Chicago ’s lively role in modern musical story is well - document through Koran , documentaries , oral histories , hitch guides , and cyberspace screaming matches on just about every genre the metropolis has mould . What remain underrepresented , however , is an acknowledgement of our diehard fans ’s near - total disregard for lines of melodious demarcation . making love footwork and Liz Phair ? Us too . Dig for Wax Trax ! and chess game vinyl ? No doubt . Rock Bloodshot and Dance Mania ? So do we . In that look of anti - partition , we stage these pilgrimage - suitable landmark of Chicago music across blue , jazz , punk , indie rock , house , evangel , soul , juke , post - rock , industrial , and bop . We do n’t claim largeness , just a much more eclectic function for much more eclectic times .
1. Say “I knew them when” atThe Empty Bottle
Ukrainian VillageFrom bubbling - under Pitchfork - favour deed to top - ledge local talent , no other venue feature as many act destined for swelled ( but seldom better ) things . “ Cred ” silliness by , there ’s merely not a better - booked music way in the terra firma .
2. Sweat across the spectrum atBerlin nightclub
LakeviewThis truly all - walks LGBT institution has been keeping Boystown - area nightlife weird since 1983 . The arty - run crowd and sets make for a simultaneously outsider and hyper - inclusive atmosphere . On the good Nox , the place can feel downright utopian .
3. Hit the big leagues atthe Metro
LakeviewMere city block from Wrigley Field , this iconic concert Marguerite Radclyffe Hall has been spotlighting mid - major stone and electronic acts quick for the call up since 1982 . incentive points for being one of the last living links to Chicago ’s ‘ 80s underground ( Big Black , Naked Raygun ) and ‘ 90s alt - rock ( The Smashing Pumpkins , Veruca Salt ) heydays .
4. Get brutal… with a backpack atReggies
South LoopChicago ’s metallic element Valhalla does n’t exclusively flaunt the devil horns , but it ’s 2d to none in that lane . A notable non - metallic offering ? in spades hip - hop ; Reggies has become instrumental for scorching - spicy post - backpacker crew Savemoney . And they ’ve also welcomed name artists from Chicago ’s bop scene ( DLow , Sicko Mobb ) and practice ( Lil Durk ) before they blew up big .
5. Do some interstellar traveling with the Sun Ra tapes atCreative Audio Archive
EdgewaterLate free - jazz innovator Sun Ra often claimed he was from Saturn , but his spirit – and a monolithic archive of his employment – resides in Chicago . The CAA in Ravenswood houses the Sun Ra / El Saturn Collection , some 600 tapes of music , and the most reliable map to the farthest range of the Afrofuturist galaxy .
6. Kill two birds with one stone atThe Jazz Showcase
South LoopThe most unacceptable - to - deny asylum of its sort in Chicago . Save the misstep for one of the AACM semi - regulars , like Corey Wilkes , for max added time value .
7. Bask in an Uptown landmark atAragon Ballroom
UptownThere ’s not much ball dancing these daylight at Aragon , but little has switch architecturally at this Moresque triumph , all ornate arches and elegant promenades , built in 1926 . The sound is remarkably clear , too , especially consider the erectile saltation storey .
8. Bask inanotherUptown landmark atRiviera Theatre
UptownNot to be outdone by Aragon , this neighbor also pull national headliner in gilded - room Old Worldrevival splendor . The iconic marquee might be the most Instagrammable image in Chicago music .
9. Oh what the hell, why not make it a third atGreen Mill Cocktail Lounge
UptownCompleting the Uptown Triangle of Un - Killable Music Landmarks is , of grade , The Green Mill , the most famous jazz club in the solar system of rules . Sure , it ’s catnip for unimaginative dates and host ( and lean makers ) , but there ’s a intellect it elbows to the front of the mind . Never been ? Cut the contrarian BS and ignore a rug .
10. Skip Blues Hammer and head toBuddy Guy’s Legends
Printer ’s RowOutside of the Chicago Blues Festival , the city does a somewhat pitiful job of abide by that legacy [ Insert blue pun here ] . But between so many North Side tourist traps and South Side fallen monuments , Buddy Guy ’s remains an oasis . His yearly January residency is course the standout .
11. Step inside the Chicago Black Renaissance atNew Regal Theater
South ShoreThe lean of performers at this historic , palatial theater read like a murderer ’ row of 20th - 100 black euphony , including Chicago somebody masters Curtis Mayfield , The Chi - Lites , and The Staple Singers . Since close in 2003 , fitful attempts at revival – the latest of which involve a hologram projector ( earnestly ) – have flush it to conflate . But thanks to the Chicago Architecture Foundation ’s yearly undecided sign of the zodiac , you may at least still communicate with the ghosts .
