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Overview
About Chicago Nightclubs
Birthplace to Chicago Blues and House music, Chicago nightclubs are as vibrant and diverse as its eclectic music scene. The Windy City has no shortage of places to go; whether you are looking for a low-key lounge with an up-and-coming band or the hottest venue with a techno DJ, the Chicago club scene has something for everyone.
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History
In the early 20th century, Chicago established a reputation as a thriving city with growing entertainment options, making it attractive to musicians. The music scene in Chicago had a major impact on the direction and popularity of nightclubs throughout the city. The music in Chicago developed as a result of the "Great Migration"---a movement of approximately 1.3 million African-Americans out of the south to more industrialized cities. Chicago Blues was born from this movement by expanding on Delta Blues, which originated in Mississippi, with a more expanded palette of notes. Since 1984, Chicago has been home to one of the most popular music concerts: the Chicago Blues Festival. Past performers include Muddy Waters, B.B. King and The Neville Brothers.
From the "Age of Jazz" through the "Roaring Twenties," Chicago nightclubs concentrated in three specific areas: the Loop, The Near North Side and the South Side. Jazz music flourished in Chicago's nightlife, giving birth to one of the world's oldest jazz clubs, Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase. In 1907, the infamous Green Mill opened its doors, with renowned performers such as Billie Holiday, Anita O'Day and Ruth Etting on the lineup. The Green Mill remains the longest continuously operating nightclub in Chicago.
Trends in the Chicago music scene had a significant influence on nightclubs all over the city. Folk music in the 1960s was popular and resulted in well-known folk clubs such as the Gate of Horn, the Quiet Knight and sophisticated supper clubs such as the London House. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, House music was born out of the popular nightclub, The Warehouse.
Jazz in Chicago Nightclub
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Significance
Music is the beating heart of Chicago and translates into every nightclub found in this city. Today, Chicago offers a bustling list of high-energy clubs and chic lounges to suit the city's diverse nightlife needs. Each nightclub features its own distinctive genre of music or may vary accordingly.
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Top Chicago Nightclubs
"Rolling Stone Magazine" named Berlin Chicago's "Best Dance Club." Music varies from new wave to House music with Disco Night on the last Wednesday of each month. Located on Belmont Avenue right by the lake, this high-energy nightclub is opened until 4 a.m.
Copa Lounge is clad in chrome and mirrors, giving this club a futuristic ambiance with DJs spinning everything from funk and soul to hip-hop. Two televisions are located right by the bar to keep patrons updated on sports and news.
Buddy Guy's Legends was voted by Citysearch as the best Chicago Blues Club in 2008. The walls of the venue are embellished with memorabilia showcasing some of the world's most influential performers. Buddy Guy's stage has been graced with artists such as Van Morrison, Willie Dixon, The Rolling Stones and David Bowie.
Located in the Weed District, Crobar is an enormous warehouse that legally holds 800 people. They meet their capacity almost every night with visiting DJs from around the world.
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Geography
Chicago nightclubs are located in three main sections: The Loop, The North Side and the South Side. The city is further subdivided into 77 community areas with over 210 neighborhoods.
The Loop: The general downtown area bounded by a public transit circuit along Lake Street on the north, Wabash Avenue on the east, Van Buren Street on the south and Wells Street on the west.
North Side: Extends north of downtown along the lakefront.
South Side: Extends south of downtown along Lake Michigan.
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Time Frame
Most Chicago nightclubs open their doors at 9 p.m., but vary depending on event and venue. Nightclubs typically close their doors at 3 a.m., but many offer after-hour parties that go on until 4 a.m. or later. It is suggested to inquire about Guest List/ RSVP opportunities for free or reduced admission.
Chicago House DJ
State Street, Chicago
