Velvet Lounge

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The Velvet Lounge is one of Chicago's premier jazz clubs. Hundreds of world renowned jazz musicians have played in the club making the Velvet Lounge one of the leading venues for live "free jazz." Saxophonist Fred Anderson has kept one of Chicago's most notable jazz clubs going almost single-handedly for nearly a quarter century — as club owner, sometimes bartender, and resident mentor. Passers-by would hardly suspect it, but Anderson's divey Velvet Lounge, its bleak black facade crowned by a tattered "Old Style" beer sign, is known by aficionados worldwide as one of the cradles of contemporary jazz. Dozens of acclaimed albums have been recorded at the club, including Blue Winter, featuring Anderson, drummer Hamid Drake, and double bassist William Parker.

The Velvet Lounge relocated in 2006 since the old venue was slated to be torn down to be replaced by condominiums. The new location is only a block away from the old venue.