Chicago Bluesfest Returns For 34th Year, Announce 2017 Lineup & Schedule

Mar 28, 2017 James Currie Features, Music News, Reviews 0

---

34^th ANNUAL CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL LINEUP CELEBRATES THE INFLUENCE OF URBAN BLUES ON ROCK, R&B, RAP AND HIP HOP IN MILLENNIUM PARK, JUNE 9–11

 

The City of Chicago is pleased to announce the full lineup of the 34th Annual Chicago Blues Festival happening June 9–11 in its new home in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.) – the city’s premier outdoor music venue. In 2017, the festival is celebrating the influence of the urban blues with performances by the genre’s leading artists that include traditional blues, soul, R&B, hip hop and more on four stages and multiple entertainment areas in the park and throughout the city. For the complete Chicago Blues Festival schedule of artists and preview events and performances, visit chicagobluesfestival.us.

The festival headliners performing on the main stage at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion over the three days include: Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues, Rhymefest, John Primer and The Real Deal, Nellie “Tiger” Travis, William Bell, Gary Clark Jr., Rhiannon Giddens, Ronnie Baker Brooks and Theo Huff and the New Agenda Band. Performances at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage run from 5 to 9:30 p.m. each evening.

Friday, June 9 – Jay Pritzker Pavilion

On opening night in Millennium Park on Friday, June 9, the festival will celebrate the 40^th anniversary of Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues. For this special performance, blues harpist and three-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated artist Billy Branch is bringing together many of the artists who have been part of the band since the first 1977 performance in Berlin, Germany. The set will include a special tribute to the legendary harpist James Cotton who was a mentor to Branch.

GRAMMY® and Oscar Award-winning artist Che “Rhymefest” Smith will perform an opening night tribute to the influence that blues music has had on hip hop. During his set, he will be joined by Billy Branch. Rhymefest grew up on Chicago’s south side and in 2005, he won a GRAMMY® Award for co-writing the legendary hit record “Jesus Walks,” performed by longtime friend Kanye West. In 2015, Smith co-wrote “Glory” alongside John Legend and Common for the 2014 motion picture Selma which received the 2015 Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Two-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated artist and American blues legend John Primer and The Real Deal will kick off the evening’s performances. John Primer was the bandleader and guitarist for Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon and Magic Slim & The Teardrops. Primer’s personal accolades include a Lifetime Achievement Award that reflects his countless contributions to the history of Chicago blues.

Saturday, June 10 – Jay Pritzker Pavilion

The Festival is thrilled to welcome Stax legend and soul star William Bell, who is back on top with a 2017 GRAMMY® Award win for his album This is Where I Live, his first major release in four decades.  The renowned singer-songwriter was honored in 2016 with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting at the 15^th Annual Americana Honors Awards Show and also inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.

Theo Huff and the New Agenda Band will bring their contemporary soul-blues style to the festival stage. Theo Huff began his career in musical theater productions, working with Ms. Jackie Taylor at the Black Ensemble Theater and his southern-soul sound was influenced by Bobby Rush, Tyrone Davis, Will Clayton and others.  This dynamic combination of talents establishes him as a blues artist on the rise.

Opening the evening’s performances is Mississippi native, Nellie “Tiger” Travis, a southern soul diva with a bold voice making her an undeniable force in the Chicago blues community. Early in her career, KoKo Taylor was a major influence, mentor and friend. Earlier this year she made her late night TV debut by performing her 2008 hit “Slap Yo’ Weave Off” on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Sunday, June 11 – Jay Pritzker Pavilion

Blues rock musician and Texas native Gary Clark Jr. will close the festival on Sunday evening with his electrifying energy and soulful sounds. Recently wowing at the 2017 GRAMMY® Awards with his performance with William Bell, he recently released a new live album Live/North America 2016 that features all new and unreleased live recordings including the songs “The Healing” and “My Baby’s Gone.”

Rhiannon Giddens last performed at the Chicago Blues Festival in 2014 with the Carolina Chocolate Drops. On February 24, her follow-up album Freedom Highway will be released, including nine original songs Giddens wrote or co-wrote along with a traditional song and two civil rights-era songs – “Birmingham Sunday” and the Staple Singers’ well-known single “Freedom Highway,” from which the album takes its name.  Chicago artist, Ronnie Baker Brooks will open the final evening with new material from his first release in 10 years, Times Have Changed, along with fan favorites.

Day Stages

The popular day stages contribute to the festival’s reputation as an internationally acclaimed event. Each stage features local and national blues musicians celebrating the genre’s rich tradition and heritage. Stages and performance times are: Budweiser Crossroads stage on the South Promenade, 11:15 a.m.–6:15 p.m.; the Mississippi Juke Joint stage on the North Promenade, 11:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. and the Front Porch stage on the Harris Theater Rooftop, noon–5:15 p.m.

