Velvet Lounge

The Velvet Lounge: big Chicago Sound in a compact club

The Velvet Lounge, located just south of Chicago's Loop, is a jazz goldmine —  the prime place to hear the Chicago Sound. Founded by the legendary saxaphonist Fred Anderson, this storefront prides itself on experimental jazz once described by a fan as "insane Coltrane with a heavy dose of funk."

One of Chicago's longest-running jazz clubs, the Velvet Lounge long has been a hot spot for up-and-coming talent. George Lewis, Steve Lacy and Hamid Drake rank amongst those who have cut their teeth there since the club opened in 1982.

An 80th birthday tribute for Anderson runs through March 22, and that's the prime time to see Anderson perform for the popular Sunday jam session. You can check out the musical lineup for Fred Anderson's 80th Birthday Tribute Festival here.

Although the setting is a small storefront with a bleak facade, the sound inside is big. Patrons catch outstanding music on any given night, and the intimate atmosphere can't be matched.

At tops, the lounge seats 99 patrons, each perched at small Formica tables. There's not a poor seat in the house! Overhead hang two vintage shaded brass chandliers casting a soft light against the blue and green walls.

Framed photos of local jazz legends, such as Ken Vandermark, hang under subdued lighting. Plenty of portraits of Anderson's guiding light, fellow saxophonist Charlie Parker, bedeck the Velvet Lounge's walls, despite the difference in the two sax legends' musical styles.

Anderson co-fuonded the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians. And that's exactly what you'll find at the Velvet Lounge. If you're looking for covers of beloved jazz oldies, the Velvet Lounge might not be the spot for you. To be sure, however, you will, on any night, hear musicians who know their craft.

Despite the small setting, the Velvet Lounge sound emerges warm, robust and full , yet never overwhelming. Better  yet, you get to sit so close to the musicians that you can literally reach out and touch them on the sleeve.

While it is a drinks-only establishment, patrons rarely chatter during performances.:They come to hear the music. While you'll never catch a disappointing performance, the Velvet Lounge website offers a complete monthly calendar of guests at its website.