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    Blues Heaven Foundation

    4.5 (22 reviews)
    InexpensiveJazz & Blues
    Open 12:00 pm - 6:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Chuck E.

    If you are a big blues fan the Chess Records building isn't something you should go see. Just to see Lenord Chess' office, the control room, and the recording area is worth it, once. The video they show is for people that don't know much about the music. The lack of historical items and curation is disappointing. They probably need funding. I hope they do more with this place because it is so important.

    2120 South Michigan Avenue
    Tom T.

    I've been to Chicago more times than I can remember and visiting the old Chess Records studio will always be one of the highlights my visits. Getting There. The L train, green line stop at Cermak-McCormick Place is a quarter mile from the museum, and the red line Cermak-Chinatown stop is less than a half mile. Either is an easy walk to and from the museum. The Tour. The tour is really great. It lasts about an hour, and you learn a lot about the history of the area, the building, the Chess brothers, the studio and many of the legendary musicians who recorded here. Throughout the tour, our guide played samples of many of the songs that were recorded in the studio, using a Bluetooth speaker. That brought life into the space and underscored the studio's historic significance. When we arrived in the main recording studio, she played samples of songs that were recorded in Chess and other well-known studios of the same era, so we could hear the distinct Chess sound. It was easy to hear the differences. Time Needed. The tour took about an hour and we spent another thirty minutes looking at the exhibits more closely. The place is relatively small, so in ninety minutes you can see everything in the building in detail. Hours. When we visited, they opened promptly at noon. Crowds. We were the only visitors on the tour, and in the ninety minutes were were there, we only saw five or six more people. Gift Shop. there is a small gift shop at the entrance to the museum, where they sell, CDs, t-shirts, etc. Staff. The staff were genuinely friendly and helpful.

    Nick H.

    I have been listening to nothing but blues since returning from Chicago. I wonder if visiting this place has something to do with that? The kind of place where you get goosebumps as you stand in the control room or the large recording space where legends played and recorded their classic songs. If you close your eyes, you can smell the sweat. Definitely some ghosts lurking around here. The building was in dire need of repair before being completely renovated by the Dixon family. I believe it was in jeopardy of being completely torn down. Now, even though it appears as the only real leftovers from the interior of the original building are the control room window space, some Chess Records logos which looked like they were painted on the walls, and some other cool things, there is still a ton of original equipment on display and plenty of displays dedicated to various Chess artists. The tour is led by the grandson of Willie Dixon. Not only does he look like his grandfather, he knows his music history. Seems like a good dude...genuine and sincere. The movie that they play in the beginning of the tour was okay, but long and actually somewhat boring at times, as they really kept saying the same things over and over again. I am not a huge blues aficionado, just a general music fanatic, so maybe that had something to do with it. Honestly, it felt awesome just to be in the studio. As we left the studio, I imagined Little Walter shooting craps on the side of the building, Howlin' Wolf selling his freshly pressed records right outside, and what it must have been like on Michigan Avenue when it was known as "Record Row." Quick note on getting there from The Loop - We hopped on the number 3 bus and got off at 21st Street, almost right in front of the building. It was about a 25 minute ride due to traffic. Neighborhood looked fine, although I questioned why during broad daylight you would have to ring a bell and get "buzzed in" to enter the building.

    donna g.

    Iconic. Chicago home of the Blues. So nice knowledgeable. Walking in the steps of The Stones Koko Taylor Etta James Muddy Waters Little Walter Willie Dixon. Wow

    Damn cool satin Muddy Waters tour jacket. Did I mention damn cool?
    Jason B.

    The former Chess Records studio - famously located at 2120 S. Michigan Ave - is a must visit for anyone that is serious about popular music. Would we know rock n roll without the pioneering sounds of Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, or Little Walter? How about without the guitar riffs of Chuck Berry? That Bo Diddley beat? Hell no we wouldn't. Pay homage to the greats and visit Blues Heaven. Chess Studios was spared the urban renewal that has wrecked many southside neighborhoods thanks to the efforts of Willie Dixon's family. Willie Dixon was the poet laureate of Chess, penning too many great sides to name. Blues Heaven Foundation exists to preserve the famous Chess Studios but also offer a musician's perspective on life at Chess. Tours are focused on the players, what their lives were like, and their legacy in American song. The old recording rooms are bare, sound boards probably carted away when Chess moved down the street, but are filled now with a collection of memorabilia. The gear may be gone, but the walls remain, and thankfully we have the Dixon family there to guide us and share stories they heard passed around their home. Blues Heaven Foundation also supports blues artists, providing both performance space in their outdoor theater, as well as financial assistance for musicians struggling with care. Thank the Dixon family for saving this shrine to all that was ever great about music and its ability to connect with people. Michigan Avenue was once known as "record row" with dozens of small labels competing for artists. Many of the great r&b and soul records Chicago is known for throughout the globe were cut on Michigan Ave. Northern soul fans take note: while many are now gone, you can still visit their famous addresses, learned by studying countless 45 labels.

    Chess Landmark

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    10 months ago

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    10 months ago

    Fantastic tour of the Chess Records studio and a wonderful history of early electric blues.

