WELCOME EVERYONE...
Welcome to my web site site for all things blues! The site is updated weekly, and will include exciting information on blues, including new blues releases and re-issues, updates on important blues stories, and what's happening on the South Bend-Mishawaka, IN blues scene, among many other things!
WHO'S IN THE PICTURE?
- Let me tell you about this rather blurry picture.
One of my favortie memories of the Chicago blues scene were the evenings I spent at The Checkboard Lounge, which at that time was located at 427 E. 43rd St. on Chicago's south side (not to be confused with The Checkboard Lounge now operating in Hyde Park).
It is hard to decribe to blues fans today who may only know Chicago's blues scene from the city's north side venues. The Checkerboard was a unique cultural experience, and one I miss terribly.
There was nothing assuring or safe about the The Checkerboard's neighborhood. It was a rough, tough, edgy, and dangerous environment, yet one where working-class people neighborhood got together with true blues fans, University of Chicago students, and other interested in- and out-of-town tourists to experience the music in its most authentic form.
I remember the difficuties in getting a cab to come down there to the neighborhood to take me back to my Loop hotel in the early morning hours, one very interesting non-sanctioned cab ride back into the city after a night of great music, the chain across the front entrance, an entrance that was protected by a man in a long coat who had a stare (and the wherewithal, I imagine), to discard anyone with bad intentions promptly onto the sidewalk. I also remember the always-present poker game in the corner of the bar area (where it seemed Magic Slim was always playing while enjoying a Wild Turkey), the sight of the legendary Dave Myers and his Hibatchi grill outside on the sidewalk preparing great BBQ while greeting all-comers, and many, many hours of fine music, and so many other fantastic memories.
I remember running into Junior Wells in the cramped restroom one night, listening to him gripe about his health and the way he was feeling, only to watch hime absolutely tear it up in front of an enthusiastic crowd in the long, narrown music room. I can still hear Vance Kelly provide an absolute lesson on how to give a crowd whatever it wants with his vast set list ranging from Muddy Waters, to Bobby "Blue" Bland, to McKinley Mitchell. I also remember the danger of being asked to leave the bar area and to return to the music room, because the bar was for the locals only.
I remember listening to a local young girl sing a medely of Whitney Houston songs with talent and drive tenfold of Ms. Houston, while people threw dollar bills at her and stuffed her pockets with the same, while she cried as she sang, knowing her superior talent would never lead to anything.
I miss the old Checkerboard, as I am sure do many others. Thank you for the trip down memory lane.
