top of page
YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE CHICAGO BLUES SCENE
None of us are free
if one of us is chained
Mavis Staples (Photo by Jennifer Noble)
BLUES UPDATES
Omar Coleman Interview
Chicago's Omar Coleman teamed up with Brazil's Igor Prado to collaborate on their hot, new release Old New Funky and Blue. The result lives up to the album's title with songs that reflect early influences -- like Bobby Rush, Syl Johnson, Junior Wells, Albert King and Albert Collins -- that will help listeners get their groove on. Omar and Igor will join forces again for their album release party at FitzGerald's in Berwyn on May 15, 2026. Bring your dancin' shoes! Story and Ph
27 minutes ago
Chicago Blues Festival 2026 announces lineup
Chicago Blues Festival Thursday – Sunday, June 4 – 7 Millennium Park, 4 stages across the Park Plus: The Ramova Theater at 35th & Halsted and Maxwell Street FREE! ChicagoBluesFestival.us Concerts will also be livestreamed at Youtube.com/ChicagoDCASE City of Chicago Announces 2026 Chicago Blues Festival Lineup June 4–7 Thursday, June 4 - Ramova Theatre Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St., Chicago IL. 60609 5 p.m. - doors 6-10:30 p.m. - panel discussion + double-bill program1
Apr 15
Joanne Shaw Taylor – North Shore Center, Skokie, March 18, 2026
By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria When Joanne Shaw Taylor (JST) was fourteen years old, her dad took her to a B.B. King concert in Birmingham, England. After King’s set concluded, she approached the stage for a souvenir guitar pick. King had none left, but he knelt down to chat with the diminutive fourteen-year-old girl who told him, “I think I’m going to be a blues woman. I’ve been listening and studying hard.” Eighteen months later, she was opening for the Beale Stree
Mar 29
Lil' Ed Interview
Together for 40 years, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials will release their first album in 10 years with a release party at FitzGerald's in Berwyn on Feb. 27, 2026. And we do mean PARTY! Story and Photos: Peter M. Hurley Photo: by Peter Hurley Lil' Ed talks about Slideways , JB Hutto, his songwriting process and more By Peter Hurley We arrange to meet before the gig at “Chicago’s Friendliest Blues Lounge,” Rosa’s Lounge, where Little Ed’ Williams holds down the Thursday night
Feb 23
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOW - April 24, 2026: Devon Allman & Friends, Des Plaines Theater, Des Plaines
Deon Allman's Blues Summit with Larry McCray, Jimmy Hall, Ghalia Volt, Laka Soul
Apr 92 min read
SPRING 2026 CONTEST
Enter to win this fabulous prize package from Buddy Guy! Chicago Blues Guide is celebrating Buddy Guy's 89th Birthday (born July 30, 1936) and the release of his critically acclaimed new album, Ain't Done With The Blues , with a contest! Buddy Guy -- Ain't Done With The Blues YOU CAN WIN: BUDDY GUY'S new album -- Ain't Done With The Blues 1 Buddy Guy's Legends cap 2 Buddy Guy's Legends t-shirt 2 Buddy guitar picks 1 Buddy shot glass ENTER NOW Read our review of Budd
chicagoblueseditor
Sep 28, 2025
CD REVIEWS
Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - April 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for April 2026 Eric Bibb – One Mississippi Repute Records RRCD001 https://reputerecords.com/ Three-time Grammy nominee Eric Bibb casts a magic spell every time he steps in front of a mic, and the acoustic master is at his best with this 13-song release. It transports listeners into the not-too-distant past and the turbulent present, too, as it calls out for peace, justice and unity in a world shattered by mistrust, misunderstanding
Apr 1
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
Joanne Shaw Taylor – North Shore Center, Skokie, March 18, 2026
By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria When Joanne Shaw Taylor (JST) was fourteen years old, her dad took her to a B.B. King concert in Birmingham, England. After King’s set concluded, she approached the stage for a souvenir guitar pick. King had none left, but he knelt down to chat with the diminutive fourteen-year-old girl who told him, “I think I’m going to be a blues woman. I’ve been listening and studying hard.” Eighteen months later, she was opening for the Beale Stree
