I waited outside Kingston Mines, one of the most popular blues clubs in Chicago, in a long line on an unseasonably warm night in October. As I stood and waited with my friend, a man screamed in a raspy voice to the line about the price of admission and thanked everyone for their patience. I walked in and immediately heard some of the most impressive guitar playing I have ever heard. As I made my way to the dancing area in front of the stage, I spotted a painted white sign with the name of the performer: Joanna Connor. At the time, I did not realize that she is one of the premier blues guitarists in the entire country. Additionally, I was shocked to see that the man in the raspy voice was singing alongside Connor for the entirety of her set.
Kingston Mines is unique in its contradictions. While some of its patrons are true blues fans, it seemed like the majority were tourists and north siders that simply want to drink with friends and listen to good music. Upwards of eighty percent of the venue is devoted to tables for the audience to passively listen to these magnificent blues bands, eat, and socialize. The music suits this type of setting, as it is mostly instrument based and repetitive. But, the quality of performers is so high that it feels wrong to have such a large contingent of people without sufficient blues knowledge (like me). Also, the giant souvenir stand that occupies a large space in the front of this historic venue takes away from its overall authenticity. Although it may not be the pinnacle of blues appreciation, it is extraordinarily fun. There is a distinct positive, upbeat energy, great food, and friendly people in Kingston Mines.
Part of the appeal of Kingston Mines comes from its charm. The wood paneling and green shutters make the setting feel like a gigantic (it is one of the biggest blues clubs in Chicago) cabin. There are items that evoke a sense of nostalgia sprinkled throughout Kingston Mines, from its neon beer signs shaped as guitars to its painted maps of the Midwest. These contribute to the comfortability and quaintness of the setting, and also remind visitors that Kingston Mines has been a vital part of the Chicago music scene for almost a half century.
It has been open since 1968 and is still family owned and operated by the Pellegrino family. The man I saw outside the club with the raspy voice was no other than Frank Pellegrino, owner of the club. It occupies a unique place in Chicago blues history. Blues started in Chicago around the 1920’s, during the dramatic growth of black neighborhoods during the Great Migration. During the 50’s, blues flourished on the South Side and West Side, producing talents like Muddy Waters and Little Walter. When blues lost much of its popularity in the 60’s with the growth of soul, gospel, and other genres of black popular music, many of the popular blues clubs from the golden era closed.[1]
Following the decline of blues’ in popular music, clubs serving tourists and predominantly white patrons became more prevalent in Chicago on the South, North, and West side. The ubiquity of white faces in Kingston Mines is immediately noticeable. This venue is indeed a reminder of the white appropriation of blues music, a genre that persisted in black culture through decades of racism and oppression. This undeniable fact leaves a bad taste in your mouth. When you see that crowd at your concert consists of a vast majority of white North Siders, it feels uncomfortable. But, it may give you a bit of consolation that this tremendously popular spot gives talented blues artists a consistent audience and new ears to listen to their beautiful music. Whichever way one experiences this Chicago landmark, it definitely does not disappoint with moral conundrums and impressive music.
[1] “Blues.” Blues. Encyclopedia of Chicago, n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2016. <http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/151.html>.
821 Comments
Make the most of Amazon KDP by selecting our top-notch Ebook writing services to realize your ideas into best-selling books. Our skilled writing staff creates engaging stories in a variety of genres to make sure your eBook grabs readers’ attention and establishes your authority. With our customized services, you may effectively engage your desired audience on a worldwide scale.
I have came into some amazing educational and entertaining toys for boys. These toys are ideal for encouraging young brains to think critically and creatively.
hey there and thank you for your info – I’ve certainly picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise several technical points using this web site, since I experienced to reload the site many times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google and can damage your high-quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to my email and could look out for a lot more of your respective fascinating content. Make sure you update this again very soon.. chatrandom text
Your blog is one of a kind, i love the way you organize the topics.:’-”‘ a course in miracles podcast
Amazingly perceptive information! Thank you for this great posting. philboss
Fantastic site. Thank you for the knowledge you shared on this blog.
Are you bored and tired? Try our newest game and explore many exciting online games. Register now and win bigger prizes
philboss
Bravo! —This blog lifts my day!