12. Go full Llewyn Davis atOld Town School of Folk Music
RavenswoodStanding remnant of the 1960s Old Town folk view , which ushered in the likes of John Prine and The Byrds ’ Roger McGuinn , are few and far between . But the one that does endure is a whopper whether you ’re a student or witness .
13. Descend into the dance party atSmart Bar
LakeviewChicago ’s best venue for electronic euphony , nestled right down the stairs from The Metro , wins on audio and ( particularly ) eclectic method . From data-based ambient to minimum techno – and every micro - writing style in between – no other saltation venue good disproves the dubious catchall of “ EDM . ”
14. Get spiritualized at Pilgrim Baptist Church
Bronzeville“Ultralight Beam ” got you hunger some gospel ? Did you have sex that forward-looking gospel was fundamentally invented right here in Kanye ’s hometown , at the Pilgrim Baptist Church in Bronzeville ? Sadly , the Interior Department was lost to fire 10 years ago , but the Louis Sullivan - designed masonry still stand , as does dedication to its preservation .
15. Dig a lot deeper atDusty Groove
West TownAn obscurantist ’s vacation spot , this West Town shop class reaches for the outer limits of Tropicalia , Afrobeat , European vocal , vintage soundtrack , and more . And with the recent closure of Jazz Record Mart , it ’s now Chicago ’s premiere store in that market , full stoppage .
16. Get Bloodshot with Robbie Fulks atThe Hideout
Noble SquareChicago has cryptic , hem , roots in the alt - country scene , and the capably named , off - the - bunk - path Hideout dutifully caters , particularly when it comes to Fulks ’ much - loved Monday Nox abidance .
17. Go native with aChic-a-Go-Gotaping
Hyde ParkIn the tremendous tradition of Chicago cable television - access badassery ( see also Svengoolie , Soul Train , Bozo ) , Chic - a - Go - Go make for like a bizzaro - populace American Bandstand . Co - hosted by tool emcee Ratso and overrun with nutty , tailor-made costumes – not to refer awe-inspiring local and internal bands – the show ’s liberal hot tape are a head trip unlike any other .
18. Meet juke’s younger brother on its own terms atBattle Groundz
Chatham / Avalon ParkThis far South Side space was one of the original , um , stomp ground of footwork as both music and dance civilisation . Originators like DJ Spinn and the previous , enceinte DJ Rashad honed their wonky , gamy - BPM sound here ; and next - gen dancer like Litebulb and The epoch crew continue today .
19. Downsize to something intimate atSchubas Tavern
LakeviewThis long - running little room has been ranked among the best in the nation . Schubas leans towards guitar - based indie rock ‘n’ roll , with a preference toward root and kinsfolk modulation . Sister venue Lincoln Hall is less historic but arguably books even better .
20. Checkmate with an obvious (but winning) move atChess Records
South LoopYes , it ’s the ultimate sucker baseball swing of Chicago euphony address . But there ’s a reason it ’s a no - brainer . The computer address alone is iconic , fer chrissake .
21. Hate the f*cking Eagles atFireside Bowl
Logan SquareYou wo n’t take heed any euphony there today away from perhaps some Ram Jam on the jukebox , but this Logan Square bowling back street was once an notorious hood - rock mecca . germinal local acts like Cap’n Jazz , Joan of Arc , and Los Crudos all took the “ microscope stage ” ( aka that riser main where they keep the bowling Ball ) . Go throw a frame and elicit a cheap domestic to mosh fossa exit by .
22. Keep the dream of the ‘90s alive atReckless Records
Wicker ParkSlinging a widely - ranging extract since 1989 , the original Reckless not only rate among the cream of Chicago ’s record - computer memory craw , it ’s one of precious few leftover of Liz Phair ’s pre - gentrification Wick Park . Bonus points for proximity toHigh Fidelityexteriors .
23. Hey, forget the ‘90s atLaurie’s Planet of Sound
Lincoln SquareReliably liberal of the common cut - out shuck , Lincoln Square ’s fine go viral with its amusingly scathing “ do not buy ” guidebook list for employees . Sorry Melissa Etheridge , John Mellencamp , and “ most ' 90s bands . ”
24. Ogle house records (that you can actually purchase) atGramaphone Records
LakeviewThis Lakeview home - music emporium has been slinging four - on - the - floor vinyl more or less since guys like Knuckles and Farley Jackmaster Funk position the basis in the early ' fourscore .
25. Ogle Frankie Knuckles’ record collection atStony Island Arts Bank
South ShoreThe Godfather of House died in 2014 and his famed Warehouse club shuttered its door long before . But manuscript do n’t burn , as they say , and in a sense neither does vinyl . To witness Knuckles ’ wax is to understand the LP as sacred artifact .
26. Turn on, tune in, and drop by atCHIRP
North CenterThis at - long - last - terrestrial , listener - abide community radio station remains as resistless as its David - and - Goliath origin story . ( All it took was a years - long battle to drive change in FCC natural law . ) Even if you do n’t see the studio apartment , bring down on your dial at 107.1 .
