Nothing like the Real thing
Today if you ride down south Michigan Avenue looking for Chess Records and you are not checking the numbers on the corresponding buildings, there is a chance you might miss the place all together. There is no sign that says Chess Records on the front, no music playing, nope; nothing at all. Just a building next to what looks like a bar and grill.
I did notice a garden next to the building, it had flowers, and a bench; I’m assuming you could sit out there, weather permitting. The day I went, it was not permissible, it was classic hoodie, windbreaker, my- kind- of perfect fall weather. I found discreet parking, in hopes of eluding the boot people, fed the parking meter, and walk to the door. This is where I met Kevin, he informed me since my interview was informal, that I had to pay the standard 10 bucks for adults (5 bucks for kids).
Once inside, you go pass the small gift shop area, up the stairs to the gallery, where you see pictures, and memorabilia of the past greats. There is a one hour documentary highlighting the legacy of the building and the people who recorded there.
I wasn’t really interested in the video, besides I got there late, just about when the video was about the end, so I would have had to watch the next filming by myself. Probably wouldn’t make much of difference, there were only four people present at the previous viewing. Kevin told me the place gets about 20 people a day, but based on its history and importance, I thought they should be getting more vistors than that.