BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Jubilee Showcase In Chicago, the sweet sound of gospel music could be heard on Jubilee Showcase, a popular local TV show that ran from 1963 to 1984. A new DVD, Classic Moments in Jubilee Showcase, captures outstanding performances by the most famous gospel artists of all time, including the Staple Singers (photo), Andrae Crouch, Soul Stirrers, Jessy Dixon, Inez Andrews and more!

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: A Visit to Maxwell Street  Chicago blues was born on the gritty avenues of the Maxwell Street Market.   Photographer Tom Smith documented the open-air marketplace for 30 years. Take a trip back in time to see the vendors, hustlers, preachers and especially the musicians of the long gone original Maxwell Street Market.

FEATURE: Welcome Buddy and Hopkins! The further misadventures of Buddy and  Hopkins will be featured regularly on our website, starting this month, thanks to talented artist Jason Nocera. Click on the photo for the first installment.

FEATURES: Interview with Big Llou Johnson  "Bringing sexy back to the blues"  The voice of B.B. King's Bluesville radio network releases his debut blues CD.

Ring in the New Year with the Blues!  Blues clubs and other venues offer deals that won't give your wallet the blues.

FEATURE: Is Candye Kane the "Toughest Girl Alive"? In this interview with the colorful and outspoken blues belter, songwriter and actress, Candye speaks frankly about her unique life and career. She will perform at SPACE in Evanston on Sept. 15

FEATURE: Interview with the Holmes Brothers  Wendell Holmes, Sherman Holmes and Popsy Dixon have triumphed over adversity with help from the uplifting music and message they bring to audiences around the world. Was it divine intervention that first brought this band of brothers together and has kept them going for over 40 years?

FEATURE: Interview with Tab Benoit  Cajun bluesman Tab Benoit gives voice to the Louisiana wetlands and serves up some Medicine, on his hot new CD.

FEATURE: Beyond the Blues Fest 2011 Our top picks on where to hear the blues in the city and suburbs before, during and after the Chicago Blues Festival. Catch top blues artists like Tail Dragger (photo) at clubs after Grant Park closes each night.

FEATURE: Interview with Holle Thee Maxwell  Combining sexiness with sass, this Chicago blues/R&B diva commands the stage in her own unique style. Catch her at two shows during Chicago Blues Fest week.

FEATURE: Interview with Andre Williams  Chicago music icon to give FREE concert at Milliennum Park May 30. Whether he's urging you to "Shake a Tailfeather" or get greasy with "Bacon Fat," Andre Williams is first and foremost an entertainer for all seasons.

FEATURE: Interview with Ronnie Baker Brooks Carrying the torch and infusing new energy into the blues, the son of blues legend Lonnie Brooks is featured on a heralded new tribute album. Catch the Brooks family at two major events during Blues Festival week in Chicago.

Interview with Marcia Ball The party's still going on for veteran blues/boogie pianist Marcia Ball. The Louisiana native brings her "Roadside Attractions" to Chicago for an intimate show.

FEATURES: So Many Roads,  Blues Poetry by George Kalamaras.  This internationally-known, award-winning poet kicks off his series with  tributes to Buddy Guy and Koko Taylor and more music legends.

FEATURES: We celebrate Black History Month 2011 with The Illustrated History of the Blues  Artist Dan Bellini recalls Depression era blues men Tampa Red (photo), Roosevelt Sykes, Peetie Wheatstraw, Big Joe Williams and more.

FEATURES: Inside the Blues with  Liz Mandeville.  Blues musician Liz takes us behind the Chicago blues scene and beyond with her very personal column. Luther Allison, Zora Young, Mark Wydra, Tab Benoit, Tommy Castro & more.

FEATURES: Kenny Smith talks about Louisiana Stomp Swamp  Chicago blues drummer Kenny Smith co-produced the talent-filled benefit CD, Louisiana Swamp Stomp, a collaboration between New Orleans and Chicago musicians. All those involved in the project donated their time and talent to this worthy cause.

FEATURES: Interview with Eric Bibb Troubador Eric Bibb's chance encounter with the "holy relic" of the blues inspires a tribute to Delta legend Booker White.

FEATURES: Interview with Uptown Sounds' frontman JC Brooks     No matter what you call their soulful sound, this is one band guaranteed to get you dancing!

FEATURES: interview with Mississippi Heat's Pierre Lacocque A gentleman and a scholar with an extraordinary background, this bandleader/songwriter and harp player is not your typical blues artist. After four decades of playing the blues, Lacocque is living his dream with Mississippi Heat

FEATURES: Interview with Shemekia Copeland Blues singer Shemekia Copeland, now a Chicagoan,  rings in the New Year with awards, acclaim and a career retrospective CD. And she’s only 31.  Shemekia carries the blues torch into the future, while remembering the past.

FEATURES: Interview with Tom Holland  Guitarist/vocalist Holland is relatively young to have such an impressive blues resume. A member of James Cotton's touring band, Holland is now a part of the legend's critically acclaimed new CD, Giant.

