Blues in Chicago

Below is a very incomplete overview of some of the blues clubs.  Some of the music venues are within walking distance of the conference hotel:

• HotHouse is just down the block from the Hilton, and has unpredictable, but often excellent, performances.

• Buddy Guy's Legends (754 S. Wabash Ave., 312-427-0333) is owned by the blues great and is somewhat commercial and touristy, but it is near.

• Other downtown blues clubs include the House of Blues (even bigger and more commercial) and the smaller Blue Chicago in two locations.

• The Underground Wonder Bar (10 E. Walton St.) has occasional blues.

Traditional blues hangouts further away include:

• B.L.U.E.S. (2519 N. Halsted St., 773-528-1012)

• Kingston Mines (2548 N. Halsted St., 773-477-4646)

• Rosa's Lounge (often spectacular) (3420 W. Armitage Ave., 773-342-0452)

The famous Checkerboard Lounge on the South Side is currently closed and hoping to reopen in the not too distant future in Hyde Park.

Check current listings for actual programs and venues.