The Kaz Bar @ House of Blues Hotel

Next to the House of Blues, alongside the river and in the heart of Chicago, sits the House of Blues Hotel. Actually this place doesn't just sit, it radiates and pulses with music, exotic architecture and décor.

We really enjoyed visiting here. Our friend from the city bus, "Shawn" directed us to visit the lobby bar --the Kaz Bar. This bar is a colorful place with Middle Eastern fabrics, stained glass windows, canopy-covered couches, towering stone statues - and a perfect spot for a date and live music.

Jen Porter sang for us this night. Jen plays the piano and treated us to her version of a bluesy rock sound, with some distinctive 70's covers. She was fun! Scott said she has a bit of a Janis Joplin feel with her deep voice, but I thought her lyrics reminded me of Sarah McLachlan. She's a very strong woman!
We highly recommend you just go find out for yourself - http://www.jenporter.com/.

On a side note...Jen also plays in a band called Mazel Tov Cocktail. I just love that name.

Truly, though...her bass guitar player was our muse, and so after her show (ending around 1 am) we chatted for a spell and were directed to his next gig. Off we went to hear some more from Smokin' Joe! (For the record, I didn't make that name up, that's what they call him!)