spencer $8, Thursdays & Fridays blues, various bands 9pm-1am, cover
• Other Chicagoland blues clubs you may already know about: Blue Chicago, B.L.U.E.S., Buddy Guy’s Legends, Checkerboard, Chord on Blues, Harlem Ave Lounge, House of Blues, Kingston Mines, Lee’s Unleaded, Nick’s, Rosa’s, Smoke Daddy blues on the weekend, Walnut Speakeasy

Special Events & News

—–”It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses” -Elwood Blues

• ArtSpace Lofts opening. Mixed use arts facility with subsidized housing 1-3 bedroom apts & studio space for artists including musicians. Rents range from $350-850, 214 W Washington St, Waukegan, IL (847) 445-6440 http://www.artspacewaukegan.org/
• April 2, Diamond Jim Green: Delta to Chicago, Lake Forest College, 555 N Sheridan, 7pm, free & open to public
• April 26, Musical Tribute in Honor of Artie “Blues Boy” White, Gatling’s Chapel, 10133 S Halsted, Chicago, IL, hosted by Herb Kent, 5-9pm. Funeral info at www.ArtieWhite.com
• April 29, join Low-reen for a Windy City Blues Society Meet-up featuring jam with Ms Peachez & the Casanovas with Killer Ray Allison, Hot City Lounge, 7432 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL (773) 224-9583, 9pm, no cover
• May 31, Welcome Home & Birthday Party Benefit for Eddie C Campbell, Buddy Guy’s Legends, 700 S Wabash, Chicago, IL, all star lineup of Chicago blues.
• Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research, focused on the needs of musicians with bipolar disorder,  www.SeanCostelloFund.org 
• Chicago Musicians: Windy City Blues Society’s Chicago Blues Challenge. Go to www.WindyCityBlues.org for details
• Chicago Musicians: get listed on Windy City Blues Society website www.WindyCityBlues.org
• Kenosha Musicians: want to influence the local music scene? Join Musicians Advancing and Assisting Musicians on Facebook.
• Kenosha Musicians: Join Musicians of Kenosha Directory on Facebook
• Milwaukee Musicians: want to get heard on WMSE FM 91.7? Drop off your CD or album at 820 N Milwaukee or MSOE Krueger Hall 9am-6pm. OR mail it to WMSE, 1025 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 attn: Music Director. Tune in weekdays 3-6pm for the Blues Drive. www.msoe.org
• Maxwell St Market Vendor Association “Like” them on Facebook, help make the market more friendly to musicians
• Chicago Blues Tour: a good way to go if you want to go with a group and don’t want to drive. Shuttle van between several venues, cover charges included as well as a couple drinks, poster, & CD. www.ChicagoBluesTour.com
• Cheat You Fair, a documentary about old Maxwell Street, now available for purchase at Amazon.
• Maxwell St links, courtesy of Professor Steve Balkin http://sites.roosevelt.edu/sbalkin/maxwell-street-webpage/
• Kickstarter projects: you can get in on the ground floor and financially back blues projects for as little as a buck!   www.KickStarter.com
• Health, life, & dental insurance group plans for music industry professionals available through the Blues Foundation. For more info: www.Blues.org or www.SoundHealthcare.org or call 615-256-8667

Blues Jams (call ahead, they change frequently!)

Sundays

—–”Let dat boy boogie woogie! It’s in ‘im, and it got to come out!” - John Lee Hooker

-The Alley, 210 Greenbay Rd (at Hwy 22) Highwood, IL (847) 433-0304 www.BowlHighwood.com hosts Mark Blank & B’Ro, 7-11pm

-Breakwater Bar & Grill at Kenosha Yacht Club, 5130 4th Ave, Kenosha, WI (262) 652-2320, host Chris Sipos, 4-8pm (open mic)

-C&J’s Crossroads, N6444 US Hwy 12, Elkhorn, WI (262) 742-3417, host Glen Davis, 2-5pm

-Clark’s Saloon & Eatery, 37895 N Sheridan, Beach Park, IL (847) 662-3020, host AC Blues, 4-8pm

-Donovan’s Reef, 611 Rink, Twin Lakes, WI (262) 877-3321 www.DonovansReef.net,  host Mark Rikje, every other Sunday, 3-7pm

-Gene’s Supper Club, 4323 N 60th St, Milwaukee, WI (414) 535-7789, host Marvelous Mack & the Pressure Release Blues Band, 3:30pm

-Hawg Heaven, 10306 Antioch Rd, Salem, WI (262) 862-7777, host Mark Rogers Band, 7-11pm

-Hemingway’s Port-O-Call & South of Disorder Bar, N3270 County Highway H, Lake Geneva, WI

-High Spirits, 12417 Antioch Rd (Rt 83), Trevor, WI (262) 862-9886, host Mark Rijke, 3-7pm (every other Sun- open electric jam)

-Irish Mill, 26592 N Rt 83, Mundelein, IL (847) 566-7044, 830pm, host Rob Ray (open mic)

-Kegler’s Pub 905 Theodore St (Rt 7 between Rt 30 & Rt 53), Crest Hill, IL (815) 722-1089, host T-Bird Huck, 6-10pm

-Kingston Mines, 2548 N Halsted, Chicago, IL (773) 477-4646, www.KingstonMines.com, host Linsey Alexander 6-9pm. Also blues on a second stage.

-Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grille, 60 N Bothwell St, Paletine, IL (847) 991-2420, www.lamplighters.com, 8pm (1st Sun)

-Leroy’s Hot Stuff, 333 W Hwy 20, Porter, IN (219) 926-6211, 8pm-12am+

-Maxwell St Market main parking lot “stage” area at Polk & Harrison at the West side of the parking lot, host yours truly Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band, April 14 & 28, 10am-2pm

-New ImLa Cocktail Lounge, 1116 W 51st St, Chicago (773) 285-0285

Low-reen’s Live Blues List

http://LowreensLiveBlues.com

Blues Jams Chicago to Milwaukee…and then some

Issue #47

March 2013

in memory of Dirty Otis

…join a Band, not a Gang…

Join the Mailing List / Updates / Corrections / List your Jam: send to BlackCatBones@sbcGlobal.net

Quick Updates & Jam Pictures: “Like” us on Facebook, search for Low-reen’s Live Blues page

~~~~~~~~~~

Low-reen’s upcoming shows:

-Weekly blues jam, Wednesdays 8pm-12, Lee’s Unleaded Blues, 7401 S. South Chicago, Chicago, IL (773) 493-3477, host Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band with Stewart, Chicago Paul Petraitis, guest drummers, & Low-reen, no cover

-Friday March 22 at 9pm, Marie’s Riptide Lounge, 1745 W Armitage, Chicago, IL, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band with Marcus Brown, Chicago Paul Petraitis, Stewart, & Low-reen, no cover

-Saturday April 6 at 9pm, TR’s Front Row, 219 W Greenwood, Waukegan, IL, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band featuring Bobby Too Tuff, with Jeff Big EZ Vernezze, Stewart, Chicago Paul Petraitis, & Low-reen, no cover

-Sunday April 14 from 10am-2pm, Maxwell St Market main parking lot “stage” area at Polk & Harrison at the West side of the parking lot, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band with Darnel DC Conley, Chicago Paul Petraitis, Stewart, & Low-reen, no cover

-Monday April 15, reception at FEMA national convention, Chicago, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band

-Sunday April 21 from 10am-2pm, Maxwell St Market main parking lot “stage” area at Polk & Harrison at the West side of the parking lot, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band with Darnel DC Conley, Chicago Paul Petraitis, Stewart, & Low-reen, no cover

-Saturday May 25, Los Jabalines MC Relay for Life Benefit, location & time TBD, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band

-Saturday June 1 from 9pm-1, Deep Blues, Kenosha, WI, Dirty Otis with Diane Doolan, Demon Don Petrausky, Joe Hey Joe Majewski, Russ Rusty Pipes Reeves, & Low-reen, no cover

-Friday June 7 from 11am-11:45, Chicago Blues Fest, Windy City Blues Society Tent, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band, no cover

-Saturday June 22 from 6-8pm, Lake Bluff Brewing Company, Lake Bluff, IL, outside, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band

~~~~~~~~~~

Clubs Off the Beaten Path

Now, didn’t you just think that there must be more to the Chicago blues scene than what you see in the Reader or in some of the guidebooks? Well ME TOO! So I started blues traveling in my own city! Here are some Chicagoland spots to check out. Some are not in the safest neighborhoods, so don’t be stupid about it. Be friendly & respectful, don’t have too much to drink, and park on the main street. Some have parking security. These clubs do a great job to create a safe atmosphere inside but be careful coming & going. Oh, and have fun!

• Big Ed’s BBQ, 30 N Genesee, Waukegan, IL (847) 782-8772, www.BigEdsLLC.com $5 cover. Fridays 7-12pm, Archie Parks Band; Saturdays 7-11 various blues bands
• Big O’s, 52nd & Halsted, Chicago, Saturdays 9pm: Grown Man
• Carolyn’s Zodiac Lounge, 1744 N Central, Chicago (773) 804-9664
• The Firkin, 515 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL (847)367-6168,
  http://firkinoflibertyville.com, Thursdays Vance Kelly 10pm
• For the Good Times Lounge, 5545 S Damen, Chicago (773) 737-0184, Sundays new time 7pm: Killer Ray & the Bottom Dollar Band
• Gene’s Playmate Lounge, 4239 W Cermak, Chicago (773) 590-9127, Sundays 9pm: Willie White & friends soul review
• Hot City Lounge, 7432 S Racine, Chicago (773) 224-9583, Mondays 9pm: jam with Mz Peaches & the Casanovas with Killer Ray & Chuck Crane; Thursdays 9:30pm: JoJo Murray
• New ImLa Cocktail Lounge, 1116 W 51st St, Chicago (773) 285-0285; Monday jam
• Keynote Lounge, 1116 W 63rd St, Chicago 1st & 3rd Sundays 7:30pm Smilin’ Bobby, other Sundays Super Percy, also music on Wednesdays
• Odyssey East (the old Rocking Horse), 9942 Torrence Ave, Chicago, Fridays 9pm-1;  Sundays 7-11pm: JoJo Murray
• Phyllis’ Musical Inn, 1800 W Division, Chicago, first Thursdays 10pm Smilin’ Bobby, no cover
• Spectrum Bar & Grill, 233 S Halsted, Chicago (312) 715-0770 sometimes Linsey Alexander
• Ted’s Lounge, 5813 W Madison, Chicago (773) 378-8389, Sundays Mary Lane & the No Static Blues Band 6-11pm
• Toby’s Tavern, 1949 Greenbay Rd, North Chicago, IL (847) 689-4742, Saturdays live blues from Chicago or Milwaukee, usual $10 cover
• The Toolbox, California & Arlington, Chicago. Occasional blues: Tail Dragger, Grown Man
• Vaughn’s, 6633 S Ashland Ave, Chicago (773) 931-9080
• Vern’s Friendly Lounge, 1258 S Pulaski, Chicago, IL (773) 521-4477, Fridays West Side Wes
• Wallace’s Catfish Corner, 2800 W Madison, Chicago, IL (773) 638-3474 blues has moved indoors
• Wash’s Lounge, 4223 W Madison, Chicago, music some Saturdays, Jerry-O, Tail Dragger
• The Water Hole, 1400 S Western, Chicago (312) 243-7988, Wednesdays jazz 8-1130pm with Isaiah Spencer $8, Thursdays & Fridays blues, various bands 9pm-1am, cover
• Other Chicagoland blues clubs you may already know about: Blue Chicago, B.L.U.E.S., Buddy Guy’s Legends, Checkerboard, Chord on Blues, Harlem Ave Lounge, House of Blues, Kingston Mines, Lee’s Unleaded, Nick’s, Rosa’s, Smoke Daddy blues on the weekend, Walnut Speakeasy

