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YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE CHICAGO BLUES SCENE
None of us are free
if one of us is chained
Mavis Staples (Photo by Jennifer Noble)
BLUES UPDATES
Mud Morganfield – Hey Nonny, Arlington Hts., April 28, 2026
Article & Photos: Jim Summaria Mud Morganfield & Studebaker John Mud Morganfield w/ Rick Kreher, Studebaker John, Sumito Ariyoshi, Pookie Styx & E.G. McDaniel at Hey Nonny, April 28, 2026 Live Show Review & Photos by Jim Summaria Larry "Mud" Morganfield was born into the blues. He's the eldest son of the legendary Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) the "Father of Modern Chicago Blues." Mud carries on the family tradition of playing blues in its most pure form. Like any
2 days ago
Omar Coleman Interview
Chicago's Omar Coleman teamed up with Brazil's Igor Prado to collaborate on their hot, new release Old New Funky and Blue. The result lives up to the album's title with songs that reflect early influences -- like Bobby Rush, Syl Johnson, Junior Wells, Albert King and Albert Collins -- that will help listeners get their groove on. Omar and Igor will join forces again for their album release party at FitzGerald's in Berwyn on May 15, 2026. Bring your dancin' shoes! Story and Ph
Apr 26
Chicago Blues Festival 2026 announces lineup
Chicago Blues Festival Thursday – Sunday, June 4 – 7 Millennium Park, 4 stages across the Park Plus: The Ramova Theater at 35th & Halsted and Maxwell Street FREE! ChicagoBluesFestival.us Concerts will also be livestreamed at Youtube.com/ChicagoDCASE City of Chicago Announces 2026 Chicago Blues Festival Lineup June 4–7 Thursday, June 4 - Ramova Theatre Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St., Chicago IL. 60609 5 p.m. - doors 6-10:30 p.m. - panel discussion + double-bill program1
Apr 15
Joanne Shaw Taylor – North Shore Center, Skokie, March 18, 2026
By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria When Joanne Shaw Taylor (JST) was fourteen years old, her dad took her to a B.B. King concert in Birmingham, England. After King’s set concluded, she approached the stage for a souvenir guitar pick. King had none left, but he knelt down to chat with the diminutive fourteen-year-old girl who told him, “I think I’m going to be a blues woman. I’ve been listening and studying hard.” Eighteen months later, she was opening for the Beale Stree
Mar 29
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOWS - May 7,14,21,28: Jackie Venson, FitzGerald's, Berwyn
FitzGerald's (Berwyn) Photo: Jim Summaria Back by popular demand: Jackie Venson to perform weekly residency at FitzGerald's in May When: Thursdays, May 7,14,21,28 2026 Time: 8:30 p.m. Where: FitzGerald's , Berwyn ABOUT: Jackie Venson Jackie Venson is a gifted singer, guitarist and songwriter who is bringing her unique talents to Fitzgerald's in Berwyn for a four-date residency. She will perform each Thursday on May 7,14,21 and 28. Venson was born and bred in the music hot
2 days ago4 min read
SPRING 2026 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 - May 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for May 2026 Freddie King – Feeling Alright: The Complete 1975 Nancy Jazz Pulsation Concerts Elemental Music www.elemental-music.com The recent Record Store Day served up a major treat for blues fans: A compilation of live recordings of the legendary Freddie King at the height of his power and career. Captured at a series of concerts in the French countryside in 1975, the Texas Cannonball fires on all cylinders throughout this set,
Apr 30
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
Mud Morganfield – Hey Nonny, Arlington Hts., April 28, 2026
Article & Photos: Jim Summaria Mud Morganfield & Studebaker John Mud Morganfield w/ Rick Kreher, Studebaker John, Sumito Ariyoshi, Pookie Styx & E.G. McDaniel at Hey Nonny, April 28, 2026 Live Show Review & Photos by Jim Summaria Larry "Mud" Morganfield was born into the blues. He's the eldest son of the legendary Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) the "Father of Modern Chicago Blues." Mud carries on the family tradition of playing blues in its most pure form. Like any
