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YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE CHICAGO BLUES SCENE
None of us are free
if one of us is chained
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Mavis Staples (Photo by Jennifer Noble)
BLUES UPDATES
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
Tribute to Joe Cocker & Leon Russell – North Shore Center, Skokie, Nov. 8, 2025
Review: Glenn Noble/ Photos: Jennifer Noble Mad Dogs & Englishmen: A tribute to Joe Cocker & Leon Russell at the North Shore Center in Skokie November 8, 2025 Review by: Glenn Noble. Photos by: Jennifer Noble Music is a peculiar thing -- it lives, briefly and vibrantly, in the moment of performance; but it’s far from uncommon for this transitory experience to change lives and endure in the memory for a lifetime. Given the right alchemy of songwriting, performers and audienc
Nov 19, 2025
Hot Tuna – North Shore Center, Skokie, Nov. 5, 2025
By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria Jack Casady, Justin Guip (drums), Jorma Kaukonen Hot Tuna – North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, IL George Van Dusen Theatre November 5 th , 2025 By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria Fifty-six years ago, I first experienced the musicianship of Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady as members of the Jefferson Airplane. The place was Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom and the venue conditions were far from ideal. But none of that tro
Nov 16, 2025
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOWS - Feb. 3-7: Blues Week at Hey Nonny
Hey Nonny (Arlington Hts.) Mississippi Heat/ photo: Jennifer Noble Top Blues Bands to celebrate Blues Week (and beyond) at Hey Nonny Schedule February 2026 2/3 -- Mississippi Heat 2/4 -- Mike Wheeler Band & Stefan Hillesheim Band 2/5 -- Smiley Tillmon Band w/ Kate Moss 2/6 -- The Jimmys 2/7 -- Will Tilson 2/10 -- John Primer 2/11 -- Corky Siegel Tickets: Hey Nonny VIEW ALL EVENTS
41 minutes ago1 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 - January 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for January 2026 Kim Wilson – Slow Burn MC Records MC0096 www.mc-records.com Harp player Kim Wilson has a deep respect for his forebears and his former musical partners, too. He pays tribute to three of them -- pianist Barrelhouse Chuck, bassist Larry Taylor and drummer Richard Innes – with this disc of previously unreleased material captured in 2014 and 2020. It’s a welcome follow-up to his Grammy-nominated The Bigtone Sessions . I
Jan 1
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
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,
chicagoblueseditor
Jan 17
BLUES UPDATES
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
Tribute to Joe Cocker & Leon Russell – North Shore Center, Skokie, Nov. 8, 2025
Review: Glenn Noble/ Photos: Jennifer Noble Mad Dogs & Englishmen: A tribute to Joe Cocker & Leon Russell at the North Shore Center in Skokie November 8, 2025 Review by: Glenn Noble. Photos by: Jennifer Noble Music is a peculiar thing -- it lives, briefly and vibrantly, in the moment of performance; but it’s far from uncommon for this transitory experience to change lives and endure in the memory for a lifetime. Given the right alchemy of songwriting, performers and audienc
Nov 19, 2025
Hot Tuna – North Shore Center, Skokie, Nov. 5, 2025
By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria Jack Casady, Justin Guip (drums), Jorma Kaukonen Hot Tuna – North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, IL George Van Dusen Theatre November 5 th , 2025 By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria Fifty-six years ago, I first experienced the musicianship of Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady as members of the Jefferson Airplane. The place was Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom and the venue conditions were far from ideal. But none of that tro
Nov 16, 2025
Jimmy Burns Interview
Delta/Chicago blues veteran joins with Chicago jazz giants to come Full Circle and revisit his early hits Story and Photos: Peter M. Hurley Photo: Peter Hurley Jimmy Burns Comes Full Circle By Peter Hurley Veteran Bluesman Jimmy Burns slipped into the booth at the Italian restaurant chain, the one with the free breadsticks, where he had arranged to meet for lunch. His beard was fuller and snowier than when last seen, his almond shaped eyes alive and dark with amber-tinged w
Nov 1, 2025
Southern Avenue – Prairie Center, Schaumburg, October 18, 2025
Review & Photos: Jim Summaria Tiernii & Tikyra Southern Avenue at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg, IL, Saturday, October 18, 2025 Review & Photos: By Jim Summaria Every once in a while you come across a group that just "wows" you. This was the case for me when I recently experienced the group Southern Avenue. They blend blues, soul, rock and gospel into a beautiful package of inspiring lyrics and spirited music. This traveling family band from Mem
Oct 27, 2025
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOWS - Feb. 3-7: Blues Week at Hey Nonny
Hey Nonny (Arlington Hts.) Mississippi Heat/ photo: Jennifer Noble Top Blues Bands to celebrate Blues Week (and beyond) at Hey Nonny Schedule February 2026 2/3 -- Mississippi Heat 2/4 -- Mike Wheeler Band & Stefan Hillesheim Band 2/5 -- Smiley Tillmon Band w/ Kate Moss 2/6 -- The Jimmys 2/7 -- Will Tilson 2/10 -- John Primer 2/11 -- Corky Siegel Tickets: Hey Nonny VIEW ALL EVENTS
41 minutes ago1 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 - January 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for January 2026 Kim Wilson – Slow Burn MC Records MC0096 www.mc-records.com Harp player Kim Wilson has a deep respect for his forebears and his former musical partners, too. He pays tribute to three of them -- pianist Barrelhouse Chuck, bassist Larry Taylor and drummer Richard Innes – with this disc of previously unreleased material captured in 2014 and 2020. It’s a welcome follow-up to his Grammy-nominated The Bigtone Sessions . I
Jan 1
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
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,
chicagoblueseditor
Jan 17
BLUES UPDATES
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
Tribute to Joe Cocker & Leon Russell – North Shore Center, Skokie, Nov. 8, 2025
Review: Glenn Noble/ Photos: Jennifer Noble Mad Dogs & Englishmen: A tribute to Joe Cocker & Leon Russell at the North Shore Center in Skokie November 8, 2025 Review by: Glenn Noble. Photos by: Jennifer Noble Music is a peculiar thing -- it lives, briefly and vibrantly, in the moment of performance; but it’s far from uncommon for this transitory experience to change lives and endure in the memory for a lifetime. Given the right alchemy of songwriting, performers and audienc
Nov 19, 2025
Hot Tuna – North Shore Center, Skokie, Nov. 5, 2025
By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria Jack Casady, Justin Guip (drums), Jorma Kaukonen Hot Tuna – North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, IL George Van Dusen Theatre November 5 th , 2025 By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria Fifty-six years ago, I first experienced the musicianship of Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady as members of the Jefferson Airplane. The place was Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom and the venue conditions were far from ideal. But none of that tro
Nov 16, 2025
Jimmy Burns Interview
Delta/Chicago blues veteran joins with Chicago jazz giants to come Full Circle and revisit his early hits Story and Photos: Peter M. Hurley Photo: Peter Hurley Jimmy Burns Comes Full Circle By Peter Hurley Veteran Bluesman Jimmy Burns slipped into the booth at the Italian restaurant chain, the one with the free breadsticks, where he had arranged to meet for lunch. His beard was fuller and snowier than when last seen, his almond shaped eyes alive and dark with amber-tinged w
Nov 1, 2025
Southern Avenue – Prairie Center, Schaumburg, October 18, 2025
Review & Photos: Jim Summaria Tiernii & Tikyra Southern Avenue at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg, IL, Saturday, October 18, 2025 Review & Photos: By Jim Summaria Every once in a while you come across a group that just "wows" you. This was the case for me when I recently experienced the group Southern Avenue. They blend blues, soul, rock and gospel into a beautiful package of inspiring lyrics and spirited music. This traveling family band from Mem
Oct 27, 2025
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOWS - Feb. 3-7: Blues Week at Hey Nonny
Hey Nonny (Arlington Hts.) Mississippi Heat/ photo: Jennifer Noble Top Blues Bands to celebrate Blues Week (and beyond) at Hey Nonny Schedule February 2026 2/3 -- Mississippi Heat 2/4 -- Mike Wheeler Band & Stefan Hillesheim Band 2/5 -- Smiley Tillmon Band w/ Kate Moss 2/6 -- The Jimmys 2/7 -- Will Tilson 2/10 -- John Primer 2/11 -- Corky Siegel Tickets: Hey Nonny VIEW ALL EVENTS
