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                                   Your Complete Guide to the Chicago Blues Scene



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EVENTS
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Delta Blues at the Beverly Arts Center
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Chicago Blues Guide HOT shows
Jimmy BurnsMay 24: "Back to the Delta" Blues Showcase w/ Jimmy Burns, Smiley Tillmon & Diamond Jim Greene at the Beverly Arts Center, Chicago.

CLICK
for more HOT shows this week!

photo: Jennifer Noble
Little Walter CD artMay - June 2013 contest

Celebrate Little Walter's Birthday and Chicago Blues Guide's Anniversary and win cool prizes.

ENTER TO WIN:
Little Walter Tribute CD,
 t-shirt, and poster from Blind Pig and the
 Little Walter Foundation
James CottonEVENTS: 30th annual Chicago Blues Fest 2013 announces lineup
for June 6-9

CLICK to see the entire schedule


photo: James Cotton by Jennifer Noble
UPDATES
James CottonLIVE REVIEW: James Cotton at The Mayne Stage

The blues harmonica master extraordinaire isn't quite as visible as he used to be. When he does play a show, it's guaranteed to be an event!
Artie Blues Boy WhiteNEWS: Artie "Blues Boy" White dies at age 76

R.I.P. Artie White
April 16, 1937 - April 20, 2013

Soul blues singer Artie White, known for hits like "Leanin' Tree" and "Don't Pet My Dog," passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
(photo: Jennifer Noble)
Jimmy DawkinsNEWS: Jimmy Dawkins dies at age 76

Kevin Johnson & Bob Corritore remember the West Side guitar legend

R.I.P. James Henry Dawkins
October 24, 1936 - April 10, 2013


(photo: Jennifer Noble)
Magic Slim old photoLIVE REVIEW: A Night For Magic -- A Tribute to Magic Slim

It was a magical night at the Mayne Stage for one of the finest blues all-star lineups in recent memory, all playing to honor the late Morris "Magic Slim" Holt.
Alvin Lee smallFEATURE: Poetry by George Kalamaras

Our resident blues poet  pays homage to the recently departed guitar great Alvin Lee
Eddie C. CampbellNEWS: Campaign to bring Eddie C. Campbell home a success!!!

Donations still being accepted
CLICK

Visit our Facebook page to see photos of the star-studded benefit show at Rosa's on 2/17/2013
photo: Dianne Dunklau
Bex marshallFEATURE: Interview with British Blues Woman Bex Marshall

The first and only female guitarist ever to be invited to play Cork's International Guitar Fest, the feisty guitar player and singer/songwriter is headed to the Home of the Blues for an intimate show on March 6.
Magic SlimNEWS: Magic Slim passes away at age 75

Morris Holt, nicknamed Magic Slim by pal Magic Sam in the 1950s, was a beloved blues artist all over the world. Bob Corritore pays tribute to his legacy.
James Cotton smallLIVE REVIEW:  Blues at The Crossroads Tribute to Muddy Waters & Howlin’ Wolf

The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jody Williams, James Cotton, Bob Margolin & Tinsley Ellis served up some hot blues on a cold night at the Tivoli Theater
Irma ThomasLIVE REVIEW: 18th Annual Lucerne Blues Festival 2012, Switzerland

Picturesque Lucerne was the spectacular setting for this world class Swiss Blues Festival. We have a review & photos of the fest's weekend, which included sets by: Irma Thomas (photo), Charlie Musselwhite, the Chicago Blues Revue, Barbara Carr, Guitar Shorty, Sista Monica & more.
Belly of the Blues book cover
 FEATURE: Book Review
Terry Abrahamson's In the Belly of the Blues

 The author's life changing musical journey into “The Belly of The Blues” is chronicled through his iconic B&W photos and his written memoirs in this very enjoyable hardback.
The Congregation small FEATURE: Interview The Congregation's Gina Bloom
 
 "Right Now Everything" seems to be happening for Chicago's hottest bluesy garage soul band
Muddy & Stones Checkerboard DVDDVD/CD REVIEW:
Muddy Waters &
The Rolling Stones
Checkerboard Lounge -- Live Chicago 1981

More than a mere souvenir of this historic summit, this release stands up musically, proving that the Stones could more than hold their own with Chicago's king of the blues on his gritty home turf.
Buddy Guy book cover small FEATURE: Book Review of Buddy Guy's Autobiography, When I Left Home, My Story

 Buddy's life is a true rags to riches tale of how a poor sharecropper's son left his loved ones behind in Louisiana in search of a better life in Chicago. He succeeded beyond his wildest dreams to become a world renowned guitar legend and more.

