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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
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 - Jan. 3 - 30: Buddy Guy, residency shows, Legends, Chicago
Buddy Guy's Legends Bobby Rush & Buddy Guy/Photo: Lynn Orman Find ticket information HERE Buddy Guy & Special Guests Jan. 3 - 30 residency shows Shows are: Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday (some exceptions) Buddy Guy's Legends , 700 S. Wabash (at Balboa), Chicago Doors: 5:00 p.m Dinner Acoustic Set 5:30 p.m. Show times: 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Reserved seating: $142.14 /GA Standing only: $90.64 (includes fees) AGE RESTRICTIONS: All Buddy Shows are 21+. ABOUT THE ARTIST: George "B
6 days 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
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
chicagoblueseditor
Nov 19, 2025
BLUES UPDATES
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
Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honors Chicago's Blues legacy and more for 2025's induction event at Rialto Theater, Joliet
Story & Photos by Jim Summaria L to R: Barbra Marks, Bettye Kelly, Evelyn Tan Cooper, Freddie Dixon The Illinois Rock and Roll Museum and...
Sep 19, 2025
The Who & Joe Bonamassa – United Center, Chicago, Sept. 7, 2025
Review & Photos: Jim Summaria The Who & Joe Bonamassa at the United Center in Chicago September 7, 2025 Review & Photos: By Jim Summaria...
Sep 19, 2025
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOWS - Jan. 3 - 30: Buddy Guy, residency shows, Legends, Chicago
Buddy Guy's Legends Bobby Rush & Buddy Guy/Photo: Lynn Orman Find ticket information HERE Buddy Guy & Special Guests Jan. 3 - 30 residency shows Shows are: Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday (some exceptions) Buddy Guy's Legends , 700 S. Wabash (at Balboa), Chicago Doors: 5:00 p.m Dinner Acoustic Set 5:30 p.m. Show times: 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Reserved seating: $142.14 /GA Standing only: $90.64 (includes fees) AGE RESTRICTIONS: All Buddy Shows are 21+. ABOUT THE ARTIST: George "B
6 days 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
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
chicagoblueseditor
Nov 19, 2025
BLUES UPDATES
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
Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honors Chicago's Blues legacy and more for 2025's induction event at Rialto Theater, Joliet
Story & Photos by Jim Summaria L to R: Barbra Marks, Bettye Kelly, Evelyn Tan Cooper, Freddie Dixon The Illinois Rock and Roll Museum and...
Sep 19, 2025
The Who & Joe Bonamassa – United Center, Chicago, Sept. 7, 2025
Review & Photos: Jim Summaria The Who & Joe Bonamassa at the United Center in Chicago September 7, 2025 Review & Photos: By Jim Summaria...
Sep 19, 2025
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOWS - Jan. 3 - 30: Buddy Guy, residency shows, Legends, Chicago
Buddy Guy's Legends Bobby Rush & Buddy Guy/Photo: Lynn Orman Find ticket information HERE Buddy Guy & Special Guests Jan. 3 - 30 residency shows Shows are: Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday (some exceptions) Buddy Guy's Legends , 700 S. Wabash (at Balboa), Chicago Doors: 5:00 p.m Dinner Acoustic Set 5:30 p.m. Show times: 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Reserved seating: $142.14 /GA Standing only: $90.64 (includes fees) AGE RESTRICTIONS: All Buddy Shows are 21+. ABOUT THE ARTIST: George "B
6 days 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
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
chicagoblueseditor
Nov 19, 2025
BLUES UPDATES
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
Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honors Chicago's Blues legacy and more for 2025's induction event at Rialto Theater, Joliet
Story & Photos by Jim Summaria L to R: Barbra Marks, Bettye Kelly, Evelyn Tan Cooper, Freddie Dixon The Illinois Rock and Roll Museum and...
Sep 19, 2025
The Who & Joe Bonamassa – United Center, Chicago, Sept. 7, 2025
Review & Photos: Jim Summaria The Who & Joe Bonamassa at the United Center in Chicago September 7, 2025 Review & Photos: By Jim Summaria...
Sep 19, 2025
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOWS - Jan. 3 - 30: Buddy Guy, residency shows, Legends, Chicago
Buddy Guy's Legends Bobby Rush & Buddy Guy/Photo: Lynn Orman Find ticket information HERE Buddy Guy & Special Guests Jan. 3 - 30 residency shows Shows are: Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday (some exceptions) Buddy Guy's Legends , 700 S. Wabash (at Balboa), Chicago Doors: 5:00 p.m Dinner Acoustic Set 5:30 p.m. Show times: 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Reserved seating: $142.14 /GA Standing only: $90.64 (includes fees) AGE RESTRICTIONS: All Buddy Shows are 21+. ABOUT THE ARTIST: George "B
6 days 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
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
chicagoblueseditor
Nov 19, 2025
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