Special Events & News

—–”It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses” -Elwood Blues

• ArtSpace Lofts opening. Mixed use arts facility with subsidized housing 1-3 bedroom apts & studio space for artists including musicians. Rents range from $350-850, 214 W Washington St, Waukegan, IL (847) 445-6440 http://www.artspacewaukegan.org/
• March 3, Johnson Family Fundraiser, for Erik Johnson’s family, Moose Lodge, 3003 30th Ave, Kenosha, WI. Mark Rogers, Real Deal, other (non blues) acts, music all day, food, all ages. 12-8pm, $10
• March 9, Great Northern Blues Society’s Blues Cafe, Rothschilds, WI www.GNBS.org Kilborn Alley, Grady Champion, Magic Slim, others $17 advance / 22 door
• March 13-17, SxSW Music Conference, Austin, TX. 2000+ bands in 5 days
• March 18, Speed Booking Event by Musicians Advancing and Assisting Musicians, at Breakwater Lounge, 5130 4th Ave, Kenosha, WI. 16+ venues present, your chance to get booked! Free for members, $10 to join at the door, 7pm
• March 20, Lee’s Unleaded Blues open house, 7401 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL Come & meet the new owners & talk about booking 3-7pm, then stay for the jam 8pm-12!
• March 28, A Night for Magic: Tribute to Magic Slim, Mayne Stage, 1328 W Morse, Chicago, IL www.MayneStage.com, $25 proceeds to family. Many fine Chicago musicians. 7pm
• Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research, focused on the needs of musicians with bipolar disorder,  www.SeanCostelloFund.org 
• Chicago Musicians: Windy City Blues Society’s Chicago Blues Challenge. Go to www.WindyCityBlues.org for details
• Chicago Musicians: get listed on Windy City Blues Society website www.WindyCityBlues.org
• Kenosha Musicians: want to influence the local music scene? Join Musicians Advancing and Assisting Musicians on Facebook.
• Kenosha Musicians: Join Musicians of Kenosha Directory on Facebook
• Milwaukee Musicians: want to get heard on WMSE FM 91.7? Drop off your CD or album at 820 N Milwaukee or MSOE Krueger Hall 9am-6pm. OR mail it to WMSE, 1025 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 attn: Music Director. Tune in weekdays 3-6pm for the Blues Drive. www.msoe.org
• Maxwell St Market Vendor Association “Like” them on Facebook, help make the market more friendly to musicians
• Chicago Blues Tour: a good way to go if you want to go with a group and don’t want to drive. Shuttle van between several venues, cover charges included as well as a couple drinks, poster, & CD. www.ChicagoBluesTour.com
• Cheat You Fair, a documentary about old Maxwell Street, now available for purchase at Amazon.
• Maxwell St links, courtesy of Professor Steve Balkin http://sites.roosevelt.edu/sbalkin/maxwell-street-webpage/
• Kickstarter projects: you can get in on the ground floor and financially back blues projects for as little as a buck!   www.KickStarter.com
• Health, life, & dental insurance group plans for music industry professionals available through the Blues Foundation. For more info: www.Blues.org or www.SoundHealthcare.org or call 615-256-8667

Blues Jams (call ahead, they change frequently!)

Sundays

—–”Let dat boy boogie woogie! It’s in ‘im, and it got to come out!” - John Lee Hooker

-The Alley, 210 Greenbay Rd (at Hwy 22) Highwood, IL (847) 433-0304 www.BowlHighwood.com hosts Mark Blank & B’Ro, 7-11pm

-Breakwater Bar & Grill at Kenosha Yacht Club, 5130 4th Ave, Kenosha, WI (262) 652-2320, host Chris Sipos, 4-8pm (open mic)

-C&J’s Crossroads, N6444 US Hwy 12, Elkhorn, WI (262) 742-3417, host Glen Davis, 2-5pm

-Clark’s Saloon & Eatery, 37895 N Sheridan, Beach Park, IL (847) 662-3020, host AC Blues, 4-8pm

-Donovan’s Reef, 611 Rink, Twin Lakes, WI (262) 877-3321 www.DonovansReef.net,  host Mark Rikje, every other Sunday, 3-7pm

-Gene’s Supper Club, 4323 N 60th St, Milwaukee, WI (414) 535-7789, host Marvelous Mack & the Pressure Release Blues Band, 3:30pm

-Hawg Heaven, 10306 Antioch Rd, Salem, WI (262) 862-7777, host Mark Rogers Band, 7-11pm

-Hemingway’s Port-O-Call & South of Disorder Bar, N3270 County Highway H, Lake Geneva, WI

-High Spirits, 12417 Antioch Rd (Rt 83), Trevor, WI (262) 862-9886, host Mark Rijke, 3-7pm (every other Sun- open electric jam)

-Irish Mill, 26592 N Rt 83, Mundelein, IL (847) 566-7044, 830pm, host Rob Ray (open mic)

-Kegler’s Pub 905 Theodore St (Rt 7 between Rt 30 & Rt 53), Crest Hill, IL (815) 722-1089, host T-Bird Huck, 6-10pm

-Kingston Mines, 2548 N Halsted, Chicago, IL (773) 477-4646, www.KingstonMines.com, host Linsey Alexander 6-9pm. Also blues on a second stage.

-Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grille, 60 N Bothwell St, Paletine, IL (847) 991-2420, www.lamplighters.com, 8pm (1st Sun)

-Leroy’s Hot Stuff, 333 W Hwy 20, Porter, IN (219) 926-6211, 8pm-12am+

-Maxwell St Market main parking lot “stage” area at Polk & Harrison at the West side of the parking lot, host yours truly Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band, April 14 & 28, 10am-2pm

-New ImLa Cocktail Lounge, 1116 W 51st St, Chicago (773) 285-0285

-Treats Tavern, 2221 N Humboldt Blvd, Milwaukee, WI (414) 265-7054, host Harvey Westmoreland, 8pm

Low-reen’s Live Blues List

http://LowreensLiveBlues.com

Blues Jams Chicago to Milwaukee…and then some

Issue #46

February 2013

in memory of Dirty Otis

…join a Band, not a Gang…

Join the Mailing List / Updates / Corrections / List your Jam: send to BlackCatBones@sbcGlobal.net

Quick Updates & Jam Pictures: “Like” us on Facebook, search for Low-reen’s Live Blues page

~~~~~~~~~~

Low-reen’s upcoming shows:

-****CANCELLED****Sundays Tac’s Lounge blues jam.

-New weekly blues jam, Wednesdays 8pm-12, Lee’s Unleaded Blues, 7401 S. South Chicago, Chicago, IL (773) 493-3477, host Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band with Stewart, Chicago Paul, Marcus, & Low-reen

-Friday March 1st gig MOVED to Saturday March 2nd, March Madness party, Alano Club, 2419 Washington St, Waukegan, IL, 9:30pm. Debut of Dirty Otis with Joe Hey Joe, Don Petrausky, Russ Reeves, guest drummer Johnny Robinson (filling in for Diane Doolan), & Low-reen

-Saturday April 6, TR’s Front Row, 219 W Greenwood, Waukegan, IL, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band

-Monday April 15, reception at FEMA national convention, Chicago, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band

-Friday June 7, Chicago Blues Fest, Windy City Blues Society Tent, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band, 11-1:45am

~~~~~~~~~~

Clubs Off the Beaten Path

Now, didn’t you just think that there must be more to the Chicago blues scene than what you see in the Reader or in some of the guidebooks? Well ME TOO! So I started blues traveling in my own city! Here are some Chicagoland spots to check out. Some are not in the safest neighborhoods, so don’t be stupid about it. Be friendly & respectful, don’t have too much to drink, and park on the main street. Some have parking security. These clubs do a great job to create a safe atmosphere inside but be careful coming & going. Oh, and have fun!

• Big Ed’s BBQ, 30 N Genesee, Waukegan, IL (847) 782-8772, www.BigEdsLLC.com $5 cover. Fridays 7-12pm, Archie Parks Band; Saturdays 7-11 various blues bands
• Big O’s, 52nd & Halsted, Chicago, Saturdays 9pm: Grown Man
• Carolyn’s Zodiac Lounge, 1744 N Central, Chicago (773) 804-9664
• The Firkin, 515 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL (847)367-6168,
  http://firkinoflibertyville.com, Thursdays Vance Kelly 10pm
• For the Good Times Lounge, 5545 S Damen, Chicago (773) 737-0184, Sundays 9pm: Killer Ray & the Bottom Dollar Band
• Gene’s Playmate Lounge, 4239 W Cermak, Chicago (773) 590-9127, Sundays 9pm: Willie White & friends soul review
• Hot City Lounge, 7432 S Racine, Chicago (773) 224-9583, Mondays 9pm: jam with Mz Peaches & the Casanovas with Killer Ray & Chuck Crane; Thursdays 9:30pm: JoJo Murray
• New ImLa Cocktail Lounge, 1116 W 51st St, Chicago (773) 285-0285; Monday jam
• Keynote Lounge, 1116 W 63rd St, Chicago 1st & 3rd Sundays 7:30pm Smilin’ Bobby, other Sundays Super Percy, also music on Wednesdays
• Odyssey East (the old Rocking Horse), 9942 Torrence Ave, Chicago, Fridays 9pm-1;  Sundays 7-11pm: JoJo Murray
• Spectrum Bar & Grill, 233 S Halsted, Chicago (312) 715-0770 sometimes Linsey Alexander
• Ted’s Lounge, 5813 W Madison, Chicago (773) 378-8389, Sundays Mary Lane & the No Static Blues Band 6-11pm
• Toby’s Tavern, 1949 Greenbay Rd, North Chicago, IL (847) 689-4742, Saturdays live blues from Chicago or Milwaukee, usual $10 cover
• The Toolbox, California & Arlington, Chicago. Occasional blues: Tail Dragger, Grown Man
• Vaughn’s, 6633 S Ashland Ave, Chicago (773) 931-9080
• Vern’s Friendly Lounge, 1258 S Pulaski, Chicago, IL (773) 521-4477, Fridays West Side Wes
• Wallace’s Catfish Corner, 2800 W Madison, Chicago, IL (773) 638-3474 blues has moved indoors
• Wash’s Lounge, 4223 W Madison, Chicago, music some Saturdays, Jerry-O, Tail Dragger
• The Water Hole, 1400 S Western, Chicago (312) 243-7988, Wednesdays jazz 8-1130pm with Isaiah Spencer $8, Thursdays & Fridays blues, various bands 9pm-1am, cover
• Other Chicagoland blues clubs you may already know about: Blue Chicago, B.L.U.E.S., Buddy Guy’s Legends, Checkerboard, Chord on Blues, Harlem Ave Lounge, House of Blues, Kingston Mines, Lee’s Unleaded, Nick’s, Rosa’s, Smoke Daddy blues on the weekend, Walnut Speakeasy

Special Events & News

—–”It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses” -Elwood Blues

• ArtSpace Lofts opening. Mixed use arts facility with subsidized housing 1-3 bedroom apts & studio space for artists including musicians. Rents range from $350-850, 214 W Washington St, Waukegan, IL (847) 445-6440 http://www.artspacewaukegan.org/
• February 17, Benefit for Eddie C Campbell, Rosa’s Lounge, 3420 W Armitage, Chicago (773) 342-0452, Eddie is in a German hosptial after suffering a stroke, needs to come home. All-star lineup (see Facebook Low-reen’s Live Blues) $25, 6-11pm
• March 3, Johnson Family Fundraiser, for Erik Johnson’s family, Moose Lodge, 3003 30th Ave, Kenosha, WI. Mark Rogers, Real Deal, other (non blues) acts, music all day, food, all ages. 12-8pm, $10
• March 9, Great Northern Blues Society’s Blues Cafe, Rothschilds, WI www.GNBS.org Kilborn Alley, Grady Champion, Magic Slim, others $17 advance / 22 door
• Lee’s Unleaded blues club remodeled & NOW OPEN starting Feb 15th
• Artis’s Lounge blues club closed http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-08-19/entertainment/ct-ent-0820-artis-lounge-closes-20120820_1_chicago-blues-artis-s-lounge-ronnie-baker-brooks; rumor has it they are looking for a new location
• Piano C Red dealing with medical issues. Cards / get well wishes  c/o: 12787 W Sherman Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085
• Curtis Salgado dealing with medical expenses. For those wishing to make a donation toward his medical expenses online at: curtissalgado.chipin.com/curtis- salgado-medical- fund. Donations can also be made to the Curtis Salgado Fund c/o Odaglas LLC Donation Account at all US Banks or by mail to US Bancorp, 2550 NW 188th Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124
• Candye Kane dealing with pancreatic cancer. Donations / get well wishes can be sent to: 1604 Alvarado St, Oceanside, CA 92054
• Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research, focused on the needs of musicians with bipolar disorder,  www.SeanCostelloFund.org 
• Chicago Musicians: Windy City Blues Society’s Chicago Blues Challenge. Go to www.WindyCityBlues.org for details
• Chicago Musicians: get listed on Windy City Blues Society website www.WindyCityBlues.org
• Kenosha Musicians: want to influence the local music scene? Join Musicians Advancing and Assisting Musicians on Facebook.
• Kenosha Musicians: Join Musicians of Kenosha Directory on Facebook
• Milwaukee Musicians: want to get heard on WMSE FM 91.7? Drop off your CD or album at 820 N Milwaukee or MSOE Krueger Hall 9am-6pm. OR mail it to WMSE, 1025 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 attn: Music Director. Tune in weekdays 3-6pm for the Blues Drive. www.msoe.org
• Maxwell St Market Vendor Association “Like” them on Facebook, help make the market more friendly to musicians
• Chicago Blues Tour: a good way to go if you want to go with a group and don’t want to drive. Shuttle van between several venues, cover charges included as well as a couple drinks, poster, & CD. www.ChicagoBluesTour.com
• Cheat You Fair, a documentary about old Maxwell Street, now available for purchase at Amazon.
• Maxwell St links, courtesy of Professor Steve Balkin http://sites.roosevelt.edu/sbalkin/maxwell-street-webpage/
• Kickstarter projects: you can get in on the ground floor and financially back blues projects for as little as a buck!   www.KickStarter.com
• Health, life, & dental insurance group plans for music industry professionals available through the Blues Foundation. For more info: www.Blues.org or www.SoundHealthcare.org or call 615-256-8667

Blues Jams (call ahead, they change frequently!)

