It appears that the world famous Artis's Lounge, on the South Side of Chicago, has closed for good. Apparently August 7, 2012 was the last night that Billy Branch and the SOB's had their Monday night jam session. I hear that the owner of the business lost the lease, and had a grandfathered liquor license which did not require food to be served. Since he was leaving and the costs are high to add a kitchen in that location, the long run of this great blues club is over.
I was there that night (got to play a little too). Ronnie Baker Brooks played and was absolutely sensational. I had a feeling while I was there that it might be the last time there on a Monday night, and it was.