chicagoblueseditor
2 days ago
BLUES UPDATES
Mud Morganfield – Hey Nonny, Arlington Hts., April 28, 2026
Article & Photos: Jim Summaria Mud Morganfield & Studebaker John Mud Morganfield w/ Rick Kreher, Studebaker John, Sumito Ariyoshi, Pookie Styx & E.G. McDaniel at Hey Nonny, April 28, 2026 Live Show Review & Photos by Jim Summaria Larry "Mud" Morganfield was born into the blues. He's the eldest son of the legendary Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) the "Father of Modern Chicago Blues." Mud carries on the family tradition of playing blues in its most pure form. Like any
2 days ago
Omar Coleman Interview
Chicago's Omar Coleman teamed up with Brazil's Igor Prado to collaborate on their hot, new release Old New Funky and Blue. The result lives up to the album's title with songs that reflect early influences -- like Bobby Rush, Syl Johnson, Junior Wells, Albert King and Albert Collins -- that will help listeners get their groove on. Omar and Igor will join forces again for their album release party at FitzGerald's in Berwyn on May 15, 2026. Bring your dancin' shoes! Story and Ph
Apr 26
Chicago Blues Festival 2026 announces lineup
Chicago Blues Festival Thursday – Sunday, June 4 – 7 Millennium Park, 4 stages across the Park Plus: The Ramova Theater at 35th & Halsted and Maxwell Street FREE! ChicagoBluesFestival.us Concerts will also be livestreamed at Youtube.com/ChicagoDCASE City of Chicago Announces 2026 Chicago Blues Festival Lineup June 4–7 Thursday, June 4 - Ramova Theatre Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St., Chicago IL. 60609 5 p.m. - doors 6-10:30 p.m. - panel discussion + double-bill program1
Apr 15
Joanne Shaw Taylor – North Shore Center, Skokie, March 18, 2026
By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria When Joanne Shaw Taylor (JST) was fourteen years old, her dad took her to a B.B. King concert in Birmingham, England. After King’s set concluded, she approached the stage for a souvenir guitar pick. King had none left, but he knelt down to chat with the diminutive fourteen-year-old girl who told him, “I think I’m going to be a blues woman. I’ve been listening and studying hard.” Eighteen months later, she was opening for the Beale Stree
Mar 29
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOWS - May 7,14,21,28: Jackie Venson, FitzGerald's, Berwyn
FitzGerald's (Berwyn) Photo: Jim Summaria Back by popular demand: Jackie Venson to perform weekly residency at FitzGerald's in May When: Thursdays, May 7,14,21,28 2026 Time: 8:30 p.m. Where: FitzGerald's , Berwyn ABOUT: Jackie Venson Jackie Venson is a gifted singer, guitarist and songwriter who is bringing her unique talents to Fitzgerald's in Berwyn for a four-date residency. She will perform each Thursday on May 7,14,21 and 28. Venson was born and bred in the music hot
2 days ago4 min read
SPRING 2026 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 - May 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for May 2026 Freddie King – Feeling Alright: The Complete 1975 Nancy Jazz Pulsation Concerts Elemental Music www.elemental-music.com The recent Record Store Day served up a major treat for blues fans: A compilation of live recordings of the legendary Freddie King at the height of his power and career. Captured at a series of concerts in the French countryside in 1975, the Texas Cannonball fires on all cylinders throughout this set,
Apr 30
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
Mud Morganfield – Hey Nonny, Arlington Hts., April 28, 2026
Article & Photos: Jim Summaria Mud Morganfield & Studebaker John Mud Morganfield w/ Rick Kreher, Studebaker John, Sumito Ariyoshi, Pookie Styx & E.G. McDaniel at Hey Nonny, April 28, 2026 Live Show Review & Photos by Jim Summaria Larry "Mud" Morganfield was born into the blues. He's the eldest son of the legendary Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) the "Father of Modern Chicago Blues." Mud carries on the family tradition of playing blues in its most pure form. Like any
