4/17/2004
FAMOUS FREDDY'S ROADHOUSE,(Tue.), 1799 S. Busse Road, Mount Prospect, Illinois. David Bruce runs this new open mic show and begins the night with his one man wall of sound using a "looper" pedal, a bass, a broken set of bongos, a Taylor guitar and his voice. The room is huge but his sound system is more than adequate to reach the entire place from the stage platform. The audience was diverse and farely appreciative for a Tuesday night in the burbs - about fifty people. The night was basically acoustic but jamming is encouraged though not required. There's no drum kit but you can plug into David's Marshall amp if you want to rock out on some electric guitar. There were only two other players when I went so I got to perform twice. A guy named Bradley did some great renditions of James Taylor and another guy played some instrumental acoustic guitar. They have a kitchen featuring hamburgers for $1.49 (at the time of this reveiw) and parking wasn't an issue.
Review by Tim "KC" Wilkerson, Chicago.
3/12/2004
NEVIN'S LIVE,(Wed.), 1450 Sherman, Evanston, IL. Here's a cool place. Dark and cozy in the sideroom of a popular Irish bar up north in Evanston. It's a good night place for amateurs to try out their stuff on a real elevated stage. The MC "Gray Parker" is a great guy and good on the sound board, and the staff was cool too, very friendly and courteous. I was a little disappointed that the other musicians weren't more friendly on a person to person basis but they were very supportive of everyone with their applause! Sign up by 9:00 to avoid the cover charge. Parking on the street was easy.
Review by Tim "KC" Wilkerson, Chicago.
2/18/2004
CRUSH,(Wed.), 2843 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL. Scott Angle has the right idea when it comes to a professional atmosphere and a fun show. He even has some corporate sponsors who have donated some items for giveaway, or an occasional drawing: Sennheiser - microphone, D'Addario - strings, Stoli - picks. I found the variety and quality of the acts I heard encouraging as was the audience, I always love it when "original" songs are appreciated. There are some openings for featured acts chosen from the performers but hurry because the bookings are already approaching close to summertime. Scott handles the sound system like a pro but the room is a bit reflective so if possible bring your pickup and maybe a damper for your guitar's sound hole. The place is large and comfortable if not out right cozy with a healthy helping of cushy furniture. They have some hot food items too. Except for the notoriously difficult parking in that neighborhood I'd say this is a perfect venue to enthusiastically invite your friends to come hear you play. Good mix of ages and gender.
Review by Tim "KC" Wilkerson, Chicago.
11.26.2003
JOE BAILEY'S (closed down), (Tue.), 10854 S. Western Avenue, Chicago, IL. I went to my favorite place in Chicago known affectionately as the "south side" to visit Joe Baileys open mic and it was rockin'! The host jam band is called "Jam Sandwich" and they were way above average for an open mic jam band, and also very supportive. Great lead work, great bassist, excellent drummer and the keyboardist was a rare delight. They all did vocals, taking turns in lead vocals and backup vocals.
I don't know if it was because everyone was on Thanksgiving Holiday break from school but the place was packed. That night men and women from all age groups and "walks of life" were there. The bar is large and I think the place has a restaurant. It's one of the few joints that have their own parking lot too.
I did an acoustic set, as did some others, while the band took a break. They keep the show alive by interspersing the solo with the jam. The sound system looked like a warp engine and the volume was blasting. I did "Turn the Page" and I could really put myself "up on the stage" with the wall of sound they provide. New and classic songs as well as originals were enjoyed by all.
If you're ready to "go for it" check out the south side's Joe Baileys on Tuesday night.
Review by Tim "KC" Wilkerson, Chicago.
2003
FITZGERALD'S, (Tue.), 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn, IL. This open mic was well known for years. It's now hosted by Mark Bishop and has moved to a brand new room on the other side of Fitzgerald's parking area (same side of the street). I found this open mic to be cozy and warm with a great bunch of talented musicians and a supportive kind audience. I understand this open mic prefers to encourage original music but I performed later in the night and by then the audience really appreciated the popular cover songs I performed. Several people joined me on stage, musicians and audience members alike. I had a great time there.
Review by Tim "KC" Wilkerson, Chicago.
2003
CAROL'S PUB, (Wed.), 4659 N. Clark. Impresaria Lisa Hemminger does it again. It's rare to witness a newly located open mic that jumps to such an enthusiastic restart. When in Carols, do as the Carol-an's do, such is Lisa's adaptively ingenuous approach to her new country style environment. Amazingly nothing was lost and everything was gained. Welcoming acoustic solo singer songwriters Lisa intersperses us between the ooutrageous and contemplatious spoken word artists that she has nurtured and welcomed to her long running show called "Yammer". If you want an intelligent, attentive audience that affectionately borders on the ruckusiastic go play at Yammer. Thanks, Lisa, you do great speak. Start time 8:30 PM. View and listen to Lisa: www.lisahemminger.com.