27. Explore the outer realms atConstellation
Roscoe VillageThis outré - music citadel curates a punctilious card of gonzo wind and observational rock and electronic . Paradise forThe Wiremagazine - wield true believer , and the perfect gateway for the singular . For further subject field , see also Hungry Brain and Elastic Arts .
28. Sprechen ze deutsch atPermanent Records
Ukrainian VillageTrue , this Ukrainian Village shop excise a particularly medicine - dorky itch . But if you ’re a devotee of krautrock , the art - rock / electronic scenery out of former ' LXX Germany that influences local faves like CAVE and Bitchin Bajas , this is bliss . Sealed copy of first - press Cluster LPs for the win .
29. Step in the name of love at50 Yard Line
Grand CrossingAll calendar week long , steppers rut to superior grown - folks jams at this unassuming Grand Crossing mutation bar . Impossibly well - tailor duds and ice - slick moves correspond the smooth soul music , which hits home bases like Chaka Khan and Earth , Wind & Fire .
30. Carry on Timbuck2sdays atBeauty Bar
West TownA darling figure in Chicago pelvic girdle - hop ( just ask Kanye or Common or DJ MoonDawg ) , the late Timothy Jones , better known as Timbuck2 , was omnipresent as DJ , radiocommunication personality , and turntablist . Beauty Bar served as Buck ’s live home base for several years before his untimely expiry , in tardy 2015 ; but as luck would have it his work party carries the great mullein with this eminently influential weekly gig .
31. Blast Slayer (and eat one too) atKuma’s Corner
AvondaleThis beloved metallic element - theme hamburger joint has been lovingly “ harshing your mellow since 2005 ” with doom - heavy beef patties on the menu and up - to-11 drib - D riffs on the speakers . Remember : as always , hippies use the back door .
32. Join Logan’s early adopters atCole’s
Logan SquareBack when Logan Square ’s current position as New Restaurant Row was just a dream in developer ’ money box accounts , this lovable dive prevention was there , giving voice to smashing , on - the - advance local music all the while . It still is , and hopefully always will be , long after the last neo - speakeasy in the neighborhood bites the dust .
33. Back-break step atDouble Door’sCumbiaSazo
Wicker ParkCumbia , the ass - quiveringly percussive style of saltation music from Colombia , halt a conga - sized place in the hearts of many Chicagoans . This semi - regular devoted night , most frequently host at Double Door , remains the skilful on our microwave radar .
34. Refuse to be second fiddle atThe Whistler
Logan SquareThe only spot here that also merit inclusion on a must - visit mixology list , The Whistler boasts local disk jockey and circle that know their stuff just as well as the dudes behind the bar . Whether you hit the Relax Attack series , the monthly CHIRP night , or anything in between , its pretty much a pick’em .
35. Feel the brawn atThe Burlington
Logan SquareFormerly a stronghold of adventuresome live experimental rock , this Logan Square cakehole - in - the - wall is less exciting under newfangled bookers … except , that is , every third Wednesday , when Burly rages for queer DJ party mastery . Theme nights have included Divine , Dolly Parton , and Rihanna vs. Riot Grrrl .
36. Stop the premature burial atDanny’s Tavern
BucktownLuckily , rumors of this Bucktown staple ’s dying proved magnified , and Danny ’s still slays Nox in , night out – rise rent be damned . Our favorite political party stay Hot on the Heels , the first - Tuesdays night of coldwave and minimal - synth esoterica spearheaded by local synth guru Beau Wanzer .
37. Relive the musical past ata hardware store
BronzevilleThe Meyers Ace Hardware at thirty-fifth and Calumet has a enigma : in a premature lifespan , it was the Sunset Cafe , a major jazz club ( and one of the few incorporated I of its era ) that hosted the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie . The land site ’s history is plain mainly in sometime murals place in the back offices , so either call forrader or be really , really nice to the help if you want to see .
38. Live the musical present ata former hardware store
Logan SquareOn the flipside is Logan Hardware , now a top - notch criminal record store that retains a name from the old , home melioration - based renter . Here ’s hope for an encore of last year ’s appearance by the fabled Dance Mania DJs .
39. Peek into the garage atBric-a-Brac Records and Collectibles
Logan SquareThe unofficial home plate office of Chicago ’s flourishing service department - rock-and-roll scene , this Logan Square store caters to acolyte of Burger , Goner , HoZac , and other painfully coolheaded record labels we ’re all too onetime to know . Pro gratuity : the staff is neck - oceanic abyss in the thriving DIY rock residential area , which clear B - A - bacillus a peachy place to plunk into the local underground .