Delmark 55th DVDREVIEWS:

CDs: Junior Wells, James Cotton, Mud Morganfield, Dave Specter, Pinetop Perkins, Dave Weld, Charlie Musselwhite, Holmes Bros., Nick Moss, Janiva Magness, Cash Box Kings, Big James, Buckwheat Zydeco, John Nemeth, Buddy Guy, Magic Slim & more.

DVDs: JJ Grey & Mofro, Tail Dragger, Delmark's 55th Anniversary, Maxwell Street, Son Seals, Jimmy Burns & more.

LIVE BLUES:  Stevie Wonder, Etta James, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Pinetop Perkins, Joss Stone, Ryan Shaw, Mavis Staples, Booker T & the MGs, John Nemeth, more.
J.B. RitchieFEATURE: Interview with J.B. Ritchie

 J.B. Ritchie has been playing the blues for nearly five decades. His wild ride of a life story would make a great screenplay.
John Mayall LIVE REVIEW: John Mayall at Mayne Stage

The legendary British Bluesbreaker brought down the house, backed by a Chicago rhythm section and a Texas guitar ace.
Harvey Mandel LIVE REVIEW: Canned Heat boogies on at S.P.A.C.E.
 
 Harvey Mandel (photo), Fito de la Parra, Larry Taylor and Dale Spaulding, plus special guests, brought a bit of Woodstock (minus the brown acid), played all their hits, plus deep cuts, and jammed into the night for a devoted crowd in Evanston.
Lonnie Brooks small FEATURE: Interview with Lonnie Brooks

 Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2010, Lonnie Brooks is an international blues star. In Part 1 of a lengthy interview, he reminisces about his childhood in Louisiana and details a recent  recording session with his sons Ronnie and Wayne in Nashville.
James CottonLIVE REVIEW: James Cotton, Eddy Clearwater at Viper Alley

The blues harp legend and the rockabilly-blues Chief turned a suburban showroom into a blues joint for a night of outstanding music.
Lee Ritenour small LIVE REVIEW: Lee Ritenour at The Mayne Stage

 The versatile virtuoso guitarist, along with his ace band, played to a packed house of devotees. It was a breathtaking show filled with  musical surprises that defied boundaries.
Mud MorganfieldLIVE REVIEW: Mud Morganfield CD release party at Legends

Celebrating his new CD, Son of the Seventh Son, Muddy's eldest son was joined by Bob Corritore, Rick Kreher, Kenny Smith, E.G. McDaniel, Harmonica Hinds, Barrelhouse Chuck,  Deitra Farr, Katherine Davis and the Chicago Blues Angels for a night of pure blues fun.
Buddy & Hopkins comic headshot FEATURE: Welcome Buddy and Hopkins!

The further misadventures of Buddy and  Hopkins will be featured regularly on our website, thanks to talented artist Jason Nocera. Click on the photo to find out what kind of trouble they get into this month.
Howard Levy FEATURE: Interview with Howard Levy

 Evanston's resident harmonica genius, along with bandmates Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, celebrate their recent Grammy win and hit the road for a major tour. Levy reflects on his past projects with stars like Dolly Parton and Paul Simon, and looks to the future.
Big Llou Johnson FEATURE: Interview with Big Llou Johnson


 "Bringing sexy back to the blues"

 The voice of B.B. King's Bluesville radio network releases his debut blues CD.
Wendell Holmes FEATURE: Interview with the Holmes Brothers

 Wendell Holmes, Sherman Holmes and Popsy Dixon have triumphed over adversity with help from the uplifting music and message they bring to audiences around the world. Was it divine intervention that first brought this band of brothers together and has kept them going for over 40 years?
Tab Benoit B&W FEATURE: Interview with Tab Benoit

 Cajun bluesman Tab Benoit gives voice to the Louisiana wetlands and serves up some Medicine, on his hot new CD.
Marcia Ball FEATURE: Interview with Marcia Ball

The party's still going on for veteran blues/boogie pianist Marcia Ball. The Louisiana native brings her "Roadside Attractions" to Chicago for an intimate show.
Dave Specter & Donald Kinsey at SPACE
Dave Specter & Donald Kinsey
 June 5 at SPACE
Get the party started!
Grana Louise flip photo
Book a blues band & more with Cain's Music Connection
Liz Mandeville CD
Liz Mandeville's new CD Clarksdale features 11 originals with Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith, Eddie Shaw & Nick Moss. Buy now on cdbaby
Hambone Logo
Hambone's Blues Party on WDCB 90.9 FM
Momo Mama Blue Chicago
Blue Chicago
536 N. Clark
Chicago, IL

 

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rambler.jpg lynnejordan.jpgLynne Jordan