chicagoblueseditor
Mar 29
BLUES UPDATES
Omar Coleman Interview
Chicago's Omar Coleman teamed up with Brazil's Igor Prado to collaborate on their hot, new release Old New Funky and Blue. The result lives up to the album's title with songs that reflect early influences -- like Bobby Rush, Syl Johnson, Junior Wells, Albert King and Albert Collins -- that will help listeners get their groove on. Omar and Igor will join forces again for their album release party at FitzGerald's in Berwyn on May 15, 2026. Bring your dancin' shoes! Story and Ph
27 minutes ago
Chicago Blues Festival 2026 announces lineup
Chicago Blues Festival Thursday – Sunday, June 4 – 7 Millennium Park, 4 stages across the Park Plus: The Ramova Theater at 35th & Halsted and Maxwell Street FREE! ChicagoBluesFestival.us Concerts will also be livestreamed at Youtube.com/ChicagoDCASE City of Chicago Announces 2026 Chicago Blues Festival Lineup June 4–7 Thursday, June 4 - Ramova Theatre Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St., Chicago IL. 60609 5 p.m. - doors 6-10:30 p.m. - panel discussion + double-bill program1
Apr 15
Joanne Shaw Taylor – North Shore Center, Skokie, March 18, 2026
By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria When Joanne Shaw Taylor (JST) was fourteen years old, her dad took her to a B.B. King concert in Birmingham, England. After King’s set concluded, she approached the stage for a souvenir guitar pick. King had none left, but he knelt down to chat with the diminutive fourteen-year-old girl who told him, “I think I’m going to be a blues woman. I’ve been listening and studying hard.” Eighteen months later, she was opening for the Beale Stree
Mar 29
Lil' Ed Interview
Together for 40 years, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials will release their first album in 10 years with a release party at FitzGerald's in Berwyn on Feb. 27, 2026. And we do mean PARTY! Story and Photos: Peter M. Hurley Photo: by Peter Hurley Lil' Ed talks about Slideways , JB Hutto, his songwriting process and more By Peter Hurley We arrange to meet before the gig at “Chicago’s Friendliest Blues Lounge,” Rosa’s Lounge, where Little Ed’ Williams holds down the Thursday night
Feb 23
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOW - April 24, 2026: Devon Allman & Friends, Des Plaines Theater, Des Plaines
Deon Allman's Blues Summit with Larry McCray, Jimmy Hall, Ghalia Volt, Laka Soul
Apr 92 min read
SPRING 2026 CONTEST
Enter to win this fabulous prize package from Buddy Guy! Chicago Blues Guide is celebrating Buddy Guy's 89th Birthday (born July 30, 1936) and the release of his critically acclaimed new album, Ain't Done With The Blues , with a contest! Buddy Guy -- Ain't Done With The Blues YOU CAN WIN: BUDDY GUY'S new album -- Ain't Done With The Blues 1 Buddy Guy's Legends cap 2 Buddy Guy's Legends t-shirt 2 Buddy guitar picks 1 Buddy shot glass ENTER NOW Read our review of Budd
chicagoblueseditor
Sep 28, 2025
CD REVIEWS
Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - April 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for April 2026 Eric Bibb – One Mississippi Repute Records RRCD001 https://reputerecords.com/ Three-time Grammy nominee Eric Bibb casts a magic spell every time he steps in front of a mic, and the acoustic master is at his best with this 13-song release. It transports listeners into the not-too-distant past and the turbulent present, too, as it calls out for peace, justice and unity in a world shattered by mistrust, misunderstanding
Apr 1
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
Joanne Shaw Taylor – North Shore Center, Skokie, March 18, 2026
By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria When Joanne Shaw Taylor (JST) was fourteen years old, her dad took her to a B.B. King concert in Birmingham, England. After King’s set concluded, she approached the stage for a souvenir guitar pick. King had none left, but he knelt down to chat with the diminutive fourteen-year-old girl who told him, “I think I’m going to be a blues woman. I’ve been listening and studying hard.” Eighteen months later, she was opening for the Beale Stree