Sundays

—–”Let dat boy boogie woogie! It’s in ‘im, and it got to come out!” - John Lee Hooker

-The Alley, 210 Greenbay Rd (at Hwy 22) Highwood, IL (847) 433-0304 www.BowlHighwood.com hosts Mark Blank & B’Ro, 7-11pm

-Breakwater Bar & Grill at Kenosha Yacht Club, 5130 4th Ave, Kenosha, WI (262) 652-2320, host Chris Sipos, 4-8pm (open mic)

-C&J’s Crossroads, N6444 US Hwy 12, Elkhorn, WI (262) 742-3417, host Glen Davis, 2-5pm

-Clark’s Saloon & Eatery, 37895 N Sheridan, Beach Park, IL (847) 662-3020, host AC Blues, 5-9pm

-Donovan’s Reef, 611 Rink, Twin Lakes, WI (262) 877-3321 www.DonovansReef.net,  host Mark Rikje, every other Sunday, 3-7pm

-Gene’s Supper Club, 4323 N 60th St, Milwaukee, WI (414) 535-7789, host Marvelous Mack & the Pressure Release Blues Band, 3:30pm

-Hawg Heaven, 10306 Antioch Rd, Salem, WI (262) 862-7777, host Mark Rogers Band, 7-11pm

-Hemingway’s Port-O-Call & South of Disorder Bar, N3270 County Highway H, Lake Geneva, WI

-High Spirits, 12417 Antioch Rd (Rt 83), Trevor, WI (262) 862-9886, host Mark Rijke, 3-7pm (every other Sun- open electric jam)

-Irish Mill, 26592 N Rt 83, Mundelein, IL (847) 566-7044, 830pm, host Rob Ray (open mic)

-Kegler’s Pub 905 Theodore St (Rt 7 between Rt 30 & Rt 53), Crest Hill, IL (815) 722-1089, host T-Bird Huck, 6-10pm

-Kingston Mines, 2548 N Halsted, Chicago, IL (773) 477-4646, www.KingstonMines.com, host Linsey Alexander 6-9pm. Also blues on a second stage.

-Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grille, 60 N Bothwell St, Paletine, IL (847) 991-2420, www.lamplighters.com, 8pm (1st Sun)

-Leroy’s Hot Stuff, 333 W Hwy 20, Porter, IN (219) 926-6211, 8pm-12am+

-Treats Tavern, 2221 N Humboldt Blvd, Milwaukee, WI (414) 265-7054, host Harvey Westmoreland, 8pm

Low-reen’s Live Blues List

http://LowreensLiveBlues.com

Blues Jams Chicago to Milwaukee…and then some

Issue #45

January 2013

in memory of Dirty Otis

…join a Band, not a Gang…

Join the Mailing List / Updates / Corrections / List your Jam: send to BlackCatBones@sbcGlobal.net

Quick Updates & Jam Pictures: “Like” us on Facebook, search for Low-reen’s Live Blues page

~~~~~~~~~~

Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band upcoming shows:

-January 5, Clark’s Saloon & Eatery, 37895 N Sheridan, Beach Park, IL (847) 662-3020, with Bobby Too Tough, Jeff Vernezze, Stewart, Chicago Paul Petraitis, & Marcus Brown, 9pm, no cover, free parking

-January 16, guest hosting with Al Sjoholm at the  jam at AJ’s Horsing Around, 114 E Washington St, Round Lake Park, IL,  hosted by John Linczmaier, 9pm-1

-Sundays Polk St Pub Blues Jam MOVING to Tac’s Lounge with “bar in a bar” Fire & Desire Bar, 5114 S Prairie, Chicago, IL starting Jan 20, every Sunday new time 6-10pm with Tony Brown, Stewart, DC

~~~~~~~~~~

Clubs Off the Beaten Path

Now, didn’t you just think that there must be more to the Chicago blues scene than what you see in the Reader or in some of the guidebooks? Well ME TOO! So I started blues traveling in my own city! Here are some Chicagoland spots to check out. Some are not in the safest neighborhoods, so don’t be stupid about it. Be friendly & respectful, don’t have too much to drink, and park on the main street. Some have parking security. These clubs do a great job to create a safe atmosphere inside but be careful coming & going. Oh, and have fun!

• Big Ed’s BBQ, 30 N Genesee, Waukegan, IL (847) 782-8772, www.BigEdsLLC.com $5 cover. Fridays 7-12pm, Archie Parks Band; Saturdays 7-11 various blues bands
• Big O’s, 52nd & Halsted, Chicago, Saturdays 9pm: Grown Man
• Carolyn’s Zodiac Lounge, 1744 N Central, Chicago (773) 804-9664
• The Firkin, 515 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL (847)367-6168,
  http://firkinoflibertyville.com, Thursdays Vance Kelly 10pm
• For the Good Times Lounge, 5545 S Damen, Chicago (773) 737-0184, Sundays 9pm: Killer Ray & the Bottom Dollar Band
• Gene’s Playmate Lounge, 4239 W Cermak, Chicago (773) 590-9127, Sundays 9pm: Willie White & friends soul review
• Good Time Entertainment, 1859 W 127th St, Blue Island, IL (708) 925-9237, Tuesdays Shy & the Checkmates 7-10:30pm, no cover
• Hot City Lounge, 7432 S Racine, Chicago (773) 224-9583, Mondays 9pm: jam with Mz Peaches & the Casanovas with Killer Ray & Chuck Crane; Thursdays 9:30pm: JoJo Murray
• New ImLa Cocktail Lounge, 1116 W 51st St, Chicago (773) 285-0285; Monday jam
• Keynote Lounge, 1116 W 63rd St, Chicago 1st & 3rd Sundays 7:30pm Smilin’ Bobby, other Sundays Super Percy, also music on Wednesdays
• Odyssey East (the old Rocking Horse), 9942 Torrence Ave, Chicago, Fridays 9pm-1;  Sundays 7-11pm: JoJo Murray
• Spectrum Bar & Grill, 233 S Halsted, Chicago (312) 715-0770 sometimes Linsey Alexander
• Tac’s Lounge with “bar in a bar” Fire & Desire Bar, 5114 S Prairie, Chicago, Sunday jam with Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band 6-10pm
• Ted’s Lounge, 5813 W Madison, Chicago (773) 378-8389, Sundays Mary Lane & the No Static Blues Band 6-11pm
• Toby’s Tavern, 1949 Greenbay Rd, North Chicago, IL (847) 689-4742, Saturdays live blues from Chicago or Milwaukee, usual $10 cover
• The Toolbox, California & Arlington, Chicago. Occasional blues: Tail Dragger, Grown Man
• Vaughn’s, 6633 S Ashland Ave, Chicago (773) 931-9080
• Vern’s Friendly Lounge, 1258 S Pulaski, Chicago, IL (773) 521-4477, Fridays West Side Wes
• Wallace’s Catfish Corner, 2800 W Madison, Chicago, IL (773) 638-3474 blues has moved indoors
• Wash’s Lounge, 4223 W Madison, Chicago, music some Saturdays, Jerry-O, Tail Dragger
• The Water Hole, 1400 S Western, Chicago (312) 243-7988, Wednesdays jazz 8-1130pm with Isaiah Spencer $8, Thursdays & Fridays blues, various bands 9pm-1am, cover
• Other Chicagoland blues clubs you may already know about: Blue Chicago, B.L.U.E.S., Buddy Guy’s Legends, Checkerboard, Chord on Blues, Harlem Ave Lounge, House of Blues, Kingston Mines, Lee’s Unleaded, Nick’s, Rosa’s, Smoke Daddy blues on the weekend, Walnut Speakeasy

Special Events & News

—–”It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses” -Elwood Blues

• ArtSpace Lofts opening. Mixed use arts facility with subsidized housing 1-3 bedroom apts & studio space for artists including musicians. Rents range from $350-850, 214 W Washington St, Waukegan, IL (847) 445-6440 http://www.artspacewaukegan.org/
• January 12, Benefit for Gregg Harr, lost his home in a fire, Poplar Creek Bowl, 2354 W Higgins, Hoffman Estates
• January 14, Music Mondays with Billy Branch, eta Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S. South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL (773)752-3955, 7-10pm, $10
• January 18-20, Chicago Winter Delights, www.ChicagoTraveler.com/Chicago-Winter-Delights
• January 20 Chicago Blues Tour HAS BEEN POSTPONED
• February 17, Benefit for Eddie C Campbell, Rosa’s Lounge, 3420 W Armitage, Chicago (773) 342-0452, Eddie is in a German hosptial after suffering a stroke, needs to come home. All-star lineup (see Facebook Low-reen’s Live Blues) $25, 6-11pm
• March 9, Great Northern Blues Society’s Blues Cafe, Rothschilds, WI www.GNBS.org Kilborn Alley, Grady Champion, Magic Slim, others $17 advance / 22 door
• Lee’s Unleaded blues club closed for renovations, rumor has it scheduled to open soon
• Artis’s Lounge blues club closed http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-08-19/entertainment/ct-ent-0820-artis-lounge-closes-20120820_1_chicago-blues-artis-s-lounge-ronnie-baker-brooks; rumor has it they are looking for a new location
• Piano C Red dealing with medical issues. Cards / get well wishes  c/o: 12787 W Sherman Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085
• Curtis Salgado dealing with medical expenses. For those wishing to make a donation toward his medical expenses online at: curtissalgado.chipin.com/curtis- salgado-medical- fund. Donations can also be made to the Curtis Salgado Fund c/o Odaglas LLC Donation Account at all US Banks or by mail to US Bancorp, 2550 NW 188th Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124
• Candye Kane dealing with pancreatic cancer. Donations / get well wishes can be sent to: 1604 Alvarado St, Oceanside, CA 92054
• Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research, focused on the needs of musicians with bipolar disorder,  www.SeanCostelloFund.org 
• Chicago Musicians: Windy City Blues Society’s Chicago Blues Challenge. Go to www.WindyCityBlues.org for details
• Chicago Musicians: get listed on Windy City Blues Society website www.WindyCityBlues.org
• Kenosha Musicians: want to influence the local music scene? Join Musicians Advancing and Assisting Musicians on Facebook.
• Kenosha Musicians: Join Musicians of Kenosha Directory on Facebook
• Milwaukee Musicians: want to get heard on WMSE FM 91.7? Drop off your CD or album at 820 N Milwaukee or MSOE Krueger Hall 9am-6pm. OR mail it to WMSE, 1025 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 attn: Music Director. Tune in weekdays 3-6pm for the Blues Drive. www.msoe.org
• Maxwell St Market Vendor Association “Like” them on Facebook, help make the market more friendly to musicians
• Chicago Blues Tour: a good way to go if you want to go with a group and don’t want to drive. Shuttle van between several venues, cover charges included as well as a couple drinks, poster, & CD. www.ChicagoBluesTour.com
• Cheat You Fair, a documentary about old Maxwell Street, now available for purchase at Amazon.
• Maxwell St links, courtesy of Professor Steve Balkin http://sites.roosevelt.edu/sbalkin/maxwell-street-webpage/
• Kickstarter projects: you can get in on the ground floor and financially back blues projects for as little as a buck!   www.KickStarter.com
• Health, life, & dental insurance group plans for music industry professionals available through the Blues Foundation. For more info: www.Blues.org or www.SoundHealthcare.org or call 615-256-8667

Blues Jams (call ahead, they change frequently!)

