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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
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
3 days ago
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
Mavis Staples – Chicago Theater, Chicago, Jan. 10, 2026
Review: Glenn Noble/ Photos: Jennifer Noble Review by: Glenn Noble. Photos by: Jennifer Noble Legend is a word often used, and sometimes misused, as a shorthand way of describing the status of a musician or artist. In the case of Mavis Staples , the label of “legend” is entirely justified -- given the longevity of her career, the significant historical context around her and the Staple Singers, the degree of affection with which she is held in her native city, and not least,
Jan 17
Tom Marker Interview
Recently retired radio host Tom Marker recalls highlights from his 50 year career that include close encounters with Mavis Staples, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy and Keith Richards, to name a few. By Robin Zimmerman Mavis Staples & Tom Marker/Photo: Debbie Moore Tom Marker Interview By Robin Zimmerman Tom Marker proved to be the perfect person to have the proverbial cup of coffee with. Recently retired after an illustrious radio career spanning 50 years, he came ready to spill
Jan 14
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOW - April 4, 2026: Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames at Hey Nonny
Hey Nonny (Arlington Hts.) photo: Jennifer Noble Dave Weld & the Imperial Flames will celebrate the birthday of singer Monica Myhre's, at Hey Nonny on April 4, 2026. There will be cake! Tickets: Hey Nonny Dave Weld and The Imperial Flames, are an authentic, real deal blues band, bursting with high energy, versatile talent, variety, and a cohesive show that includes original driving houserockin’ blues, boogie and soul. The originals are classic in nature, the standards are r
4 days ago2 min read
FALL-WINTER 2025 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
1 day ago
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
3 days ago
BLUES UPDATES
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
3 days ago
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
Mavis Staples – Chicago Theater, Chicago, Jan. 10, 2026
Review: Glenn Noble/ Photos: Jennifer Noble Review by: Glenn Noble. Photos by: Jennifer Noble Legend is a word often used, and sometimes misused, as a shorthand way of describing the status of a musician or artist. In the case of Mavis Staples , the label of “legend” is entirely justified -- given the longevity of her career, the significant historical context around her and the Staple Singers, the degree of affection with which she is held in her native city, and not least,
Jan 17
Tom Marker Interview
Recently retired radio host Tom Marker recalls highlights from his 50 year career that include close encounters with Mavis Staples, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy and Keith Richards, to name a few. By Robin Zimmerman Mavis Staples & Tom Marker/Photo: Debbie Moore Tom Marker Interview By Robin Zimmerman Tom Marker proved to be the perfect person to have the proverbial cup of coffee with. Recently retired after an illustrious radio career spanning 50 years, he came ready to spill
Jan 14
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOW - April 4, 2026: Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames at Hey Nonny
Hey Nonny (Arlington Hts.) photo: Jennifer Noble Dave Weld & the Imperial Flames will celebrate the birthday of singer Monica Myhre's, at Hey Nonny on April 4, 2026. There will be cake! Tickets: Hey Nonny Dave Weld and The Imperial Flames, are an authentic, real deal blues band, bursting with high energy, versatile talent, variety, and a cohesive show that includes original driving houserockin’ blues, boogie and soul. The originals are classic in nature, the standards are r
4 days ago2 min read
FALL-WINTER 2025 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
1 day ago
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
3 days ago
BLUES UPDATES
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
3 days ago
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
Mavis Staples – Chicago Theater, Chicago, Jan. 10, 2026
Review: Glenn Noble/ Photos: Jennifer Noble Review by: Glenn Noble. Photos by: Jennifer Noble Legend is a word often used, and sometimes misused, as a shorthand way of describing the status of a musician or artist. In the case of Mavis Staples , the label of “legend” is entirely justified -- given the longevity of her career, the significant historical context around her and the Staple Singers, the degree of affection with which she is held in her native city, and not least,
Jan 17
Tom Marker Interview
Recently retired radio host Tom Marker recalls highlights from his 50 year career that include close encounters with Mavis Staples, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy and Keith Richards, to name a few. By Robin Zimmerman Mavis Staples & Tom Marker/Photo: Debbie Moore Tom Marker Interview By Robin Zimmerman Tom Marker proved to be the perfect person to have the proverbial cup of coffee with. Recently retired after an illustrious radio career spanning 50 years, he came ready to spill
