LIVE REVIEW: Blues Heaven Festival 2018, Denmark
It may seem strange to find an
international blues fest in northern Denmark, but "Blues
Heaven" just celebrated its 13th anniversary with major
acts like Buddy Guy, Robert Cray,
Don Bryant & The Bo-Keys, Joanna Connor, Walter
Trout, Welch-Ledbetter Connection & more. Check
out our review and photos. |
LIVE REVIEW: European Blues Cruise
2018
Toronzo
Cannon & The Chicago Way, Carl Weathersby, Nora Jean Bruso, Liz
Mandeville, Wayne Baker Brooks, Rip Lee Pryor, Fabrizio
Poggi & more
The Chicago Way meets the Italian Way on board a luxury
liner to cruise the Mediterranean while a nonstop blues
fest ensues. |
 LIVE
REVIEW:
Buddy Guy & Bobby Rush
The first show of Buddy's annual winter residency 2018 kicked
off with some very special guests for a very special cause.
Sparks flew when these ageless icons combined forces. |
 LIVE
REVIEW: Chicago Blues Fest 2017/ Part 1
Held in Grant Park for 34 years, the fest was moved to
Millennium Park for the first time. We take you on a
tour of the new fest location with a review and photos
of the acts on the daytime stages.
Mud Morganfield/photo: Jenn
Noble |
 LIVE
REVIEW: Ann Arbor Blues Fest 2017
Blues lovers revive this historic festival, begun 50
years ago, with an all-star lineup, including:
Benny Turner (photo), Nick Moss Band,
Norman Jackson Band, Hank Mowery, Eliza Neals & The
Narcotics, Chris Canas, Alabama Slim & more. |
 LIVE
REVIEW:
Chicago Blues Reunion at Arcada Theater
Each time that Nick Gravenites, Barry
Goldberg & Harvey Mandel reunite for a
concert, it's a joyful homecoming and celebration of the blues.
Joined by special guests Sugar Blue &
Rob Stone, the CBR brought the house down. |
 LIVE
REVIEW: 2016 Frederikshavn Blues Festival, Denmark
Now in its 11th year, this major international blues
fest, known as Blues Heaven, easily earns that title
with acts like Ruthie Foster, Corey Harris, Robben Ford, The
Original Chicago Blues All Stars w/Holle Thee Maxwell, Roy
Rogers & more. |
 LIVE
REVIEW: Toronzo Cannon at Buddy
Guy's Legends, w/ opener Jimmy Nick
This rising blues star closed out the year with
a hometown set that showed why he is becoming an
international favorite who can name Buddy Guy among his
fans.
|
 LIVE
REVIEW: Big Head Blues Club w/ Mud
Morganfield, Billy Branch, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Erica
Brown presents: The Songs of Willie Dixon, Nov.
2, 2016, Arcada Theater
What's a blues lover to do when the Cubs are playing
Game 7 of the World Series at the same time as one
of the best shows of the year? Check out our review for
the answer. |
 LIVE
REVIEW:
Chicago Blues Party w/ Jeff Stone, Charlie Love
(photo), Tomiko Dixon & guests at Penny
Road Pub
Since he moved back to Chicago, ace harp blower Stone
has been bringing South Side blues to the 'burbs.
Maurice John Vaughn & Demetria Taylor joined the party,
too. |
|
LIVE REVIEW: European Blues Cruise 2016
Set sail for a trip around the Mediterranean with Billy
Branch & Sons of the Blues, Carlos Johnson, Stacy Brooks, Mitch
Woods, Bill "Howl-N-Mad" Perry & Shy Perry and more.
Won't you let us take you on a sea cruise? |
 LIVE
REVIEW:
Blues on the Fox 2016
The Aurora blues festival celebrated its 20th anniversary in
style with no rain-outs and a stellar lineup: Robert
Cray, Marcia Ball, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Los Lobos, Larry McCray
& Leland.
