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Emperor1956 -> RE: what would U see if u visit chicago? (7/20/2007 5:20:17 PM)
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Uh...A few things. Not to be too pedantic, but lets set the record straight. There is a ton of misinformation posted above.
FIRST, BUDDY GUY'S IS NOT CLOSING, at least not in the forseeable future. Buddy is looking for a new place, but he's got bookings in the club til the end of September. (SEPT 1, the Holmes Brothers! What's so funny about peace, love and understanding....ooooh.... But I digress.)
The "New Checkerboard Lounge" is in a tony shopping mall known as "Harper Court" about 3 blocks from the U of Chicago campus. Its very much upscaled. Frankly it is yuppy, buppy and touristy, but still fun.
The Green Mill is still the Green Mill thank God.
I don't mean to be critical, BUT why don't any of you so called music reviewers mention two of the greatest clubs in Chicago? Its not like they are hidden -- one is 21 years old, and the other 36! I'm talking about Andy's and Kingston Mines. Andy's is in a great location for tourists (on Hubbard street, near many downtown hotels), minimal cover, and jazz or blues EVERY night. Kingston Mines is a true legend -- The oldest continuously operating blues club in Chicago, and a venue where EVERYONE has played. I've seen Rik Ocasic, Ginger Baker and Mick Jagger jamming there after hours (NO, not at the same time, silly). Is leaving these places out a conspiracy against the North Side, forgetfulness, or just ignorance?
SECOND, they are Quaker Parrots, not parakeets (ok, I'm getting pedantic). Otherwise, DomKen has the right sensibilities. How could I not mention Lincoln Park Zoo. Its Free, its open EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR but Christmas day (zoos in winter can be a ball!) and it houses significant research facilities as well as animals.
Not to slight the Brookfield Zoo, which is about 14 miles due west of the Loop, and worth a trip. Consider a west suburbs visit (my turf) that includes the zoo, Frank Lloyd Wright territory, the Car Kabob, and some of the great mob sites (SOON TO BE ADDED...the house in Bensenville where the Spilatro brothers were murdered -- anyone seen "Casino"?)
THIRD...where is the "North Hampton" area? I've never heard of it, but heck....maybe I missed it. I think whoever posted that is making it up. The Alley is on Belmont Avenue, near Clark. Just outside of "Boystown", but there's no North Hampton I've ever heard of.
and Finally....about baseball in Chicago (stand back, folks, this could get UGLY). I've been a resident of this lovely city or its environs for 34 years (Since I've been 17 I've lived in Chicago, or a suburb touching the city) And I was mostly a north sider. About 10 years ago my brother moved here...and because he was a big time business guy..he got tickets to this odd, little known place on the South side called "Comiskey Park" (NOTE: there is NO 'N' in the word. Only rubes and people from Highland Park say "ComiNskey") And I went....forsaking all I believed to see baseball played in this odd place....no vines. No drunken announcer bellowing during the 7th inning stretch....no frat boys....few BMWs paying $50 for "easy out" parking (which means once I get your money, its EASY for me to GET THE HELL OUT before you figure out you are blocked in for the night). and.....and this was amazing...NO LOSERS (on the field...PLENTY of losers in the stands...but I digress.)
If you love the history of the game, and the feel of the old ballpark, nothing beats Wrigley Field on a lovely summer day...but if you like to see winning baseball...you go south. Here endeth the lesson!
E
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