House of Blues opened its fourth restaurant-concert hall at the base of the famous "corn cob" buildings of Marina City in 1996. Host to a mix of blues, jazz, funk, rap and world musicians of varying notoriety, this spot is also a popular dining spot. HOB's upstairs music hall is decorated with Southern outsider art. Sight lines on the main floor are terrific, sound is almost as stunning, and if you don't mind standing (little seating is available), this is the place to be. There are private boxes reserved for VIPs and industry folks, but standing room in the lower balcony is open.

Don't let the name fool you. Everyone under the sun plays here: hip-hop groups, alterna-rockers, "Behind the Music" bands cashing in and blues giants like R.L. Burnside, Taj Mahal

The House of Blues often books acts that attract a younger crowd; all-ages and 18 and up shows are common

Don't miss the Sunday Gospel Brunch with seatings at 9am and noon. It's $38 (ages 12 and up); $15 for kids (6-12); free for kids under 6 and includes an all-you-can-eat buffet, gospel performance, tax, tip, coffee and juice