The Chicago Blues Fest takes place this weekend, from Friday, June 12th through Sunday, June 14th, 2009 and if you're anywhere within driving distance of the Windy City, you'll want to be there!
This year's Chicago Blues Fest will feature 90 performers appearing on six stages in the city's Grant Park. Among the notable performers confirmed for the event – the largest free blues music festival in the world – are blues harp master Charlie Musselwhite, Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials, phenomenal blues guitarist Lurrie Bell, talented pianist Eden Brent, and David "Honeyboy" Edwards, the last of the original Delta bluesmen.
The list above just scratches the surface, as there are lots of other talents performing this weekend, including blues guitarists Lil' Dave Thompson and Travis "Moonchild" Haddix, R&B shouter Sharon Jones with her band the Dap-Tones, and many more. It's a daunting list of performers, to be sure, and the Reverend has worked with the About.com Chicago guide Jennifer Roche to offer you our top picks for this year's Chicago Blues Fest.
Need to know more about the Chicago Blues Fest? Jennifer also has this guide to the festival, which includes a complete day-to-day schedule and other information you'll need to "get your mojo working."
Related Content:
Chicago Blues Fest 2009 – Get Your Mojo Working
Chicago Blues Fest 2009 – Top Picks
Charlie Musselwhite photo courtesy The Rosebud Agency
Comments
Hi, I am from Millennium Garages (Four garages under Millennium and Grant Park) and you shouldn’t be the ones singing the blues when it comes to parking at this year’s Blues Fest.
Parking for only $25 at the Millennium Park and East Monroe garages should be music to your ears with easy-in/easy-out access right under all the action. For directions, check out millenniumgarages.com or call 312.616.0600.
I saw Charlie play at the Chicago Blues Fest this past weekend–an amazing performance! Question though–who is the young guy on lead guitar for Charlie now? He sort of stole the show. He was amazing. It’s not the Chris Anderson… This guy was gooood…and charlie gave him a lot of freedom. It really made Charlie more of a band and was super enjoyable. But I can’t find any info on the guitarist. ?
This was first time attending the Chicago Blues Festival. It was an outstanding week. I think the big hit of the 1st day was Mud Morganfied and Big Bill Morganfield playing with the Legenday Pinetop Perkins and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith. They performed an outstanding set and energized the crowd from the opening riff. Later that evening I was just as fortunate to see another Chicago Legend, Billy Branch. Billy and Diunna Greenleaf walked in to Blue Chicago to perform several songs with Grana Louise. Billy and Diunna had come from Koko Taylor’s service earlier in the evening. The 3 of them on stage brought everyone to their feet while bringing the house down!! Thanks Chicago!!