sing your heart out in front of a crowd, karaoke machines and competent hosts await your command at several nightclubs and lounges, including Sluggo’s Bar (2660 W. Lawrence Ave.), Fieldhouse Sports Bar and Grill (3211 E. Sangamon Ave.), and Gas House Lounge (302 S. Dirksen Pkwy.). If you prefer your public performing with instrument in hand, check out the popular open mics around town available most weeknights at various clubs, including Wednesdays at Trail’s End Saloon (Rte. 54, Curran).

For coffeeshop-style acoustic musings try the “Original Acoustic Lunch” at noon week days

at the Trout Lily Café (218 S. Sixth St.) and an authentic Celtic Hooley on the 4th Thursday of each month at Celtic Mist Pub (117. S. Seventh St.). They also have jam sessions on Tuesdays and live music on the 1st Saturday of each month.

For a complete listing of what’s going on around the capital city, check the arts and entertainment listings in Illinois Times, the city’s free weekly newspaper. (Capital City Visitor is published by the same firm.) Look for the numerous IT newsstands throughout downtown, as well as at area hotels, restaurants and government buildings.