chicagoblueseditor
2 days ago
BLUES UPDATES
Mud Morganfield – Hey Nonny, Arlington Hts., April 28, 2026
Article & Photos: Jim Summaria Mud Morganfield & Studebaker John Mud Morganfield w/ Rick Kreher, Studebaker John, Sumito Ariyoshi, Pookie Styx & E.G. McDaniel at Hey Nonny, April 28, 2026 Live Show Review & Photos by Jim Summaria Larry "Mud" Morganfield was born into the blues. He's the eldest son of the legendary Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) the "Father of Modern Chicago Blues." Mud carries on the family tradition of playing blues in its most pure form. Like any
2 days ago
Omar Coleman Interview
Chicago's Omar Coleman teamed up with Brazil's Igor Prado to collaborate on their hot, new release Old New Funky and Blue. The result lives up to the album's title with songs that reflect early influences -- like Bobby Rush, Syl Johnson, Junior Wells, Albert King and Albert Collins -- that will help listeners get their groove on. Omar and Igor will join forces again for their album release party at FitzGerald's in Berwyn on May 15, 2026. Bring your dancin' shoes! Story and Ph
Apr 26
Chicago Blues Festival 2026 announces lineup
Chicago Blues Festival Thursday – Sunday, June 4 – 7 Millennium Park, 4 stages across the Park Plus: The Ramova Theater at 35th & Halsted and Maxwell Street FREE! ChicagoBluesFestival.us Concerts will also be livestreamed at Youtube.com/ChicagoDCASE City of Chicago Announces 2026 Chicago Blues Festival Lineup June 4–7 Thursday, June 4 - Ramova Theatre Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St., Chicago IL. 60609 5 p.m. - doors 6-10:30 p.m. - panel discussion + double-bill program1
Apr 15
Joanne Shaw Taylor – North Shore Center, Skokie, March 18, 2026
By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria When Joanne Shaw Taylor (JST) was fourteen years old, her dad took her to a B.B. King concert in Birmingham, England. After King’s set concluded, she approached the stage for a souvenir guitar pick. King had none left, but he knelt down to chat with the diminutive fourteen-year-old girl who told him, “I think I’m going to be a blues woman. I’ve been listening and studying hard.” Eighteen months later, she was opening for the Beale Stree
Mar 29
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOWS - May 7,14,21,28: Jackie Venson, FitzGerald's, Berwyn
FitzGerald's (Berwyn) Photo: Jim Summaria Back by popular demand: Jackie Venson to perform weekly residency at FitzGerald's in May When: Thursdays, May 7,14,21,28 2026 Time: 8:30 p.m. Where: FitzGerald's , Berwyn ABOUT: Jackie Venson Jackie Venson is a gifted singer, guitarist and songwriter who is bringing her unique talents to Fitzgerald's in Berwyn for a four-date residency. She will perform each Thursday on May 7,14,21 and 28. Venson was born and bred in the music hot
2 days ago4 min read
SPRING 2026 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 - May 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for May 2026 Freddie King – Feeling Alright: The Complete 1975 Nancy Jazz Pulsation Concerts Elemental Music www.elemental-music.com The recent Record Store Day served up a major treat for blues fans: A compilation of live recordings of the legendary Freddie King at the height of his power and career. Captured at a series of concerts in the French countryside in 1975, the Texas Cannonball fires on all cylinders throughout this set,
Apr 30
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
Mud Morganfield – Hey Nonny, Arlington Hts., April 28, 2026
Article & Photos: Jim Summaria Mud Morganfield & Studebaker John Mud Morganfield w/ Rick Kreher, Studebaker John, Sumito Ariyoshi, Pookie Styx & E.G. McDaniel at Hey Nonny, April 28, 2026 Live Show Review & Photos by Jim Summaria Larry "Mud" Morganfield was born into the blues. He's the eldest son of the legendary Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) the "Father of Modern Chicago Blues." Mud carries on the family tradition of playing blues in its most pure form. Like any
