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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
Blues on the Fox Festival, RiverEdge Park – Aurora, June 20, 2026
Trombone Shorty, Eric Gales, Ally Venable, Tommy Castro Review: La’Keba Garcia Gelardi Photos: Dianne Bruce Dunklau Trombone Shorty What a beautiful evening for a show at RiverEdge Park in Aurora! The recently renovated venue provided the perfect setting, with ideal weather for an outdoor concert along the Fox River. Aurora has a deep connection to the blues. The historic Leland Hotel in downtown Aurora hosted RCA Victor recording sessions between 1937 and 1938 in the Sky C
Jul 20
Chicago Blues Festival, Millennium Park – Chicago, June 7, 2026
Chicago Blues Festival June 7, 2026 Review: Linda Cain Photos: Dianne Bruce Dunklau Taj Mahal/ photo: Dianne Bruce Dunklau Chicago Blues Festival June 7 , 2026 Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band, Chris Cain, Sue Foley, Women in Blues Tribute to Mama Yancey & Big Mama Thornton And now we find ourselves on Sunday the last day of Chicago Blues Festival 2026. After two days in Millennium Park and the Ramova Theater events on Thursday (which the fans were still raving about) th
Jul 13
Chicago Blues Festival, Millennium Park – Chicago, June 6, 2026
Chicago Blues Festival June 6, 2026 75 Years of Billy Branch Review: La’Keba Garcia Gelardi Photos: Dianne Bruce Dunklau photo: Dianne Bruce Dunklau Chicago Blues Festival June 6, 2026 75 Years of Billy Branch: Billy Branch and The Sons of Blues featuring Ronnie Baker Brooks and Kenny Neal Prior to his performance, Chicago blues harmonica master Billy Branch was honored with a Chicago mayoral proclamation recognizing his remarkable contributions to blues music and the ci
Jul 9
Chicago Blues Festival, Millennium Park – Chicago, June 5, 2026
Chicago Blues Festival June 5, 2026 55 Years of Alligator Records Review: La’Keba Garcia Gelardi Photos: Dianne Bruce Dunklau L to R: Tinsley Ellis, Lil' Ed, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Bruce Iglauer, Wayne Baker Brooks, Toronzo Cannon, Nick Moss/ photo: Dianne Bruce Dunklau What a spectacular evening of blues music as fans gathered at the 2026 Chicago Blues Festival held at the Pritzker Pavilion to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Alligator Records, founded by Bruce Iglauer, wh
Jul 1
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOWS - July 25, 2026: Buddy Guy, Chicago Theater, Chicago
Chicago Theater Buddy Guy/Photo: Jennifer Noble Find ticket information HERE Buddy Guy & Special Guests July 25, 2026 (Saturday) Chicago Theater, 175 N. State, Chicago ABOUT THE ARTIST: Buddy Guy celebrates his 90th birthday with a concert at the historic Chicago Theater! George "Buddy" Guy (born July 30, 1936) is an American blues guitarist and singer. He is an exponent of Chicago blues who has influenced generations of guitarists including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy
Jul 61 min read
SUMMER 2026 CONTEST
Enter to win this fabulous prize package from Sue Foley! YOU CAN WIN: Guitar Women: Conversations & Life Lessons with Six-String Heroines Book and 2 award-winning CDs from Sue Foley: GUITAR WOMEN -- book ONE GUITAR WOMAN -- CD PINKY'S BLUES -- CD ENTER NOW SUE FOLEY Sue Foley is a multi-award-winning blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose latest album, One Guitar Woman: A Tribute to the Female Pioneers of Guitar, was nominated for the 2025 GRAMMY® Award for Best
chicagoblueseditor
Jun 23
CD REVIEWS
Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - August 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for August 2026 Chris O’Leary – Blue Collar Alligator Records 5032 www.thechrisolearyband.net As the title of this one suggests, vocalist/harp player Chris O’Leary is a hard-working bluesman who’s built a huge international following after spending seven years as the frontman in Leon Helms’ band. He’s also an artist who packs raw emotion and real-life themes into every tune he writes. He debuted on Alligator with the exceptional The
5 days ago
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
Blues on the Fox Festival, RiverEdge Park – Aurora, June 20, 2026
