Sure, the Grammy awards will give a few nods to Chicago musicians this weekend, most notably Kurt Elling, Cathy Richardson and the perennial polka nominee Eddie Blazonczyk. But in addition to this city’s second-to-none musicians, there’s plenty to celebrate within Chicago’s rich music scene. Here are some of our favorites.
Best undiscovered jazz club
You want tucked-away cool? Katerina’s is a hidden gem. Staking its claim as a “cafe by day, club night,” Katerina’s has been quietly building its reputation as an intimate jazz and blues club. The southern European dinner menu is based on owner Katerina’s Greek family favorites, but it’s her sour cherry martini and other nifty concoctions that have the cocktail set elbow-greasing the bar. Celebrating its fourth anniversary in February, Katerina’s has become a reliable spot for jazz (and occasional blues). Cover is rarely more than $5 ($10 for the bigger names), and there are a couple free nights you may want sample: Tuesday is the Chanteuse Showcase (all vocalists are welcome to show off their pipes), and Thursday is the John Brumbach Quartet’s regular gig. 1920 W. Irving Park Rd. 773-348-7592.
Best music artwork on the cheap
Every music hipster knows that concert T-shirts are played out. That’s why we love rock-band buttons from Busy Beaver Button Co., the Chicago music scene’s premier supplier of mail-order pins. Owner Christen Carter has provided affordable, fashionable marketing for bands and their fans since 1995, and in 2002 Carter started the “So and So’s Button-o-Matic” project–putting vintage vending machines throughout the city and filling them with pins designed by local artists and musicians. (There are about 10 locations, from the scruffy Empty Bottle to the tony Barneys New York.) For 50 cents a pop, fans can grab one-inch buttons designed by Chicago rockers like Archer Prewitt and Butchy Fuego. In February, the Button-o-Matic machines will feature an exhibit entitled “Patterns,” with themed pins from a variety of contributors. Who says good art isn’t accessible?
Best local music night
Here’s a great way to start out the week: Listen to the sounds of Chicago and quaff a few free beers. Hosted by Q101 weekender and local band booster Karla Pacheco, Chicago Rock Club is a weekly get together at Elbo Room of local talent and fans of local talent. It’s $3 to get in, but from 8-9 p.m., Pacheco picks up the tab on drafts. She also spins music exclusively from local bands and sets up a weekly “Spotlight” band that plays a short set. There’s also an hour or so of acoustic open mic (though you need to sign up with Pacheco beforehand via karla@chicagorockclub.com). For bands, it’s a great way to network and hob-nob. Bring in your CD, and Karla will eventually spin it, or pass it on to Q101’s Chris Payne to include on his local show. Nothing wrong with a Tuesday morning hangover. Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-549-5549.
Best small venue
with great acoustics In addition to nurturing thousands of budding Jeff Buckleys and Ani DiFrancos, the Old Town School of Folk Music has brought in some amazing talent since opening in 1957. Taking the name from the original Old Town location, the new Lincoln Square facility completed a multi-million dollar construction in ’98, and patrons of the state-of-the-art auditorium have been thankful ever since. With the help of a theater designer, sound designer and an acoustics expert, the custom-built sound system and the intimate 400-seat room make for an unforgettable sonic experience. Joni Mitchell, bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley and locals Neko Case and Jon Langford have all taken their turn on stage. Three more reasons to love it–the bar sells knishes for the hungry and microbrews for the thirsty; it’s smoke-free, and box-office ticket sales eliminate Ticketmaster. 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-728-6000.
Best unpretentious record store
Forgo the cooler-than-thou attitude at some of the city’s record shops and head to Hard Boiled, the brainchild of a guy who doesn’t flaunt the fact that he has better taste than you. Mark Ferguson was a CD slinger at Reckless Records and a DJ at WHPK 88.5-FM when he decided he didn’t want to work for anyone but himself. Seven years after opening Hard Boiled, he’s still his own boss, as well as the sole employee. Given that the store’s name was lifted from a John Woo film, it’s no surprise that the tiny store is also stocked with kung-fu movies for rent. There’s also music DVDs, random zines and CD and vinyl bins that hold an eclectic mix of flavors–Japanese noise band Keiji Haino, poppy Postal Service, local heavy rockers Pelican, Def Jux’s underground hip-hop and more. What the music selection lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. 2008 W. Roscoe St. 773-755-2619.
