You just finished drying your hair and you slip on the pants that you painstakingly chose to give you the right "hearing great music but not a groupie" aura. Something's a bit off. Your pants are fitting a bit looser. You grin in the mirror, mouthing "hey sexy" to yourself...until you realize your pants are loose because your wallet has lost some serious weight. Don't fear! A lack of funds is no reason to bow out of a night of quality live music. Some of Chicago's best music venues offer no cover (or so close to none we had to include them) nights that are not to be missed. They're cheap, they're good, and they pop up seven days a week. Take your pick, or try them all:
(Note: free shows are occasionally traded-out for very not-free special events. We recommend that you check the weekly listings before you head out penniless.)
MONDAYS
Traditional Irish Music With Guest Bands
Martyr's / 9:30pm
Drink like it's St. Patrick's Day all year long with Martyr's Monday night Irish fests. Opt for a casual end to that rough first-day-back-at-the-office by arriving a bit early. All pizzas are half-price before 9pm and draft specials vary. Regardless, you'll find good music in an unassuming setting--because no one likes to try too hard on Mondays.
Marty Sammon Band & Lurrie Bell
Kingston Mines / 9:30pm / No Cover WITH Valid Student ID (21+)
With two stages of blues each night, you can't go wrong at Kingston Mines--especially if you're in college. Opt out of $10+ covers by showing a valid ID. Mondays are Kahlua College nights, pairing the best in blues with drink specials and giveaways.
TUESDAYS
Devil In A Woodpile
Hideout / 9:30pm
They're a weekly institution, and a fun one like that. Blues, country, hillbilly, ragtime--you want it you got it. We're talking authentic, we're talking washboards, we're talking darn good toe tappin' music. Before you know it you'll be humming along.
The Vandermark Five
Empty Bottle / 9:30pm / $3
It may not be free but it's such a steal we had to add it to the list. For less than the cost of a pint o' Harp, you can check out one of Chicago's most integral groups as they head to the stage as part of the Chicago Improvisers Series. The Vandermark Five continually redefines free jazz, just as the Empty Bottle can't help but redefine Tuesday nights.
Devon Brown and Dub Dis
Wild Hare
Get down with Wild Hare's funky Reggae dance party every Tuesday night. A danceable blend of reggae, ska, calypso, soca, and more, Devon Brown and Dub Dis are regular players in Chicago's world music scene. Take note: For better or for worse depending on your preference, this is a non-smoking night.
Chris James & the Blue Four & Slam Allen
Kingston Mines / 9:30pm / No Cover WITH Valid Student ID (21+)
Don't feel like getting your groove on in ANOTHER Lincoln Park bar? Eat up the blues, baby. Since 1968, Kingston Mines has doubled your daily dosage of the blues in a setting perfect for lounging or dancing.
After Work Set
Green Dolphin Street / 6pm
Green Dolphin Street know how to describe itself. It's a place where "the mood is hip and sophisticated, the music seductive, the food inventive and irresistible." It's a swank venue, undoubtedly one of Chicago's best dinner & a show venues. Lean back and take a load off right after work. If you get your energy back you might want to swing the cover for the mambo and salsa DJs that follow.
WEDNESDAYS
Hillbilly Winos, Motion To Fix
Martyr's / 8pm
Most Wednesdays find Hillbilly Winos taking the stage at Martyr's, a band whose alt-folk songs have garnered Uncle Tupelo comparisons. Even better, all pints are just $3.50.
THURSDAYS
Big C Jamboree
Martyr's / 9:30pm
The first Thursday of the month is home to one of Chicago's longest running roots and rockabilly jamboree. Going on 10 years and counting, the band roster is different each month, with acts hailing from as far as Switzerland.
After Work Set
Green Dolphin Street / 8pm
Nice to know you can live like a king without having the wallet of one, thanks to Green Dolphin Street's relaxing Thursday night After Work Sets. It may be cheap but it's dressy, so deck yourself out to fit the part of the cocktail-drinking, cigar-smoking crowd.
FRIDAYS
Green Mill Quartet Jam Session
Green Mill / 1:30am
One of the few places where you don't feel the need to gripe when all the seats are gone, the Green Mill is generally packed--and with good reason. It's the oldest jazz club in the US, but it certainly isn't some tired tourist spot. With some of the best jazz in the city (and country) taking the stage, it's always a lively choice.
SATURDAYS
Sabertooth
Green Mill / 12am / $3
It may cost a few clams, but the Sabertooth After Hours Jazz Party is when the club--a phenomenal venue in it's own right--really hits its groove. The double saxophone organ quartet/quintet has been a Saturday night staple over the years and are certainly not to be missed.
SUNDAYS
Charlie Love & the Silky Smooth Blues Band and Linsey Alexander
Kingston Mines / 9:30pm / No Cover WITH Valid Student ID (21+)
You may have school tomorrow, but that doesn't mean it has to be an early night. Kingston Mines prides itself on having non-stop music until 4am. Not a bad deal, eh?
Intimate Jazz Series
Green Dolphin Street / 9pm
Green Dolphin Street strikes again, ending the week (or prepping you for the next) with those last few hours of cost-free jazz. Go for a cocktail, stay for the music.
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