Thinking about Summer and Chicago’s Blues Fest
It is hard to imagine thinking about the start of summer. This is particularly true of those of you currently buried in snow and those of us here in Chicago where the temperatures are struggling to get above freezing and the forecast calls for more snow. But, before you know it, summer will indeed be here and that means it is nearly time for the Chicago Blues Festival.
Chicago, I have to admit, plans out the festivals it has pretty well. The official start of summer is the Blues Festival which usually runs in May or early June. Somewhere in the middle is the huge Taste of Chicago which includes more and more music these days. Then, right at the end of the summer is the Chicago Jazz Festival. Oh yeah, and we also have Lollapalooza in the middle of summer too.
So, if you are looking for music festivals, you could do a lot worse than keeping your eyes on Chicago. I may write the Jazz and Blues Lounge, but I love nearly every form of music, and there is a festival for every taste here. It’s part of what makes writing about music in this town so great.
If you click on the link above you will get to a website that explains the plans for the 2008 Blues Festival. Below is some of the text from that website that will give you some information. Make your plans now, because it really will be here before you know it.
“25th Annual Chicago Blues Festival, June 5-8, 2008 in Grant Park
The Mayor’s Office of Special Events has completed announcing the headliners for this year’s festival:
Thursday, June 5: Guitarist and singer Johnny Winter will make his first appearance at the Chicago Blues Festival since the inaugural event in 1984. He’ll be part of the opening night celebration of Muddy Waters on Thursday, June 5th, sharing the spotlight with “Superharp” James Cotton and others.
Friday, June 6: The Queen of the Blues, Koko Taylor (joined by her Blues Machine) headlines on Friday night, along with a set by Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater. There will also be a tribute to the past with a set featuring Ruby Andrews, Cicero Blake and Jackie Ross.
Saturday, June 7: Buckwheat Zydeco will headline on Saturday. The 60-year-old accordionist will bring one of the classic sounds of New Orleans to the stage. Also appearing that night will be Chicago favorite Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, the 2007 Band of the Year at the Blues Music Awards.
Sunday, June 8: Just announced to close the festival on Sunday June 8th will be the legendary B.B. King, making his first appearance at the festival in over 20 years. Other headliners on the final night include keyboardist Little Willie Littlefield, guitarist Bobby Parker and vocalist Karen Carroll, who performs with Charlie Love and Lurrie Bell.”
The website that is considered official and has been created and maintained by the City of Chicago can be found by clicking HERE.
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