photo: Jennifer Noble |
 LIVE
REVIEW: Chicago Blues Festival
2016: Tribute To Otis Rush, Ronnie Earl & The
Broadcasters, Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater
photo: by Jennifer Noble |
 LIVE
REVIEW:
Holle Thee Maxwell & The Original Chicago Blues
All-Stars at Motor Row Brewing
|
 LIVE
REVIEW: 2015 Frederikshavn Blues Festival, Denmark
It's no wonder this 10 year old fest bills itself as "Blues
Heaven on Earth." With acts like Lurrie Bell
(photo), Warren Haynes, Walter Trout, Chick Rodgers,
Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials, Diunna Greenleaf, Ian Siegal
& more, what's not to like? |
 LIVE
REVIEW:
European Blues Cruise 2015
Chicago's Toronzo Cannon & the Cannonballs, Nellie
"Tiger" Travis, Russ Green, plus Vasti Jackson
& Lady "A," let the good times roll on the high seas
for the second time. |
 LIVE
REVIEW:
Chicago Blues Fest 2015
Centennial Tributes to Willie Dixon & Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy,
Shemekia Copeland, Toronzo Cannon, Eddy Clearwater, Billy
Branch, Clarence Carter, Syl Johnson, Zora Young & more.
photo: Dianne Bruce Dunklau |
 LIVE
REVIEW:
Jarekus Singleton at SPACE
What makes this rising young star so special that Alligator
Records snatched him up? Roving reporter Liz Mandeville
scoped out this uniquely talented artist to find the
answer.
|
LIVE REVIEW: The First Ever European
Blues
Cruise
Chicago blues greats John Primer, Toronzo
Cannon, Ronnie Hicks, Peaches, Demetria Taylor, Mike
Wheeler, Omar Coleman and more sailed the sunny
Mediterranean for this maiden voyage. They showed the
international crowd how to party Chicago style!
|
 LIVE
REVIEW: 19th Annual Lucerne Blues Festival 2013,
Switzerland
The spectacular Swiss mountain town hosted world class
blues talent, including many Chicagoans. See our review
and photos of sets by Byther Smith (photo),
Chicago Blues Allstars, Johnny Rawls, James Harman, the
Blues Broads, Bobby Rush, Rick Estrin, Johnny Sansone
& more! |
 LIVE
REVIEW: Sin City Soul & Blues Revival, Las Vegas
Four stages, 200 musicians, three days and 1500 blues
fans lit up the Riveria Casino for the inaugural fest
with an incredible lineup of talent including
Teseschi Trucks Band, Los Lonely Boys, Henry Gray,
Curtis Salgado, Lil' Ed, Tommy Castro and many
more. Our staff was there to cover it for you! |
 LIVE
REVIEW: Rock n Blues Fest 2013
Edgar Winter (photo), Rick Derringer, Canned Heat, Pat
Travers and Ten Years After rocked the Arcada Theater in
St. Charles for a night to remember. All of these
veteran blues rockers proved to be "Still Alive And
Well." |
 LIVE
REVIEW: Chicago Blues Festival 2013
The largest free blues festival in the world celebrated
its 30th anniversary with some welcome surprises. This
year's theme celebrated the journey of the blues as it
rolled up the river to Chicago
Irma Thomas, Bobby Rush, Earnest Guitar Roy, The Bar-Kays,
Ronnie Baker Brooks, Otis Clay, Shirley Johnson,
Jimmy Johnson and an all-star cast with James Cotton and
more!
Otis Clay / photo: Jennifer Noble |
 LIVE
REVIEW: Chicago Blues Reunion 2013 at The Vic
Nick Gravenites, Barry Goldberg, Harvey Mandel, Corky Siegel
– these Chicago blues alumnae don’t get together very
often.
When you add ex-Chicagoans
Charlie Musselwhite, Elvin Bishop and
Sam Lay, it is a very
special homecoming indeed. Add to the mix special guests
Eric Burdon,
Shemekia Copeland,
Ronnie Baker Brooks and
Lonnie Brooks and you have a
historic night. |
 LIVE
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 |
 LIVE
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. |
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. |
REVIEW: Chicago Blues Fest 2012
A" Celebration of Blues Past & Present" was the theme
for this year's fest. And there was plenty of
celebrating on Day 1 of Chicago Blues
Fest. Here are some of the hightlights. |
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. |
 LIVE
REVIEW: Mud Morganfield CD release party at Legends
Celebrating his new CD, Son of the Seventh Son,
Muddy's eldest son was joined by producer Bob Corritore,
Rick Kreher, Kenny Smith, E.G. McDaniel, Harmonica
Hinds, Deitra Farr, Katherine Davis and the Chicago
Blues Angels for a night of pure blues fun. |
LIVE REVIEW: Delmark's West Side Blues Revue at
B.L.U.E.S.
