Hungry Brain

Low-lit, community focused, retro-chic bar and music venue hosting bands and DJs. Established 1996.

[Hungry Brain @HungryBrainChi]

Sunday! Hannah Marks Quartet celebrates the release of their new record Feed the Fire. Set 1: Sarah Clausen Trio opens. Doors 7, Music 9pm.

[Hungry Brain @HungryBrainChi]

Saturday! Paul Asaro Quartet ft. Natalie Scharf — swinging, danceable tunes from the 1920s–40s. Paul Asaro (piano/vocals), Natalie Scharf (sax/clarinet), Joel Paterson (guitar) & Dan Anderson (bass). Doors 6, Music 7pm.

[Hungry Brain @HungryBrainChi]

Friday! The Sidepieces — a rotating cast of Chicago singers and players led by Jordan Martins on pedal steel, exploring country songs both familiar and forgotten. Listening, talking, weeping, dancing, and laughing are all encouraged. Doors 7, Music 9pm.

[Hungry Brain @HungryBrainChi]

Thursday! Russ Johnson’s residency continues with “Puzzle Pieces” — Russ Johnson, Josh Berman & Jeb Bishop (brass); Geof Bradfield, Lenard Simpson & Dave Rempis (woodwinds); Joshua Abrams & Christian Dillingham (bass); Mike Reed & Jeremy Cunningham (drums). Doors 7, Music 9pm.

[Hungry Brain @HungryBrainChi]

Wednesday Night fellowship hosted by Ted Sirota! A jam session for those who don’t hate, but appreciate. House band plays set I and then the open jam session for set II. Doors: 7, Show: 9pm. FREE!

[Hungry Brain @HungryBrainChi]

Sunday! Set 1 with Wayfaring — James Falzone (clarinet) & Katie Ernst (bass, voice). Set 2 with Love Call — Max Bessesen (reeds), Ethan Philion (bass) & Devin Drobka (drums). Doors 7, Music 9pm.

[Hungry Brain @HungryBrainChi]

Saturday! BCMC celebrates Stash, their energy-drenched second album, with the guitar-and-organ duo riding waves of rhythmic turbulence and explosive groove. Plus PXM, the improvisational experimental duo of P. Lesicko & M. Aguilar. Doors 7, Music 9pm

[Hungry Brain @HungryBrainChi]

Thursday! Russ Johnson’s June residency kicks off with Headlands — Russ Johnson (trumpet), Rob Clearfield (keyboard), Matt Ulery (bass) & Jon Deitemyer (drums). Doors 7, Music 9pm.

[Hungry Brain @HungryBrainChi]

Wednesday Night fellowship hosted by Ted Sirota! A jam session for those who don’t hate, but appreciate. House band plays set I and then the open jam session for set II. Doors: 7, Show: 9pm. FREE!

[Hungry Brain @HungryBrainChi]

Sunday! Set 1 with Jim Baker (solo piano). Set 2 with Stein / Smith / Shead — Jason Stein (bass clarinet), Damon Smith (bass) & Adam Shead (drums). Doors 7, Music 9pm.

[Hungry Brain @HungryBrainChi]

Saturday! Bricktown Sound dance party with Vibes on Logan Featuring D.R.E.A.M. & Shazam Bangles. Doors: 7, Music: 9pm. FREE!

[Hungry Brain @HungryBrainChi]

Friday! We open at 7pm. Great tunes. Come hang!

[Hungry Brain @HungryBrainChi]

Thursday! You, Me, Them, Everybody Live hosted by Brandon Wetherbee with co-host Esmeralda Leon. Guests include Jen Bosworth-Ramirez, Joe Kilgallon & James Swanberg. The long-running podcast series has featured over 900 episodes and 900 guests since 2008. Doors: 6:30pm, Show: 7pm

[Hungry Brain @HungryBrainChi]

Wednesday Night fellowship hosted by Ted Sirota! A jam session for those who don’t hate, but appreciate. House band plays set I and then the open jam session for set II. Doors: 7, Show: 9pm. FREE!

[Hungry Brain @HungryBrainChi]

Sunday! Set 1: Darren Johnston’s Chicago Knockabouts — Darren Johnston (trumpet), Jon Irabagon & Dave Rempis (reeds), and Tim Daisy (drums). Set 2: Paul Bedal Quartet featuring Greg Ward (alto saxophone), Paul Bedal (piano), Matt Ulery (bass) & Quin Kirchner. Doors 7, Music 9pm.

[Hungry Brain @HungryBrainChi]

Thursday! J0Y. — Matthew Davis (plants, electronics) presenting electro/acoustic sonic alchemy blending synthesizers, vocals, live instruments, biosonification, and visuals into immersive landscapes for body, spirit, and mind. Doors 7, Music 9pm.

[Hungry Brain @HungryBrainChi]

Wednesday Night fellowship hosted by Ted Sirota! A jam session for those who don’t hate, but appreciate. House band plays set I and then the open jam session for set II. Doors: 7, Show: 9pm. FREE!

[Hungry Brain @HungryBrainChi]

Saturday! The Bread and Butter Band — Peter Cunningham (guitar, vocals), Steve Strunk (drums, vocals), Jim Fujimoto (bass), Vince Varco (piano) & Rich Parenti (sax, vocals). A longtime Chicago group blending jazz, blues, & classic rock.Doors: 6:30, Music: 7pm

[Hungry Brain @HungryBrainChi]

Thursday! Matthew Muñeses / Arman Sangalang Quartet — Matthew Muñeses (asx), Arman Sangalang (tsx), Sam Peters (bs) & Dana Hall (dr/cy). Two standout Chicago saxophonists bringing lyrical, groove-driven, and exploratory jazz to the stage. Doors 7, Music 9pm.

[Hungry Brain @HungryBrainChi]

Wednesday Night fellowship hosted by Ted Sirota! A jam session for those who don’t hate, but appreciate. House band plays set I and then the open jam session for set II. Doors: 7, Show: 9pm. FREE!