chicagoblueseditor
Mar 29
BLUES UPDATES
Omar Coleman Interview
Chicago's Omar Coleman teamed up with Brazil's Igor Prado to collaborate on their hot, new release Old New Funky and Blue. The result lives up to the album's title with songs that reflect early influences -- like Bobby Rush, Syl Johnson, Junior Wells, Albert King and Albert Collins -- that will help listeners get their groove on. Omar and Igor will join forces again for their album release party at FitzGerald's in Berwyn on May 15, 2026. Bring your dancin' shoes! Story and Ph
27 minutes ago
Chicago Blues Festival 2026 announces lineup
Chicago Blues Festival Thursday – Sunday, June 4 – 7 Millennium Park, 4 stages across the Park Plus: The Ramova Theater at 35th & Halsted and Maxwell Street FREE! ChicagoBluesFestival.us Concerts will also be livestreamed at Youtube.com/ChicagoDCASE City of Chicago Announces 2026 Chicago Blues Festival Lineup June 4–7 Thursday, June 4 - Ramova Theatre Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St., Chicago IL. 60609 5 p.m. - doors 6-10:30 p.m. - panel discussion + double-bill program1
Apr 15
Joanne Shaw Taylor – North Shore Center, Skokie, March 18, 2026
By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria When Joanne Shaw Taylor (JST) was fourteen years old, her dad took her to a B.B. King concert in Birmingham, England. After King’s set concluded, she approached the stage for a souvenir guitar pick. King had none left, but he knelt down to chat with the diminutive fourteen-year-old girl who told him, “I think I’m going to be a blues woman. I’ve been listening and studying hard.” Eighteen months later, she was opening for the Beale Stree
Mar 29
Lil' Ed Interview
Together for 40 years, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials will release their first album in 10 years with a release party at FitzGerald's in Berwyn on Feb. 27, 2026. And we do mean PARTY! Story and Photos: Peter M. Hurley Photo: by Peter Hurley Lil' Ed talks about Slideways , JB Hutto, his songwriting process and more By Peter Hurley We arrange to meet before the gig at “Chicago’s Friendliest Blues Lounge,” Rosa’s Lounge, where Little Ed’ Williams holds down the Thursday night
Feb 23
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOW - April 24, 2026: Devon Allman & Friends, Des Plaines Theater, Des Plaines
Deon Allman's Blues Summit with Larry McCray, Jimmy Hall, Ghalia Volt, Laka Soul
Apr 92 min read
SPRING 2026 CONTEST
Enter to win this fabulous prize package from Buddy Guy! Chicago Blues Guide is celebrating Buddy Guy's 89th Birthday (born July 30, 1936) and the release of his critically acclaimed new album, Ain't Done With The Blues , with a contest! Buddy Guy -- Ain't Done With The Blues YOU CAN WIN: BUDDY GUY'S new album -- Ain't Done With The Blues 1 Buddy Guy's Legends cap 2 Buddy Guy's Legends t-shirt 2 Buddy guitar picks 1 Buddy shot glass ENTER NOW Read our review of Budd
chicagoblueseditor
Sep 28, 2025
CD REVIEWS
Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - April 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for April 2026 Eric Bibb – One Mississippi Repute Records RRCD001 https://reputerecords.com/ Three-time Grammy nominee Eric Bibb casts a magic spell every time he steps in front of a mic, and the acoustic master is at his best with this 13-song release. It transports listeners into the not-too-distant past and the turbulent present, too, as it calls out for peace, justice and unity in a world shattered by mistrust, misunderstanding
Apr 1
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
Joanne Shaw Taylor – North Shore Center, Skokie, March 18, 2026
By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria When Joanne Shaw Taylor (JST) was fourteen years old, her dad took her to a B.B. King concert in Birmingham, England. After King’s set concluded, she approached the stage for a souvenir guitar pick. King had none left, but he knelt down to chat with the diminutive fourteen-year-old girl who told him, “I think I’m going to be a blues woman. I’ve been listening and studying hard.” Eighteen months later, she was opening for the Beale Stree