Jan 14
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOW - April 4, 2026: Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames at Hey Nonny
Hey Nonny (Arlington Hts.) photo: Jennifer Noble Dave Weld & the Imperial Flames will celebrate the birthday of singer Monica Myhre's, at Hey Nonny on April 4, 2026. There will be cake! Tickets: Hey Nonny Dave Weld and The Imperial Flames, are an authentic, real deal blues band, bursting with high energy, versatile talent, variety, and a cohesive show that includes original driving houserockin’ blues, boogie and soul. The originals are classic in nature, the standards are r
4 days ago2 min read
FALL-WINTER 2025 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
1 day ago
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
3 days ago
BLUES UPDATES
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
3 days ago
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
Mavis Staples – Chicago Theater, Chicago, Jan. 10, 2026
Review: Glenn Noble/ Photos: Jennifer Noble Review by: Glenn Noble. Photos by: Jennifer Noble Legend is a word often used, and sometimes misused, as a shorthand way of describing the status of a musician or artist. In the case of Mavis Staples , the label of “legend” is entirely justified -- given the longevity of her career, the significant historical context around her and the Staple Singers, the degree of affection with which she is held in her native city, and not least,
Jan 17
Tom Marker Interview
Recently retired radio host Tom Marker recalls highlights from his 50 year career that include close encounters with Mavis Staples, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy and Keith Richards, to name a few. By Robin Zimmerman Mavis Staples & Tom Marker/Photo: Debbie Moore Tom Marker Interview By Robin Zimmerman Tom Marker proved to be the perfect person to have the proverbial cup of coffee with. Recently retired after an illustrious radio career spanning 50 years, he came ready to spill
Jan 14
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOW - April 4, 2026: Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames at Hey Nonny
Hey Nonny (Arlington Hts.) photo: Jennifer Noble Dave Weld & the Imperial Flames will celebrate the birthday of singer Monica Myhre's, at Hey Nonny on April 4, 2026. There will be cake! Tickets: Hey Nonny Dave Weld and The Imperial Flames, are an authentic, real deal blues band, bursting with high energy, versatile talent, variety, and a cohesive show that includes original driving houserockin’ blues, boogie and soul. The originals are classic in nature, the standards are r
4 days ago2 min read
FALL-WINTER 2025 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
1 day ago
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
3 days ago
BLUES UPDATES
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
3 days ago
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
Mavis Staples – Chicago Theater, Chicago, Jan. 10, 2026
Review: Glenn Noble/ Photos: Jennifer Noble Review by: Glenn Noble. Photos by: Jennifer Noble Legend is a word often used, and sometimes misused, as a shorthand way of describing the status of a musician or artist. In the case of Mavis Staples , the label of “legend” is entirely justified -- given the longevity of her career, the significant historical context around her and the Staple Singers, the degree of affection with which she is held in her native city, and not least,
Jan 17
Tom Marker Interview
Recently retired radio host Tom Marker recalls highlights from his 50 year career that include close encounters with Mavis Staples, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy and Keith Richards, to name a few. By Robin Zimmerman Mavis Staples & Tom Marker/Photo: Debbie Moore Tom Marker Interview By Robin Zimmerman Tom Marker proved to be the perfect person to have the proverbial cup of coffee with. Recently retired after an illustrious radio career spanning 50 years, he came ready to spill
Jan 14
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOW - April 4, 2026: Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames at Hey Nonny
Hey Nonny (Arlington Hts.) photo: Jennifer Noble Dave Weld & the Imperial Flames will celebrate the birthday of singer Monica Myhre's, at Hey Nonny on April 4, 2026. There will be cake! Tickets: Hey Nonny Dave Weld and The Imperial Flames, are an authentic, real deal blues band, bursting with high energy, versatile talent, variety, and a cohesive show that includes original driving houserockin’ blues, boogie and soul. The originals are classic in nature, the standards are r
4 days ago2 min read
FALL-WINTER 2025 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
1 day ago
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
3 days ago
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