Trombone Shorty, Eric Gales, Ally Venable, Tommy Castro Review: La’Keba Garcia Gelardi Photos: Dianne Bruce Dunklau Trombone Shorty What a beautiful evening for a show at RiverEdge Park in Aurora! The recently renovated venue provided the perfect setting, with ideal weather for an outdoor concert along the Fox River. Aurora has a deep connection to the blues. The historic Leland Hotel in downtown Aurora hosted RCA Victor recording sessions between 1937 and 1938 in the Sky C
chicagoblueseditor
Jul 20
BLUES UPDATES
Blues on the Fox Festival, RiverEdge Park – Aurora, June 20, 2026
Trombone Shorty, Eric Gales, Ally Venable, Tommy Castro Review: La’Keba Garcia Gelardi Photos: Dianne Bruce Dunklau Trombone Shorty What a beautiful evening for a show at RiverEdge Park in Aurora! The recently renovated venue provided the perfect setting, with ideal weather for an outdoor concert along the Fox River. Aurora has a deep connection to the blues. The historic Leland Hotel in downtown Aurora hosted RCA Victor recording sessions between 1937 and 1938 in the Sky C
Jul 20
Chicago Blues Festival, Millennium Park – Chicago, June 7, 2026
Chicago Blues Festival June 7, 2026 Review: Linda Cain Photos: Dianne Bruce Dunklau Taj Mahal/ photo: Dianne Bruce Dunklau Chicago Blues Festival June 7 , 2026 Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band, Chris Cain, Sue Foley, Women in Blues Tribute to Mama Yancey & Big Mama Thornton And now we find ourselves on Sunday the last day of Chicago Blues Festival 2026. After two days in Millennium Park and the Ramova Theater events on Thursday (which the fans were still raving about) th
Jul 13
Chicago Blues Festival, Millennium Park – Chicago, June 6, 2026
Chicago Blues Festival June 6, 2026 75 Years of Billy Branch Review: La’Keba Garcia Gelardi Photos: Dianne Bruce Dunklau photo: Dianne Bruce Dunklau Chicago Blues Festival June 6, 2026 75 Years of Billy Branch: Billy Branch and The Sons of Blues featuring Ronnie Baker Brooks and Kenny Neal Prior to his performance, Chicago blues harmonica master Billy Branch was honored with a Chicago mayoral proclamation recognizing his remarkable contributions to blues music and the ci
Jul 9
Chicago Blues Festival, Millennium Park – Chicago, June 5, 2026
Chicago Blues Festival June 5, 2026 55 Years of Alligator Records Review: La’Keba Garcia Gelardi Photos: Dianne Bruce Dunklau L to R: Tinsley Ellis, Lil' Ed, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Bruce Iglauer, Wayne Baker Brooks, Toronzo Cannon, Nick Moss/ photo: Dianne Bruce Dunklau What a spectacular evening of blues music as fans gathered at the 2026 Chicago Blues Festival held at the Pritzker Pavilion to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Alligator Records, founded by Bruce Iglauer, wh
Jul 1
Aki Kumar's Bollywood Blues w/ Matthew Skoller & Tom Holland – Logan Center, U of C, Chicago, May 29, 2026
Review: Glenn Noble Photos: Jennifer Noble L to R -- Tom Holland, Rome Yamilov, Matthew Skoller, Aki Kumar, Randy Bermudes Aki Kumar's Bollywood Blues w/ guests Matthew Skoller and Tom Holland Logan Center for the Arts Performance Penthouse, University of Chicago, Chicago May 29, 2026 By Glenn Noble/ Photos: Jennifer Noble With its “Blues@Logan” strand, the Logan Center for the Arts under the directorship of Bill Michel, continues to present exciting and distinctive even
Jun 23
Samantha Fish, Kingfish, Dylan Triplett – Des Plaines Theater, Des Plaines, May 17, 2026
By Linda Cain Photos: Jim Summaria photo: Jim Summaria Gone Fishin' Tour with Samantha Fish, Kingfish & Dylan Triplett at Des Plaines Theater in Des Plaines, IL, May 17, 2026 By Linda Cain Photos: By Jim Summaria What happens when two young contemporary blues-rock stars, from very different backgrounds, join forces for a rare concert experience? The answer: Nothing less than nonstop musical fireworks that left no one alive! From start to finish Samantha and Kingfish enthralle
May 31
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOWS - July 25, 2026: Buddy Guy, Chicago Theater, Chicago
Chicago Theater Buddy Guy/Photo: Jennifer Noble Find ticket information HERE Buddy Guy & Special Guests July 25, 2026 (Saturday) Chicago Theater, 175 N. State, Chicago ABOUT THE ARTIST: Buddy Guy celebrates his 90th birthday with a concert at the historic Chicago Theater! George "Buddy" Guy (born July 30, 1936) is an American blues guitarist and singer. He is an exponent of Chicago blues who has influenced generations of guitarists including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy
Jul 61 min read
SUMMER 2026 CONTEST