Delmark Records sure knows how to throw a party! They
asked Billy Flynn to host and invite
his friends: James
Wheeler,
Milwaukee Slim, Barrelhouse Chuck, Oscar Wilson, Willie Buck, Mary Lane,
Jody Williams, Elmore James, Jr., Tail Dragger,
Rockin’ Johnny, Bob Stroger, Kenny “Beady Eyes"
Smith
and more performed. Find who
else packed the house on Feb. 26, 2012. |
REVIEW: Lucerne, Switzerland Blues Festival 2011
Picturesque Lucerne was the spectacular setting for the 17th annual Blues
Festival in this Swiss mountain city. We have complete
coverage of the 3-day fest which included sets by: Otis
Clay (photo), Tail Dragger, Henry Gray, Quintus
McCormick, Larry McCray, Deitra Farr, Joe Louis Walker,
Ruthie Foster & more. |
LIVE REVIEW: Blues Blast Music Awards 2011
Blues legend Buddy Guy took home three of the eight
awards at the all-star festivities held at his club,
Legends. He also turned in one of the night's most
salacious performances. Chicago Blues Guide's Liz
Mandeville was there to get the scoop. |
LIVE
REVIEW: Bluestock 2011, Hunter Mt., N.Y.
The inaugural Bluestock Festival was held the same weekend as Hurricane
Irene hit the East Coast. Thanks to diligent planning,
the major event went on to the delight of blues fans who
came from all over the globe. Our CBG
correspondents braved the elements to enjoy the music
and to say "good night, Irene, good night" to the storm. |
|
LIVE REVIEW: Jimmie Vaughan at SPACE in Evanston
It's rare to find a musician of Vaughan's stature performing in an
intimate club like SPACE, which was SRO, not surprisingly. The
famed Texas guitarist was backed by the Tilt-a-Whirl Band,
including former Roomful of Blues horn men and singer Lou Ann
Barton, for an evening of hot licks and cool music by some of
the best in the biz. |
REVIEW: Chicago Blues Fest 2011
Chicago Blues Fest's theme this year was Sweet Home
Chicago: A Centennial Celebration of Robert Johnson.
The venerable fest found itself in a state of
transition, with a new mayor and major changes,
including budget cuts, resulting in a scaled back Blues
Fest
which featured mostly local acts.
Sadly, two blues elders cancelled their appearances due
to health issues.
Still, there were many highlights, including Shemekia
Copeland's being crowned the new Queen of the Blues,
Alligator Records' 40th Anniversary Showcase and more. |
LIVE REVIEW: Moulin Blues Festival, Ospel,
Netherlands
Kenny Neal (photo), John Nemeth, Nick Moss, Kilborn Alley Blues Band,
Janiva Magness, Los Lonely Boys, Bob Corritore & Dave
Riley, Fabulous Thunderbirds & more all performed at
this venerable campground fest that was one giant
backyard BBQ! |
REVIEW: Holmes Brothers at SPACE in Evanston
From the Beatles to the blues, Wendell and Sherman Holmes plus Popsy
Dixon put their unique spin on roots music that spans genres.