chicagoblueseditor
2 days ago
BLUES UPDATES
Mud Morganfield – Hey Nonny, Arlington Hts., April 28, 2026
Article & Photos: Jim Summaria Mud Morganfield & Studebaker John Mud Morganfield w/ Rick Kreher, Studebaker John, Sumito Ariyoshi, Pookie Styx & E.G. McDaniel at Hey Nonny, April 28, 2026 Live Show Review & Photos by Jim Summaria Larry "Mud" Morganfield was born into the blues. He's the eldest son of the legendary Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) the "Father of Modern Chicago Blues." Mud carries on the family tradition of playing blues in its most pure form. Like any
2 days ago
Omar Coleman Interview
Chicago's Omar Coleman teamed up with Brazil's Igor Prado to collaborate on their hot, new release Old New Funky and Blue. The result lives up to the album's title with songs that reflect early influences -- like Bobby Rush, Syl Johnson, Junior Wells, Albert King and Albert Collins -- that will help listeners get their groove on. Omar and Igor will join forces again for their album release party at FitzGerald's in Berwyn on May 15, 2026. Bring your dancin' shoes! Story and Ph
Apr 26
Chicago Blues Festival 2026 announces lineup
Chicago Blues Festival Thursday – Sunday, June 4 – 7 Millennium Park, 4 stages across the Park Plus: The Ramova Theater at 35th & Halsted and Maxwell Street FREE! ChicagoBluesFestival.us Concerts will also be livestreamed at Youtube.com/ChicagoDCASE City of Chicago Announces 2026 Chicago Blues Festival Lineup June 4–7 Thursday, June 4 - Ramova Theatre Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St., Chicago IL. 60609 5 p.m. - doors 6-10:30 p.m. - panel discussion + double-bill program1
Apr 15
Joanne Shaw Taylor – North Shore Center, Skokie, March 18, 2026
By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria When Joanne Shaw Taylor (JST) was fourteen years old, her dad took her to a B.B. King concert in Birmingham, England. After King’s set concluded, she approached the stage for a souvenir guitar pick. King had none left, but he knelt down to chat with the diminutive fourteen-year-old girl who told him, “I think I’m going to be a blues woman. I’ve been listening and studying hard.” Eighteen months later, she was opening for the Beale Stree
Mar 29
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOWS - May 7,14,21,28: Jackie Venson, FitzGerald's, Berwyn
FitzGerald's (Berwyn) Photo: Jim Summaria Back by popular demand: Jackie Venson to perform weekly residency at FitzGerald's in May When: Thursdays, May 7,14,21,28 2026 Time: 8:30 p.m. Where: FitzGerald's , Berwyn ABOUT: Jackie Venson Jackie Venson is a gifted singer, guitarist and songwriter who is bringing her unique talents to Fitzgerald's in Berwyn for a four-date residency. She will perform each Thursday on May 7,14,21 and 28. Venson was born and bred in the music hot
2 days ago4 min read
SPRING 2026 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 - May 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for May 2026 Freddie King – Feeling Alright: The Complete 1975 Nancy Jazz Pulsation Concerts Elemental Music www.elemental-music.com The recent Record Store Day served up a major treat for blues fans: A compilation of live recordings of the legendary Freddie King at the height of his power and career. Captured at a series of concerts in the French countryside in 1975, the Texas Cannonball fires on all cylinders throughout this set,
Apr 30
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
Mud Morganfield – Hey Nonny, Arlington Hts., April 28, 2026
Article & Photos: Jim Summaria Mud Morganfield & Studebaker John Mud Morganfield w/ Rick Kreher, Studebaker John, Sumito Ariyoshi, Pookie Styx & E.G. McDaniel at Hey Nonny, April 28, 2026 Live Show Review & Photos by Jim Summaria Larry "Mud" Morganfield was born into the blues. He's the eldest son of the legendary Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) the "Father of Modern Chicago Blues." Mud carries on the family tradition of playing blues in its most pure form. Like any