Review by Tim "KC" Wilkerson, Chicago.
2003
GRIFFIN'S PUBLIC HOUSE, (Tue.), 2710 N. Halsted, hosted by the talented Nancy Antevski. I got to perform first and I stayed 'til the very end. The performances were steady and encompassed all the levels of ability. There was a core audience of music fans that delightfully out numbered the performers. Nancy kept everyone to 3 songs and constantly monitored the sound levels to get the best sound from their awesome system. All the performers got to play and there wasn't any of that 'out of control' cliche energy that in my experience sometimes plagues Open Mics. Everyone was friendly and responsive, the bartender and the manager were very cool. As you may know the City of Chicago has been inspecting every bar in town. They're asking that all instruments be stored behind the performers near the front window in plain view but away from the exits and seating areas. Street parking was available on this cool wintry evening but that could change with warmer weather. Also, the list filled up quick. In light of these two factors I suggest an early arrival is best. 21 and over.
Review by Tim "KC" Wilkerson, Chicago.
2003
ABBEY PUB, (Tue.), 3420 W. Grace. Boy howdie, I don't really have to review this place because of it's poplularity but after thinking about how many new open mic players have come to town lately I reconsidered. Jeff Sachs and Erin O'Toole are Home Kookin'! These prolific folk/country musician/writers, heavily experienced and widley traveled, host this legendary open mic. This is one of the longest running, star studded, approachable open mics in Chicago history. Abbey is a hang-out for the Irish homelanders now living in Chicago but they also host national acts on their bigger stage and have a strong crowd of regulars. The open mic is in the main bar, they serve food in the joining dining area. There's neighborhood parking, the sound system is good and the audience appreciates the mainly acoustic based acts that grace the small dias style stage. Get there early or you'll be playing late.
Check out Home Kookin on the Rising Star Music artist page for a full free mp3 song and buy their latest CD. Then visit their website at: www.Home Kookin.com.
Review by Tim "KC" Wilkerson, Chicago.
GRANDPA's PLACE, (Wed.), 1868 Prairie Street, Glenview. As an Open Mic regular in the city, cutting my teeth at Carys Lounge (on Mondays), Winners and the Fantasy Lounge (on Thursdays), our family recently moved from Chicago to north suburban Glenview. As tough as drinking and driving laws are these days, Im sure you can feel the pain of the predicament I found myself in: Where can I play? Turns out, an historic, old, charming Irish pub and grub in Glenview called Grandpas Place At The Depot fit my bill and from all accounts, many other "rising stars". Located at 1868 Prairie Street, a mere five blocks from our new home and a stones throw from the Metra train stop (giving it a real Jimmie Rodgers/Merle Haggard-type of feel), Grandpas Place is the perfect setting for local and area musicians to either jam it alone or with others on Wednesday nights beginning at 9.
A delightful, energetic young man named Dan Creel serves as the ever-so-friendly Master of Ceremonies at Grandpas Place, built way, way back in (gulp!) 1898. A local product, Creel welcomes and encourages all types of tastes from soft, electric acoustic acts to blazing, hammering hard rock bands to sign up for a set, usually about five songs. Minors are even allowed to play, but a 10 p.m. curfew for them is strictly enforced and adults must accompany the youngsters.
After three straight weeks of gigging at Grandpas Place, I can now vow for it's players room, its equipment and sound system, it's upbeat atmosphere and the folks who hang out there.
Creel serves double duty as house drummer, if needed, but there has been two or three other drummers who take turns when asked to perform in backup or supporting roles. The same goes for bass players and rhythm and lead guitar players.
As a singer/rhythm guitarist/harmonica player myself, and one who always encourages drummers, bass and other guitar players, harpists, keyboardists (whenever available) and additional vocalists to join me impromptu, the setting here is dandy.
There have been different crowds with different performers each week thus far. On all three occasions I've participated, the place has been packed door-to-door. The main entrance leads you right into the bar area, where nary a seat is available. The stage is set up on a wood dance floor in another large room for dining patrons to your immediate left. There are at least three standing microphones and plenty of amps. Extra instruments and percussion devices are available, generously provided for use by "the house." However, if you're accustomed to using a music stand for lyrical remembrance assistance, as I am, make sure to bring your own.
Rest assured, you need not feel like a stranger at Grandpas Place if youre making your initial visit.
I nervously walked in the door on my first night, not knowing anyone or anything but the name of the host, politely provided a few days earlier by one of the waitresses. I was immediately put at ease.
No sooner had I ordered an ice-cold bottle of Old Style to parch my suddenly tight throat, a lady named Susan approached me. Turns out, she performs as one half of a "regular" duo called Beyond Blonde.
Susan asked if this was my first time at Grandpa's, which was very cool. And she was the one who clued me in about providing my own music stand, as she said she always brings hers. Being so close by, I was able to run home and grab mine before my name was called off the sign-up sheet.
Oh, and to boot, Grandpas Place offers a nice menu of various fresh salads, sandwiches, burgers, chicken wings, fries, ribs, steaks, burritos, fish, soups and chili, desserts and, of course, corn beef and cabbage dinner.
I have met many other friendly patrons and performers since my first visit, so I encourage any musicians who live in the area to give the Open Mic stage at Grandpas Place a try.
Review by Chip Marshall, Chicago.
2003
C.J. ARTHUR'S, (2nd Fri.), 1168 Wilmette Ave. in Wilmette, 8 PM. Jim Dukelow runs this friendly open mic in a restaurant-bar in the middle of downtown Wilmette (just north or Evanston). I would say it's'all ages' except the 20 somethings were outta town the night I was there. Safe to say it's a great place for us classic acoustic rockers. "Beyond Blonde" stole the show with their great selection of hits, their originals, and their harmonies. Will backed them with an excellent clean rythm on a conga-bongo set up. Bill won the hearts of all the young ladies with oldies on his acoustic guitar and harmonica - he can really bend a note. There was some jamming and audience participation and a few celebrities stopped by for an overall good time. This is a place where you can get some good 'sit down at a table' food and mingle with real Chicago suburbia at it's finest.
Review by Tim "KC" Wilkerson, Chicago.
2003
BALLY MUCK, (Thu.), 1930 Grand, Waukegan, 8 PM. Recording artist Chris Sipos hosts this 'Illinois state limits' show one hour north of Chicago. They had drums that night and after a couple of visiting Chicago based artists played acoustically the jam started. Not only is this a friendly place but the regulars are very appreciative of good talent and they show it. If you're lookin' to go where 'no one know's your name' here's a fresh spot in the wilderness. I'll be back.
Review by Tim "KC" Wilkerson, Chicago.
2003
CALIFORNIA CLIPPER, (Tue.), 1002 N. California. Here's a cool acoustic venue run by Tim Tobin (who you might remember from the Clearwater Saloon days of the open mic circuit). The audience was small but very appreciative. They even like the original stuff. It's kinda new so you'll probably get to play longer than you would at most open stages. If you want to practice on a real stage and with a great in-house permanent sound system this is the place. They have live music on other nights too. The neighborhood seems tame enough, good lighting on the streets and there's plenty of parking.
Review by Tim "KC" Wilkerson, Chicago.
2003
This open mic moved to WRIGLEYVILLE GOOSE ISLAND on Wednesday.
GOOSE ISLAND BREWERY, (Thu.), 1800 N. Clybourn. I had a blast at this one because the audience not only loved the songs I love to play (mostly 60's and 70's with a few 90's hits) but they dug my originals too. They sang along and cheered with awesome enthusiasm. This is sort of a jam situation with a drum kit but they let me perform solo. They have an in-house sound system with a great on-the-fly sound technician. The audience was way cool even though the neighborhood has turned yuppy in the last few years. Lighted parking lot with good visibility in the back in a modern rehabbed neighborhood.
Review by Tim "KC" Wilkerson, Chicago.
2003
FANTASY LOUNGE (Thu.), 4400 N. Elston Ave (at Montrose Ave.),
Chicago, 773.685.8083, September 26, 2002. Gracious and encouraging host Scott "Madman" Madden and his band of gypsies, the Madman Blues Band, host The Madman Blues Jam every Thursday. A terrific guitar player with former ties to the Capricorn Records and
Studio out of Macon, Georgia (Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker Band, Lynyrd
Skynyrd, Elvin Bishop, Grinderswitch, Chuck Leavell and Sea Level and Otis
Redding). Scott does a great job making sure musicians get signed up to
perform. His house band plays the first set, then those who signed up to
play jam on their respective favorite tunes with either the hosts or others
in tow, as many interchangeable performers join forces here.
Everybody gets along great and all participants are encouraged by each
other. And no, it's not just blues but whatever you and the band can team up
on effectively.
This is one fun place to play.
Review by Chip Marshall, Chicago.
KC adds - Usually good street parking.
2002
SUBTERRANEAN CAFE AND CABARET (Thu.), 2011 W. North, 773.278.6600, August 29, 2002. Positive expletives abound! Incredible comes to mind, like a drilling rig in your hat. I've never seen any open stage with the amount of energy this one has. Jordan really knows how to put a show together. The night was filled with extraordinary performers from spoken word (poetry to rap), acoustic solo singer songwriters, and on'n'on. The word is out because the audience was fantastic - a true rainbow of flesh. All they needed was an old man with a cane and a baby to fill out the demographics. Also they welcomed lot's of new performers the night I was there. They have a house band, use 'em if you dare or loose 'em if you want - jazzy, rap or you name it. The neighborhood has improved since I used to perform next door at Estelle's open mic. Parking wasn't to bad either, I walked in two blocks. If you got the courage and strength to really do it they have the stage where you can go for it!
