Chicago’s Best Folk Music Venues
There’s nothing like live music, and Chicago has some of the best folk music venues around. Check out our list of the top spots to enjoy some great tunes.
Intro
There are many great places to enjoy folk music in Chicago. Here are some of the best:
The Old Town School of Folk Music is one of the most popular folk music venues in the city. They offer a wide variety of classes and workshops, as well as concerts and events.
The Hideout is a great place to see up-and-coming folk musicians. It’s a small, intimate venue where you can really appreciate the music.
The Empty Bottle is another great option for seeing live music. They frequently host folk musicians, as well as a variety of other genres.
These are just a few of the great places to enjoy folk music in Chicago. If you’re a fan of the genre, be sure to check out one (or all) of these venues!
The Hideout
The Hideout is located in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood and is known for being one of the best places to see live music in the city. The venue has a long history of hosting folk musicians, and it continues to be one of the go-to spots for folk music in Chicago.
The Hideout has a intimate setting that allows for truly personal performances. The acoustics are great, and the staff is incredibly welcoming. If you’re looking for a place to hear some of the best folk music in Chicago, The Hideout is definitely the place to be.
The Empty Bottle
The Empty Bottle is one of Chicago’s most popular folk music venues. It is located in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood on the city’s west side. The venue has a capacity of about 400 people and features a stage for live music, a bar, and a kitchen. The Empty Bottle hosts folk musicians from all over the world and is known for its intimate atmosphere.
Lincoln Hall
Named after Abraham Lincoln, who once gave a speech at the Chicago Historical Society (now the Chicago History Museum) next door, Lincoln Hall opened in 1912 as a venue for lectures, debates, and other public events. The current building, which dates to 1929, has seen many changes over the years, but it wasn’t until the 2010s that it became a go-to spot for live music. These days, the intimate setting is perfect for experiencing up-and-coming folk artists, and past performers have included John Prine, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, and Lucinda Williams.
The Old Town School of Folk Music
The Old Town School of Folk Music is a Chicago institution, founded in 1957 by folk musicians who wanted to bring the music they loved to a wider audience. The school offers classes for all ages and levels of experience, from beginners to seasoned professionals, and also hosts a busy performance schedule featuring local, national, and international artists. The Old Town School is located in the city’s Lakeview neighborhood and is just a short walk from the Belmont ‘L’ station.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many great folk music venues in Chicago that cater to a variety of audiences. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to listen to some up-and-coming talent or a lively place to dance the night away, there’s sure to be a venue that’s perfect for you. So go out and explore the Windy City’s Folk music scene—you won’t be disappointed!
