House of Blues
Chicago, Illinois

In case anyone was wondering, the jamband scene in Chicago is alive and well. And many Chi-Town fans heading out to catch their favorite bands are finding themselves increasingly ending up at the House of Blues.

While it certainly doesn't cater exclusively to any one type of music, HOB is becoming Chicago's premier venue for jambands. Notable recent appearances include The Slip, The Samples, Robert Walters' 20th Congress and Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, and Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise. April features performances by The Disco Biscuits, Ekoostik Hookah, Umphrey's McGee, Collective Soul, and a two-night stand by the Psychedelic Furs. Look for a second appearance by Soulive on May 4, and the Dickey Betts Band on May 31.

While other Chicago venues also provide a forum for the jamband genre, what makes HOB the jewel is that it does it with more class than any other. Even though the club is merely one part of the corporate conglomerate, HOB Entertainment, Inc., the philosophy on which the company was founded is evident in the customer-focused attitude of the staff. After a polite and noninvasive pat, guests ascend the grand staircase to the main floor, where three large bars and roaming wait staff offer a full spectrum of libations. Of course, security is a necessary evil in any club, but rather than employ a bunch of brutish egomaniacs so common in Northeast clubs, here discreet surveillance cameras do the job. So while the atmosphere is relaxed, don't forget Big Brother Elwood is watching!

This venue is a class act, not only because of the professionalism of the staff, but the ambience of the room itself. The attention paid to the décor, while admittedly over the top, also sends a message to patrons that this is a place that was created and is maintained out of respect for the music lover.

Artists are treated to a fantastic view from the stage that must make them feel as if they are playing in the king's rotunda. Two levels of balcony/opera boxes are ringed with ornately detailed woodworking that at show time are lit up with a glowing black light effect to make the decks appear bejeweled. The room simply sparkles, lending an instant mystical quality to every performance. It is an inspiring setting for artist and audience alike. The opulence of the environment gives one the initial sense that tonight's show is going to be special.

The recent Disco Biscuits show was a case in point. Always playing fat shows in Chicago, the Biscuits' recent performance was an instant classic. While the band drew a near-capacity crowd, the casual listeners and those of little stamina cleared away space on the dance floor for some serious throwing down during the surprise third set.

Located in the heart of Chicago's Loop at 329 N. Dearborn, HOB is easy to find by looking for its distinctive neighbors, the twin corncob towers. Get there early and enjoy dinner in their full-service restaurant, featuring an outstanding menu at very reasonable prices (for downtown Chicago -- entrees $9 - $24). There is also the House of Blues Hotel right next door which offers a chic lounge for a pre-show cocktail.