Best Chicago Jazz Clubs Old and New
Green Mill isn’t the only jazz venue that’s a blast from the past. Originally founded in 1947, the Jazz Showcase (jazzshowcase.com) has long been heralded as Chicago’s leading jazz venue. After relocating in 2008, the Showcase continues to be a thriving jazz club with its ability to book top-shelf talent like the Bad Plus and Miguel Zenón. Steeped in history and with a slew of regulars who could tell you stories for days, the Jazz Showcase is a hot spot for any and all lovers of jazz.
But maybe you like your jazz with a side of whimsy. If so, you’ll want to head on over to Kingston Mines (kingstonmines.com). Easily the best party atmosphere of any of the jazz clubs, this fairly newer spot is a great place to celebrate the frivolity and festive nature of swinging jazz. With two stages, there’s always someone playing a crazy tune, the basses and drums thumping well into the night. It’s the best place for a big group to dance and revel in their love of the music.
Of course, it doesn’t matter where you go to listen to a talented musician lay his soul bear with a single piercing note. As long as there’s good food and fantastic music, the jazz scene will welcome you with open arms. Whether the walls reverberate with New Orleans classics or New York avant-garde, jazz will always be alive and well in Chicago.
Best Rise, Sweat, and Shine
Though the class is intense, Walton says people shouldn’t be intimidated. He and other trainers never push people to do more than they’re capable, and there are always modifications available if needed. The student demographic at Shred415 covers a wide range of age and ability. “I feel pretty proud about that. It’s easy to be intimidated from outside sources, but if you can take the chance to come in, most people are pleasantly surprised,” Walton says.
Though As an instructor, he loves seeing people get past their fears when it comes to movement, and as co-director of training he’s passionate about seeing new instructors find their own stride.
“We work hard to support them, and to keep the reputation of Shred415 at the level of expectation we have built up in Chicago. It’s a very satisfying experience,” he says. “Not a lot of fields allow you to see this transformation or have that rewarding experience. To have those aspects and be good at what I do and encourage people to get better is just the best thing for me. I love it.”
Shred415 was created by Chicago fitness experts Bonnie Micheli and Tracy Roemer, who bring more than 20 years of fitness-training experience to Shred415’s seven locations. Jeremy Walton has been a nationally certified personal trainer for 14 years. He is also featured in the Bosu Xplode DVD series, is a Lululemon ambassador, and is an associate board member of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
Chicago’s Best Spa Services for Men
By Kelly Daly
Spa Space
Spa Space has a holistic approach to their business, meaning they prioritize the treatment of both the mind and body during their services. Men leave rave reviews for their “fitness facial," which is uses a glycolic solution customized to fit each individual client's skin and help with anti-aging. Find out more about all of their men's services here:
HALO
With five locations in the Chicago area, one of which is in the Ogilvie Train Station, perfect for men on the go, HALO is an easy to reach, comprehensive salon for men in and around the city. Their haircuts come with serious perks, such as a conditioning treatment, scalp massage, hand massage and a paraffin hand wax at no extra cost. Additionally, men can get a free touch-up within two weeks, making it easy to maintain their quality cut.
316 Club Barber Spa
Men who care as much about the salon experience as much as the actual service will love 312 Club Barber Spa, Clients can enjoy a complimentary beverage from the on-site bar, and shoot pool in the lounge before or after their services.
Membership packages are available for frequent spa-goers, but they aren’t required, so men can walk in and schedule a salon or spa services whenever he sees fit.