Enter to win this fabulous prize package from Sue Foley! YOU CAN WIN: Guitar Women: Conversations & Life Lessons with Six-String Heroines Book and 2 award-winning CDs from Sue Foley: GUITAR WOMEN -- book ONE GUITAR WOMAN -- CD PINKY'S BLUES -- CD ENTER NOW SUE FOLEY Sue Foley is a multi-award-winning blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose latest album, One Guitar Woman: A Tribute to the Female Pioneers of Guitar, was nominated for the 2025 GRAMMY® Award for Best
chicagoblueseditor
Jun 23
CD REVIEWS
Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - August 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for August 2026 Chris O’Leary – Blue Collar Alligator Records 5032 www.thechrisolearyband.net As the title of this one suggests, vocalist/harp player Chris O’Leary is a hard-working bluesman who’s built a huge international following after spending seven years as the frontman in Leon Helms’ band. He’s also an artist who packs raw emotion and real-life themes into every tune he writes. He debuted on Alligator with the exceptional The
5 days ago
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
Blues on the Fox Festival, RiverEdge Park – Aurora, June 20, 2026
Trombone Shorty, Eric Gales, Ally Venable, Tommy Castro Review: La’Keba Garcia Gelardi Photos: Dianne Bruce Dunklau Trombone Shorty What a beautiful evening for a show at RiverEdge Park in Aurora! The recently renovated venue provided the perfect setting, with ideal weather for an outdoor concert along the Fox River. Aurora has a deep connection to the blues. The historic Leland Hotel in downtown Aurora hosted RCA Victor recording sessions between 1937 and 1938 in the Sky C
chicagoblueseditor
Jul 20
BLUES UPDATES
Blues on the Fox Festival, RiverEdge Park – Aurora, June 20, 2026
Trombone Shorty, Eric Gales, Ally Venable, Tommy Castro Review: La’Keba Garcia Gelardi Photos: Dianne Bruce Dunklau Trombone Shorty What a beautiful evening for a show at RiverEdge Park in Aurora! The recently renovated venue provided the perfect setting, with ideal weather for an outdoor concert along the Fox River. Aurora has a deep connection to the blues. The historic Leland Hotel in downtown Aurora hosted RCA Victor recording sessions between 1937 and 1938 in the Sky C
Jul 20
Chicago Blues Festival, Millennium Park – Chicago, June 7, 2026
Chicago Blues Festival June 7, 2026 Review: Linda Cain Photos: Dianne Bruce Dunklau Taj Mahal/ photo: Dianne Bruce Dunklau Chicago Blues Festival June 7 , 2026 Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band, Chris Cain, Sue Foley, Women in Blues Tribute to Mama Yancey & Big Mama Thornton And now we find ourselves on Sunday the last day of Chicago Blues Festival 2026. After two days in Millennium Park and the Ramova Theater events on Thursday (which the fans were still raving about) th
Jul 13
Chicago Blues Festival, Millennium Park – Chicago, June 6, 2026
Chicago Blues Festival June 6, 2026 75 Years of Billy Branch Review: La’Keba Garcia Gelardi Photos: Dianne Bruce Dunklau photo: Dianne Bruce Dunklau Chicago Blues Festival June 6, 2026 75 Years of Billy Branch: Billy Branch and The Sons of Blues featuring Ronnie Baker Brooks and Kenny Neal Prior to his performance, Chicago blues harmonica master Billy Branch was honored with a Chicago mayoral proclamation recognizing his remarkable contributions to blues music and the ci
Jul 9
Chicago Blues Festival, Millennium Park – Chicago, June 5, 2026
Chicago Blues Festival June 5, 2026 55 Years of Alligator Records Review: La’Keba Garcia Gelardi Photos: Dianne Bruce Dunklau L to R: Tinsley Ellis, Lil' Ed, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Bruce Iglauer, Wayne Baker Brooks, Toronzo Cannon, Nick Moss/ photo: Dianne Bruce Dunklau What a spectacular evening of blues music as fans gathered at the 2026 Chicago Blues Festival held at the Pritzker Pavilion to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Alligator Records, founded by Bruce Iglauer, wh
Jul 1
Aki Kumar's Bollywood Blues w/ Matthew Skoller & Tom Holland – Logan Center, U of C, Chicago, May 29, 2026
Review: Glenn Noble Photos: Jennifer Noble L to R -- Tom Holland, Rome Yamilov, Matthew Skoller, Aki Kumar, Randy Bermudes Aki Kumar's Bollywood Blues w/ guests Matthew Skoller and Tom Holland Logan Center for the Arts Performance Penthouse, University of Chicago, Chicago May 29, 2026 By Glenn Noble/ Photos: Jennifer Noble With its “Blues@Logan” strand, the Logan Center for the Arts under the directorship of Bill Michel, continues to present exciting and distinctive even
