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, who was honored earlier with a proclamation issued by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

The show featured an outstanding lineup that included Ronnie Baker Brooks and his band (that served as the house band), Toronzo Cannon, and Nick Moss, along with special appearances by Lil' Ed Williams, Tinsley Ellis, and Wayne Baker Brooks.

Dressed in a bright pink suit and glittering fez, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials were one of Alligators’ first artists on the label. The current version has been together for over 30 years and includes: guitarist Mike Garrett, James “Pookie” Young on bass and drummer Kelly Littleton. Lil’ Ed Williams has been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.

They delivered a brief, but energetic set of house rockin’ blues featuring Lil’ Ed Williams’ signature slide guitar, a style he learned on Maxwell Street from his Uncle J.B. Hutto.

Another longtime Alligator artist, Atlanta’s Tinsley Ellis was next. Although known for his electrifying blues rock music, Ellis is also a superb acoustic player and has two albums in that style on Alligator: “Labor of Love” and “Naked Truth.”

Seated on a stool, Ellis stomped out the beat, and treated us to a rootsy, satisfying set of Delta style blues played on his vintage steel resonator guitar, feature spine tingling slide work.

Nick Moss opened his performance with the upbeat “Me and My Friends” from his Lucky Guy! album,  and was joined by his talented friends Toronzo Cannon and Ronnie Baker on guitar and vocals, setting an energetic tone for the evening.

Toronzo Cannon followed with “Something to Do Man” from his Shut Up & Play! album, delivering the song in true Chicago blues fashion. One of the highlights of the set was the powerful exchange of guitar licks between Cannon and Ronnie Baker Brooks, showcasing the talent and chemistry of two of Chicago's finest blues musicians.

Brooks then performed “Stuck on Stupid” from his acclaimed album Blues in My DNA, bringing both passion and intensity to the stage.

The evening concluded with the Chicago blues anthem “Sweet Home Chicago,” featuring Brooks, Cannon, and Moss joined by Lil' Ed Williams, Tinsley Ellis, and Wayne Baker Brooks for an unforgettable all-star finale.

One particularly memorable moment occurred when Ronnie Baker Brooks draped a Chicago flag over Toronzo Cannon's shoulder. Without missing a beat, Cannon wrapped the flag around his neck and continued playing, drawing cheers from the crowd and perfectly capturing the spirit of Chicago blues.

It was an incredible ending to a day filled with truly remarkable artists, celebrating not only 55 years of Alligator Records but also the enduring legacy and vitality of Chicago blues music.

To see more photos of Chicago Blues Festival 2026, visit our Chicago Blues Guide photo album collection on FB by clicking HERE

###