Sundays

—–”Let dat boy boogie woogie! It’s in ‘im, and it got to come out!” - John Lee Hooker

-The Alley, 210 Greenbay Rd (at Hwy 22) Highwood, IL (847) 433-0304 www.BowlHighwood.com hosts Mark Blank & B’Ro, 7-11pm

-Breakwater Bar & Grill at Kenosha Yacht Club, 5130 4th Ave, Kenosha, WI (262) 652-2320, host Chris Sipos, 4-8pm (open mic)

-C&J’s Crossroads, N6444 US Hwy 12, Elkhorn, WI (262) 742-3417, host Glen Davis, 2-5pm

-Clark’s Saloon & Eatery, 37895 N Sheridan, Beach Park, IL (847) 662-3020, host AC Blues, 5-9pm

-Donovan’s Reef, 611 Rink, Twin Lakes, WI (262) 877-3321 www.DonovansReef.net,  host Mark Rikje, starting Jan 13, every other Sunday, 3-7pm

-Gene’s Supper Club, 4323 N 60th St, Milwaukee, WI (414) 535-7789, host Marvelous Mack & the Pressure Release Blues Band, 3:30pm

-Hawg Heaven, 10306 Antioch Rd, Salem, WI (262) 862-7777, host Mark Rogers Band, 7-11pm

-High Spirits, 12417 Antioch Rd (Rt 83), Trevor, WI (262) 862-9886, host Mark Rijke, 3-7pm (every other Sun- open electric jam)

-Irish Mill, 26592 N Rt 83, Mundelein, IL (847) 566-7044, 830pm, host Rob Ray (open mic)

-Kegler’s Pub 905 Theodore St (Rt 7 between Rt 30 & Rt 53), Crest Hill, IL (815) 722-1089, host T-Bird Huck, 6-10pm

-Kingston Mines, 2548 N Halsted, Chicago, IL (773) 477-4646, www.KingstonMines.com, host Linsey Alexander 6-9pm. Also blues on a second stage.

-Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grille, 60 N Bothwell St, Paletine, IL (847) 991-2420, www.lamplighters.com, 8pm (1st Sun)

-Leroy’s Hot Stuff, 333 W Hwy 20, Porter, IN (219) 926-6211, 8pm-12am+

-Treats Tavern, 2221 N Humboldt Blvd, Milwaukee, WI (414) 265-7054, host Harvey Westmoreland, 8pm

Low-reen’s Live Blues List

http://LowreensLiveBlues.com

Blues Jams Chicago to Milwaukee…and then some

Issue #44

December 2012

in memory of Dirty Otis

…join a Band, not a Gang…

Join the Mailing List / Updates / Corrections / List your Jam: send to BlackCatBones@sbcGlobal.net

Quick Updates & Jam Pictures: “Like” us on Facebook, search for Low-reen’s Live Blues page

~~~~~~~~~~

Low-reen’s upcoming shows:

Sundays Polk St Pub Blues Jam, 548 W Polk, Chicago, Dec 2, 16, 30. 5-9pm, with Tony Brown, Stewart, DC

~~~~~~~~~~

Clubs Off the Beaten Path

Now, didn’t you just think that there must be more to the Chicago blues scene than what you see in the Reader or in some of the guidebooks? Well ME TOO! So I started blues traveling in my own city! Here are some Chicagoland spots to check out. Some are not in the safest neighborhoods, so don’t be stupid about it. Be friendly & respectful, don’t have too much to drink, and park on the main street. Some have parking security. These clubs do a great job to create a safe atmosphere inside but be careful coming & going. Oh, and have fun!

• Big Ed’s BBQ, 30 N Genesee, Waukegan, IL (847) 782-8772, www.BigEdsLLC.com $5 cover. Fridays 7-12pm, Archie Parks Band; Saturdays 7-11 often Terry James & the Blue Flames
• Big O’s, 52nd & Halsted, Chicago, Saturdays 9pm: Grown Man
• Carolyn’s Zodiac Lounge, 1744 N Central, Chicago (773) 804-9664
• The Firkin, 515 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL (847)367-6168,
  http://firkinoflibertyville.com, Thursdays Vance Kelly 10pm
• For the Good Times Lounge, 5545 S Damen, Chicago (773) 737-0184, Saturdays: Moonlighters featuring Butt Naked Sam; Sundays 9pm: Killer Ray & the Bottom Dollar Band
• Gene’s Playmate Lounge, 4239 W Cermak, Chicago (773) 590-9127, Sundays 9pm: Willie White & friends soul review
• Good Time Entertainment, 1859 W 127th St, Blue Island, IL (708) 925-9237, Tuesdays Shy & the Checkmates 7-10:30pm, no cover
• Hot City Lounge, 7432 S Racine, Chicago (773) 224-9583, Mondays 9pm: jam with Mz Peaches & the Casanovas with Killer Ray & Chuck Crane; Thursdays 9:30pm: JoJo Murray
• New ImLa Cocktail Lounge, 1116 W 51st St, Chicago (773) 285-0285; Monday jam
• Keynote Lounge, 1116 W 63rd St, Chicago 1st & 3rd Sundays 7:30pm Smilin’ Bobby, other Sundays Super Percy, also music on Wednesdays
• Odyssey East (the old Rocking Horse), 9942 Torrence Ave, Chicago, Fridays 9pm-1;  Sundays 7-11pm: JoJo Murray
• Spectrum Bar & Grill, 233 S Halsted, Chicago (312) 715-0770 sometimes Linsey Alexander
• Ted’s Lounge, 5813 W Madison, Chicago (773) 378-8389, Sundays Mary Lane & the No Static Blues Band 6-11pm
• Toby’s Tavern, 1949 Greenbay Rd, North Chicago, IL (847) 689-4742, Saturdays live blues from Chicago or Milwaukee, usual $10 cover
• The Toolbox, California & Arlington, Chicago. Occasional blues: Tail Dragger, Grown Man
• Vaughn’s, 6633 S Ashland Ave, Chicago (773) 931-9080
• Vern’s Friendly Lounge, 1258 S Pulaski, Chicago, IL (773) 521-4477, Fridays West Side Wes
• Wallace’s Catfish Corner, 2800 W Madison, Chicago, IL (773) 638-3474 blues has moved indoors
• Wash’s Lounge, 4223 W Madison, Chicago, music some Saturdays
• The Water Hole, 1400 S Western, Chicago (312) 243-7988, Wednesdays jazz 8-1130pm with Isaiah Spencer $8, Thursdays rock blues with Miles Minor no cover. Fridays blues, various bands 9pm-1am, cover
• Windy City Inn, 2257 W Irving Park, Chicago (773) 588-7088, Fridays Mary Lane & the No Static Blues Band, no cover
• Other Chicagoland blues clubs you may already know about: Blue Chicago, B.L.U.E.S., Buddy Guy’s Legends, Checkerboard, Chord on Blues, Harlem Ave Lounge, House of Blues, Kingston Mines, Lee’s Unleaded, Nick’s, Rosa’s, Smoke Daddy blues on the weekend, Walnut Speakeasy

Special Events & News

—–”It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses” -Elwood Blues

• ArtSpace Lofts opening. Mixed use arts facility with subsidized housing 1-3 bedroom apts & studio space for artists including musicians. Rents range from $350-850, 214 W Washington St, Waukegan, IL (847) 445-6440 http://www.artspacewaukegan.org/
• Sundays through December 2, Chicago Blues, an Urban Experience, concert series at Old Town School of Folk Music, $15-20, curated by Barry Dolins. 4545 N Lincoln, Chicago, IL (773) 728-6000, www.OldTownSchool.com  12/2 Jamiah “on Fire” Rogers & the Red Machine; 6:30pm
• January 18-20, Winter Chicago Blues Weekend
• January 20 Chicago Blues Tour, more info to follow
• Lee’s Unleaded blues club closed for renovations, rumor has it scheduled to open soon
• Artis’s Lounge blues club closed http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-08-19/entertainment/ct-ent-0820-artis-lounge-closes-20120820_1_chicago-blues-artis-s-lounge-ronnie-baker-brooks; rumor has it they are looking for a new location
• Piano C Red dealing with medical issues. Cards / get well wishes  c/o: 12787 W Sherman Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085
• Curtis Salgado dealing with medical expenses. For those wishing to make a donation toward his medical expenses online at: curtissalgado.chipin.com/curtis- salgado-medical- fund. Donations can also be made to the Curtis Salgado Fund c/o Odaglas LLC Donation Account at all US Banks or by mail to US Bancorp, 2550 NW 188th Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124
• Candye Kane dealing with pancreatic cancer. Donations / get well wishes can be sent to: 1604 Alvarado St, Oceanside, CA 92054
• Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research, focused on the needs of musicians with bipolar disorder,  www.SeanCostelloFund.org 
• Chicago Musicians: Windy City Blues Society’s Chicago Blues Challenge. Go to www.WindyCityBlues.org for details
• Chicago Musicians: get listed on Windy City Blues Society website www.WindyCityBlues.org
• Kenosha Musicians: want to influence the local music scene? Join Musicians Advancing and Assisting Musicians on Facebook.
• Kenosha Musicians: Join Musicians of Kenosha Directory on Facebook
• Milwaukee Musicians: want to get heard on WMSE FM 91.7? Drop off your CD or album at 820 N Milwaukee or MSOE Krueger Hall 9am-6pm. OR mail it to WMSE, 1025 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 attn: Music Director. Tune in weekdays 3-6pm for the Blues Drive. www.msoe.org
• Maxwell St Market Vendor Association “Like” them on Facebook, help make the market more friendly to musicians
• Chicago Blues Tour: a good way to go if you want to go with a group and don’t want to drive. Shuttle van between several venues, cover charges included as well as a couple drinks, poster, & CD. www.ChicagoBluesTour.com
• Cheat You Fair, a documentary about old Maxwell Street, now available for purchase at Amazon.
• Maxwell St links, courtesy of Professor Steve Balkin http://sites.roosevelt.edu/sbalkin/maxwell-street-webpage/
• Kickstarter projects: you can get in on the ground floor and financially back blues projects for as little as a buck!   www.KickStarter.com
• Health, life, & dental insurance group plans for music industry professionals available through the Blues Foundation. For more info: www.Blues.org or www.SoundHealthcare.org or call 615-256-8667

Blues Jams (call ahead, they change frequently!)

Sundays

—–”Let dat boy boogie woogie! It’s in ‘im, and it got to come out!” - John Lee Hooker

-The Alley, 210 Greenbay Rd (at Hwy 22) Highwood, IL (847) 433-0304 www.BowlHighwood.com hosts Mark Blank & B’Ro, 7-11pm

-Breakwater Bar & Grill at Kenosha Yacht Club, 5130 4th Ave, Kenosha, WI (262) 652-2320, host Chris Sipos, 4-8pm (open mic)

-C&J’s Crossroads, N6444 US Hwy 12, Elkhorn, WI (262) 742-3417, host Glen Davis, 2-5pm

-Hawg Heaven, 10306 Antioch Rd, Salem, WI (262) 862-7777, host Mark Rogers Band, 3-7pm

-High Spirits, 12417 Antioch Rd (Rt 83), Trevor, WI (262) 862-9886, host Mark Rijke, 3-7pm (every other Sun- open electric jam)

-Irish Mill, 26592 N Rt 83, Mundelein, IL (847) 566-7044, 830pm, host Rob Ray (open mic)

-Kegler’s Pub 905 Theodore St (Rt 7 between Rt 30 & Rt 53), Crest Hill, IL (815) 722-1089, host T-Bird Huck, 6-10pm

-Kingston Mines, 2548 N Halsted, Chicago, IL (773) 477-4646, www.KingstonMines.com, host Linsey Alexander 6-9pm. Also blues on a second stage.

-Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grille, 60 N Bothwell St, Paletine, IL (847) 991-2420, www.lamplighters.com, 8pm (1st Sun)

-Leroy’s Hot Stuff, 333 W Hwy 20, Porter, IN (219) 926-6211, 8pm-12am+

-Treats Tavern, 2221 N Humboldt Blvd, Milwaukee, WI (414) 265-7054, host Harvey Westmoreland, 8pm

Low-reen’s Live Blues List

http://LowreensLiveBlues.com

Blues Jams Chicago to Milwaukee…and then some

Issue #43

November 2012

in memory of Dirty Otis

…join a Band, not a Gang…

Join the Mailing List / Updates / Corrections / List your Jam: send to BlackCatBones@sbcGlobal.net

Quick Updates & Jam Pictures: “Like” us on Facebook, search for Low-reen’s Live Blues page

~~~~~~~~~~

Low-reen’s upcoming shows:

Sundays Polk St Pub Blues Jam, 548 W Polk, Chicago, Nov 4, 18; Dec 2, 16, 30. 5-9pm, with Tony Brown, Stewart, DC

~~~~~~~~~~

Clubs Off the Beaten Path

Now, didn’t you just think that there must be more to the Chicago blues scene than what you see in the Reader or in some of the guidebooks? Well ME TOO! So I started blues traveling in my own city! Here are some Chicagoland spots to check out. Some are not in the safest neighborhoods, so don’t be stupid about it. Be friendly & respectful, don’t have too much to drink, and park on the main street. Some have parking security. These clubs do a great job to create a safe atmosphere inside but be careful coming & going. Oh, and have fun!

• Big Ed’s BBQ, 30 N Genesee, Waukegan, IL (847) 782-8772, www.BigEdsLLC.com $5 cover. Fridays 7-12pm, Archie Parks Band; Saturdays 7-11 often Terry James & the Blue Flames
• Big O’s, 52nd & Halsted, Chicago, Saturdays 9pm: Grown Man
• Carolyn’s Zodiac Lounge, 1744 N Central, Chicago (773) 804-9664
• The Firkin, 515 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL (847)367-6168,
  http://firkinoflibertyville.com, Thursdays Vance Kelly 10pm
• For the Good Times Lounge, 5545 S Damen, Chicago (773) 737-0184, Saturdays: Moonlighters featuring Butt Naked Sam; Sundays 9pm: Killer Ray & the Bottom Dollar Band
• Gene’s Playmate Lounge, 4239 W Cermak, Chicago (773) 590-9127, Sundays 9pm: Willie White & friends soul review
• Good Time Entertainment, 1859 W 127th St, Blue Island, IL (708) 925-9237, Tuesdays Shy & the Checkmates 7-10:30pm, no cover
• Hot City Lounge, 7432 S Racine, Chicago (773) 224-9583, Mondays 9pm: jam with Mz Peaches & the Casanovas with Killer Ray & Chuck Crane; Thursdays 9:30pm: JoJo Murray
• New ImLa Cocktail Lounge, 1116 W 51st St, Chicago (773) 285-0285; Monday jam
• Keynote Lounge, 1116 W 63rd St, Chicago 1st & 3rd Sundays 7:30pm Smilin’ Bobby, other Sundays Super Percy, also music on Wednesdays
• Odyssey East (the old Rocking Horse), 9942 Torrence Ave, Chicago, Fridays 9pm-1;  Sundays 7-11pm: JoJo Murray
• Spectrum Bar & Grill, 233 S Halsted, Chicago (312) 715-0770 sometimes Linsey Alexander
• Ted’s Lounge, 5813 W Madison, Chicago (773) 378-8389, Sundays Mary Lane & the No Static Blues Band 6-11pm
• Toby’s Tavern, 1949 Greenbay Rd, North Chicago, IL (847) 689-4742, Saturdays live blues from Chicago or Milwaukee, usual $10 cover
• The Toolbox, California & Arlington, Chicago. Occasional blues: Tail Dragger, Grown Man
• Vaughn’s, 6633 S Ashland Ave, Chicago (773) 931-9080
• Vern’s Friendly Lounge, 1258 S Pulaski, Chicago, IL (773) 521-4477, Fridays West Side Wes
• Wallace’s Catfish Corner, 2800 W Madison, Chicago, IL (773) 638-3474 blues has moved indoors
• Wash’s Lounge, 4223 W Madison, Chicago, music some Saturdays
• The Water Hole, 1400 S Western, Chicago (312) 243-7988, Wednesdays jazz 8-1130pm with Isaiah Spencer $8, Thursdays rock blues with Miles Minor no cover. Fridays blues, various bands 9pm-1am, cover
• Windy City Inn, 2257 W Irving Park, Chicago (773) 588-7088, Fridays Mary Lane & the No Static Blues Band, no cover
• Other Chicagoland blues clubs you may already know about: Blue Chicago, B.L.U.E.S., Buddy Guy’s Legends, Checkerboard, Chord on Blues, Harlem Ave Lounge, House of Blues, Kingston Mines, Lee’s Unleaded, Nick’s, Rosa’s, Smoke Daddy blues on the weekend, Walnut Speakeasy

Special Events & News

—–”It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses” -Elwood Blues

• Cruiser’s in Beach Park, IL has closed. Thanks to Raul & Pam for all the years of bringing in good blues acts! Leaves a big hole in the larger-venue clubs in northeast Lake County. Will be missed.
• Sundays through December 2, Chicago Blues, an Urban Experience, concert series at Old Town School of Folk Music, $15-20, curated by Barry Dolins. 4545 N Lincoln, Chicago, IL (773) 728-6000, www.OldTownSchool.com  11/4 Roosevelt “Hatter” Purifoy; 11/11 Jimmy Burns Band; 11/18 Katherine Davis; 11/25 Erwin Helfer & Barrelhouse Chuck; 12/2 Jamiah “on Fire” Rogers & the Red Machine; all shows 6:30pm
• November 3, Blues on the River 2012, to benefit Found Chicago, an organization that rescues & rehabs dogs, music by Mississippi Heat, silent auction, open bar, food. 4108 N Rockwell, Chicago, IL www.FoundChicago.org (773) 539-3880, 7pm-midnight
• November 10, Chicago Cigar Box Guitar Festival 2012, Fat Man Bowl, 13860 Rockland Rd (Rt 176 just east of 94), Green Oaks, IL, 2 stages, vendors, 2pm-2am, $10  http://www.cigarboxnation.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-cigar-box-guitar-festival
• November 15, Grit ‘N Grace Blues Jam for the Homeless, to benefit Franciscan Outreach, Bottom Lounge, 1375 W Lake, Chicago, IL, $50 door, Brian Carpey, Lil’ Ed, Linsey Alexander, others, 7pm, www.GritNGraceBluesJam.com
• November 17, Rock the Corps, benefit for Waukegan Youth Conservation Corps, Jesse Oaks Leinie Lodge, 18490 W Old Gages Lake Rd, Gages Lake, IL. (847) 623-0900. 6:30pm, bands all eve. Bruce Williams at 9pm. $10
• January 18-20, Winter Chicago Blues Weekend; January 20 Chicago Blues Tour, more info to follow
• Lee’s Unleaded blues club closed for renovations, rumor has it scheduled to open soon
• Artis’s Lounge closed permanently http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-08-19/entertainment/ct-ent-0820-artis-lounge-closes-20120820_1_chicago-blues-artis-s-lounge-ronnie-baker-brooks; rumor has it they are looking for a new location
• Piano C Red dealing with medical issues. Cards / get well wishes  c/o: 12787 W Sherman Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085
• Curtis Salgado dealing with medical expenses. For those wishing to make a donation toward his medical expenses online at: curtissalgado.chipin.com/curtis- salgado-medical- fund. Donations can also be made to the Curtis Salgado Fund c/o Odaglas LLC Donation Account at all US Banks or by mail to US Bancorp, 2550 NW 188th Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124
• Candye Kane dealing with pancreatic cancer. Donations / get well wishes can be sent to: 1604 Alvarado St, Oceanside, CA 92054
• Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research, focused on the needs of musicians with bipolar disorder,  www.SeanCostelloFund.org 
• Chicago Musicians: Windy City Blues Society’s Chicago Blues Challenge. Go to www.WindyCityBlues.org for details
• Chicago Musicians: get listed on Windy City Blues Society website www.WindyCityBlues.org
• Kenosha Musicians: want to influence the local music scene? Join Musicians Advancing and Assisting Musicians on Facebook.
• Kenosha Musicians: Join Musicians of Kenosha Directory on Facebook
• Milwaukee Musicians: want to get heard on WMSE FM 91.7? Drop off your CD or album at 820 N Milwaukee or MSOE Krueger Hall 9am-6pm. OR mail it to WMSE, 1025 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 attn: Music Director. Tune in weekdays 3-6pm for the Blues Drive. www.msoe.org
• Maxwell St Market Vendor Association “Like” them on Facebook, help make the market more friendly to musicians
• Chicago Blues Tour: a good way to go if you want to go with a group and don’t want to drive. Shuttle van between several venues, cover charges included as well as a couple drinks, poster, & CD. www.ChicagoBluesTour.com
• Cheat You Fair, a documentary about old Maxwell Street, now available for purchase at Amazon.
• Maxwell St links, courtesy of Professor Steve Balkin http://sites.roosevelt.edu/sbalkin/maxwell-street-webpage/
• Kickstarter projects: you can get in on the ground floor and financially back blues projects for as little as a buck!   www.KickStarter.com
• Health, life, & dental insurance group plans for music industry professionals available through the Blues Foundation. For more info: www.Blues.org or www.SoundHealthcare.org or call 615-256-8667

Blues Jams (call ahead, they change frequently!)

Sundays

—–”Let dat boy boogie woogie! It’s in ‘im, and it got to come out!” - John Lee Hooker

-The Alley, 210 Greenbay Rd (at Hwy 22) Highwood, IL (847) 433-0304 www.BowlHighwood.com hosts Mark Blank & B’Ro, 7-10pm

-Breakwater Bar & Grill at Kenosha Yacht Club, 5130 4th Ave, Kenosha, WI (262) 652-2320, host Chris Sipos, 4-8pm (open mic)

-C&J’s Crossroads, N6444 US Hwy 12, Elkhorn, WI (262) 742-3417, host Glen Davis, 2-5pm

-Hawg Heaven, 10306 Antioch Rd, Salem, WI (262) 862-7777, host Mark Rogers Band, 3-7pm

-High Spirits, 12417 Antioch Rd (Rt 83), Trevor, WI (262) 862-9886, host Mark Rijke, 3-7pm (every other Sun- open electric jam)

-Irish Mill, 26592 N Rt 83, Mundelein, IL (847) 566-7044, 830pm, host Rob Ray (open mic)

–Kegler’s Pub 905 Theodore St (Rt 7 between Rt 30 & Rt 53), Crest Hill, IL (815) 722-1089, host T-Bird Huck, 6-10pm

-Kingston Mines, 2548 N Halsted, Chicago, IL (773) 477-4646, www.KingstonMines.com, host Linsey Alexander 6-9pm. Also blues on a second stage.

-Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grille, 60 N Bothwell St, Paletine, IL (847) 991-2420, www.lamplighters.com, 8pm (1st Sun)

-Leroy’s Hot Stuff, 333 W Hwy 20, Porter, IN (219) 926-6211, 8pm-12am+

-Treats Tavern, 2221 N Humboldt Blvd, Milwaukee, WI (414) 265-7054, host Harvey Westmoreland, 8pm

Low-reen’s Live Blues List

http://LowreensLiveBlues.com

Blues Jams Chicago to Milwaukee…and then some

Issue #42

October 2012

in memory of Dirty Otis

…join a Band, not a Gang…

Join the Mailing List / Updates / Corrections / List your Jam: send to BlackCatBones@sbcGlobal.net

Quick Updates & Jam Pictures: “Like” us on Facebook, search for Low-reen’s Live Blues page

~~~~~~~~~~

Low-reen’s upcoming shows:

Sundays Polk St Pub Blues Jam, 548 W Polk, Chicago, Oct 14, 28; Nov 4, 18; Dec 2, 16, 30. 5-9pm, with Tony Brown, Stewart, DC

October 6 TR’s Front Row, Greenwood Ave, Waukegan 8:30pm-12:30, with Bobby Too Tuff, Marcus Brown, Jeff Vernezze, Paul Petraitis, Stewart

October 21 Maxwell St Market 100th Birthday Celebration, main parking lot area DesPlaines & Polk, 1:15-3pm, with Bobby Too Tuff, Stewart, Jeff Vernezze, Paul Petraitis, Marcus Brown, Tony Brown, DC

October 24 Blues Jam at Oakwood 83, 1959 W Montrose, Chicago, 7:30-11:30pm, with Bobby Too Tuff, Jeff Vernezze, Stewart, Marcus Brown

~~~~~~~~~~

Clubs Off the Beaten Path

Now, didn’t you just think that there must be more to the Chicago blues scene than what you see in the Reader or in some of the guidebooks? Well ME TOO! So I started blues traveling in my own city! Here are some Chicagoland spots to check out. Some are not in the safest neighborhoods, so don’t be stupid about it. Be friendly & respectful, don’t have too much to drink, and park on the main street. Some have parking security. These clubs do a great job to create a safe atmosphere inside but be careful coming & going. Oh, and have fun!

