Halsted Harp

If you are looking for free live music and new talent on a thursday evening try the Halsted Harp. Thursdays are their day of open mic and live entertainment. The small, friendly, Irish bar creates a great atmosphere whether you wish to relax and watch the performers or if want to perform yourself. They have cheery staff and all are welcome resulting in interesting and diverse musical styles. This past thursday saw several talented performers take the stage ranging in styles and genres from electric blues, traditional Irish Folk, American Folk, an Indie performance, and even a nostalgic Buddy Holly impersonator dropped in and sang a couple classic songs.

The Halsted Harp's open mic night is ran by Michael 'Fingers' Maloney and he can certainly express himself on the guitar. He has a fairly simple set up, but it allows him to layer his guitar licks in real time so he can subsequently build a song up before your ears by overdubbing. He accomplishes this to great effect. Michael creates a really big, thick, warm sound that he is able to manipulate, which really adds quality to his one man set up. He can really get a full sound out of his system and if you didn't know it was a solo act you may think he had a full band backing him up. 

For a truly fun place to visit with quality musicians and with no shortage of colorful characters to talk to; try the Halsted Harp.