Together with our guide, we’ll travel via public transportation from the hotel to dive into the heart of Chicago’s music legacy with a visit to the Blues Heaven Foundation, located in the historic Chess Records Building at 2120 S. Michigan Ave., founded by the legendary Willie Dixon.  The bus will drop us a short distance from the museum (about 1 minute walk).
Accessibility Note:  The museum spans two floors connected by a flight of stairs, and there is no elevator.

Step into the only Blues Museum in Chicago, where you’ll experience a guided tour that lasts about an hour. Learn about the Chess brothers, the studio, and the iconic musicians who recorded here, such as Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and Etta James. Stand in the same spot where Chuck Berry recorded “Johnny B. Goode”, and hear song samples recorded at Chess Records, bringing the historic space to life.

There will also be additional time to explore exhibits and the Blues Heaven Gallery, which features photography displays capturing the soul of the Blues. Stop by the small gift shop for CDs, t-shirts, and other memorabilia.

Following the visit, enjoy some birthday cake and an outside blues concert in the adjoining Blues Garden, to celebrate the birthday of Willie Dixon.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the genre, this visit offers a moving journey into the music that shaped Chicago and impacted the world.

After the tour, you’re welcome to explore the surrounding area on your own, enjoy the special birthday concert or return to the hotel with our guide, arriving back at the hotel between 4:30-5:00 PM.

Minimum of 20 participants