Uncover the latest online game in 2024. Exciting games and prizes await you. Sign up now and claim your free bonus. Be thrilled and Win BIG!
legitpinoy
thanks for provide this content. High-quality insulated sandwich panels at factory prices. Our panels are made from the highest-quality materials and are manufactured to strict quality standards.
thanks for provide this content. Bus rental in Jaipur from anytime and anywhere. By placing a call get current offers. Maharana cabs providing AC/Non AC bus hire at the best price in your city.
thanks for provide this contnet. If you are planning to go for a vacation in Jaisalmer with your family, Book your Jaisalmer sightseeing Tour at the best price Maharana cab
thanks for provide this provide this content. A public company that is incorporated as the Nidhi Company registration, the main aim of Nidhi company is the cultivation of habit of thrift, etc.
thanks for provide this content. Novel web solution provides full service web development that offers and extensive range of the IT services to small to large scale business.
thanks for provide this content. Harivansh Tours offers a hassle-free, comfortable affordable Car Rental in Uttarakhand and for outstation, Book a car for one way /round trip.
thanks for provide this content. Now get We are offering Husband Wife Problem Solutions and love spells online, so if have any problem regarding love then contact with world Famous And And best Astrologer In India.
thanks for provide this content. Looking for a reliable Vashikaran Specialist in Auckland New Zealand ? Contact Pt Lokesh Pariyal at Astrology for expert solutions & guidance.
thanks for provide this content. Kala jadu is one of the ancient remedies which is horrifying and enough to ruin a life of the people. By using kala jadu we can control a person mind after that the person work under our line of instruction.
What a splendid and thoughtful insight!.
Are you looking for excitment?
Dive into the world of excitement and win BIGGER prizes with so much game selection to choose from. Experience the thrill of online gaming by clicking the link below.
legitpinoy
Amazingly perceptive information! Thanks for this valuable information .
CLICK HERE philboss
Wow, great stuff. I have been considering this for a few years. I’m glad to seemingly find someone that comes to the same conclusions as me. At least it seems that’s the case. I’ll keep visiting your site to stay informed. automatic sliding door sensor
Your article not only provided valuable information but also sparked introspection and reflection on my part.
kiếm thêm thu nhập
Wonderful insights. This blog provides readers with something valuable and thought-provoking. Keep posting this type of blog. legitpinoy
Super-Duper blog! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am taking your feeds also labtoto
Wonderful insights. This blog provides readers with something valuable in life. Keep posting this type of blog. philboss
You have outdone yourself this time. It is probably the best, most short step by step guide that I have ever seen. ucdm
I am immensely grateful for your time and effort in creating this insightful and educational blog. legitpinoy
Good day! I just want to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you might have here on this post. I will be coming again to your weblog for extra soon. pengu
Gaga tweeted a message as well as a web page link to Japan Prayer Bracelets. She fashioned a bracelet, with almost all sales revenue going to Japanese relief initiatives pengu
Hidden among thick bushland in the outer suburbs of southern Sydney sits an expansive세종출장샵 facility housing a technological breakthrough.
This blog is a treasure trove of insightful articles and engaging stories that are sure to captivate and inspire you. Thank you for sharing this blog. legitpinoy
Such a game changer article for the readers. I cant wait anymore to see the upcoming one you will deliver for us. Yellowstone Beth Dutton Coat
Well crafted article. This article offers valuable insights and groundbreaking research on this specific topic. legitpinoy
Selamat datang di JAYASPIN agen judi terbaik dan berlisensi resmi di Indonesia hanya dengan Deposit 10ribu.
Agen Slot yang telah memiliki lisensi PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaambling Corporation) yang bertanggung jawab
atas kesenangan ribuan lebih penjudi di Indonesia dalam melaksanakan taruhan online yang aman dan nyaman.
Jayaspin adalah merek hiburan online yang melayani pasar Asia Pasifik, terutama Indonesia, Malaysia dan Cina.
Produk yang ditawarkan terutama pada berbagai permainan online seperti taruhan sepakbola online,kasino online, slot, Tembak Ikan dan lotere, biner,
dan permainan lainnya.
Tersedia berbagai macam pilihan jenis provider hingga game slot gacor hari ini yang bisa Anda pilih sesuai kriteria masing-masing, cukup dengan melakukan daftar,
deposit serta login ke link slot terpercaya. Semua keuntungan tersebut bisa kamu rasakan jika sudah menjadi member resmi JAYASPIN.
Selamat datang di slot HCS777 , HCS777 Merupakan situs taruhan online terkemuka di Asia, yang menyediakan beragam produk permainan terbaik di Asia.
Slot HCS777 juga menyediakan permainan taruhan olahraga hingga Slot terkemuka dan terpercaya di indonesia maupun Asia.
HCS777 Merupakan salah satu situs slot gacor dan terbaik di Indonesia dengan permainan yang sangat baik.
beraneka ragam jenis game yang HCS777 Sediakan sehingga membuat member merasa gampang untuk bermain dan bisa memasang taruhan di semua provider judi yang di tawarkan.
