The City of Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) have released the lineup for the annual Chicago Blues Festival, returning this weekend from June 6-9. This year’s schedule will feature a special performance from legendary Blues musician Buddy Guy.
Established in 1984, the Chicago Blues Festival is the nation’s largest celebration of Blues music, with four whole days of programming from some of the biggest names in Blues.
This year’s celebration will kick off with an opening concert at the newly restored Ramova Theater. More than 250 artists will perform at Millennium Park across three stages throughout the weekend.
Photo - Clayton Hack
The weekend’s events will culminate on Sunday evening when Buddy Guy takes the stage as part of his “Damn Right Farewell Tour.” Guy’s Sunday performance at the Blues Festival will mark one of his final performances in Chicago before retirement.
One of the most influential artists of all time, Guy is a defining artist of Chicago Blues history. Guys can be attributed with influencing generations of guitarists including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, and John Mayer. Throughout his career, Guy has earned 8 GRAMMY Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“I can't wait to hit the stage at the Chicago Blues Festival!” said Buddy Guy in a statement. “There's something special about playing in the city where it all started. The energy, the history, the soul of Chicago blues—it's in the air, and I'm excited to be a part of it once again.”
Festival goers should come hungry, this year’s festival will include a Blues-inspired BBQ pop-up called “Wally’s Smokehouse BBQ” with delicious BBQ fare and craft drinks and cocktails.
The Chicago Blues Festival is free and open to the public with online RSVP. Visit the DCASE official site to view the full lineup and learn more.
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