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    Lovely tour. Clearly passionate executive director. I stood in the spot Chuck Berry recorded "Johnny B. Goode." So cool!

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    Review Highlights - Blues Heaven Foundation

    . There are instruments which were actually used by the artists , including a stand up bass by Willie Dixon

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    Jazz Showcase - The photos alone are worth the visit!

    Jazz Showcase

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    South Loop

    This place has a magical feel IF you're into jazz. If you aren't a jazz lover, you just may become…read moreone here. Well, I love jazz and it's a great place to be. I came here for the first time knowing my grandparents started coming here in the 50's for date night jazz. This place was founded in 1947 and you can see they've preserved this place to keep that same feel with all the greats from the past... Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, George Benson, Lonnie Liston Smith, Hugh Masekela, Dexter Gordon, etc. (those are my favorites!). I saw the Kyle Swan Quartet. They were absolutely amazing. You see young and seasoned musicians that are so talented. I usually go to Birdland in NYC but this place, Jazz Showcase, is better to me because it feels more welcoming and like home here versus a production at a theater. We interact with the artists here-- well, they interact with us and make us feel like we are at home and like we are supposed to be there with them, not a performance transaction. $25+ for a show and booking online was a breeze. It's comfortable here, chairs are good and there's sofas in reserved areas but the whole seating area has a great view of the stage no matter where you're sitting. The staff seems gracious and kind of everyone who visits and genuinely wants you to have a great time. They see very selective in their talent that performs here... but why wouldn't they when they've been here for so long and had the best artists perform here?! I came the night that The only downside that may be for some people is they don't have food... only drinks. Me personally, I ate before and don't come for food, I come for the jazz... but they've got beer, cocktails, and other spirits. Macallan and Laphroaig for those who need a good whiskey. Come here if you're ready to relax and listen to great jazz with artists who know their craft. I'm coming back with friends... or even alone. Yeah, it's cool like that. ***Side note: the GPS may take you to the Main Street and you may not see the sign right away and actually have to turn the corner on Plymouth and walk down that side street to get to the end of the block (where the dead end/no outlet is).

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    The Bassment - Chicago

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    River North, Near North Side

    The Bassment in Chicago is a hidden gem that combines sophistication, style, and incredible live…read moremusic in one unforgettable experience. From the moment you descend into the intimate, speakeasy-style space, you're transported into a world of elegance and charm. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with dim lighting, plush seating, and a touch of vintage glamour that perfectly complements the lively energy of the performances. The musicians are top-notch, the cocktails are expertly crafted, and every detail -- from the décor to the acoustics -- is designed to create an exceptional night out. What truly makes The Bassment stand out is the seamless blend of entertainment and hospitality. The staff are attentive and personable, ensuring every guest feels welcome and well taken care of throughout the evening. Whether you're there for date night, a celebration, or just to unwind with great music and drinks, The Bassment delivers an experience that feels both exclusive and comfortable. It's one of those rare Chicago spots where the vibe, sound, and service all come together perfectly -- a must-visit for anyone who appreciates quality nightlife and unforgettable live performances.

    Really happy to have found this spot for live music on a Saturday night. We arrived right around 8,…read morewhen doors open. Musics starts at 930ish so it's a bit of a wait if you get there that early, but potentially worth it to snag a lounge/table until reservations show up. Reservations are pricey, but with a group would be super fun and worth it. Workout having reservations, we gave up our seats and headed to the front to hang around the bar near the stage. Really awesome staff, and a coat check if you need it. The bar tenders were friendly and attentive. The music was fabulous. Fun crowd. The drink list was super fun with pop star nmes, the Taylor Swift was the fav, and not just bc I am a Swiftie. The bathtub drink is cute, get one for the photo and move on. The cream didn't work for me. Highly recommend for a fun live music experience and vibe.

    Chicago Jazz Festival - Beautiful place, great music

    Chicago Jazz Festival

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    Fabulous and free jazz festival over Labor Day weekend in Chicago…read more Although it is not as big as other jazz festivals that I've been to like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival (my personal favorite), or Montreal Jazz Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival was perfect for a couple of hours to relax and enjoy some jazz. We walked to Millenium Park and then had a short wait to go through a limited security screen. Took a few photos of Jaume Plensa's Crown Fountain and Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate (aka The Bean) before heading to the pavilions to enjoy some cool jazz. Loved the Sharel Cassity Alliance. So nice to see an all female jazz group. The Charlie Johnson Quartet was also quite good. Plenty of seating was available, but you could bring lawn chairs or even snacks into the park. Will have to come back again when we can spend more time enjoying some cool jazz on a hot summer day. Great way to end the summer in Chicago.

    Jazz fest 2025 was fun. The fist band Ben Waltzer Quartet was amazing. But it went downhill from…read morethere. Abigail Richard's has a terrific voice but she had poor song selection and I think the sound was off a bit for her. The Beatles song was not good though people seemed to enjoy it. The Madison Electronique was not for me. And I don't think jazz fest liked the political commentary. We only saw one band on the main stage. They seemed mediocre. Overall a fun day for a few hours. We went to a great local jazz bar that night and the band was awesome.

    Blues Heaven Foundation - jazzandblues - Updated May 2026

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