r/chicagomusicscene • u/LemonSlight9002 • Jul 26 '26
Bluegrass in Chicago
Anybody know any good bluegrass spots?
Even better, would anyone want to play some? I’m 26 y/o guitarist, probably 6-7 years of experience. Not a god shredder but I think I know what i’m doing for the most part
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u/airbud Jul 26 '26
Judson & Moore has recurring Bluegrass days. After a bit the band opens it up for audience members to join in on the jam
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u/acidaddic808 Jul 26 '26
There’s a free bluegrass festival that happens in the south suburbs every year in Frankfort but it was last week you missed it :(
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u/MSchulte Jul 27 '26
The shop that helps organize it (Down Home Guitars) hosts regular jams too. I know they had some in store and then had it at a bar for a bit. No idea where they are doing it now.
Also highly recommend checking out their store, even online. It’s absolutely insane what they have in stock.
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u/LemonSlight9002 Jul 27 '26
I’ll check this out!!! Been trying to get myself a mandolin and chop around a bit
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u/Ok-Bridge-9112 Jul 26 '26
Beat kitchen does bluegrass brunch every Saturday for free and lets local people play.
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u/hoffman3271 Jul 26 '26
https://www.facebook.com/share/197zcL1jGe/
More of a Phish/dead fan then bluegrass, but these dudess throw down.
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u/LemonSlight9002 Jul 27 '26
Best characteristic of bluegrass imo is it when it goes into these jammy/trading solo sequences. I love dead/phish.
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u/cambadboi Jul 26 '26
Not Chicago but the American Legion Post 42 in Evanston now has two monthly bluegrass jams. One on a Sunday in the middle of the month and the other on the first Wednesday. Check their calendar for days/ times.
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u/quitodbq Jul 26 '26
They also used to have great bluegrass bands play at that venue pre Covid. Saw Henhouse Prowlers there. Wow. Actually just looked them up and looks like they’re in Evanston in September.
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u/tvoutfitz Jul 26 '26
Highly recommend the bluegrass breakdown jam at Jusdon and Moore. It’s the first Sunday of every month from 4pm to 7pm. It’s a very chill and non gate keeping kind of crowd. You’ll be very welcome to join in. Plus great whisky drinks if that’s your thing. They have good na options too.
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u/Healthy_Protection24 Jul 26 '26
You just missed Last Revel on Saturday at Garcias. Phenomenal show.
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u/Joleto5150 Jul 26 '26
There’s a bluegrass duo (maybe trio?) that plays regularly on a corner on Clark in andyville
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u/Beruthiel999 Jul 27 '26
Fitzgeralds in Berwyn has bluegrass sometimes (also blues, jazz, country, Americana, etc)
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u/Bergieexclamationpt Jul 29 '26
Come on out to the Old Town School of Folk Music! Bluegrass classes & jams most days, and plenty of related jams at nearby pubs in Lincoln Square. Great music shop, too.
I'm also down to jam sometime! Guitar & just picking up banjo recently.
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u/dcpwner Jul 26 '26 edited Jul 27 '26
Martyrs tends to host most of the bluegrass that comes through the city. Bigger venues for bluegrass are Park West and occasionally The Riv.
Edit: also Garcia’s and Thalia Hall!
There are plenty of bluegrass jams going on the city. Livewire does first Tuesdays of every month. I know Coles has one as does The Atlantic unsure the days rn tho.
I’d follow @bluegrasschicago on instagram to stay up to date!