All the Kings Men Use Blues Music to Provide Perfect Mid-Week Pick-Me-Up

Blues men King Robinson and Mike Landers bring traditional South Side Chicago bourbon tinged music to suburban Lake County in free weekly Blues Jam. Rotating lineup brings in authentic blues men to outlying audiences, as Housewreckin' Blues Jam of Lake County celebrates one-year anniversary at AJ's Horse Around Lounge in Round Lake Park.

The end of October marks the one-year anniversary of the Housewreckin Blues Jam of Lake County, which takes place every Wednesday at AJs Horse Around Lounge in Round Lake Park. Its an event thats clearly targeted at those over-30 fans who enjoy music at a volume that allows conversation, and its found a eager audience and permanent home at the charismatic pub on Washington Street, right off the beach.

Weve found a really good niche," says guitarist Mike Landers of Grayslake, who orchestrates the weekly free-format show along with vocalist and harmonica player King Robinson of Glenview. This isnt a loud place. We keep the music down to fit the character of the bar."

From the open doors of the inviting roadside retreat, the traditional blues music generated each Wednesday from 7:30 -- 11:00 PM by King Robinson and his men blends into the night air -- a sweet mix with the natural flavors of the landscape. Inside, a long bar winds around the interior. The décor celebrates the flavors of domestic brand barley and hops, although a glance behind the counter assures the ability to satisfy a variety of conventional tastes.

The midweek free blues performance is a perfect attraction for regulars and newbies alike -- anyone who wants to enjoy authentic bourbon-tinged music without venturing to Chicago's South side," explains Landers.

Regular session members bring a collective resume that includes work with such notable blues names as Hound Dog Taylor, Lefty Dizz, Bumble Bee Bob, the Nightcrawlers, Big Shoulders, and the Mansfield Blues Band ensuring a genuine blues experience that pleases casual and devout fans alike.

Up to a dozen musicians are drawn to the stage each week to join in the blues jam, while the Housewreckers regular lineup of Landers, Robinson, veteran Chicago bluesman Bruce Williams, and drummer Jeff Blum and bassman Marty Willis from the local favorite Knucklehead Blues Band provide a steady influence on the ebb and flow of guest players.

Willis strolling bass line provides a casually fluid ambience of a lighthouse in a storm, steady and true throughout the night. Blum on drums dices the beat with creative high hat work balanced with a solid bass drum backbeat and conservative dissection of the snare. Landers plays the guitar with a polished baritone technique, focusing on the midrange with a stylish nod to the techniques of past masters; Williams guitar dances in exciting rhythmic complement.

Regulars who take advantage of the open door policy include Rick Peterson who riffs with lingering wailing notes that punch the air in nimble fingered, muted exclamation on customized guitars made in his Round Lake Beach-based Peterson Stair Company carpentry shop; charismatic Chicago blues guitarist and vocalist Jimmy Sommerfield who ignites the stage with emotional fire; and local drummer Marty Nelson who also serves on the Round Lake Village Board. The combined music library of the core members can keep time with the tastes of guest artists and audience members alike.

Guest musicians are rotated seamlessly in and out, providing a level of quality that may surprise serious blues fans, and ensuring a genuine blues experience in a suburban atmosphere, explains Landers.

The ambience of AJ's Horse Around Lounge and the unobtrusive musicality of the authentic blues jam work in combination. Fans who come out for the music find they enjoy the feel-good bar and come back to horse around" as the inns name encourages. A full slate of regular events and activities includes golf and pool leagues, traditional Bears post-game parties, and a monthly comedy night featuring nationally known stand-up comics.

Multiple televisions, a pool table, dartboards, and a jukebox add to the inviting atmosphere. Like all good Chicago-area taverns, appropriate homage is paid to the local sports franchises. Father and son owners Jan and Bill Baczek have had the tavern in the family for 50 years with the friendly slogan you never know what might happen."

The atmosphere is light. You dont have to be a regular to be included in the fun. Parking is plentiful, and there's literally not a bad seat in the house. Overhead fans partner with the climate control to keep the temperature clean and comfortable.

Its always been a place people like to stop by because you just never know what may happen," says the junior Bzczek from behind the bar. Now, with the blues jam and comedy night and everything else, theres just a lot more happening."

The Housewreckin Blues Jam takes place every Wednesday from 7:30 - 11:00 PM at AJs Horse Around Lounge, 114 West Washington Street, Round Lake Park. Call (847) 546-3314.