The sun is shining, there is a lightness in the air and kids are celebrating the end of the school year with field day. You know what that means: it’s officially summer! Summer is the season to get outside, spend time with family and friends, and listen to great music. So, why not check out the Chicago Blues Festival? This wonderful festival will combine all the greatest things about summer to create an experience that you’ll cherish forever.
The Chicago Blues Festival will run from Thursday, June 4 to Sunday, June 7 at Ramova Theatre and Millennium Park. That means five days of music and discussion panels to tantalise the senses and nourish the soul! And did you know that entry to the festival is completely free? I know, it’s hard to believe, but it’s true–the Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free Blues festival in the entire world. Some of the highlights this year include Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band, John Primer and Willie Clayton. To browse the full daily schedule, see this link.
If you can’t attend the festival but still want to enjoy some blues music, check out WDCB-FM’s live radio broadcasts that will celebrate the Chicago Blues Festival. These will be held monthly on Bluesday Tuesday and June 4 at noon.
Now to help you decide which musicians to see, Night is Alive will showcase a few of the performers, along with the time and location of their shows:
John Primer
Three-time-Grammy-nominee John Primer will perform on Thursday, June 4 from 7:15-8:30 in the Ramova Theatre. Originally from Mississippi, John Primer is a singer and guitar player known for his role in helping to create the sound and style of the Chicago Blues.
Freddie Dixon Blues Band
The Freddie Dixon Blues Band is a unique blues group that features a violinist and blends the genres of Blues and classical music to offer an unparalleled musical experience. They will be playing on Friday, June 5 from 6:30-7:45 in Rosa’s Lounge (North Promenade) of Millennium Park.
Gerry Hundt Trio
This is another fusion group that mixes Chicago Blues, Surf, Rock, Country and Jazz to produce an unforgettable performance that is tailored to each venue. This trio has performed across Europe and the U.S. If you enjoy Magic Sam, Muddy Waters, Otis Rush and/or Chris Stapleton, then this is the show for you! The Gerry Hundt Trio performs on Saturday, June 6 from 5-6:15 in Rosa’s Lounge (North Promenade).
Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band
The legendary octogenarian Taj Mahal and his three-decade collaborators have made a name for themselves as two-time-Grammy-award-winners with their albums Senor Blues (1997) and Shoutin’ in Key (2000). Now they are taking the stage at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Sunday, June 7 from 7:45-9pm. I’m sure their rich sound and rhythmic synergy will provide an electrifying show you won’t want to miss!
written by Jacqueline Knirnschild
Photo by Anthony DELANOIX on Unsplash