The Budweiser Crossroads stage will feature a lineup of local and national artists. On Friday, June 9, longtime Chicago blues vocalist Mary Lane and the No Static Blues Band will hit the stage at 12:45 p.m. and fans won’t want to miss the smooth blues of guitarist Guy King at 5:15 p.m. to close the day. On Saturday, June 10, Chicago Wind with Matthew Skoller and Deitra Farr will kick the day off at 11:15 a.m. with performances all day ending with a Southside Tribute to Killer Ray Allison with Joe Pratt & The Source One Band and JoJo Murray at 5:15 p.m. On Sunday, June 11, Wisconsin artists The Blues Disciples with special guests Ms. Erica Johnson and Milwaukee Slim start at 12:45 p.m. Rounding out the lineup on Sunday is the tiny body with the big voice, Melivia “Chick” Rodgers at 5:15 p.m.

The Mississippi Juke Joint stage kicks-off on Friday, June 9, with Blues in the Schools with Katherine Davis and Stone Academy at 11:30 a.m. Performances on opening day include Chicago blues artist, Jarekus Singleton at 4 p.m. followed by a jam session with Cedric Burnside at 5:30 p.m. On Saturday, June 10, at 2:30 p.m. Donda’s House and AARP presents Bridges to the Blues featuring original music inspired by Chicago blues music. The artists performing will be selected at a showcase on May 30 at the Chicago Cultural Center with Che “Rhymefest” Smith. At 5:30 p.m. the day’s finale is a one of a kind jam session with Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith. On Sunday, June 11, the day will begin with a panel discussion and tribute to blues aficionado, radio host and co-founder of Living Blues Magazine Amy Van Singel at 11:30 a.m., followed by a full day of the Delta blues.

The Front Porch will start each day at noon, and on Friday, June 9, highlights include Henry Gray and Bob Corritore at 2:45 p.m. and at 4:15 p.m. a Tribute to Barrelhouse Chuckfeaturing Billy Flynn, Johnny Iguana, Roosevelt Purifoy and Piano Willie OShawny. On Saturday, June 10, at 1:20 p.m, fans of Eddie Taylor, Sr. will enjoy a tribute to the bluesman by his son, Eddie Taylor, Jr. followed by the Jimmy Johnson Band at 2:45 p.m. The Como Mamas will bring their deep soul-gospel sound to the Porch on Sunday, June 11 at noon. The three friends from Como, Mississippi have been singing together since they were young girls at the Mt. Mariah Church. The stage will wrap up on the final day with Wallace Coleman at 4:15 p.m.

Preview Performance and Film Screenings

Leading up to the Chicago Blues Festival, during May and June, there will be several preview performances and film screenings at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.) and at Daley Plaza (50 West Washintion). Nellie “Tiger” Travis performs on Monday, May 8, and The Mike Wheeler Band on Monday, May 15, at noon in the Chicago Cultural Center’s Randolph Square.  On Monday, May 22, at 6pm, there will be a special screening of Willie Dixon and the New Generation of Chicago Blues, followed on Monday, June 5, at 6pm, with a special screening of Sam Lay In Bluesland – both in the Chicago Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater. The “official” Chicago Blues Festival preview on Daley Plaza will take place Monday, June 5, at noon featuring Chicago Wind with Matthew Skoller and Deitra Farr. For Complete details, visit chicagobluesfestival.us.

Brides to the Blues Showcase featuring Rhymefest

On Tuesday, May 30, from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Chicago Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater, young musicians will take part in the Bridges to the Blues Showcase presented by Donda’s House and AARP – and featuring GRAMMY® and Oscar Award-winning artist Che “Rhymefest” Smith. Multigenerational artists will create original music – inspired by the Blues – for a chance to perform at the Chicago Blues Festival. For details, visit dondashouseinc.org.

Blues fans wanting to get up close and personal with artists won’t want to miss the Southwest Airlines® Blues Lounge. The lounge provides an area for festival goers to relax and listen to music and stories from the heart throughout the day from 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

The festival will also feature an entertainment programmed by the Blues Kids Foundation and the Windy City Blues Society. The Blues Kids Foundation area offers harmonica lessons and performances by the next generation of blues artists. The Windy City Blues Society, a festival favorite over the past few years, features an eclectic lineup of artists from Chicago and around the country.

The 34^th Annual Chicago Blues Festival is presented by the City of Chicago and produced by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events along with the following sponsors: Budweiser, Chicago Jazz Magazine, Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago Tribune, CLTV-ChicagoLand’s Television, Communications Direct, Humana, Millennium Garages, Visit Mississippi, Rosa’s Lounge, Southwest Airlines, St. Louis CVB, WGN-TV and 93XRT.

For more complete details and festival schedule, please visit chicagobluesfestival.us, and join the conversation on Facebook (Chicago Blues Festival) and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ChicagoDCASE (#ChicagoBluesFestival). To plan your trip to Chicago for the Blues Festival, visit choosechicago.com.

