The Chicago Symphony Center was completed in 1997 and serves as both home to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and as a place visitors can come to be educated and entertained daily. The Lyric Opera performs eight different productions each season in the recently renovated Civic Opera House. In addition to these two music giants, there are famous Blues and jazz clubs all over the city, and venues for live bands of every musical persuasion.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra - 
Orchestra Hall-Symphony Center, 
220 S. Michigan Avenue, 
312.294.3000. 
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra began in 1891, the first year in what is now over a century of classical musical performances. The orchestra continues its second century in Chicago in Symphony Center, home to Buntrock Hall (a rehearsal and performance space), ECHO, a new interactive education center and a newly renovated Orchestra Hall.

Lyric Opera of Chicago 
Civic Opera House, 
20 N. Wacker Dr., 
312.332.2244. 
The Lyric Opera of Chicago began as the Lyric Theatre in 1954 and was renamed before the beginning of the 1956 season. In its 45 years it has performed to international acclaim in the beautiful Civic Opera House, opened in 1929 and recently renovated to the tune of $100 million. Regardless of the language of the current performance, English translations are visible above the stage.

Buddy Guy’s Legends 
745 Wabash Avenue, 
312.427.0333. 
Owner and legendary blues musician, Buddy Guy can occasionally be found performing here and the music is consistently good. Legends is located in the South Loop, and you can take in a game of pool or sit down to southern barbecue fare while enjoying the music Chicago is known for.

Kingston Mines 
2548 N. Halsted, 
773.477.4647.
Located north of the Loop, this is one of the oldest blues clubs in the city. Big-name talent performs on two stages during the weekends, and Doc’s serves up barbecue and fried fare.

Green Mill 
4802 N. Broadway, 
773.878.5552. 
Although this club is north of downtown Chicago, in an area known as Uptown - away from most of the Chicago-area attractions, it’s well worth a visit if you’re a true jazz fan. The Green Mill has provided almost a century of good jazz performances.

Pops for Champagne 
2934 N. Sheffield Ave., 
773.472.1000. 
Great jazz, a good selection of champagne and a mellow, romantic atmosphere make for relaxing evenings here. Snack on appetizers and desserts while you sample the bubbly.