Think way beyond the banjo. This North Side favorite offers everything from global music to critically acclaimed headliners such as Patti Smith. Folk legend Arlo Guthrie and Rickie Lee Jones are two of the highlights for 2019. You’ll get much more of a local vibe at this family-friendly venue in the Lincoln Square (not Lincoln Park)…

Think way beyond the banjo. This North Side favorite offers everything from global music to critically acclaimed headliners such as Patti Smith. Folk legend Arlo Guthrie and Rickie Lee Jones are two of the highlights for 2019. You’ll get much more of a local vibe at this family-friendly venue in the Lincoln Square (not Lincoln Park) neighborhood, seven miles from downtown. World Music Wednesdays nights at 8:30 p.m. are free ($10 donation suggested). Aspiring and professional musicians can take classes at the Center and drop by the music store for books and instruments. You can buy, trade or sell guitars, mandolins and much more.