chicagoblueseditor
2 days ago
BLUES UPDATES
Mud Morganfield – Hey Nonny, Arlington Hts., April 28, 2026
Article & Photos: Jim Summaria Mud Morganfield & Studebaker John Mud Morganfield w/ Rick Kreher, Studebaker John, Sumito Ariyoshi, Pookie Styx & E.G. McDaniel at Hey Nonny, April 28, 2026 Live Show Review & Photos by Jim Summaria Larry "Mud" Morganfield was born into the blues. He's the eldest son of the legendary Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) the "Father of Modern Chicago Blues." Mud carries on the family tradition of playing blues in its most pure form. Like any
2 days ago
Omar Coleman Interview
Chicago's Omar Coleman teamed up with Brazil's Igor Prado to collaborate on their hot, new release Old New Funky and Blue. The result lives up to the album's title with songs that reflect early influences -- like Bobby Rush, Syl Johnson, Junior Wells, Albert King and Albert Collins -- that will help listeners get their groove on. Omar and Igor will join forces again for their album release party at FitzGerald's in Berwyn on May 15, 2026. Bring your dancin' shoes! Story and Ph
Apr 26
Chicago Blues Festival 2026 announces lineup
Chicago Blues Festival Thursday – Sunday, June 4 – 7 Millennium Park, 4 stages across the Park Plus: The Ramova Theater at 35th & Halsted and Maxwell Street FREE! ChicagoBluesFestival.us Concerts will also be livestreamed at Youtube.com/ChicagoDCASE City of Chicago Announces 2026 Chicago Blues Festival Lineup June 4–7 Thursday, June 4 - Ramova Theatre Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St., Chicago IL. 60609 5 p.m. - doors 6-10:30 p.m. - panel discussion + double-bill program1
Apr 15
Joanne Shaw Taylor – North Shore Center, Skokie, March 18, 2026
By Mark Plotnick Photos: Jim Summaria When Joanne Shaw Taylor (JST) was fourteen years old, her dad took her to a B.B. King concert in Birmingham, England. After King’s set concluded, she approached the stage for a souvenir guitar pick. King had none left, but he knelt down to chat with the diminutive fourteen-year-old girl who told him, “I think I’m going to be a blues woman. I’ve been listening and studying hard.” Eighteen months later, she was opening for the Beale Stree
Mar 29
HOT SHOWS
HOT SHOWS - May 7,14,21,28: Jackie Venson, FitzGerald's, Berwyn
FitzGerald's (Berwyn) Photo: Jim Summaria Back by popular demand: Jackie Venson to perform weekly residency at FitzGerald's in May When: Thursdays, May 7,14,21,28 2026 Time: 8:30 p.m. Where: FitzGerald's , Berwyn ABOUT: Jackie Venson Jackie Venson is a gifted singer, guitarist and songwriter who is bringing her unique talents to Fitzgerald's in Berwyn for a four-date residency. She will perform each Thursday on May 7,14,21 and 28. Venson was born and bred in the music hot
2 days ago4 min read
SPRING 2026 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 - May 2026
By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for May 2026 Freddie King – Feeling Alright: The Complete 1975 Nancy Jazz Pulsation Concerts Elemental Music www.elemental-music.com The recent Record Store Day served up a major treat for blues fans: A compilation of live recordings of the legendary Freddie King at the height of his power and career. Captured at a series of concerts in the French countryside in 1975, the Texas Cannonball fires on all cylinders throughout this set,
Apr 30
FEATURED ARTICLES
LIVE SHOW REVIEW
Mud Morganfield – Hey Nonny, Arlington Hts., April 28, 2026
Article & Photos: Jim Summaria Mud Morganfield & Studebaker John Mud Morganfield w/ Rick Kreher, Studebaker John, Sumito Ariyoshi, Pookie Styx & E.G. McDaniel at Hey Nonny, April 28, 2026 Live Show Review & Photos by Jim Summaria Larry "Mud" Morganfield was born into the blues. He's the eldest son of the legendary Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) the "Father of Modern Chicago Blues." Mud carries on the family tradition of playing blues in its most pure form. Like any
chicagoblueseditor
2 days ago
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