• Big Ed’s BBQ, 30 N Genesee, Waukegan, IL (847) 782-8772, www.BigEdsLLC.com Fridays 7-12pm: Archie Parks Band, Saturdays 7-11 often Terry James & the Blue Flames
• Big O’s, 52nd & Halsted, Chicago, Saturdays 9pm: Grown Man
• Carolyn’s Zodiac Lounge, 1744 N Central, Chicago (773) 804-9664
• The Firkin, 515 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL (847)367-6168,
  http://firkinoflibertyville.com, Thursdays Vance Kelly 10pm
• For the Good Times Lounge, 5545 S Damen, Chicago (773) 737-0184, Saturdays: Moonlighters featuring Butt Naked Sam; Sundays 9pm: Killer Ray & the Bottom Dollar Band
• Gene’s Playmate Lounge, 4239 W Cermak, Chicago (773) 590-9127, Sundays 9pm: Willie White & friends soul review
• Good Time Entertainment, 1859 W 127th St, Blue Island, IL (708) 925-9237, Tuesdays Shy & the Checkmates 7-10:30pm, no cover
• Hot City Lounge, 7432 S Racine, Chicago (773) 224-9583, Mondays 9pm: jam with Mz Peaches & the Casanovas with Killer Ray & Chuck Crane; Thursdays 9:30pm: JoJo Murray
• New ImLa Cocktail Lounge, 1116 W 51st St, Chicago (773) 285-0285
• Keynote Lounge, 1116 W 63rd St, Chicago 1st & 3rd Sundays 7:30pm Smilin’ Bobby, other Sundays Super Percy, also music on Wednesdays
• Odyssey East (the old Rocking Horse), 9942 Torrence Ave, Chicago, Fridays 9pm-1;  Sundays 7-11pm: JoJo Murray
• Spectrum Bar & Grill, 233 S Halsted, Chicago (312) 715-0770 sometimes Linsey Alexander
• Toby’s Tavern, 1949 Greenbay Rd, North Chicago, IL (847) 689-4742, Saturdays live blues from Chicago or Milwaukee, usual $10 cover
• The Toolbox, California & Arlington, Chicago. Occasional blues: Tail Dragger, Grown Man
• Vaughn’s, 6633 S Ashland Ave, Chicago (773) 931-9080
• Vern’s Friendly Lounge, 1258 S Pulaski, Chicago, IL (773) 521-4477, Fridays West Side Wes
• Wallace’s Catfish Corner, 2800 W Madison, Chicago, IL (773) 638-3474 blues has returned outside as of August 2012! BYOB & lawnchair, buy some food & tip the band to support the scene!
• Wash’s Lounge, 4223 W Madison, Chicago, music some Saturdays
• The Water Hole, 1400 S Western, Chicago (312) 243-7988, Wednesdays jazz 8-1130pm with Isaiah Spencer $8, Thursdays rock blues with Miles Minor no cover. Fridays blues, various bands 9pm-1am, cover
• Windy City Inn, 2257 W Irving Park, Chicago (773) 588-7088, Fridays Mary Lane & the No Static Blues Band, no cover
• Other Chicagoland blues clubs you may already know about: Blue Chicago, B.L.U.E.S., Buddy Guy’s Legends, Checkerboard, Chord on Blues, Harlem Ave Lounge, House of Blues, Kingston Mines, Lee’s Unleaded, Nick’s, Rosa’s, Smoke Daddy blues on the weekend, Walnut Speakeasy

Special Events & News

—–”It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses” -Elwood Blues

• October 4, Jammin’ Away the Blues, co-sponsored by Windy City Blues Society and Mental Health America- Illinois, at Buddy Guy’s Legends, 700 S Wabash, Chicago, IL, headliner Eddy “the Chief” Clearwater, www.mhai.org
• October 6, Moose’s Annual Rib Cook-off, Zion Moose Lodge, 41517 N Sheridan Rd, Zion, IL, jam hosted by AC Blues, 1-4pm, $5 cover 
• October 13, Benefit for Steve “Rainman” Rainey of Real Deal at Breakwater Bar & Grill, 5130 4th Ave, Kenosha, WI www.KenoshaYachtClub.com (262) 657-5300. Medical expenses due to cancer treatments. 1pm
• October 14, Benefit jam for Curtiss Lowe of the Reverb Kings aka Kurt Berendsen, at R&R Crossing, 14827 Russell Rd (exits at 94 closed, follow detour or approach from Greenbay Rd), Russell, IL. Had recent back surgery, noon, hosted by RKs. Or donate at R&R Crossing. 12pm
• October 21, Maxwell St Market 100th Birthday Celebration,  main parking area at DesPlaines & Polk, DJ 9am, Fernando Jones Trio 10-10:45am, DJ, dance 11:30am-12, cake & remarks 12:15-1pm, DJ, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band1:15-3pm
• October 28-December 2, Chicago Blues, an Urban Experience, concert series at Old Town School of Folk Music, $15-20, curated by Barry Dolins. 4545 N Lincoln, Chicago, IL (773) 728-6000, www.OldTownSchool.com  10/28 Lurrie Bell; 11/4 Roosevelt “Hatter” Purifoy; 11/11 Jimmy Burns Band; 11/18 Katherine Davis; 11/25 Erwin Helfer & Barrelhouse Chuck; 12/2 Jamiah “on Fire” Rogers & the Red Machine; all shows 6:30pm
• November 3, Blues on the River 2012, to benefit Found Chicago, an organization that rescues & rehabs dogs, music by Mississippi Heat, silent auction, open bar, food. 4108 N Rockwell, Chicago, IL www.FoundChicago.org (773) 539-3880, 7pm-midnight
• November 10, Chicago Cigar Box Guitar Festival 2012, Fat Man Bowl, 13860 Rockland Rd (Rt 176 just east of 94), Green Oaks, IL, 2 stages, vendors, 2pm-2am, $10  http://www.cigarboxnation.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-cigar-box-guitar-festival
• Lee’s Unleaded blues club closed during Sept for renovations.
• Artis’s Lounge closed permanently http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-08-19/entertainment/ct-ent-0820-artis-lounge-closes-20120820_1_chicago-blues-artis-s-lounge-ronnie-baker-brooks
• Piano C Red dealing with medical issues. Cards / get well wishes  c/o: 12787 W Sherman Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085
• Curtis Salgado dealing with medical expenses. For those wishing to make a donation toward his medical expenses online at: curtissalgado.chipin.com/curtis- salgado-medical- fund. Donations can also be made to the Curtis Salgado Fund c/o Odaglas LLC Donation Account at all US Banks or by mail to US Bancorp, 2550 NW 188th Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124
• Candye Kane dealing with pancreatic cancer. Donations / get well wishes can be sent to: 1604 Alvarado St, Oceanside, CA 92054
• Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research, focused on the needs of musicians with bipolar disorder,  www.SeanCostelloFund.org 
• Chicago Musicians: Windy City Blues Society’s Chicago Blues Challenge. Go to www.WindyCityBlues.org for details
• Chicago Musicians: get listed on Windy City Blues Society website www.WindyCityBlues.org
• Kenosha Musicians: want to influence the local music scene? Join Musicians Advancing and Assisting Musicians on Facebook.
• Kenosha Musicians: Join Musicians of Kenosha Directory on Facebook
• Milwaukee Musicians: want to get heard on WMSE FM 91.7? Drop off your CD or album at 820 N Milwaukee or MSOE Krueger Hall 9am-6pm. OR mail it to WMSE, 1025 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 attn: Music Director. Tune in weekdays 3-6pm for the Blues Drive. www.msoe.org
• Maxwell St Market Vendor Association “Like” them on Facebook, help make the market more friendly to musicians
• Chicago Blues Tour: a good way to go if you want to go with a group and don’t want to drive. Shuttle van between several venues, cover charges included as well as a couple drinks, poster, & CD. www.ChicagoBluesTour.com
• Cheat You Fair, a documentary about old Maxwell Street, now available for purchase at Amazon.
• Maxwell St links, courtesy of Professor Steve Balkin http://sites.roosevelt.edu/sbalkin/maxwell-street-webpage/
• Kickstarter projects: you can get in on the ground floor and financially back blues projects for as little as a buck!   www.KickStarter.com
• Health, life, & dental insurance group plans for music industry professionals available through the Blues Foundation. For more info: www.Blues.org or www.SoundHealthcare.org or call 615-256-8667

Blues Jams (call ahead, they change frequently!)

Sundays

—–”Let dat boy boogie woogie! It’s in ‘im, and it got to come out!” - John Lee Hooker

-The Alley, 210 Greenbay Rd (at Hwy 22) Highwood, IL (847) 433-0304 www.BowlHighwood.com hosts Mark Blank & B’Ro, 7-10pm

-Breakwater Bar & Grill at Kenosha Yacht Club, 5130 4th Ave, Kenosha, WI (262) 652-2320, host Chris Sipos, 4-8pm (open mic)

-Cruiser’s, 38498 N Sheridan, Beach Park, IL (847) 249-0419, host AC Blues Band, 6-10pm

-C&J’s Crossroads, N6444 US Hwy 12, Elkhorn, WI (262) 742-3417, host Glen Davis, 2-5pm

-Hawg Heaven, 10306 Antioch Rd, Salem, WI (262) 862-7777, host Mark Rogers Band, 3-7pm

-High Spirits, 12417 Antioch Rd (Rt 83), Trevor, WI (262) 862-9886, host Mark Rijke, 3-7pm (every other Sun- open electric jam)

-Irish Mill, 26592 N Rt 83, Mundelein, IL (847) 566-7044, 830pm, host Paddy Teglia (open mic)

–Kegler’s Pub 905 Theodore St (Rt 7 between Rt 30 & Rt 53), Crest Hill, IL (815) 722-1089, host T-Bird Huck, 6-10pm

-Kingston Mines, 2548 N Halsted, Chicago, IL (773) 477-4646, www.KingstonMines.com, host Linsey Alexander 6-9pm. Charlie Love often plays on the second stage

-Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grille, 60 N Bothwell St, Paletine, IL (847) 991-2420, www.lamplighters.com, 8pm (1st Sun)

-Leroy’s Hot Stuff, 333 W Hwy 20, Porter, IN (219) 926-6211, 8pm-12am+

-Maxwell St Market street jam, Roosevelt & DesPlaines (at I Sachs or Weinberg Hosiery), Chicago, IL, host yours truly Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band, SOME Sundays 10:30am-2pm, call first (224) 330-2173, all blues players welcome!

-Polk Street Pub, 548 W Polk St (2 blks E of 94, 1 blk N of Taylor), Chicago, IL (224) 440-2173, www.PolkStPub.com, host yours truly Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band, no cover, 2 drink minimum, $2 cans, 25c wings, new free parking behind the pub,  under 21 OK with guardian. 5-9pm, Jam schedule for Da Bears season: Oct 14, 28. Nov 4, 18. Dec 2, 16, 30. Low-reen: 224-440-2173

-Treats Tavern, 2221 N Humboldt Blvd, Milwaukee, WI (414) 265-7054, host Harvey Westmoreland, 8pm

Low-reen’s Live Blues List

http://LowreensLiveBlues.com

Blues Jams Chicago to Milwaukee…and then some

Issue #41

September 2012

in memory of Dirty Otis

…join a Band, not a Gang…

Join the Mailing List / Updates / Corrections / List your Jam: send to BlackCatBones@sbcGlobal.net

Quick Updates & Jam Pictures: “Like” us on Facebook, search for Low-reen’s Live Blues page

~~~~~~~~~~

Low-reen’s upcoming shows:

Sundays Polk St Pub Blues Jam, 548 W Polk, Chicago, Sept 9, 16, 30 (Stewart’s birthday); Oct 14, 28; Nov 4, 18; Dec 2, 16, 30. 5-9pm,

September 15 Cause for PAWS, Clark’s Saloon, Sheridan Rd, Waukegan, 7-8pm

October 6 TR’s Front Row, Greenwood Ave, Waukegan 8:30pm-12:30

October 21 Maxwell St Market 100th Birthday Celebration, main parking lot area DesPlaines & Polk, 1:15-3pm

October 24 Blues Jam at Oakwood 83, 1959 W Montrose, Chicago, 7:30-11:30pm

~~~~~~~~~~

Clubs Off the Beaten Path

Now, didn’t you just think that there must be more to the Chicago blues scene than what you see in the Reader or in some of the guidebooks? Well ME TOO! So I started blues traveling in my own city! Here are some Chicagoland spots to check out. Some are not in the safest neighborhoods, so don’t be stupid about it. Be friendly & respectful, don’t have too much to drink, and park on the main street. Some have parking security. These clubs do a great job to create a safe atmosphere inside but be careful coming & going. Oh, and have fun!

