Grab a traditional Maxwell Polish at Jim's Red Hots on the northwest corner of Maxwell and Halsted Streets (1320 S. Halsted) for lunch, and than take a walking tour of the Historic Maxwell Street area. Since the market was moved by the city in 1994, over seventy buildings, businesses and the spirit of blues and barter still remain in the historic neighborhood. The neighborhood has been home to Chicago's own Judge Abraham Lincoln Marovitz, Admiral Hymen Rickover, Supreme Court Justice Arthur Goldberg, and even Jack Ruby. National chains such as Vienna Beef, Nabisco and Keeshin Bus Lines originated on its streets, as well as Chicago's own electrified blues. See the site of Bernard Abrams storefront where the very earliest recordings were made of Muddy Walters, Howlin' Wolf, and more.
Weather permitting, you may get to see a traditional free Maxwell Street outdoor live Blues jam during the Saturday (5/15/99) tour. This jam is likely to feature Ray Scott, Frank 'Little Sonny' Scott Jr., and Jumpin Willie Cobbs and the Fireballs. This may be your last chance to experience this musical genre, in its home environment, before it disappears.
Tours are free and will last about 45 minutes. Meet at Jim's (see above) and look for your tour leader with a "Save Maxwell Street" button on!
For more information contact Lori Grove (312) 421-0078 or by email <lgrove2@uic.edu>.
See the real thing, but if you can't get there, click here for a virtual tour of Maxwell Street.
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