Chicago Blues Festival, Millennium Park – Chicago, June 6, 2026
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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 city of Chicago. He is highly regarded for his Blues in the Schools programs which have introduced thousands of schoolchildren all over the world to blues music and taught them to play harmonica. Branch was a member of Willie Dixon’s band going back to 1975, and he later formed his own band Sons of the Blues, which he still leads today.
Branch opened his set with the title track from his recently released album, The Blues Is My Biography. He followed with the upbeat and infectious "Hole in Your Soul." The energy continued with the crowd-pleasing "Baby Let Me Butter Your Corn," a swingin’ danceable tune that had the audience moving in their seats. Branch then shifted gears with "The Harmonica Man," a heartfelt and deeply personal ballad that showcased both his storytelling and emotional depth.
Ronnie Baker Brooks & Billy Branch
Next, guitarist and vocalist Ronnie Baker Brooks took the stage and was warmly introduced by Branch as "my little brother." Brooks led the band through the Chicago blues classic "I'm Ready," written by Willie Dixon. He then delivered a powerful rendition of "Hoodoo Man Blues," the signature song made famous by Junior Wells, featuring a blazing harmonica solo from Branch. The performance culminated in a thunderous exchange of guitar and harp licks between Brooks and Branch, drawing enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
Louisiana bluesman Kenny Neal joined Branch on stage for an uplifting performance of "Let Life Flow." Neal then slowed the tempo with the poignant song, "The Son I Never Knew," a standout selection from Branch and Neal's 2004 collaborative album Double Take.
The evening concluded with a stirring performance of "Begging for Change," a powerful song addressing social and economic challenges facing communities across America. The all-star finale brought together Billy Branch, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Kenny Neal, and earlier festival performers Ruthie Foster, and Shakura S'Aida. They were joined by backing vocalists Mae Koen, Diane Madison, and Dan Porter; the Bill McFarland Chicago Horns (Bill McFarland, Kenny Anderson, and Hank Ford); the Sons of the Blues (Ari Seder, Dionte McMusick, Giles Corey, and Sumito “Ariyo” Ariyoshi); and members of the Chicago West Community Music Center.
The massive ensemble delivered a powerful and inspiring finale, bringing the celebration to a memorable close and highlighting the spirit of community, collaboration, and resilience that has long been at the heart of the blues tradition.
To see more photos of Chicago Blues Festival 2026, visit our Chicago Blues Guide photo album collection on FB by clicking HERE
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