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Von Freeman and his quartet hold Tuesday night "Express Yourself" jazz sessions from 10:30 p.m. to the early morning hours. After listening to Von's gold-plated tenor saxophone scour every harmonic angle on a stretched-out song for 40 or so minutes, you may miss "Von's Break," where he'll finally stop playing, open his eyes, take in a few breaths, let out a witty (sometimes self-effacing) remark and plunge right into the next song. A beloved tradition at the New Apartment Lounge for more than a decade, Freeman's quartet plays to a racially and age-diverse crowd of neighborhood regulars who are never shy about their vocal support of "Vonski." Arriving 30 minutes or so before the session starts is a good idea, as the 15-20 people lined up alongside this club's intimate main room--there are two others--will surely tell you. Always friendly and informal to the max, the atmosphere of the New Apartment Lounge--which never charges a cover or requires a minimum drink purchase--makes it all happen. From the guy leaning on the jukebox directly behind Von to the "take-no-stuff-from-nobody" bartender keeping the spirits flowing, this South Side celebration of jazz will make you celebrate life.

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Chatham/Avalon Park music venues, Park Manor/Grand Crossing music venues, Chatham/Avalon Park clubs, Park Manor/Grand Crossing clubs, Jazz music venues