• Big Ed’s BBQ, 30 N Genesee, Waukegan, IL (847) 782-8772, www.BigEdsLLC.com Fridays 7-12pm: Archie Parks Band
• Big O’s, 52nd & Halsted, Chicago, Saturdays 9pm: Grown Man
• Carolyn’s Zodiac Lounge, 1744 N Central, Chicago (773) 804-9664
• For the Good Times Lounge, 5545 S Damen, Chicago (773) 737-0184, Saturdays: Moonlighters featuring Butt Naked Sam; Sundays 9pm: Killer Ray & the Bottom Dollar Band
• Gene’s Playmate Lounge, 4239 W Cermak, Chicago (773) 590-9127, Sundays 9pm: Willie White & friends soul review
• Hot City Lounge, 7432 S Racine, Chicago (773) 224-9583, Mondays 9pm: jam with Mz Peaches & the Casanovas with Killer Ray & Chuck Crane; Thursdays 9:30pm: JoJo Murray
• New ImLa Cocktail Lounge, 1116 W 51st St, Chicago (773) 285-0285
• Keynote Lounge, 1116 W 63rd St, Chicago 1st & 3rd Sundays 7:30pm Smilin’ Bobby, other Sundays Super Percy, also music on Wednesdays
• Odyssey East (the old Rocking Horse), 9942 Torrence Ave, Chicago, Fridays 9pm-1;  Sundays 7-11pm: JoJo Murray
• Rooster’s Palace, Madison & Kilborne, Chicago (773) 678-0739, Fridays & Saturdays- may be closed now
• Spectrum Bar & Grill, 233 S Halsted, Chicago (312) 715-0770 sometimes Linsey Alexander
• Toby’s Tavern, 1949 Greenbay Rd, North Chicago, IL (847) 689-4742, Saturdays live blues, usual $10 cover
• The Toolbox, California & Arlington, Chicago. Occasional blues: Tail Dragger, Grown Man
• Vaughn’s, 6633 S Ashland Ave, Chicago (773) 931-9080
• Vern’s Friendly Lounge, 1258 S Pulaski, Chicago, IL (773) 521-4477, Fridays West Side Wes
• Wallace’s Catfish Corner, 2800 W Madison, Chicago, IL (773) 638-3474 blues has returned outside as of August 2012! BYOB & lawnchair, buy some food & tip the band to support the scene!
• Wash’s Lounge, 4223 W Madison, Chicago, music some Saturdays
• The Water Hole, 1400 S Western, Chicago (312) 243-7988, Wednesdays jazz 8-1130pm with Isaiah Spencer $8, Thursdays rock blues with Miles Minor no cover. Fridays blues K-Jaz 9pm-1am, sometimes Grana Louise
• Windy City Inn, 4735 W North Ave, Chicago (773) 862-0936, Fridays Mary Lane & the No Static Blues Band, no cover
• Other Chicagoland blues clubs you may already know about: Blue Chicago, B.L.U.E.S., Buddy Guy’s Legends, Checkerboard, Chord on Blues, Harlem Ave Lounge, House of Blues, Kingston Mines, Lee’s Unleaded, Nick’s, Rosa’s, Smoke Daddy blues on the weekend, Walnut Speakeasy

Special Events & News

—–”It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses” -Elwood Blues

• September 7 & 8, Paramount Blues Festival, Grafton, WI www.GraftonBlues.org Tweed Funk, Kilborn Alley, Nick Moss
• September 9, Health Fair, Maxwell St Market, north end of the market near Polk & Desplaines, free childhood immunizations for those with shot records and free gifts for the children 9am-2pm, free glucose & BP screening 9am-12pm (312) 745-4676, MaxwellStreet@CityofChicago.org
• September 15, Brother’s Rising Motorcycle Club’s - Cause for PAWS, benefit for animal shelter, 7-8pm slot is Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band featuring Bobby Too Tuff, other bands before & after, Clark’s Saloon & Eatery, 37895 N Sheridan, Beach Park, IL (847) 662-3020
• September 29, 5th Annual Health Fair for Musicians & Entertainers, Koko Taylor Celebrity Aid Foundation, 2240 S Michigan, Chicago, IL (708) 612- 1978, 12-4pm. Free screenings, health ed, referrals, snacks & gift bags for early birds
• September 29, 3rd Annual Fundraiser for Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research, focused on the needs of musicians with bipolar disorder, held in Atlanta, GA www.SeanCostelloFund.org 
• October 4, Jammin’ Away the Blues, co-sponsored by Windy City Blues Society and Mental Health America- Illinois, at Buddy Guy’s Legends, 700 S Wabash, Chicago, IL, headliner Eddy “the Chief” Clearwater. www.mhai.org
• October 13, Benefit for Steve :Rainman” Rainey of Real Deal at Breakwater Bar & Grill, 5130 4th Ave, Kenosha, WI www.KenoshaYachtClub.com (262) 657-5300. Medical expenses due to cancer treatments. 1pm
• October 14, Benefit jam for Curtiss Lowe of the Reverb Kings aka Kurt Berendsen, at R&R Crossing, 14827 Russell Rd (exits at 94 closed, follow detour or approach from Greenbay Rd), Russell, IL. Had recent back surgery, noon, hosted by RKs. Or donate at R&R Crossing.
• October 21, Maxwell St Market 100th Birthday Celebration,  main parking area at DesPlaines & Polk, DJ 9am, Fernando Jones Trio 10-10:45am, DJ, dance 11:30am-12, cake & remarks 12:15-1pm, DJ, Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band1:15-3pm
• November 10, Chicago Cigar Box Guitar Festival 2012, Fat Man Bowl, 13860 Rockland Rd (Rt 176 just east of 94), Green Oaks, IL, 2 stages, vendors, 2pm-2am, $10  http://www.cigarboxnation.com/profiles/blogs/chicago-cigar-box-guitar-festival
• Lee’s Unleaded blues club closed during Sept for renovations.
• Artis’s Lounge closed permanently http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-08-19/entertainment/ct-ent-0820-artis-lounge-closes-20120820_1_chicago-blues-artis-s-lounge-ronnie-baker-brooks
• Piano C Red dealing with medical issues. Cards / get well wishes  c/o: 12787 W Sherman Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085
• Curtis Salgado dealing with medical expenses. For those wishing to make a donation toward his medical expenses (any amount, even 5 bucks), online at: curtissalgado.chipin.com/curtis- salgado-medical- fund. Donations can also be made to the Curtis Salgado Fund c/o Odaglas LLC Donation Account at all US Banks or by mail to US Bancorp, 2550 NW 188th Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124
• Candye Kane dealing with pancreatic cancer. Donations / get well wishes can be sent to: 1604 Alvarado St, Oceanside, CA 92054
• Chicago Musicians: Windy City Blues Society’s Chicago Blues Challenge. Go to www.WindyCityBlues.org for details
• Chicago Musicians: get listed on Windy City Blues Society website www.WindyCityBlues.org
• Kenosha Musicians: want to influence the local music scene? Join Musicians Advancing and Assisting Musicians on Facebook.
• Kenosha Musicians: Join Musicians of Kenosha Directory on Facebook
• Milwaukee Musicians: want to get heard on WMSE FM 91.7? Drop off your CD or album at 820 N Milwaukee or MSOE Krueger Hall 9am-6pm. OR mail it to WMSE, 1025 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 attn: Music Director. Tune in weekdays 3-6pm for the Blues Drive. www.msoe.org
• Maxwell St Market Vendor Association “Like” them on Facebook, make the market more friendly to musicians
• Chicago Blues Tour: a good way to go if you want to go with a group and don’t want to drive. Shuttle van between several venues, cover charges included as well as a couple drinks, poster, & CD. www.ChicagoBluesTour.com
• Cheat You Fair, a documentary about old Maxwell Street, now available for purchase at Amazon.
• Maxwell St links, courtesy of Professor Steve Balkin http://sites.roosevelt.edu/sbalkin/maxwell-street-webpage/
• Kickstarter projects: you can get in on the ground floor and financially back blues projects for as little as a buck!   www.KickStarter.com
• Health, life, & dental insurance group plans for music industry professionals available through the Blues Foundation. For more info: www.Blues.org or www.SoundHealthcare.org or call 615-256-8667

Blues Jams (call ahead, they change frequently!)

Sundays

—–”Let dat boy boogie woogie! It’s in ‘im, and it got to come out!” - John Lee Hooker

-The Alley, 210 Greenbay Rd (at Hwy 22) Highwood, IL (847) 433-0304 www.BowlHighwood.com hosts Mark Blank & B’Ro, 7-10pm

-Breakwater Bar & Grill at Kenosha Yacht Club, 5130 4th Ave, Kenosha, WI (262) 652-2320, host Chris Sipos, 4-8pm (open mic)

-Cruiser’s, 38498 N Sheridan, Beach Park, IL (847) 249-0419, hosts Mick Doolan, Danny King, Al Sjoholm, 3-7pm

-C&J’s Crossroads, N6444 US Hwy 12, Elkhorn, WI (262) 742-3417, host Glen Davis, 2-5pm

-Hawg Heaven, 10306 Antioch Rd, Salem, WI (262) 862-7777, host Mark Rogers, 3-7pm

-High Spirits, 12417 Antioch Rd (Rt 83), Trevor, WI (262) 862-9886, host Mark Rijke, 3-7pm (every other Sun- open electric jam)

-Irish Mill, 26592 N Rt 83, Mundelein, IL (847) 566-7044, 830pm, host Paddy Teglia (open mic)

-KC’s Cabin, 309 Il Rt 173, Spring Grove, IL (815) 675-2205, host Mark Rijke, 2-6pm (outside stage, open electric jam)

-Kegler’s Pub 905 Theodore St (Rt 7 between Rt 30 & Rt 53), Crest Hill, IL (815) 722-1089, host T-Bird Huck, 6-10pm

-Kingston Mines, 2548 N Halsted, Chicago, IL (773) 477-4646, www.KingstonMines.com, host Linsey Alexander 6-9pm. Charlie Love also plays on the second stage

-Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grille, 60 N Bothwell St, Paletine, IL (847) 991-2420, www.lamplighters.com, 8pm (1st Sun)

-Leroy’s Hot Stuff, 333 W Hwy 20, Porter, IN (219) 926-6211, 8pm-12am+

-Maxwell St Market street jam, Roosevelt & DesPlaines (at I Sachs or Weinberg Hosiery), Chicago, IL, host yours truly Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band, SOME Sundays 10:30am-2pm, call first (224) 330-2173, all blues players welcome!

