Evanston is gaining a new jazz destination with the upcoming opening of the Local Note Jazz Club. This exciting new venue aims to significantly enrich the city’s live music offerings. Located on Sherman Ave. in downtown Evanston, the Local Note Jazz Club is anticipated to open its doors in late spring, promising a fresh addition to the Evanston jazz scene.
Co-founders Kurt Schauer and Steve Bollinger are bringing this vision to life. Schauer, an Evanston native with a background in illustration and industrial design, felt a strong desire to contribute to his community. The concept for the Local Note Jazz Club began two years ago through conversations with Bollinger, who has been instrumental in making this dream a reality. Their shared vision is to create a special place for music lovers.
A New Intimate Music Venue: The Local Note Jazz Club
The Local Note Jazz Club will occupy a modest 800-square-foot space, designed to hold approximately 45 patrons. This intimate size is a deliberate choice, intended to foster a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for all who visit. Situated in a downtown Evanston alleyway between Guzman y Gomez and Saville Flowers, the location of the Local Note Jazz Club adds to its unique charm, promising a cozy environment for enjoying music.
Curated Performances and Local Flavors at the Local Note Jazz Club
The programming at the Local Note Jazz Club will prominently feature local talent. Weekdays will highlight Evanston’s own musicians, showcasing emerging artists from the area. Weekends will welcome regional performers from the greater Chicago area. Chris Anderson, who managed Chicago’s renowned Green Mill cocktail bar for nearly 12 years and also manages the Fulton Street Collective, will serve as the talent buyer. His extensive network and experience will be invaluable in recruiting top-tier performers for the Local Note Jazz Club. Sundays may even host jam sessions, offering further opportunities for musical exploration and interaction.
Crafting a Unique Atmosphere at Local Note
The Local Note Jazz Club plans to offer carefully crafted cocktails, with a focus on using local ingredients. Schauer’s artistic background significantly influences the club’s design, aiming for an inviting and intimate atmosphere that enhances the overall experience beyond just the music. The Local Note Jazz Club is dedicated to creating a memorable sensory journey for every guest.
Enhancing Evanston’s Trending Scenes with the Local Note Jazz Club
Evanston already boasts a vibrant arts community, and the city shows a strong demand for more cultural venues. The Local Note Jazz Club will join existing music spots like Studio5 Performing Arts Center, Donovan’s Garage, and the diverse SPACE venue. By adding a distinct jazz flavor to the city, the Local Note Jazz Club aims to expand downtown Evanston nightlife and support the growing interest in live jazz performances. This new establishment contributes to the trending music scenes and offers a dedicated space for jazz enthusiasts, as well as attracting those seeking new music venues and vibrant nightlife experiences.
A New Note in Chicago’s Music Landscape at the Local Note Jazz Club
The connection to Chicago is significant, as many regional acts performing at the Local Note Jazz Club will come from the city, and talent buyer Chris Anderson has deep roots in its legendary jazz scene. While a distinct entity, the establishment of the Local Note Jazz Club reflects a broader trend of cities like Evanston becoming hubs for quality live music. This endeavor promises to be a notable addition, resonating with the local community and enriching the Chicago jazz musicians‘ performance opportunities. Evanston can look forward to a new jazz sanctuary at the Local Note Jazz Club, offering great music, excellent drinks at this craft cocktail bar, and an intimate setting at one of the newest intimate music venues. The opening of the Local Note Jazz Club represents a fresh chapter for local culture and live jazz performances.