The trio's concise harmonies, downhome charm and gospel spirit
captivated the crowd for a very special, intimate show. |
REVIEW: Chris Thomas King at SPACE in Evanston
Highly regarded as a blues artist, King easily moves between genres. On a
frigid February night, the multi-talented King performed
acoustic Delta blues, electric Chicago blues, blues-rock, R&B,
country, a touch of hip-hop, and even a Middle-Eastern flavored
number. He also paid tribute to Ray Charles and Lindsay Lohan. |
REVIEW: Blues at the Crossroads: Robert Johnson Centennial
Concert
Orchestra Hall, home of The Chicago Symphony, provided a classic, elegant
setting for a tribute to music that is equally classic and
timeless. Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Cedric Burnside &
Lightnin' Malcom, Honeyboy Edwards and Hubert Sumlin feted the
legendary Delta icon, and gave a nod to Sweet Home Chicago
artists, too. |
 REVIEW:
Beautiful Swamp Blues Festival, Calais, France
For three days each November, this historic French border town
comes alive with the blues. This year a mini-Chicago Blues Fest
starred Eddie Shaw (photo), Maurice
John Vaughn, Zora Young and more. Many
acts from all over the U.S. performed to enthused Europeans all
weekend. |
REVIEW: Rob Blaine's Big Otis Blues in Memphis
Liz Mandeville describes all the action during the Chicago band's
blazing set at the Hard Rock Cafe during the IBC semi-finals in
Memphis. Like a giant earth moving machine, Rob and Big
Otis rolled over the comp |
REVIEW: Buddy Guy at Legends with Larry McCray
We take you to Buddy's club to see him in action during his
month-long residency. On this night he was "raucous,
mellow, sentimental and, of course, brilliant." Buddy and Larry
McCray cheered up broken-hearted Bears fans, too. |
 REVIEW:
B. B. King at the Paramount Theater, Aurora
It was a royal night with three Kings who performed at the
palatial, historic theater.
B.B. King, daughter Shirley King and Chicago bluesman Guy King
put on a classy show that was uplifting and memorable. |
REVIEW: Lucerne, Switzerland Blues Festival 2010.
Picturesque Lucerne was the spectacular setting for the 16th annual Blues
Festival in this Swiss mountain city. We have complete coverage
of the 4-day fest which included sets by Mavis Staples (photo),
Ronnie Baker Brooks, Lou Pride, Dave Specter, Sharon Lewis,
Super Chikan, Guy Davis, Bryan Lee, Kid Ramos, The Nighthawks &
more! |
REVIEW: Blues Blast Music Awards 2010
Blues people from all over the country came to Buddy Guy's new
Legends club for the third annual awards show. We have full
coverage and photos of the nearly 7 hour blues party! |
REVIEW: Ruthie Foster brings the blues and
gospel spirit to SPACE in Evanston.
The Texas songbird's astonishing voice rose to the rafters as
she took the crowd on a rapturous ride with soulful roots music. |
REVIEW: Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar
Festival 2010.
We take you to the nearly 12-hour marathon of nonstop music with
performances by Sonny Landreth
(photo by Jennifer Wheeler), Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa, Robert Cray, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Buddy
Guy, B.B. King, John Mayer, Keb Mo', Los Lobos, Jonny
Lang, Steve Winwood, Z.Z. Top and many more, plus
surprises! |
REVIEW: Nothin' But The Blues, is a
tribute to Theresa's Lounge and a blues musical by Black
Ensemble Theater. It sizzles with barroom characters, romance,
calamity and a smokin' cast beltin' the blues. |
 REVIEW:
Dave Specter & Jimmy Johnson at SPACE in Evanston.
Two kindred spirits of the blues joined together for a
musical journey that took the rapt audience to a transcendent
meeting of the minds between guru and disciple. |
REVIEW: Chico Banks Tribute & Birthday Bash at B.L.U.E.S.
It was a night to pay tribute, celebrate and remember a shining talent
that the blues community lost too soon. The North Side club was
packed as musicians, fans, friends and family shared music,
memories, Martell shots and birthday cake in Chico's honor. |
REVIEW: Mose Allison at the Jazz Showcase, Chicago.
At 82 years young, the witty pianist has influenced generations
of all musical genres. Like a bridge connecting sophisticate
jazz with rural blues, Allison's unique influence on modern
music remains relevant. His intimate performance showed him to
be a timeless talent for the ages. |
REVIEW: Blues Blast Music Awards 2009 at
Buddy Guy's Legends.
It was a star-filled night with outstanding performances from
soul survivors, vibrant veterans and next-generation blues
heroes. It also was filled with tearful, touching and triumphant
moments. We have coverage and photos of the entire awards
ceremony. |
 REVIEW:
Blues on the Fox Fest
June 19-20, 2009. Highlights and photos by Eric Steiner.
Storms shut down Friday's show. It turned into summer on Saturday for
blazing sets by Sugar Blue(photo), Los Lobos, Watermelon
Slim, Two Man Wrecking Crew, Henry Butler & Hix
Brothers' Junior All-Stars. |
 REVIEW:
Chicago Blues Festival, June 12-14, 2009.