chicagoblueseditor
Mar 29
BLUES UPDATES
Omar Coleman Interview
Chicago's Omar Coleman teamed up with Brazil's Igor Prado to collaborate on their hot, new release Old New Funky and Blue. The result lives up to the album's title with songs that reflect early influences -- like Bobby Rush, Syl Johnson, Junior Wells, Albert King and Albert Collins -- that will help listeners get their groove on. Omar and Igor will join forces again for their album release party at FitzGerald's in Berwyn on May 15, 2026. Bring your dancin' shoes! Story and Ph
27 minutes ago
Chicago Blues Festival 2026 announces lineup
Chicago Blues Festival Thursday – Sunday, June 4 – 7 Millennium Park, 4 stages across the Park Plus: The Ramova Theater at 35th & Halsted and Maxwell Street FREE! ChicagoBluesFestival.us Concerts will also be livestreamed at Youtube.com/ChicagoDCASE City of Chicago Announces 2026 Chicago Blues Festival Lineup June 4–7 Thursday, June 4 - Ramova Theatre Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St., Chicago IL. 60609 5 p.m. - doors 6-10:30 p.m. - panel discussion + double-bill program1
Apr 15
Joanne Shaw Taylor – North Shore Center, Skokie, March 18, 2026
By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria When Joanne Shaw Taylor (JST) was fourteen years old, her dad took her to a B.B. King concert in Birmingham, England. After King’s set concluded, she approached the stage for a souvenir guitar pick. King had none left, but he knelt down to chat with the diminutive fourteen-year-old girl who told him, “I think I’m going to be a blues woman. I’ve been listening and studying hard.” Eighteen months later, she was opening for the Beale Stree
Mar 29
Lil' Ed Interview
Together for 40 years, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials will release their first album in 10 years with a release party at FitzGerald's in Berwyn on Feb. 27, 2026. And we do mean PARTY! Story and Photos: Peter M. Hurley Photo: by Peter Hurley Lil' Ed talks about Slideways , JB Hutto, his songwriting process and more By Peter Hurley We arrange to meet before the gig at “Chicago’s Friendliest Blues Lounge,” Rosa’s Lounge, where Little Ed’ Williams holds down the Thursday night
Feb 23
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOW - April 24, 2026: Devon Allman & Friends, Des Plaines Theater, Des Plaines
Deon Allman's Blues Summit with Larry McCray, Jimmy Hall, Ghalia Volt, Laka Soul
Apr 92 min read
SPRING 2026 CONTEST
Enter to win this fabulous prize package from Buddy Guy! Chicago Blues Guide is celebrating Buddy Guy's 89th Birthday (born July 30, 1936) and the release of his critically acclaimed new album, Ain't Done With The Blues , with a contest! Buddy Guy -- Ain't Done With The Blues YOU CAN WIN: BUDDY GUY'S new album -- Ain't Done With The Blues 1 Buddy Guy's Legends cap 2 Buddy Guy's Legends t-shirt 2 Buddy guitar picks 1 Buddy shot glass ENTER NOW Read our review of Budd
chicagoblueseditor
Sep 28, 2025
CD REVIEWS
Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - April 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for April 2026 Eric Bibb – One Mississippi Repute Records RRCD001 https://reputerecords.com/ Three-time Grammy nominee Eric Bibb casts a magic spell every time he steps in front of a mic, and the acoustic master is at his best with this 13-song release. It transports listeners into the not-too-distant past and the turbulent present, too, as it calls out for peace, justice and unity in a world shattered by mistrust, misunderstanding
Apr 1
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
Joanne Shaw Taylor – North Shore Center, Skokie, March 18, 2026
By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria When Joanne Shaw Taylor (JST) was fourteen years old, her dad took her to a B.B. King concert in Birmingham, England. After King’s set concluded, she approached the stage for a souvenir guitar pick. King had none left, but he knelt down to chat with the diminutive fourteen-year-old girl who told him, “I think I’m going to be a blues woman. I’ve been listening and studying hard.” Eighteen months later, she was opening for the Beale Stree