-Polk Street Pub, 548 W Polk St (2 blks E of 94, 1 blk N of Taylor), Chicago, IL (224) 440-2173, www.PolkStPub.com, host yours truly Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band, no cover, 2 drink minimum, $2 cans, 25c wings, new free parking behind the pub,  under 21 OK with guardian. 5-9pm, Jam schedule for Da Bears season: Sept 9, 16, 30 (Stewart’s birthday). Oct 14, 28. Nov 4, 18. Dec 2, 16, 30. Low-reen: 224-440-2173

-Treats Tavern, 2221 N Humboldt Blvd, Milwaukee, WI (414) 265-7054, host Harvey Westmoreland, 8pm

Low-reen’s Live Blues List

http://LowreensLiveBlues.com

Blues Jams Chicago to Milwaukee…and then some

Issue #40

August 2012

in memory of Dirty Otis

…join a Band, not a Gang…

Join the Mailing List / Updates / Corrections / List your Jam: send to BlackCatBones@sbcGlobal.net

Quick Updates & Jam Pictures: “Like” us on Facebook, search for Low-reen’s Live Blues page

~~~~~~~~~~

Clubs Off the Beaten Path

Now, didn’t you just think that there must be more to the Chicago blues scene than what you see in the Reader or in some of the guidebooks? Well ME TOO! So I started blues traveling in my own city! Here are some Chicagoland spots to check out. Some are not in the safest neighborhoods, so don’t be stupid about it. Be friendly & respectful, don’t have too much to drink, and park on the main street. Some have parking security. These clubs do a great job to create a safe atmosphere inside but be careful coming & going. Oh, and have fun!

• Big Ed’s BBQ, 30 N Genesee, Waukegan, IL (847) 782-8772, www.BigEdsLLC.com Fridays 7-12pm: Archie Parks Band
• Big O’s, 52nd & Halsted, Chicago, Saturdays 9pm: Grown Man
• Carolyn’s Zodiac Lounge, 1744 N Central, Chicago (773) 804-9664
• For the Good Times Lounge, 5545 S Damen, Chicago (773) 737-0184, Saturdays: Moonlighters featuring Butt Naked Sam; Sundays 9pm: Killer Ray & the Bottom Dollar Band
• Gene’s Playmate Lounge, 4239 W Cermak, Chicago (773) 590-9127, Sundays 9pm: Willie White & friends soul review
• Hot City Lounge, 7432 S Racine, Chicago (773) 224-9583, Mondays 9pm: jam with Mz Peaches & the Casanovas with Killer Ray & Chuck Crane; Thursdays 9:30pm: JoJo Murray
• New ImLa Cocktail Lounge, 1116 W 51st St, Chicago (773) 285-0285
• Keynote Lounge, 1116 W 63rd St, Chicago 1st & 3rd Sundays 7:30pm Smilin’ Bobby, other Sundays Super Percy, also music on Wednesdays
• Odyssey East (the old Rocking Horse), 9942 Torrence Ave, Chicago, Fridays 9pm-1;  Sundays 7-11pm: JoJo Murray
• Rooster’s Palace, Madison & Kilborne, Chicago (773) 678-0739, Fridays & Saturdays- may be closed now
• Spectrum Bar & Grill, 233 S Halsted, Chicago (312) 715-0770 sometimes Linsey Alexander
• Toby’s Tavern, 1949 Greenbay Rd, North Chicago, IL (847) 689-4742, Saturdays live blues, usual $10 cover
• The Toolbox, California & Arlington, Chicago. Occasional blues: Tail Dragger, Grown Man
• Vaughn’s, 6633 S Ashland Ave, Chicago (773) 931-9080
• The Water Hole, 1400 S Western, Chicago (312) 243-7988, Wednesdays jazz 8-1130pm with Isaiah Spencer $8, Thursdays rock blues with Miles Minor no cover. Fridays blues K-Jaz 9pm-1am, sometimes Grana Louise
• Windy City Inn, 4735 W North Ave, Chicago (773) 862-0936, Fridays Mary Lane & the No Static Blues Band, no cover
• Other Chicagoland blues clubs you may already know about: Artis’s Billy Branch jam every Monday, Blue Chicago, B.L.U.E.S., Buddy Guy’s Legends, Checkerboard, Chord on Blues, Harlem Ave Lounge, House of Blues, Kingston Mines, Lee’s Unleaded, Nick’s, Rosa’s, Smoke Daddy blues on the weekend, Walnut Speakeasy

Special Events & News

—–”It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses” -Elwood Blues

• Piano C Red dealing with medical issues. Cards / get well wishes  to: 12787 W Sherman Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085
• Curtis Salgado dealing with medical expenses. For those wishing to make a donation toward his medical expenses (any amount, even 5 bucks), online at: curtissalgado.chipin.com/curtis- salgado-medical- fund. Donations can also be made to the Curtis Salgado Fund c/o Odaglas LLC Donation Account at all US Banks or by mail to US Bancorp, 2550 NW 188th Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124
• Candye Kane dealing with pancreatic cancer. Donations / get well wishes can be sent to: 1604 Alvarado St, Oceanside, CA 92054
• February 18-August 19, The Blues: From the Heart & Soul, exhibit of private collection of Barrelhouse Chuck Goering, Lake County Discovery Museum, 27277 N Forest Preserve Rd, Wauconda, IL (847) 968-3400, www.lcfpd.org $6.  Performance Aug 11, 1-3pm, Barrelhouse Chuck with Erwin Helfer
• Blues Heaven Foundation Concerts in the Garden, 2120 S Michigan Ave, Chicago,IL (312) 808-1286, August 2 Ramblin’ Rose; August 16 Killer Ray Allison; August 23 Johnny Drummer. 6-7pm, donation
• Phoenix Park Band Shell, Hwy 11 & 2nd St, Delavan, WI www.PhoenixParkBandShell.com, August 12, 3-6pm Bluesfest with Pistol Pete; August 18, 7-9pm Glenn Davis & Westside Andy
• August 3, Poe Manor Blues Jam, outside at WHA picnic, hosted by John Stewart, Dan Hughes, Tim Williams, & Low-reen, 11:30am-3pm
• August 3-5, McHenry Rotary Blues, Brews, & BBQ, Peterson Park, McHenry, IL http://www.mchenryrotarybluesbrewsandbbqs.com/ 8/3 Howard & the White Boys; 8/4 Frank Bang & the Secret Stash ; 8/5 Bruce Williams Band, Geneva Red & the Roadsters, Roughhouse Blues Band, along with other non-blues acts
• August 4, Pig Roast, Mamie’s Bar & Grill, 3300 W National, Milwaukee, WI (414) 643-1673, music outside 12-8 with Lee Gates, Charles “Delta Blues Hog” Hayes, and Stokes
• August 5, Benefit for Family of Julie Jacob, Somers House, 1548 Sheridan Rd, Kenosha, WI (262) 551-0793, 2pm
• August 9, Chicago School of Blues Showcase, Winston Plaza Mall, 1254 Winston Plaza, Melrose Park, IL (708) 410-2303 with Killer Ray, Abb Locke, West Side Wes, 6-8pm
• August 10 & 11, Waukesha Blues Fest, Waukesha, WI, Coco Montoya, Watermelon Slim, James Armstrong, JJ Grey & Mofro www.WaukeshaBluesFest.com
• August 15, Bowen Park Blues with Rockin’ Aces & Curtiss Lowe & the Reverb Kings, Bowen Park, 39 Jack Benny Lane, Waukegan, IL (847) 360-4741, 7-9pm
• August 17 & 18, Big Bull Falls Blues Fest, Wausau, WI www.WausauAreaEvents.org
• August 25, Byron Crossroads Blues Fest, Byron, IL, Candye Kane, Nick Moss, Cash Box Kings, $5 www.CrossroadsBluesSociety.com
• August 30, Peanut Butter & Jam with Little Ed & the Blues Imperials, Vet’s Memorial Park, 54th St & 6th Ave, Kenosha, WI, www.Kenosha.org  11:30am-1:30pm and 6-8pm, free, bring a cooler & lawnchair
• September 7 & 8, Paramount Blues Festival, Grafton, WI www.GraftonBlues.org Tweed Funk, Kilborn Alley, Nick Moss
• September 15, Cause for PAWS, benefit for animal shelter, 7-8pm Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band featuring Bobby Too Tuff, other bands to follow, Clark’s Saloon & Eatery, 37895 N Sheridan, Beach Park, IL (847) 662-3020
• October 4, Jammin’ Away the Blues, co-sponsored by Windy City Blues Society and Mental Health America- Illinois, at Buddy Guy’s Legends, 700 S Wabash, Chicago, IL, headliner Eddy Clearwater
• Chicago Musicians: Windy City Blues Society’s Chicago Blues Challenge. Go to www.WindyCityBlues.org for details
• Chicago Musicians: get listed on Windy City Blues Society website www.WindyCityBlues.org
• Kenosha Musicians: want to influence the local music scene? Join Musicians Advancing and Assisting Musicians on Facebook.
• Kenosha Musicians: Join Musicians of Kenosha Directory on Facebook
• Milwaukee Musicians: want to get heard on WMSE FM 91.7? Drop off your CD or album at 820 N Milwaukee or MSOE Krueger Hall 9am-6pm. OR mail it to WMSE, 1025 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 attn: Music Director. Tune in weekdays 3-6pm for the Blues Drive. www.msoe.org
• Maxwell St Market Vendor Association “Like” them on Facebook, make the market more friendly to musicians
• Chicago Blues Tour: a good way to go if you want to go with a group and don’t want to drive. Shuttle van between several venues, cover charges included as well as a couple drinks, poster, & CD. www.ChicagoBluesTour.com
• Cheat You Fair, a documentary about old Maxwell Street, now available for purchase at Amazon.
• Maxwell St links, courtesy of Professor Steve Balkin http://sites.roosevelt.edu/sbalkin/maxwell-street-webpage/
• Kickstarter projects: you can get in on the ground floor and financially back blues projects for as little as a buck!   www.KickStarter.com
• Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research, focused on the needs of musicians with bipolar disorder. www.SeanCostelloFund.org
• Health, life, & dental insurance group plans for music industry professionals available through the Blues Foundation. For more info: www.Blues.org or www.SoundHealthcare.org or call 615-256-8667

Blues Jams (call ahead, they change frequently!)

Sundays

—–”Let dat boy boogie woogie! It’s in ‘im, and it got to come out!” - John Lee Hooker

-The Alley, 210 Greenbay Rd (at Hwy 22) Highwood, IL (847) 433-0304 www.BowlHighwood.com hosts Mark Blank & B’Ro, 7-10pm

-The Blue Pig, 5036 S Packard, Cudahy, WI (414) 481-3885, host Dave Miller, 4:30-8:30pm (open jam)

-Breakwater Bar & Grill at Kenosha Yacht Club, 5130 4th Ave, Kenosha, WI (262) 652-2320, host Chris Sipos, 4-8pm (open mic)

-Cruiser’s, 38498 N Sheridan, Beach Park, IL (847) 249-0419, hosts Mick Doolan, Danny King, Al Sjoholm, 3-7pm

-C&J’s Crossroads, N6444 US Hwy 12, Elkhorn, WI (262) 742-3417, host Glen Davis, 2-5pm

-Hawg Heaven, 10306 Antioch Rd, Salem, WI (262) 862-7777, host Mark Rogers, 3-7pm

-High Spirits, 12417 Antioch Rd (Rt 83), Trevor, WI (262) 862-9886, host Mark Rijke, 3-7pm (every other Sun- open electric jam)

-Irish Mill, 26592 N Rt 83, Mundelein, IL (847) 566-7044, 830pm, host Paddy Teglia (open mic)

-KC’s Cabin, 309 Il Rt 173, Spring Grove, IL (815) 675-2205, host Mark Rijke, 2-6pm (outside stage, open electric jam)

-Kegler’s Pub 905 Theodore St (Rt 7 between Rt 30 & Rt 53), Crest Hill, IL (815) 722-1089, host T-Bird Huck, 6-10pm

-Kingston Mines, 2548 N Halsted, Chicago, IL (773) 477-4646, www.KingstonMines.com, host Linsey Alexander 6-9pm. Charlie Love also plays on the second stage

-Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grille, 60 N Bothwell St, Paletine, IL (847) 991-2420, www.lamplighters.com, 8pm (1st Sun)

-Leroy’s Hot Stuff, 333 W Hwy 20, Porter, IN (219) 926-6211, 8pm-12am+

-Maxwell St Market street jam, Roosevelt & DesPlaines (at I Sachs or Weinberg Hosiery), Chicago, IL, host yours truly Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band, MOST Sundays 10:30am-2pm, (224) 330-2173, all blues players welcome!

-Beachside Oasis (formerly North Beach Oasis), 100 Kewaunee St, Racine, WI (from Hwy 20: N on Main, E on Barker) (262) 412-5154, www.NorthBeachOasis.com

-Polk Street Pub, 548 W Polk St (2 blks E of 94, 1 blk N of Taylor), Chicago, IL (224) 440-2173, www.PolkStPub.com, host yours truly Low-reen & the Maxwell St Market Blues Band, no cover, 2 drink minimum, $2 cans, 25c wings, new free parking behind the pub,  under 21 OK with guardian. 5-9pm, Low-reen: 224-440-2173

-Treats Tavern, 2221 N Humboldt Blvd, Milwaukee, WI (414) 265-7054, host Harvey Westmoreland, 8pm