Highlights and photos.
It was a weekend of soul revues, ladies sing the blues and more.
(photo: Sharon Jones) |
REVIEW: Chicago Blues Tour
For two decades, this bus trip to the city's remote blues bars
has given tourists a slice of real deal blues and R&B served up
like the South and West Siders like it.
Come along as we take you on the journey to see:
Tail Dragger (photo)at Rooster's, Fantastic
L-Roy at Linda's Place, Vance Kelly at the New
Checkerboard and more. |
 REVIEW:
Pinetop Perkins, Bob Stroger, Willie "Big Eyes"
Smith
bring classic Chicago blues to sweet home Seattle.
Even at age 95, the blues piano legend still tickles the ivories
and touches fans' hearts. |
REVIEW: John Nemeth at Buddy Guy's Legends, Chicago.
It only happens about every other decade -- a fresh young talent whose
star power can't be denied comes along to take the blues by
storm. John Nemeth has got what it takes to reach a major
audience. Buddy Guy, who sat in, would agree. |
 REVIEW:
All-star jam at IBC with Shemekia Copeland, Toronzo
Cannon, Russell Green and more.
Chicago talent shines at Ground Zero for this year's
International Blues Challenge weekend in Memphis, TN. |
 REVIEW:
Ronnie Baker Brooks put on a show full of
surprises at Buddy Guy's Legends. Highlights included
superstar guests: Buddy Guy, Lonnie Brooks and Shemekia
Copeland. |
 REVIEW:
Blues Blast Music Awards 2008 at Buddy Guy's
club. Blue musicians and fans from all over the country
traveled to Chicago for the debut of the awards show.
And the winners are... |
REVIEW: Two Buddy Guy Special Events
Tribute concert & awards in the park, plus CD release party in
the club with special guests, all in one night.
REVIEW:
Joss Stone & Ryan Shaw at Taste of Chicago
Joss Stone and Ryan Shaw have the kind of
sensuous, passionate and soulful voices that can make you swoon,
break your heart or shake your booty.
 REVIEW:
Stevie Wonder At Taste of Chicago
The superstar drew massive crowds to Grant
Park for a free concert that lasted nearly three hours, with 30
songs and some surprises. It was a musical, political and
cultural event, and a great party, too.
 SOLID
BLUES: With Mavis Staples, Charlie Musselwhite,
North Mississippi
Allstars and Joe Krown
Friday, November 2, 2007--
McAninch
Arts
Center
at College
of DuPage
Glen
Ellyn,
IL
Eric
Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007
Starring: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Steve Winwood, Buddy Guy, Johnny
Winter, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Robert Cray, Los
Lobos, Sonny Landreth, Allison Kraus, John Mayer, Sheryl
Crowe, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Albert Lee, Vince
Gill and more. Read a full account of the entire 11-hour
concert!!! |
|
LIVE
REVIEW: Tedeschi Trucks Band
LIVE
REVIEW: Mike Wheeler Band at FitzGerald's
LIVE
REVIEW: Blues on the Fox 2015
LIVE
REVIEW: I'll Take You There: Celebrating 75 Years of
Mavis Staples
LIVE
REVIEW -- Nick Moss Band, Kevin Purcell & The
Nightburners
LIVE
REVIEW: Amy Hart at Mayne Stage, Chicago
LIVE
REVIEW: Lonnie Brooks 80th Birthday Bash at House of
Blues
LIVE
REVIEW: James Cotton at The Mayne Stage
LIVE
REVIEW: A Night For Magic -- A Tribute to Magic Slim
LIVE
REVIEW: James Cotton, Eddy Clearwater at Viper Alley
LIVE
REVIEW: Mavis Staples and JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound
at Tivoli Theater
REVIEW: Tommy Castro Band at SPACE.
REVIEW:
Dave Specter & Billy Flynn
REVIEW:
B.B. King live at the Paramount Arts Center,
Aurora, IL
REVIEW:
Etta James at the House of Blues, Chicago.
REVIEW:
Buddy Guy, Lonnie Brooks & Indigenous
REVIEW:
Mavis Staples and Booker T. & the MG's
REVIEW:
Little Arthur Duncan's Memorial/Benefit at Rosa's