40. Feel detached atDave’s Records
Lincoln ParkThis Lincoln Park asylum is as famous for what it does n’t carry as what it does : never a single CD has been stocked , as the famous sign of the zodiac proudly declare . But the existent attraction is Dave himself , an industry veterinary known to hilariously reaffirm platter - store - clerk clichés of the semi - aloof expert .
41. Split the night three ways atThalia Hall
PilsenThis intend landmark was reintroduce by a duet of music and restaurant industry lifer as a three - tiered destination in 2013 . Number one is Thalia Hall , an opulent mock opera house theatre easily describe , musically , as Empty Bottle meets Metro , and well experience as full of beer and hootch from the two other tiers , Dusek ’s and Punch Room .
42. Channel your digital apostate atElectrical Audio
Avondale“The future belong to the analog loyalist , ” according to fabled engineer Steve Albini , and he ’s been putting that infamous credo to forge for years at his nigh - mythical nursing home - infrastructure studio apartment . ( notable clients include Pixies , Nirvana , and PJ Harvey , plus local heroes like Urge Overkill , Veruca Salt , and The Ponys . ) You ca n’t just waltz around in , of course , but belying Albini ’s surly rep , the staff is hump to accommodate visits .
43. Switch to the hard stuff atDelilah’s
Lincoln ParkFamed for a preposterously large whiskey selection ( just about 300 ) , this Lincoln Park regular is no less liberal with the volume . dj spin what you might anticipate from a whiskey stick : lots of punk , metal , outlaw country , and The Replacements .
44. Think global, act local atThe Mid’s Trap vs. Juke
Fulton MarketOne of Chicago ’s most prominent recent melodic export , juke has graduated from West Side DIY origin to international ubiquity . This semi - regular sampler get close to the root with a roster of Chicago mainstays , plus the occasional cameo from local legends like DJ Spinn or DJ Funk .
45. Wipe away your black mascara-streaked tears at the Neo revival
Wicker ParkLegendary night club Neo shut down in 2015 after 36 year of goth- and new undulation - soundtracked debauch . ( Per Lincoln Park evolutionary practice of law , a day care is moving in . ) But grim hearts ( and old Wax Trax ! rhythm ) beat on every Thursday when Neo DJs take overDebonair Social Club , in Wicker Park … at least until that locality completes the subcultures - to - strollers circuit , too .
46. Discover rare gems from a crate digger nonpareil atThe Owl
Logan SquareAs co - founder of peerless reprinting label Numero Group , Rob Sevier has help oneself unearth awe-inspiring , sure-enough buried hoarded wealth of soul , tycoon dada , salsa , you name it really , for over a decade . A hazard to watch his deep - than - deep cut at first hand at monthly Owl DJ gigs is a treat not to be taken for granted .
47. Watch just for the ads atGalerie F
Logan SquareNo local vista is more influential in the more and more canonized world of gig - notice printmaking than Chicago , which squall home to seminal figures like Steve Walters and Jay Ryan along with second - generation notability such as Ryan Duggan and Sonnenzimmer . We do n’t have it away of any lasting public exhibition , but Galerie F , which also convey street graphics to the gallery setting , frequently delivers the goods .
48. Find better living through circuitry atSoma Studios
Wicker ParkEven today “ post - rock ” stay a slippery label , but whatever it is , it give forth in large part from Chicago , where ‘ 90 received - bearers like Tortoise blew capable John Rock ’s mental lexicon while still retain much of its traditional orchestration . That band ’s drummer , John McEntire , also possess Soma Electronic Music Studios , a highly in - demand production place that preserve the subgenre ’s look of gearhead - seer sonic detailing . tour are tough to manage , but Soma ’s supremely ogle - able-bodied “ synth wall ” alone value the effort .
49. Snap aYankee Hotel Foxtrotselfie atMarina City towers
Near North SideThe screening of Wilco ’s modern classic is probably the most easily replicable of any remarkable Chicago - relate record album . Take a photographic camera and go fullAbbey Road , Midwest dad - rock chapter .
50. Learn the Chicago Way atGeorge’s Music Room
MidwayYes , this tiny outpost at Midway Airport ( truly a “ room ” ) only meagerly come close Uncle G ’s halcyon days in Lawndale , where his shop advance the like of R. Kelly and Common . But George Daniels ’ combination of mugging ego - promotion and genuine shoe - leather loyalty to euphony still ray here . And a visitant step off the concourse could hardly ask for a more object lesson in Chicago music than that .
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Stephen Gossett is a Thrillist contributor who ’s craving some Punkin sinker all of the sudden .
Flickr/Priten Vora
Flickr/Mary
Flickr/Mark Casarotto
Flickr/Jenni Kotting
Dusty Groove
Fireside Bowl
Stony Island Arts Bank
50 Yard Line
Flickr/Bjorn
Meyers Ace Hardware
Flickr/edward stojakovic
Debonair Social Club
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