FEATURES: Interview with Janiva Magness Her life is a dream come true thanks to the blues, hard work, perseverance, positivity. She's second female artist in history to win a BMA for Entertainer of the Year. Koko Taylor was the first

FEATURES: Interview with Harper  Blind Pig recording artist from the land down under blends native sounds with soul grooves and blues harp to create his unique musical style. Harper raps about didgeridoo, blues, grooves, world music and more.

FEATURES: Interview with George Thorogood  The Delaware Destroyer discusses his early days with Howlin' Wolf, Eddie Shaw and Hubert Sumlin and his stint in baseball.

FEATURES: Interview with Trombone Shorty Shorty shines a light on New Orleans with his musical gumbo and a hit TV show

FEATURES: Interview with Guitar Shorty  There's no slowing down this triple threat guitarist, singer, songwriter and showman, who still feels like he's 19. At age 70, Shorty  has released the best album of his storied career, so far.

FEATURES: The return of Rockin' Johnny.  After a 7-year hiatus, the real deal blues guitar whiz makes a triumphant return, sounding better than ever with a new CD, and a new commitment to make every note count.

FEATURES: Interview with Jonny Lang The former wunderkind, now 29, talks about playing Clapton's Crossroads Fest with Buddy Guy and Ron Wood and how Chicago blues influenced him.

FEATURES: Exclusive interview with Tail Dragger by Liz Mandeville. Part 1. Schooled by Howlin' Wolf, Tail Dragger tells his life story starting on the farm and onto Chicago's roughest blues bars.

FEATURES: BEYOND THE   BLUES FEST 2010 Our top picks on where to hear the blues in the city and suburbs before, during and after the Chicago Blues Festival, from June 7 - June 13.

FEATURES: Dave Weld remembers J.B. Hutto  One of Chicago's most influential slide guitarists and bandleaders, J.B. Hutto passed on his musical legacy and rough 'n' rowdy style to his nephew Lil' Ed and to his protege Dave Weld. The latter recalls adventures with his mentor and his huge influence.

FEATURES: Jammin' The Blues, Chicago Style   Come along to 3 cool jams: Club Blujazz, Hot Dog Jam & Morseland. Plus a total guide to Chicagoland blues jams.

FEATURES: Mardi Gras in Chicagoland Can't make it to New Orleans? Here's where to celebrate Fat Tuesday locally. Laissez les bon temps roulez!

FEATURES: Elvin Bishop & Little Smokey Smothers are Chicago Blues Buddies   Bishop pays for benefit CD to help his friend and mentor

FEATURES: So Many Roads,  Blues Poetry by George Kalamaras.  This internationally-known, award-winning poet kicks off his series with  tributes to Buddy Guy and Koko Taylor.

FEATURES: Inside the Blues with  Liz Mandeville.  Blues musician Liz takes us behind the Chicago blues scene and beyond with her very personal column. Luther Allison, Zora Young, Mark Wydra & more.

FEATURES: Koko Taylor: The Royal Lady remembered. Chicago Blues Guide staff pays tribute to The Queen of the Blues with fond  memories and photos. We remember the good times and her reign.

FEATURES: The Blues As Life's Mission: Koko Taylor, Queen of the Blues by David McGee The undisputed Queen of the Blues is gone but her indelible spirit, influential music, and unique legacy will live on. David McGee hails her life, originality and achievements.

Beyond the Blues Festival 2009: Our top picks on where to hear the blues in the city and suburbs during and after the Chicago Blues Festival, from June 8 - June 16.

FEATURES: Interview with Ronnie Baker Brooks. Blues Royalty: The Next Generation, Part 2.   The son of  Lonnie Brooks, this talented 42-year-old singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer is the torch bearer for the blues. Ronnie talks about his childhood, his dad, Eddy Clearwater, Legendary R&B Revue and Inaugural Day in D.C.

FEATURES: Interview with Ronnie Baker Brooks. Blues Royalty: The Next Generation, Part 1.   The son of  Lonnie Brooks, this talented 42-year-old singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer looks back on a stellar year. Eddy Clearwater, Elvin Bishop and the Legendary R&B Revue are a few of the artists he's been working with.

Mardi Gras in Chicagoland  Can't make it to New Orleans? Here's where to find the beads, blues and gumbo in the city and suburbs.

FEATURES: Film Review. Cadillac Records is pure entertainment, but just don't confuse it with the facts of Chicago's Chess Records music history.

FEATURES: Book Review. Let Your Music Soar: The Emotional Connection by Corky Siegel & Peter Krammer is a fantastic teaching tool for musicians of all levels on the concept of music dynamics.

FEATURES: Nick Moss -- singer, songwriter, guitarist, band leader, label head, producer, family man. No matter which hat he's wearing, Nick is a Chicago blues man to the bone.

FEATURES: Interview with Billy Branch

Harp virtuoso passes the torch to the next generation with Blues in the Schools and recalls the Disneyland days of Chicago blues.

FEATURES: Interview with Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater

 His hot new CD on Alligator is "a dream come true."

Beyond the Blues Festival: Our top choices on where to hear great blues outside of Grant Park