chicagoblueseditor
Mar 29
BLUES UPDATES
Omar Coleman Interview
Chicago's Omar Coleman teamed up with Brazil's Igor Prado to collaborate on their hot, new release Old New Funky and Blue. The result lives up to the album's title with songs that reflect early influences -- like Bobby Rush, Syl Johnson, Junior Wells, Albert King and Albert Collins -- that will help listeners get their groove on. Omar and Igor will join forces again for their album release party at FitzGerald's in Berwyn on May 15, 2026. Bring your dancin' shoes! Story and Ph
27 minutes ago
Chicago Blues Festival 2026 announces lineup
Chicago Blues Festival Thursday – Sunday, June 4 – 7 Millennium Park, 4 stages across the Park Plus: The Ramova Theater at 35th & Halsted and Maxwell Street FREE! ChicagoBluesFestival.us Concerts will also be livestreamed at Youtube.com/ChicagoDCASE City of Chicago Announces 2026 Chicago Blues Festival Lineup June 4–7 Thursday, June 4 - Ramova Theatre Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St., Chicago IL. 60609 5 p.m. - doors 6-10:30 p.m. - panel discussion + double-bill program1
Apr 15
Joanne Shaw Taylor – North Shore Center, Skokie, March 18, 2026
By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria When Joanne Shaw Taylor (JST) was fourteen years old, her dad took her to a B.B. King concert in Birmingham, England. After King’s set concluded, she approached the stage for a souvenir guitar pick. King had none left, but he knelt down to chat with the diminutive fourteen-year-old girl who told him, “I think I’m going to be a blues woman. I’ve been listening and studying hard.” Eighteen months later, she was opening for the Beale Stree
Mar 29
Lil' Ed Interview
Together for 40 years, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials will release their first album in 10 years with a release party at FitzGerald's in Berwyn on Feb. 27, 2026. And we do mean PARTY! Story and Photos: Peter M. Hurley Photo: by Peter Hurley Lil' Ed talks about Slideways , JB Hutto, his songwriting process and more By Peter Hurley We arrange to meet before the gig at “Chicago’s Friendliest Blues Lounge,” Rosa’s Lounge, where Little Ed’ Williams holds down the Thursday night
Feb 23
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOW - April 24, 2026: Devon Allman & Friends, Des Plaines Theater, Des Plaines
Deon Allman's Blues Summit with Larry McCray, Jimmy Hall, Ghalia Volt, Laka Soul
Apr 92 min read
SPRING 2026 CONTEST
Enter to win this fabulous prize package from Buddy Guy! Chicago Blues Guide is celebrating Buddy Guy's 89th Birthday (born July 30, 1936) and the release of his critically acclaimed new album, Ain't Done With The Blues , with a contest! Buddy Guy -- Ain't Done With The Blues YOU CAN WIN: BUDDY GUY'S new album -- Ain't Done With The Blues 1 Buddy Guy's Legends cap 2 Buddy Guy's Legends t-shirt 2 Buddy guitar picks 1 Buddy shot glass ENTER NOW Read our review of Budd
chicagoblueseditor
Sep 28, 2025
CD REVIEWS
Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - April 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for April 2026 Eric Bibb – One Mississippi Repute Records RRCD001 https://reputerecords.com/ Three-time Grammy nominee Eric Bibb casts a magic spell every time he steps in front of a mic, and the acoustic master is at his best with this 13-song release. It transports listeners into the not-too-distant past and the turbulent present, too, as it calls out for peace, justice and unity in a world shattered by mistrust, misunderstanding
Apr 1
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
Joanne Shaw Taylor – North Shore Center, Skokie, March 18, 2026
By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria When Joanne Shaw Taylor (JST) was fourteen years old, her dad took her to a B.B. King concert in Birmingham, England. After King’s set concluded, she approached the stage for a souvenir guitar pick. King had none left, but he knelt down to chat with the diminutive fourteen-year-old girl who told him, “I think I’m going to be a blues woman. I’ve been listening and studying hard.” Eighteen months later, she was opening for the Beale Stree
chicagoblueseditor
Mar 29
bottom of page