41 minutes ago1 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 - January 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for January 2026 Kim Wilson – Slow Burn MC Records MC0096 www.mc-records.com Harp player Kim Wilson has a deep respect for his forebears and his former musical partners, too. He pays tribute to three of them -- pianist Barrelhouse Chuck, bassist Larry Taylor and drummer Richard Innes – with this disc of previously unreleased material captured in 2014 and 2020. It’s a welcome follow-up to his Grammy-nominated The Bigtone Sessions . I
Jan 1
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
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,
chicagoblueseditor
Jan 17
BLUES UPDATES
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
Tribute to Joe Cocker & Leon Russell – North Shore Center, Skokie, Nov. 8, 2025
Review: Glenn Noble/ Photos: Jennifer Noble Mad Dogs & Englishmen: A tribute to Joe Cocker & Leon Russell at the North Shore Center in Skokie November 8, 2025 Review by: Glenn Noble. Photos by: Jennifer Noble Music is a peculiar thing -- it lives, briefly and vibrantly, in the moment of performance; but it’s far from uncommon for this transitory experience to change lives and endure in the memory for a lifetime. Given the right alchemy of songwriting, performers and audienc
Nov 19, 2025
Hot Tuna – North Shore Center, Skokie, Nov. 5, 2025
By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria Jack Casady, Justin Guip (drums), Jorma Kaukonen Hot Tuna – North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, IL George Van Dusen Theatre November 5 th , 2025 By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria Fifty-six years ago, I first experienced the musicianship of Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady as members of the Jefferson Airplane. The place was Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom and the venue conditions were far from ideal. But none of that tro
Nov 16, 2025
Jimmy Burns Interview
Delta/Chicago blues veteran joins with Chicago jazz giants to come Full Circle and revisit his early hits Story and Photos: Peter M. Hurley Photo: Peter Hurley Jimmy Burns Comes Full Circle By Peter Hurley Veteran Bluesman Jimmy Burns slipped into the booth at the Italian restaurant chain, the one with the free breadsticks, where he had arranged to meet for lunch. His beard was fuller and snowier than when last seen, his almond shaped eyes alive and dark with amber-tinged w
Nov 1, 2025
Southern Avenue – Prairie Center, Schaumburg, October 18, 2025
Review & Photos: Jim Summaria Tiernii & Tikyra Southern Avenue at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg, IL, Saturday, October 18, 2025 Review & Photos: By Jim Summaria Every once in a while you come across a group that just "wows" you. This was the case for me when I recently experienced the group Southern Avenue. They blend blues, soul, rock and gospel into a beautiful package of inspiring lyrics and spirited music. This traveling family band from Mem
Oct 27, 2025
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOWS - Feb. 3-7: Blues Week at Hey Nonny
Hey Nonny (Arlington Hts.) Mississippi Heat/ photo: Jennifer Noble Top Blues Bands to celebrate Blues Week (and beyond) at Hey Nonny Schedule February 2026 2/3 -- Mississippi Heat 2/4 -- Mike Wheeler Band & Stefan Hillesheim Band 2/5 -- Smiley Tillmon Band w/ Kate Moss 2/6 -- The Jimmys 2/7 -- Will Tilson 2/10 -- John Primer 2/11 -- Corky Siegel Tickets: Hey Nonny VIEW ALL EVENTS
41 minutes ago1 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 - January 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for January 2026 Kim Wilson – Slow Burn MC Records MC0096 www.mc-records.com Harp player Kim Wilson has a deep respect for his forebears and his former musical partners, too. He pays tribute to three of them -- pianist Barrelhouse Chuck, bassist Larry Taylor and drummer Richard Innes – with this disc of previously unreleased material captured in 2014 and 2020. It’s a welcome follow-up to his Grammy-nominated The Bigtone Sessions . I
Jan 1
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
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,
chicagoblueseditor
Jan 17
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