Jun 23
Samantha Fish, Kingfish, Dylan Triplett – Des Plaines Theater, Des Plaines, May 17, 2026
By Linda Cain Photos: Jim Summaria photo: Jim Summaria Gone Fishin' Tour with Samantha Fish, Kingfish & Dylan Triplett at Des Plaines Theater in Des Plaines, IL, May 17, 2026 By Linda Cain Photos: By Jim Summaria What happens when two young contemporary blues-rock stars, from very different backgrounds, join forces for a rare concert experience? The answer: Nothing less than nonstop musical fireworks that left no one alive! From start to finish Samantha and Kingfish enthralle
May 31
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOWS - July 25, 2026: Buddy Guy, Chicago Theater, Chicago
Chicago Theater Buddy Guy/Photo: Jennifer Noble Find ticket information HERE Buddy Guy & Special Guests July 25, 2026 (Saturday) Chicago Theater, 175 N. State, Chicago ABOUT THE ARTIST: Buddy Guy celebrates his 90th birthday with a concert at the historic Chicago Theater! George "Buddy" Guy (born July 30, 1936) is an American blues guitarist and singer. He is an exponent of Chicago blues who has influenced generations of guitarists including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy
Jul 61 min read
SUMMER 2026 CONTEST
Enter to win this fabulous prize package from Sue Foley! YOU CAN WIN: Guitar Women: Conversations & Life Lessons with Six-String Heroines Book and 2 award-winning CDs from Sue Foley: GUITAR WOMEN -- book ONE GUITAR WOMAN -- CD PINKY'S BLUES -- CD ENTER NOW SUE FOLEY Sue Foley is a multi-award-winning blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose latest album, One Guitar Woman: A Tribute to the Female Pioneers of Guitar, was nominated for the 2025 GRAMMY® Award for Best
chicagoblueseditor
Jun 23
CD REVIEWS
Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - August 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for August 2026 Chris O’Leary – Blue Collar Alligator Records 5032 www.thechrisolearyband.net As the title of this one suggests, vocalist/harp player Chris O’Leary is a hard-working bluesman who’s built a huge international following after spending seven years as the frontman in Leon Helms’ band. He’s also an artist who packs raw emotion and real-life themes into every tune he writes. He debuted on Alligator with the exceptional The
5 days ago
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
Blues on the Fox Festival, RiverEdge Park – Aurora, June 20, 2026
Trombone Shorty, Eric Gales, Ally Venable, Tommy Castro Review: La’Keba Garcia Gelardi Photos: Dianne Bruce Dunklau Trombone Shorty What a beautiful evening for a show at RiverEdge Park in Aurora! The recently renovated venue provided the perfect setting, with ideal weather for an outdoor concert along the Fox River. Aurora has a deep connection to the blues. The historic Leland Hotel in downtown Aurora hosted RCA Victor recording sessions between 1937 and 1938 in the Sky C
chicagoblueseditor
Jul 20
BLUES UPDATES
Blues on the Fox Festival, RiverEdge Park – Aurora, June 20, 2026
Trombone Shorty, Eric Gales, Ally Venable, Tommy Castro Review: La’Keba Garcia Gelardi Photos: Dianne Bruce Dunklau Trombone Shorty What a beautiful evening for a show at RiverEdge Park in Aurora! The recently renovated venue provided the perfect setting, with ideal weather for an outdoor concert along the Fox River. Aurora has a deep connection to the blues. The historic Leland Hotel in downtown Aurora hosted RCA Victor recording sessions between 1937 and 1938 in the Sky C
Jul 20
Chicago Blues Festival, Millennium Park – Chicago, June 7, 2026
Chicago Blues Festival June 7, 2026 Review: Linda Cain Photos: Dianne Bruce Dunklau Taj Mahal/ photo: Dianne Bruce Dunklau Chicago Blues Festival June 7 , 2026 Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band, Chris Cain, Sue Foley, Women in Blues Tribute to Mama Yancey & Big Mama Thornton And now we find ourselves on Sunday the last day of Chicago Blues Festival 2026. After two days in Millennium Park and the Ramova Theater events on Thursday (which the fans were still raving about) th
Jul 13
Chicago Blues Festival, Millennium Park – Chicago, June 6, 2026