MC: Jordan Taggart
Review by Tim "KC" Wilkerson, Chicago.
2002
UNCOMMON GROUND CAFE (Mon.), contest? and open mic,1214 W. Grace, 773.929.3680, June 3, 2002. Greater entertainment of the primarily solo acoustic guitar and vocals variety is rare if non-existent anywhere in Chicagoland. Everyone was on their toes. A dozen acts of professional quality graced the staging area. All the while thunder and lighting provided a free light show in the darkening skies beyond the wall of glass windows behind the performers. Three songs changed to two songs, or one long song, as the night marched on. Three finalists were chosen based on audience applause in this almost packed to capacity room in the back. One more song each and the winner, Scottish McMillan, took home the hat and a place in the finals. Friendly competition, kind and attentive servers and k.a. coffee. When will this contest end? No one knows for sure but the rumor is 'soon'. Street parking. Food.
MC: Ripley Caine & Travis Dow
Review by Tim "KC" Wilkerson, Chicago.
2002
FANTASY LOUNGE (Tues.), 4400 N. Elston - 773.685.8083 - MC: Eric Lauren - Lobo on bass. Here's a good place for beginners to get a sense for jamming with a band. A small intimate "room in the back" gives this venue the feeling you get at a small party of close friends. The musicians were open and friendly to performers who wanted them to play back-up to their original songs or cover tunes. They also showed concern that during quieter songs the audience 'keep it down' so the guest performer would get the respect they deserved. Rock and blues jam - some solo acoustic. Free hot dogs and pretzels. Plenty of street parking at the intersection of Montrose and Elston.
Review by Tim "KC" Wilkerson, Chicago.
2002
A NEW RE-REVIEW OF CHASE CAFE, (Tue.), 7301 N. Sheridan, 9:30 pm.
Chase Cafe a change like night and day. If you read my last review on this open mic venue you are hereby asked to disregard all prior knowledge. I have seen this kind of talent before but not all in the same place. I was elated to discover an open mic show unequaled by any that I've witnessed in the past five years. Fresh young talent is a pathetic understatement. Original and ornate music acts magically intertwined with spoken word. Add a dash of unpretentious comedy and a Seinfeld impression by Dan Gallagher the new host and you got a smooth delicious show. You gotta hear the 'sit-down' comedy of Ace who'll give you a whole new insight to such topics as city busses and gimp fearing citizens. Admittedly he develops his material without a leg to stand on but he's definitely funny as hell. A middle age singer songwriter diva named Melissa Adams whose fourteen year old son spends his time seeking the truth tried some new material and got a standing ovation from this intelligent youthful audience. A silent classical guitarist thrills with his own brand of interpreting the classics, an original blues duo and a solo, revealing word 'about' the black experience by the 'black' experienced and beyond such limiting concepts as race, all these observations roughly sketch only a few of the powerful acts that night. I'll see you there because I'll be back. Sorry but the parking difficulty is still the same. The fresh orange juice is great though. All ages.
Review by Tim "KC" Wilkerson, Chicago.
2002
This open mic moved to CAROLS PUB on the same night - Wednesday.
Here's a new one for me. JOY BLUE (Wed.). It's on the corner of Irving Park and Southport. Mostly poetry, a few guitarist songwriters. Great diverse crowd. Very talented word crafters and acapella singers. The Impresaria is Lisa Hemminger and she is as hilarious as she is bulls eye serious. Yammer me please. I call this a very open atmosphere. I wouldn't recommend this joint to homophobes as a couple of the participants have in the past overcome any air of shyness to proclaim in one way or another their not so conservative gender preferences. Then there was the dildo appreciation night. Then again, and on the other hand, these are not an issue.
Review by Tim "KC" Wilkerson, Chicago.
2002
TRACE (Tue.) , 3714 N. Clark, 9:00 pm, Located upstairs with the Polyrhythmic Arts collective. There's a $3 cover but it goes to the night's feature act, cool. There were some really hot poets there. The crowd was young, mostly women and very talented. They were extremely responsive to my music (acoustic) and asked me to come back. I asked if I could bring in some other acoustic acts and they said yes. They even gave me a few minutes to set up and got me plugged in. Now that's a good open mic especially when the talent is almost all spoken word. Trace is in the Wrigley Field bar area so parking can be tough.
Review by Tim "KC" Wilkerson, Chicago.
Send me your short, concise, reviews and I'll post them
with your 'by line' (name and plug).
Around 100 to 200 words is good.
|
