DCASE Presents THE 34TH CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL – Preview

The city of Chicago will celebrate its rich musical heritage with the 34th Annual Chicago Blues Festival, taking place from Friday, June 9 to Sunday, June 11 at Millennium Park. The festival’s performers represent a variety of genres influenced by the blues, including R&B, rock and hip hop.

Friday evening’s performances will begin with a set from John Primer and the Real Deal at 5:00 PM at the Pritzker Pavilion. Primer, now the leader of his own group, was the guitarist and bandleader for Chicago blues legends Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters. Following Primer is the Grammy award-winning rapper Rhymefest. Blues harmonica player Billy Branch will end the night with a set celebrating the 40th anniversary of his band the Sons of Blues.

Multi-instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens performs on Sunday. Photo: John Peet

Scroll down to find our interviews with artists performing at the festival, including Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith, Wallace Coleman, and more

Chicago Blues Festival
Gary Clark Jr.'s unique sound draws from blues, rock, and soul music. Photo: Chicago DCASE

Saturday’s performances at the Pritzker Pavilion will highlight the influence of the blues on soul and R&B music. The night kicks off with sets from Mississippi-born soul singer Nellie “Tiger” Travis and contemporary blues group Theo Huff and the New Agenda Band. Saturday’s headliner is the legendary soul singer William Bell. The longtime Stax Records recording artist, best remembered for his hit singles in the ‘60s and ‘70s, recently won a Grammy for his 2016 album This is Where I Live.

Sunday’s lineup includes Chicago blues guitarist Ronnie Baker Brooks and singer, violinist, and banjoist Rhiannon Giddens. Taking the stage at 7:40 PM is blues rock guitarist Gary Clark Jr. Hailing from Austin, Texas, Clark is one of the leading figures in contemporary blues music, blending traditional elements of the genre with rock, soul, and hip hop.

The festival's full schedule includes daytime performances at stages throughout Millennium Park.

When:

Friday, June 9th
11:15 AM to 9:20 PM

Saturday, June 10th
11:15 AM to 9:30 PM

Sunday, June 11th
11:15 AM to 9:30 PM

Where:

Millennium Park
201 E. Randolph St.
Michigan Ave. & Columbus Ave.
Chicago, IL 60601

Tickets:

All events are free to the public.

Share this:
  • Chicago Blues Festival Preview: Joe Pratt & the Source One Band – Interview

    BLUES FESTIVAL PREVIW: JOE PRATT

    DCASE presents the Chicago Blues Festival from June 9 to June 11 in Millennium Park. Bassist Joe Pratt, interviewed here, performs on Saturday at 5:15 PM.

    Read more..
  • Chicago Blues Festival Preview: Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith – Interview

    BLUES FESTIVAL PREVIEW: KENNY "BEEDY EYES" SMITH

    DCASE presents the Chicago Blues Festival from June 9 to June 11. Drummer Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith, performing on Saturday, is interviewed here.

    Read more..
  • Chicago Blues Festival Preview: Wallace Coleman – Interview

    DCASE presents the Chicago Blues Festival from Friday June 9 to Sunday June 11. Harmonica player Wallace Coleman, interviewed here, performs on Sunday

    Read more..
  • DCASE Chicago Blues Festival Preview: Nellie Tiger Travis

    BLUES FESTIVAL PREVIEW: NELLIE TIGER TRAVIS

    DCASE presents the 2017 Chicago Blues Festival June 9-11 at Millennium Park. We spoke with Nellie Tiger Travis, a blues and soul singer performing Saturday.

    Read more..

Make a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *