Willow Springs
A suburb in the Chicago area
Willow Springs sits along Archer Ave., and its two live-music spots are a study in contrast. Ashbary Coffee House, at 8695 Archer Ave., has been a community fixture since 2006, known for local art, live music, and a loyal following. Upstairs, a cozy concert hall provides the setting for live performances. Open mic runs every Wednesday, with sign-ups at 7pm and the show at 8pm; live bands take the stage Friday and Saturday evenings. The coffeehouse also hosts improv shows, giving local performers multiple formats to work in. A few blocks up Archer, The Irish Legend occupies a building that in the 1920s was reportedly a bordello connected to Al Capone, with a tunnel once running under the avenue to the old Willow Brook ballroom. The pub runs acoustic music on the back patio every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, and hosts a live jazz session on the first Tuesday of each month. Sunday afternoons also bring traditional Irish music from a local group of Irish musicians. Together, the two venues keep Willow Springs' small scene consistently active across the week.
Venues2
- Ashbary Coffee House8695 Archer Ave #1
- The Irish Legend8933 Archer Ave, Willow Springs
