Chicago

[Nathan Sanders]

I am going to Chicago right after Christmas and am looking for suggestions for places or events, instrument dealers, mandolins, etc. Any suggestions for New Years Eve events also?

[Yuletide]

Try Hogeye Music in Evanston, if it's still there. I left Chicago more than a dozen years ago, but back then they had a nice selection of instruments.

[Eric F.]

f5dude: Chicago is not the most mando-rific town in the country. The best selection in the city is at the Old Town School of Folk Music on North Lincoln Avenue. They usually have a bunch of Webers and Mid-Mos. Perhaps they will have some Big Muddy mandos. They also have Eastman and usually some other Pac Rim stuff, plus the occasional used mando. In the suburbs, Hogeye and Guitar Works are both in Evanston. Hogeye carries Weber, Mid-Mo and a smattering of other stuff. Guitar Works usually has a Collings or two and often some interesting used mandos. In the west suburbs is another Weber dealer, but I can't remember its name. Nice but small store and not worth a special trip from the city, IMO.

Check the Old Town School's Web site for concert info. It's a great space for a show. Also, Fitzgerald's in Berwyn usually has some good shows, and Schuba's in the city is another club to check out.

[Daniel Nestlerode]

Don Stiernberg lives in the Chicago area.
Here's his announcement from his web site about New Year's Eve:
"December 31st, 2006
The Aaron Weinstein Quartet returns to swing another First Night celebration in Evanston, IL. Aaron on jazz violin and mandolin, Don on mandolin, Michael "Rhythm Thunder" Pettersen on guitar, and everyone's favorite bass player, Jim Cox, on the bass."

Daniel

[F5G WIZ]

Fire off an email to Mr. Dale Ludewig, he lives close by and would be able to tell you what might be going on. You can find him in the builders section.

[lightnbrassy]

Tobias Music in Downers Grove carries Weber mandolins, Martin and Taylor guitars, and Deering banjos (as well as less expensive brands, such as Art & Lutherie). You get the kind of service and attention not found in larger stores. The owner is a gentleman and he and his wife handle all of the business. They've been there for many years, and despite the small size of the shop, it was rated #4 in the Chicagoland area not too long ago. Lessons for guitar and MANDOLIN are available, and the shop is in touch with the local acoustic scene. The instruments sold there are entirely acoustic. I feel lucky to live a few blocks away.

P.S. - On their website, they possess a Kamaka uke http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif .