Centerstage - Chicago's Original City Guide

So...you're broke. It's OK to admit it; you're certainly not alone. Gas prices are through the roof, and let's face it, many of us spent our IRS economic stimulus checks before we even got them. But thankfully live music doesn't have to be an additional budget-buster.There are concert options across the city that cost less than a premium beer. Here are a few to check out.

Go global at Old Town School of Folk Music's World Music Series
Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m.; free ticketed event, $5 suggested donation
It's a well-kept secret of the esteemed music school: a weekly music series that alternates between three themed programs throughout the year. The World Music Wednesdays series kicks off on May 28 with 12 weeks of performances ranging from Polynesian dance to Russian folk. Starting in August, the La Pena music series will enter its 13th year of showcasing Latin music and culture: flamenco, salsa, even rock en espanol. The Afrofolk series, starting in the fall, plays host to popular musicians from Africa, the Caribbean and Haiti. The shows often fill up fast, so contact the school's box office a few days beforehand to reserve a ticket.

See tomorrow's hipster darlings today at Metro's Rock Against Recession Series
No cover before 9:30 p.m., $5 after
Metro's sporadic budget concert series debuted back in February in an effort to offer economic relief to Chicago's rock-starved masses. For five dollars, enjoy a full roster of buzz bands while guzzling the venue's drink specials (usually $2-$3 beers) and chomping on free pizza—if you're still around after midnight. Don't fret if you missed the concert series earlier in the year; it's not too late to check out the next Rock Against Recession show on June 18, headlined by DeKalb-based dance-rock band Inspector Owl.

Discover the Double Door's unplugged side at the Dirtroom
$3 cover
Most nights, a decent rock or hip-hop show is sure to be playing at the Double Door. But if too many of those $15 covers are burning a hole in your wallet, head to the Double Door downstairs bar, the Dirtroom, for an acoustic alternative. On selected nights (often Sundays or Mondays) you can catch local musicians performing everything from folk and alt-country to lo-fi indie rock. Check out JT Nero (of local folk/soul outfit JT and the Clouds), headlining on Sunday, June 15 at 9 p.m.

Immerse yourself in late-night jazz at Green Mill
No cover on Friday after 1:30 a.m. and Saturday after 2 a.m.
Uptown's historic Green Mill Lounge is a prime spot to see local jazz greats in their element. But on weekends, the venue reveals its reputation as one of the best places in the city for free live music. On Saturday nights, groove with Sabertooth, the local group that's been holding court at the Green Mill After-Hours Jazz Party for over fifteen years. Be warned; though the Green Mill heats up well after midnight, the place is often packed by 9 p.m. If you dare to show up late, don't expect to get a seat.

Take a chance at Phyllis' Musical Inn
Cover is usually between $3-$5
Remember those grab bags you used to get at birthday parties when you were a kid? Think of this unpretentious dive bar as the grab bag of the Chicago music scene, with a rotating selection of live bands—jazz, hard rock, hip-hop—featured at least five nights a week. Many new bands from Chicago and across the Midwest score their first live gigs here. While that can sometimes lead to an evening of crappy music, you will occasionally stumble upon a undiscovered gem of a band or performer. Phyllis' is really more about atmosphere than music, but broadminded music fans can still come away with an economical night to remember.