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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
Chicago Blues Festival, Millenium 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
19 minutes ago
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
Mud Morganfield – Hey Nonny, Arlington Hts., April 28, 2026
Article & Photos: Jim Summaria Mud Morganfield & Studebaker John Mud Morganfield w/ Rick Kreher, Studebaker John, Sumito Ariyoshi, Pookie Styx & E.G. McDaniel at Hey Nonny, April 28, 2026 Live Show Review & Photos by Jim Summaria Larry "Mud" Morganfield was born into the blues. He's the eldest son of the legendary Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) the "Father of Modern Chicago Blues." Mud carries on the family tradition of playing blues in its most pure form. Like any
May 10
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOW - July 2-5 2026: American Music Festival, FitzGerald's, Berwyn
American Music Festival, FitzGerald's, Berwyn
2 days ago1 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 - July 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for July 2026 Young Rell – Same Little Village Foundation www.youngrell.com Don’t be fooled by the cover photo of Young Rell – aka Harrell Davenport. He’s an old soul at age 19 and already one of the most accomplished singers/guitarists/harp players in the world today – so much so, in fact, that Billy Branch, Matthew Skoller and a long list of seasoned vets rave about him. And this debut release is certain to launch him into the blu
1 day ago
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
Chicago Blues Festival, Millenium 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
chicagoblueseditor
19 minutes ago
BLUES UPDATES
Chicago Blues Festival, Millenium 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
19 minutes ago
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
Mud Morganfield – Hey Nonny, Arlington Hts., April 28, 2026
Article & Photos: Jim Summaria Mud Morganfield & Studebaker John Mud Morganfield w/ Rick Kreher, Studebaker John, Sumito Ariyoshi, Pookie Styx & E.G. McDaniel at Hey Nonny, April 28, 2026 Live Show Review & Photos by Jim Summaria Larry "Mud" Morganfield was born into the blues. He's the eldest son of the legendary Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) the "Father of Modern Chicago Blues." Mud carries on the family tradition of playing blues in its most pure form. Like any
May 10
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOW - July 2-5 2026: American Music Festival, FitzGerald's, Berwyn
American Music Festival, FitzGerald's, Berwyn
2 days ago1 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 - July 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for July 2026 Young Rell – Same Little Village Foundation www.youngrell.com Don’t be fooled by the cover photo of Young Rell – aka Harrell Davenport. He’s an old soul at age 19 and already one of the most accomplished singers/guitarists/harp players in the world today – so much so, in fact, that Billy Branch, Matthew Skoller and a long list of seasoned vets rave about him. And this debut release is certain to launch him into the blu
1 day ago
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
Chicago Blues Festival, Millenium 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
chicagoblueseditor
19 minutes ago
BLUES UPDATES
Chicago Blues Festival, Millenium 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
19 minutes ago
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
Mud Morganfield – Hey Nonny, Arlington Hts., April 28, 2026
Article & Photos: Jim Summaria Mud Morganfield & Studebaker John Mud Morganfield w/ Rick Kreher, Studebaker John, Sumito Ariyoshi, Pookie Styx & E.G. McDaniel at Hey Nonny, April 28, 2026 Live Show Review & Photos by Jim Summaria Larry "Mud" Morganfield was born into the blues. He's the eldest son of the legendary Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) the "Father of Modern Chicago Blues." Mud carries on the family tradition of playing blues in its most pure form. Like any
May 10
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOW - July 2-5 2026: American Music Festival, FitzGerald's, Berwyn
American Music Festival, FitzGerald's, Berwyn
2 days ago1 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 - July 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for July 2026 Young Rell – Same Little Village Foundation www.youngrell.com Don’t be fooled by the cover photo of Young Rell – aka Harrell Davenport. He’s an old soul at age 19 and already one of the most accomplished singers/guitarists/harp players in the world today – so much so, in fact, that Billy Branch, Matthew Skoller and a long list of seasoned vets rave about him. And this debut release is certain to launch him into the blu
1 day ago
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
Chicago Blues Festival, Millenium 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
chicagoblueseditor
19 minutes ago
BLUES UPDATES
Chicago Blues Festival, Millenium 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
19 minutes ago
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
Mud Morganfield – Hey Nonny, Arlington Hts., April 28, 2026
Article & Photos: Jim Summaria Mud Morganfield & Studebaker John Mud Morganfield w/ Rick Kreher, Studebaker John, Sumito Ariyoshi, Pookie Styx & E.G. McDaniel at Hey Nonny, April 28, 2026 Live Show Review & Photos by Jim Summaria Larry "Mud" Morganfield was born into the blues. He's the eldest son of the legendary Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) the "Father of Modern Chicago Blues." Mud carries on the family tradition of playing blues in its most pure form. Like any
May 10
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOW - July 2-5 2026: American Music Festival, FitzGerald's, Berwyn
American Music Festival, FitzGerald's, Berwyn
2 days ago1 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 - July 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for July 2026 Young Rell – Same Little Village Foundation www.youngrell.com Don’t be fooled by the cover photo of Young Rell – aka Harrell Davenport. He’s an old soul at age 19 and already one of the most accomplished singers/guitarists/harp players in the world today – so much so, in fact, that Billy Branch, Matthew Skoller and a long list of seasoned vets rave about him. And this debut release is certain to launch him into the blu
1 day ago
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
Chicago Blues Festival, Millenium 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
chicagoblueseditor
19 minutes ago
BLUES UPDATES
Chicago Blues Festival, Millenium 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
19 minutes ago
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
Mud Morganfield – Hey Nonny, Arlington Hts., April 28, 2026
Article & Photos: Jim Summaria Mud Morganfield & Studebaker John Mud Morganfield w/ Rick Kreher, Studebaker John, Sumito Ariyoshi, Pookie Styx & E.G. McDaniel at Hey Nonny, April 28, 2026 Live Show Review & Photos by Jim Summaria Larry "Mud" Morganfield was born into the blues. He's the eldest son of the legendary Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) the "Father of Modern Chicago Blues." Mud carries on the family tradition of playing blues in its most pure form. Like any
May 10
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOW - July 2-5 2026: American Music Festival, FitzGerald's, Berwyn
American Music Festival, FitzGerald's, Berwyn
2 days ago1 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 - July 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for July 2026 Young Rell – Same Little Village Foundation www.youngrell.com Don’t be fooled by the cover photo of Young Rell – aka Harrell Davenport. He’s an old soul at age 19 and already one of the most accomplished singers/guitarists/harp players in the world today – so much so, in fact, that Billy Branch, Matthew Skoller and a long list of seasoned vets rave about him. And this debut release is certain to launch him into the blu
1 day ago
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
Chicago Blues Festival, Millenium 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
chicagoblueseditor
19 minutes ago
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