HCS777 adalah situs slot terbaik yang menyediakan banyak pilihan game online denga layanan yang sangat cepat dan juga selalu menjaga transaksi para member menjadi aman,
selain itu Hcs777 juga mempunya lisensi pagcor. Ayo bergabung dengan kami.
Semua transaksi bisnis baik deposit maupun withdraw dapat dengan mudah di lakukan member Slot HCS777,
karena sudah support bank lokal, e-wallet dan tentunya semua bebas dari biaya administrasi. Slot HCS777 menjamin Para player yang bergabung pasti akan gacor dan sensaional.
HCS777 Slot Juga menyediakan berbagai macam permainan yang bisa di nikmati oleh semua kalangan Bettor.
Well done! I thank you your blog post to this matter. It has been insightful. my blog: how to make a girl fall in love سایت مای مدیو کارنامه
Tersedia berbagai macam pilihan jenis provider hingga game slot gacor hari ini yang bisa Anda pilih sesuai kriteria masing-masing, cukup dengan melakukan daftar,
deposit serta login ke link slot terpercaya. Semua keuntungan tersebut bisa kamu rasakan jika sudah menjadi member resmi JAYASPIN.
Situs Judi Online Jayaspin menawarkan bervariasi promosi dan hadiah istimewa bagi para pemain setia maupun yang baru bergabung.
Dari bonus deposit hingga hadiah referral, setiap pemain memiliki kesempatan untuk meningkatkan kemenangan mereka dengan hadiah yang ditawarkan.
Dengan semua fasilitas dan layanan yang ditawarkan,menjadi pilihan utama bagi para penggemar judi online di Indonesia.
Situs Slot Jayaspin merupakan Situs judi online terpercaya dan terbaik di Indonesia,
bahkan Jayaspin hadir sebagai agen judi Game Slot Gacor dan resmi yang dapat memberikan Pelayanan terbaik kepada seluruh membernya.
Tidak hanya itu saja, anda juga dapat menikmati berbagai permainan judi online hanya dengan mengakses 1 Akun game saja.
Jayaspin merupakan website slot judi online yang mempermudah anda bermain secara live kapan pun dan dimanapun.
Jayaspin menyediakan banyak permainan beragam yang menarik yagn dapat anda pilih sesuai dengan keinginan anda.Anda dapat melakukan deposit melalui via bank, dana, gopay, dan juga ovo.
Banyak pembayaran yang dapat anda pilih. Jayaspin juga menyedikan live chat 24 jam untuk mensupport kebutuhan dan pertanyaan para pemain.
Selamat datang di slot HCS777 , HCS777 Merupakan situs taruhan online terkemuka di Asia, yang menyediakan beragam produk permainan terbaik di Asia.
Slot HCS777 juga menyediakan permainan taruhan olahraga hingga Slot terkemuka dan terpercaya di indonesia maupun Asia.
HCS777 Merupakan salah satu situs slot gacor dan terbaik di Indonesia dengan permainan yang sangat baik.
beraneka ragam jenis game yang HCS777 Sediakan sehingga membuat member merasa gampang untuk bermain dan bisa memasang taruhan di semua provider judi yang di tawarkan.
Semua transaksi bisnis baik deposit maupun withdraw dapat dengan mudah di lakukan member Slot HCS777,
karena sudah support bank lokal, e-wallet dan tentunya semua bebas dari biaya administrasi. Slot HCS777 menjamin Para player yang bergabung pasti akan gacor dan sensaional.
HCS777 Slot Juga menyediakan berbagai macam permainan yang bisa di nikmati oleh semua kalangan Bettor.
Situs HCS777 merupakan Situs Judi Online Resmi pilihan paling menguntungkan dalam situs judi slot terbaik dan terpercaya no 1 paling gacor.
HCS777 Slot Kini Hadir dengan banyak sekali pilihan permainan slot online terbaru tentu saja tidak akan membuat kalian merasa bosan untuk bermain judi slot online setiap hari.
Bravo! —This blog lifts my day! It is a very informative blog.
legitpinoy
Excellent article on managing stress! The advice from wellhealthorganic stress management struck me as really useful and simple to use in day-to-day life. In today’s fast-paced society, the focus on natural cures and holistic methods is welcome. I’ve begun using some of the recommended techniques, such as herbal teas and mindfulness, and I immediately see improvements. I appreciate you sharing these insightful thoughts and anticipate more articles along these lines!
Incredibly insightful content!
Join the adventure today by registering for our online game and unlock exclusive rewards and thrilling challenges! Don’t miss out on the excitement—sign up now and become part of our growing community of gamers. legitpinoy