On October 1, 2026, a group of musicians and composers gathered in Chicago’s Federal Plaza to demonstrate against A.I. generated music. Here are my thoughts about and images from the demonstration.
All tagged Blues
Chicago Bluesfest--Day Whee
Today, June 7, 2026, saw the Chicago Blues Festival charge into Day 3 of its annual run. The day included performances by Melody Angel, Chris Cain, Katherine Davis, Deitra Farr, Sue Foley, Lee Kanehira, Lynne Jordan, Mary Lane, Taj Mahal, and Nora Jean Wallace. Here are my thoughts about and images from the day.
Chicago Bluesfest--Day 1
Today, June 5, 2026, saw the annual Chicago Blues Festival kickoff. The day included Charlie Musselwhite and Elvin Bishop performing as a duo, as well as guitar slingers Ronnie Baker Brooks, Torozon Cannon, Tinsley Ellis, Lil’ Ed and Nick Moss challenging each other in the battle of the axes. Here are my thoughts about and images from the day.
Southern Soul at Logan
On January 25, 2025, the University of Chicago staged a Southern Soul Celebration at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts. Leading the charge were singers Joe Barr, Theo Huff, and Nellie “Tiger” Travis, backed by the Platinum Band. Here are my thoughts about and images from this fun-filled evening.
Bluesfest 2024--Day 1
The 40th Annual Chicago Bluesfest kicked off its residency in Millennium Park’s Pritzker Pavilion tonight with performances by Corey Harris and Mr. Sipp, together with a centennial tribute to Jimmy Rogers, one of the architects of the Muddy Waters sound. Here are my thoughts about and images from the today’s festivities.
Bluesfest (Day 1)
The 2022 Chicago Bluesfest kicked off today, with an all-star lineup of Chicago Blues artists. Here are my thoughts about and my images from the first day of this four-day festival that attracts visitors from around the country and the world.
Paul Butterfield
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Tail Dragger Redux
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Very Bright
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The Tale Dragger
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Whatever. Today, with towel in hand, Tail Dragger gave a mesmerizing performance. On the surface, it was rooted deep in Chicago blues traditions that many others have sucessfully mined over the years. Yet, Tail Dragger is the real deal. There are not too many veterans like him around any more. I am glad I dragged myself out of bed into the heat.
Chicago Blues Festival
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Many people expressed a lot of concern when the City decided to move the 2017 Chicago Bluesfest to Millennium Park rather than continuing to use the longstanding location at Petrillo Music Shell and the side stages in Grant Park. People did not want to substitute concrete for grass. Overall, I think the City did a great job in prepping Millennium Park for the onslaught of blues enthusiasts and casual passersby who heard the music wafting from the four stages as they enjoyed the Bean and the Crown Fountain.
Blues on State Street
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Marshall Field and Company exists now only as a sign that Macy's hasn't removed out of fear of alienating the Chicago market and its fond remembrances of the once venerable Field and Company. Much the same can be said of Maxwell Street Market, which has been moved to a new location and is a shadow of its former self. Yet, Brian Doroba (guitar)
Precursor to the Bluesfest
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Surprise, Surprise! At about noon, I was within a block of Daley Plaza (the location of the Picasso statue) when I heard the sweet sounds of some Chicago Blues reverberating off the buildings, sounding just like it did when Muddy Waters plugged his guitar into an amp.
Taj
Taj, accompanied by Bill Rich on bass and Kester Smith on drums, came out at the appointed time, proceeding to put on a terrific show for 100+ minutes. He still has chops, with a voice that is as distinctive and strong as ever. No question on the guitar. During the performance, he played a hollow-body guitar that generated incredible reverb, a National steel guitar, and an acoustic guitar. For the encore, he stepped over to an electric piano. I was disappointed that he didn't pick up the banjo or the ukulele.