Wednesday Night in Chicago at Mrs. Murphy’s: Irish Music with Laurence Nugent and Frank Quinn
Session: Mrs. Murphy's and Son's Irish Bistro
Location: 3905 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL
Day/Time: Wednesday from 7:30 pm -10 pm
Session Leaders: Laurence Nugent and Frank Quinn
When I walk into Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, it feels like stepping through a portal—transforming my everyday life into one of culture, curiosity, and musical adventure. Mrs. Murphy’s has become a cultural hub for the Irish community in Chicago, offering more than just great food and drinks. It’s a place where music, dance, and storytelling come to life, ensuring that Irish traditions are passed down through generations. The bar itself spans two stories, hosting events like swing dancing, trivia, and storytelling nights upstairs, while Irish music sessions bring the downstairs to life.
The session's host, Larry Nugent, is a renowned flute player from County Fermanagh. He has toured with legends like The Chieftains and Van Morrison. His years of performing and teaching have made him a master of his craft, and his warm, inviting presence makes this session such a joy to attend. He's often joined by Frank Quinn, a veteran of Chicago’s Irish music scene and a skilled guitarist. Quinn not only effortlessly backs Larry and the other musicians, but sings Irish songs and ballads, livening up the evening.
Tonight’s Wednesday night session, hosted by Larry Nugent and Frank Quinn, was a special treat, and I was buzzing with excitement. With both hosts being high demand legends in Irish traditional music, the session sometimes has guest leaders sit in. Through a little Facebook sleuthing, I made sure that Larry Nugent was in town and leading the session. Unfortunately, Frank couldn’t be there that night, so it was a small, intimate group of 4-5 musicians. Promptly at 7:30, I nervously took my seat next to my friend Ben Pierro, a bouzouki and mandolin player.
The atmosphere during the session is cozy and relaxed, with an intimate setting allowing everyone to hear themselves clearly. Warm wooden furnishings and Irish memorabilia fill the space, giving it a lived-in, historical feel. There’s even a small grocery corner with Irish imports like Cadbury chocolates and cheeses, adding to the pub’s authentic charm. You can’t help but feel like you’ve stepped into a place where culture is celebrated, not just observed.
Ben Pierro, who’s been attending this session for some time, captures the vibe perfectly: “It’s a smaller, comfortable session. The bar is well-lit, and there’s ample space for the musicians. It’s very welcoming. Even if you only know a few tunes, the session hosts love hearing you play them.” Larry Nugent, a natural teacher, always encourages the musicians to learn and succeed. Ben also mentioned how Larry sometimes plays new tunes several times through, allowing players to learn them by ear—a rare and special experience in Irish sessions.
I’ve always found Larry incredibly welcoming, even when I was new to Irish music sessions. Now that I’m a little more experienced, I can acknowledge that each experience playing with him is a true gift. Larry has an uncanny ability to know when I’m solid enough on a tune that he can add his own harmonizations or intricate improvisations. His eyes light up, and the room buzzes with energy. I never know if Larry’s more thrilled by me holding my own on a tough tune or by the chance for himself to twist and turn the phrases, but it’s always a thrill to ride the roller coaster of a tough tune with him.
In just a few hours, he takes the session on an incredible journey. You can hear the old tradition brought by his father, Seán Nugent, a fiddler who led the Pride of Erin Ceili Band. You hear the improvisations and technical artistry of Seamus Tansey, who influenced his early playing. You'll feel the playful goofiness of someone who grew up playing music with siblings and family friends, but also the technical brilliance of someone who grew up amongst (and himself) All-Ireland Champions.
Larry found his way to America from the North of Ireland in the early 1990s. You can hear a tinge of longing and a hint of a rebel spirit in his heart wrenching rendering of slow airs. In his improvisations, you can hear a clear influence of jazz scales and harmonies, which perhaps Larry picked up during his first years as an immigrant in Greenwich Village. And finally let's not forget the influence of his peers - Jimmy Keene and Liz Carroll - who showed him that Chicago was a town he could thrive in. My first teacher, Conal O'Grada, another flutist from West Cork, dubbed him "Wild Man Larry," for reasons unspoken, but I can say that when I hear Larry Nugent play, I definitely feel as though I'm being taken on a wild adventure.
Transported back to the Wednesday night session at Mrs. Murphy's, you can expect to play a lively mix of reels, jigs, barn dances, and hornpipes. Musicians take turns leading sets, often pausing between tunes for stories and songs. Ben noted that the session offers a unique mix of standards and newer tunes, making it a great place to learn something new. As Ben says, “You don’t need to play blazing fast or have a vast repertoire of tunes. If you have a tune you want to play, play it at your own pace, and we’ll join in with you.” That being said, it is a smaller group, so be prepared to play a few sets well, and record the ones you don't know.
On this particular evening, Ben started a set of Vincent Broderick jigs, which Larry recorded on his album White Island. “Last Train from Loughrea” and “John McHugh’s”. I was struck by the beauty of these slower jigs, the first having multiple parts and the second with a bit of improvisation. Transcripts for these tunes are available in the members only section of the site.
Mrs. Murphy’s itself adds something truly special to the evening. According to owner James Murphy, the main bar was made in Ireland, disassembled, and then reassembled here in Chicago. It’s packed with traditional Irish decor and even a telephone booth full of books (great for kids). The cozy fire place is a nice compliment to their award-winning menu—featuring dishes like Beef and Guinness Stew, Bangers and Mash, and Fish and Chips (fried in beef fat!). Looking around the bar, you'll notice quite a few trophies from their award winning BBQ Ribs. The small grocery is stocked with Irish imports, be sure to peek into the front room of the grocery dedicated solely to Irish whiskey. Plus, parking is a breeze, with a small lot offering free parking just south on the pub on Lincoln next to Martyr's.
This session, like Mrs. Murphy’s itself, is about more than just music. It’s about community, connection, and keeping Irish culture alive. As James Murphy says, “Irish music is something we feel is at the core of a good Irish pub.” Mrs. Murphy’s has created a space where musicians can come together, share their tunes, and build lasting friendships. It’s the kind of session where, even if you haven’t been there in a while, everyone remembers your name and asks how you’ve been.
In the end, Wednesday nights at Mrs. Murphy’s are about being part of something bigger—a tradition that’s been passed down through generations, influenced by immigration, and continues to thrive in the heart of Chicago. So if you’re ever looking for a warm, welcoming session with world-class musicians, Mrs. Murphy’s is the place to be. Grab your instrument, pull up a chair, and join Larry Nugent and Frank Quinn on a wild adventure.
Special Announcement: I have many new posts in the works, including more Chicago Sessions, Ohio Sessions, a trip to New York to explore the connections between jazz and Irish music (inspired by this post), and (my most exciting yet!) an amazing post highlighting the amazing story of Irish mercenaries and the current Irish Trad Scene in Medellín, Colombia. I am in the process of applying for Non-Profit status, but am still accepting donations to fund these projects. Please consider a donation big or small to keep The Trad Tourist adventuring!
