August Lordy of ChicagoBluesBeat.com told me a few months ago that the Harlem Avenue Lounge was one of his favorite Chicagoland blues clubs. It’s just a few minutes from my house, but I just now made it there for the first time. I’ve driven by it a number of times, but I’m not sure I even noticed it. It’s not inviting from the outside. I was curious in particular about their Thursday night “Open Mic Blues Jam.” They have a house band play for an hour starting at 8:30 and then anyone who signs up can play.
The house band was much more impressive than I expected, especially guitarist Pistol Pete, who played with the speed and intensity of a Buddy Guy.
Pistol Pete with house band at Harlem Avenue Lounge
The first guest players I heard were hardly beginners. I couldn’t imagine getting up there myself in the near future, certainly not before I’d played for a while with other musicians. I plan to go back to hear more.