34^th Annual Chicago Blues Festival Schedule

*Schedule & Times Subject To Change

Friday, June 9

Jay Pritzker Pavilion

5–6 p.m.                                              John Primer and The Real Deal

6:20–7:05 p.m.                                   Rhymefest 

7:20–9:30 p.m.                                   Celebrating 40 Years: Billy Branch & The Son of Blues with special guests Lurrie Bell, Freddie Dixon, J.W.S.             Williams, Carlos Johnson, Carl Weathersby, Bill McFarland and Chicago Fire Horns and Mae Koen & The Lights.

 

Budweiser Crossroads Stage (South Promenade)

11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.                        Demetria Taylor

12:45–1:45 p.m.                                  Mary Lane and the No Static Blues Band

2:15–3:15 p.m.                                    Nick Moss Band

3:45–4:45 p.m.                                    The Mike Wheeler Band

5:15–6:15 p.m.                                    Guy King

 

Mississippi Juke Joint (North Promenade)

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.                     Blues in the Schools with Katherine Davis and Stone Academy

1–2 p.m.                                              Eden Brent

2:30–3:30 p.m.                                  Cedric Burnside Project

4–5 p.m.                                              Jarekus Singleton

5:30–7:30 p.m.                                  Jam Session with Cedric Burnside

 

Front Porch Stage (Harris Theater Roof Top)

Noon–1 p.m.                                       Rip Lee Pryor

1:20–2:20 p.m.                                   The Jimmy Burns Band

2:45–3:45 p.m.                                   Henry Gray & Bob Corritore

4:15–5:15 p.m.                                    Tribute to Barrelhouse Chuck featuring Billy Flynn, Johnny Iguana Roosevelt Purifoy and Piano Willie OShawny

 

Saturday, June 10

Jay Pritzker Pavilion (Soul/R&B Night)  

5–6 p.m.                                                Nellie Tiger Travis

6:30–7:45 p.m.                                   Theo Huff and the New Agenda Band

8:15–9:30 p.m.                                   William Bell

 

Budweiser Crossroads Stage (South Promenade)

11:15 a.m. –12:15 p.m.                       Chicago Wind with Matthew Skoller & Deitra Farr

12:45–1:45 p.m.                                  Lynne Jordan & The Shivers

2:15–3:15 p.m.                                    Big Bill Morganfield

3:45–4:45 p.m.                                   Coco Montoya

5:15–6:15 p.m.                                    Southside Tribute to Killer Ray Allison with Joe Pratt & The Source One Band and JoJo Murray

 

Mississippi Juke Joint (North Promenade Tent)

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.                        Panel Discussion: Mississippi Blues Trail 10th Anniversary with Jim O’Neal, Dr. Edgar Smith, Scott Barretta and Alex Thomas

1–2 p.m.                                                 Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

2:30–3:30 p.m.                                    Bridges to the Blues by Donda’s House

4–5 p.m.                                                Vick Allen

5:30–7:30 p.m.                                    Jam Session with Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith

 

Front Porch (Harris Theater Roof Top)

Noon–1 p.m.                                       Khalif Wailin’ Walter

1:20–2:20 p.m.                                   Eddie Taylor, Jr.’s Tribute to Eddie Taylor, Sr.

2:45–3:45 p.m.                                   Jimmy Johnson Band

4:15–5:15 p.m.                                    Harmonica Hinds Quartet

 

Sunday, June 11

Jay Pritzker Pavilion

5–6 p.m.                                              Ronnie Baker Brooks

6:20–7:20 p.m.                                 Rhiannon Giddens

7:40–9:30 p.m.                                 Gary Clark Jr.

 

Budweiser Crossroads Stage  (South Promenade)

11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.                        Tail Dragger and the Allstars

12:45–1:45 p.m.                                  The Blues Disciples with special guest Ms. Erica Johnson & Milwaukee Slim

2:15–3:15 p.m.                                    Vance Kelly and the Backstreet Blues Band

3:45 pm–4:45 p.m.                            Rick Estrin & The Nightcats

5:15 p.m. –6:15 p.m.                           Melvia “Chick” Rodgers

 

Front Porch Stage (Harris Theater Roof Top)

Noon–1 p.m.                                       The Como Mamas

1:20–2:20 p.m.                                   Mud Morganfield Band

2:45–3:45 p.m.                                   Chi-Town Harp Showcase featuring Omar Coleman, Russ Green and Lamont Harris

4:15–5:15 p.m.                                    Wallace Coleman

 

 

Mississippi Juke Joint (North PromenadeTent)

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.                     Panel Discussion: Tribute to Amy Van Singel with Dick Shurman, Jim O’Neal and Rebecca Sive

1–2 p.m.                                              JJ Thames

2:30–3:30 p.m.                                  Zakiya Hooker

4–5 p.m.                                              Denise LaSalle

5:30–7:30 p.m.                                   Jam Session with Eddie Taylor, Jr.

---

---

---