Cheap Eats And Free Live Entertainment From Chicago’s Finest Roots Rocker Joel Paterson In A Historic Suburban Club, FitzGerald’s

Jun 19, 2025 admin_bitlc Features, Local Loop, Music News, Reviews 0

By Kelly Clausen

What to do on a cloudy, rainy Wednesday night in Chicago? How about $5 burgers and a free outdoor concert under a massive new pavilion in Berwyn! This will be the new norm for many as Fitzgerald’s Nightclub in Berwyn is doing just that.

Earlier this year, Fitzgeralds underwent some major changes. One, this grand new pavilion and two, becoming the first music venue in Illinois to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Owners Will Duncan and Jess King worked on this for years after taking over the legendary club solidifying the suburban club’s legacy for all time.

Wednesday night’s are a favorite for us and many others that live in the area. With rising costs of everything, including beef, somehow, Fitzgerald’s is keeping food and entertainment in check by offering $5 burgers (with fries), cheap drink specials and free live entertainment. Tonight, we got up front and personal with front row seats to the outdoor stage and served huge double decker burgers for a night of Western Swing by Joel Paterson.

Paterson, a Chicago staple in the music scene, brought his traveling band of gypsies and played a hour and a half set during a rain storm to a full house of fans.

Americana player Paterson, was joined on stage by fellow roots musicians. It was a supergroup of who’s who that included Alex Hall from The Flat Five on drums, Jonathan Doyle of Naomi & Her Handsome Devils on the sax and Beau Sample from The Hot Club Of Cowtown on the upright bass.

They kicked the night off with a Chicago classic, ‘Route 66’. A fitting song as we’re sitting on the other side of town from the original Rt 66 highway. A song that everyone in the band took control of the wheel for one part or another.

During the night, we heard cover songs and originals by Paterson. He introduced each one, gave a little story about it’s significance and rolled on. Another song in the set included a Beatles cover. A song written by Paul McCartney. He said, “This one goes out to Paul as I know he’s listening, in honor of his birthday.” Today marks McCartney’s 83rd time around the sun.

Joining the band tonight, was impromptu swing dancers. During the jumpin’ songs, pairs of twirling partners spun up and down the stage front like tops. Each receiving their own applause after the songs end.

If you’re ever looking for a reason for a night out midweek this summer, this is it. Good food at a good price, good people and amazing live entertainment at Fitzgerald’s Night Club in Berwyn is the place to be.

For more on Joel Paterson, click here

For more on FitzGerald’s, click here