Miracle on 43rd Street

One cold Saturday night, back in 1981, the faithful braved the wind and trekked down to the heart of the South Side, 43rd Street and Martin Luther King Drive. All who know Chicago, would also recognize that there was more than just the weather to brave in those parts at the time. But Muddy Waters was playing Checkerboard Lounge that night, and it was worth the trip.

The original lounge was small and decrepit, it barely sat 30 people and had standing room for maybe 30 more, yet the choicest table right in front of the stage was being kept empty when the first set started. In the middle of the set, a group of people was ushered into the club, and the rest is history.

( effing unbelievable )