Chicago Blues Festival June 6, 2026 75 Years of Billy Branch Review: La’Keba Garcia Gelardi Photos: Dianne Bruce Dunklau photo: Dianne Bruce Dunklau Chicago Blues Festival June 6, 2026 75 Years of Billy Branch: Billy Branch and The Sons of Blues featuring Ronnie Baker Brooks and Kenny Neal Prior to his performance, Chicago blues harmonica master Billy Branch was honored with a Chicago mayoral proclamation recognizing his remarkable contributions to blues music and the ci
Jul 9
Chicago Blues Festival, Millennium Park – Chicago, June 5, 2026
Chicago Blues Festival June 5, 2026 55 Years of Alligator Records Review: La’Keba Garcia Gelardi Photos: Dianne Bruce Dunklau L to R: Tinsley Ellis, Lil' Ed, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Bruce Iglauer, Wayne Baker Brooks, Toronzo Cannon, Nick Moss/ photo: Dianne Bruce Dunklau What a spectacular evening of blues music as fans gathered at the 2026 Chicago Blues Festival held at the Pritzker Pavilion to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Alligator Records, founded by Bruce Iglauer, wh
Jul 1
Aki Kumar's Bollywood Blues w/ Matthew Skoller & Tom Holland – Logan Center, U of C, Chicago, May 29, 2026
Review: Glenn Noble Photos: Jennifer Noble L to R -- Tom Holland, Rome Yamilov, Matthew Skoller, Aki Kumar, Randy Bermudes Aki Kumar's Bollywood Blues w/ guests Matthew Skoller and Tom Holland Logan Center for the Arts Performance Penthouse, University of Chicago, Chicago May 29, 2026 By Glenn Noble/ Photos: Jennifer Noble With its “Blues@Logan” strand, the Logan Center for the Arts under the directorship of Bill Michel, continues to present exciting and distinctive even
Jun 23
Samantha Fish, Kingfish, Dylan Triplett – Des Plaines Theater, Des Plaines, May 17, 2026
By Linda Cain Photos: Jim Summaria photo: Jim Summaria Gone Fishin' Tour with Samantha Fish, Kingfish & Dylan Triplett at Des Plaines Theater in Des Plaines, IL, May 17, 2026 By Linda Cain Photos: By Jim Summaria What happens when two young contemporary blues-rock stars, from very different backgrounds, join forces for a rare concert experience? The answer: Nothing less than nonstop musical fireworks that left no one alive! From start to finish Samantha and Kingfish enthralle
May 31
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOWS - July 25, 2026: Buddy Guy, Chicago Theater, Chicago
Chicago Theater Buddy Guy/Photo: Jennifer Noble Find ticket information HERE Buddy Guy & Special Guests July 25, 2026 (Saturday) Chicago Theater, 175 N. State, Chicago ABOUT THE ARTIST: Buddy Guy celebrates his 90th birthday with a concert at the historic Chicago Theater! George "Buddy" Guy (born July 30, 1936) is an American blues guitarist and singer. He is an exponent of Chicago blues who has influenced generations of guitarists including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy
Jul 61 min read
SUMMER 2026 CONTEST
Enter to win this fabulous prize package from Sue Foley! YOU CAN WIN: Guitar Women: Conversations & Life Lessons with Six-String Heroines Book and 2 award-winning CDs from Sue Foley: GUITAR WOMEN -- book ONE GUITAR WOMAN -- CD PINKY'S BLUES -- CD ENTER NOW SUE FOLEY Sue Foley is a multi-award-winning blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose latest album, One Guitar Woman: A Tribute to the Female Pioneers of Guitar, was nominated for the 2025 GRAMMY® Award for Best
chicagoblueseditor
Jun 23
CD REVIEWS
Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - August 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for August 2026 Chris O’Leary – Blue Collar Alligator Records 5032 www.thechrisolearyband.net As the title of this one suggests, vocalist/harp player Chris O’Leary is a hard-working bluesman who’s built a huge international following after spending seven years as the frontman in Leon Helms’ band. He’s also an artist who packs raw emotion and real-life themes into every tune he writes. He debuted on Alligator with the exceptional The
5 days ago
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
Blues on the Fox Festival, RiverEdge Park – Aurora, June 20, 2026
Trombone Shorty, Eric Gales, Ally Venable, Tommy Castro Review: La’Keba Garcia Gelardi Photos: Dianne Bruce Dunklau Trombone Shorty What a beautiful evening for a show at RiverEdge Park in Aurora! The recently renovated venue provided the perfect setting, with ideal weather for an outdoor concert along the Fox River. Aurora has a deep connection to the blues. The historic Leland Hotel in downtown Aurora hosted RCA Victor recording sessions between 1937 and 1938 in the Sky C
chicagoblueseditor
Jul 20
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