Chicago isn’t just known for its long musical traditions; the city is actually responsible for creating its own sub-genre’s of blues and jazz. Blues legends like Buddy Guy, Bo Diddley, and Muddy Waters have all performed on the hallowed stages of Chicago music venues but it’s not just about the blues in the Windy City as everyone from Kanye West, Pete Wentz, and Cheap Trick, to Nat King Cole and Sam Cooke have also played in the biggest arenas and smallest music dives.

The live music venues in Chicago are just as legendary as the rockers and crooners who have graced them as historical gems like Lincoln Hall, Aragon Ballroom, and the Chicago Theatre pack in history buffs and music lovers alike. Massive stages and auditoriums aren’t to be missed either as major shows take place at The United Center, Soldier Field, Charter One Pavilion, and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Not to be missed though are the smaller, and more intimate music venues that dot the city like The Mutiny or Elbo Room where cagey old blues singers strum their guitars over long-lost loves and where the next big thing polishes their pipes in front of small groups of friends and family.