All in Musicians
Tonight it was vocalist Tammy McCann and guitarist Mike Allemana. As was true back in the Seventies, you might not think that the two musicians could keep it going for two one-hour sets, but you would be very wrong. Like Ella and Pass, and Eldridge and Peterson, tonight's performers captivated their audience.
Meanwhile, the crowd was enjoying a delicious dinner from the catering department, as well as the barbecue on the lower terrace. The figs, Italian meats, and cheese looked particularly tempting. And this was the first evening where the skies were that rich blue color that everyone associates with summer.
Taking Youthful Enthusiasim Under the Arm of Grizzled Experience
First up was Charlie Love. Basic blues, but excellent blues. Charlie called one Steven up from the audience. This Chicago teen had his chops down, performing three or four numbers with a cracker jack band. Steven held his own. And he has the red and orange shirt thing going on for him.
Toward the end of his set, Theo asked if three lovely ladies would join him on stage for some hip shaking. A couple of the women who volunteered knew how to shake their hips. I give a lot of credit to the 89-year old lady who jumped up at the opportunity to join Theo.
"Blow Your Harmonica Son"
The Chicago Blues Festival opened today as temperatures soared above 90 degrees, with the City's streets clogged by pedestrians and vehicles. Even with sirens blaring, the police found themselves stuck in traffic.
Meanwhile, blues music often blared from four stages in Grant Park.
The winter chill returned to Chicago today, but Chicago saxophonist Pat Mallinger brought a trio to the Museum of Contemporary Art warm the day and kick off the Tuesdays Jazz on the Terrace annual series. With Mallinger, were Pete Benson on piano and Matt Ferguson on bass.
