A Great Weekend for Blues Fans in Chicago
Toyota Park sits in the southwestern suburb of Bridgeview. It is not the place you would normally expect to find rock and roll legends jamming with some of the finest blues players around. It is also not the place you would think you would find some of the best guitar playing around, and yet, this past weekend, it was the only place to be if you wanted to see the likes of Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow and Buddy Guy.
The Crossroads tour/show came through this past weekend and played at Toyota Park. It was 11 hours of some of the finest music you are likely to have found. It had something for everyone and if you are a fan of Clapton, you couldn’t have asked for more. The guitar god was ever-present, often watching just off-stage and often joining the performers on stage.
It was 11 hours long, but I have yet to hear anyone complaining about the length. The entire event was organized by Clapton to help raise money for a charity he started. Plus, his own band played for an hour and forty-five minutes. Plus, there was even a classic moment for classic rock fans as Clapton brought up his former Traffic bandmate, Steve Winwood.
Clapton also played with Robbie Robertson, formerly of the Band. He also came out at the end to join Buddy Guy and close out the show.
The entire show kicked off at noon. Hometown movie star and comedian Bill Murray introduced the show and came on stage throughout the show. He managed to stay funny and to poke fun at the dubious fame and blues heritage in Bridgeview.
The best part of the show was the closing. Guy came out and immediately began doing what he does best which is play the blues better than just about anyone alive. Clapton joined in. Then, during the climactic “Sweet Home Chicago” other musicians like John Mayer joined in.
In short, this was a concert for the ages and it was very cool to have it happen right here in Chicago, even if it really happened a few miles away from downtown Chicago. Hey, suburbanites want to rock and get the blues too.
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