Chicago: Surrounding Music in a Windy City

By Luciano Garcia

Sunrise view at the 103 floor: Chicago Skydeck walkway at the Willis Tower. Glass boxes stretch through four feet from the Skydeck, providing unprecedented 360-degree views of the metropolis.

Chicago has a musical legacy that few cities in the world can be proud of. Considered the mecca of the Midwest, here were born singular rhythms. In the first half of the twentieth century, there was a large migration of black workers from the southern US to the rich northern cities, specifically Chicago. It was here that the original rhythm gained electric instruments, elicited a resounding success around the world and came to be known as Chicago Blues.

The blues is actually a tradition and personal expression. Its essence has remained untouchable from the beginning, with very simple characteristics, usually with three chords inside a basic structure, easy to play but difficult to interpret your feelings.

One of the big names that marked the blues was Willie Dixon, considered the rhythm poet. In addition to bass player, singer and music producer. Their songs were re-recorded by various artists and styles. Here in Chicago you can visit the Blues Heaven Foundation within the Chess Records studios. Legends like Muddy Watters, Little Walter and Howlin ‘Wolf recorded their best albums, making blues history in the 50s and 60s. It’s exciting to visit where it all began. In the city, also happened one of the inspirations for a new generation of the music, arisen with the rock and roll.

The guide Ben Kasl says that in the studio of Chess Records was recorded a preciousness: “Satisfaction” of the Rolling Stones

Enjoying Chicago’s unique skyline is a must-see experience. In the warmer months, aboard a Come Sailing exclusive luxury yacht, Captain Mike Blanchard makes a memorable ride. From here you can see the beautiful seafront of the city, all landscaped with its skyscrapers in the background composing the landscape.

For the second consecutive year, Condé Nast Traveler readers voted in Chicago as “America’s Best Big City.” Keeping the first place is a testament to Chicago’s growing profile as a cultural, artistic and musical leader.

Chicago is not famous for historical architecture; it is famous for architectural originality: most of the city had to reinvent itself after a fire of epic proportions destroyed virtually everything in 1871. You can relive how everything happened and how was the evolution in urban design on a visit to the Chicago Architecture Center.

The First Lady Company boat tour runs the entire Chicago River and the newly expanded Riverwalk: perfect for enjoying the vibrant architecture of the metropolis

Art Institute: Extraordinary collection of works by Chagall, Dalí, Matisse and Picasso

Dan Aykrod and John Belushi in “Blues Brothers” shot in Chicago: The iconic “Brothers Stick Guy” had the participation of rhythm icons such as Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles.

Tucked away in Logan Square, Rosa’s Lounge is a rather original blues house. The program blends local musicians that covers the full spectrum of styles; from traditional legends like David Honeyboy Edwards and Pinetop Perkins to modernists like Billy Branch and Melvin Taylor.

Acclaimed as “undeniable” by James Taylor, singer, songwriter and guitarist Nicholas Barron mixes blues and folk with his unmistakable vocal signature and vocal percussion. He performed on one of the themed nights at Rosa’s Lounge.

The concept “speakeasy” refers to the period of the US Dry Law. Producing, consuming or marketing alcoholic beverages was prohibited. Today, even liberated, the fashion of the hidden bars came back with force in the great metropolis. GreenMill was the point of the city and Al Capone’s favorite place in the 1920s. The glamorous cocktail lounge and jazz club holds secrets: there is a network of tunnels under the bar that were used for alcohol smuggling during that time. They are still there, just like Al Capone’s favorite box: perfect for enjoying the shows that happen every night.

“The Untouchables,” movie with Sean Connery portrays well the atmosphere of the Mafia underworld in Chicago in the mid-1930s

Marisol is the new restaurant and bar within the Museum of Contemporary Art of Chicago. It features innovative flavors from chef Jason Hammel. At the Terrace Garden in the annual series of summer performances, internationally renowned artists perform such as Maggie Brown who chatted exclusively with Go’Where Luxury:

“I’m a vocalist, a music producer and also a storyteller. I grew up in the middle of my father’s rehearsals, Oscar Brown Jr. Because of this influence, I chose to continue to expand our family legacy through music. “| MAGGIE BROWN

GASTRONOMY

The city is acclaimed nationally and internationally for its highly respected culinary scene, including Michelin-starred restaurants and James Beard. RPM Steak is a modern retelling of the traditional steakhouse and features a contemporary menu accompanied by an

The city is acclaimed nationally and internationally for its highly respected culinary scene, including Michelin-starred restaurants and James Beard. RPM Steak is a modern retelling of the traditional steakhouse and features a contemporary menu accompanied by an award-winning wine list.

The brand-new Half Sour in Printer’s Row neighborhood has a warm and casual atmosphere. Their elaborate cocktails are perfect for happy hour.

HOTEL

In the heart of the city, The Gwen Hotel recalls the glamor of downtown Chicago in the 1930s. With Art Deco décor, the accommodations are spacious and cozy.