
Whether it coincides with the official meteorological calendar or not, Chicagoans know that summer truly begins when the first notes of the annual Chicago Blues Festival ring out across Grant Park.
Not only the first major musical happening in a summer that promises plenty of them, the Blues Fest is without question one of the biggest and most popular on the slate, drawing a wide cross-section of locals and visitors alike for three days and nights of great food, great atmosphere and great performances from locals and legends on five different stages, including big-name headliners like Billy Branch and Mavis Staples (pictured). This year’s event runs from June 8 through 10 – call 312/744-3316 for a full schedule and more information.
THE AFTER PARTY
After the music in the park winds down each evening, expect the party to continue into the wee hours at the blues landmark Kingston Mines, 2548 N. Halsted, 773/477-4646.
FREE BLUES BRUNCH
The aisles of the legendary Jazz Record Mart will be packed with blues fans all weekend long, but this will especially be true on Sunday when JRM breaks out the free refreshments and live performances from Mississippi Heat, Eddie C. Campbell, Rockin' Johnny, and more, for their highly- anticipated annual Blues Brunch. Sunday from 10am-noon. FREE. 27 E. Illinois. 312/222-1467.
Not only the first major musical happening in a summer that promises plenty of them, the Blues Fest is without question one of the biggest and most popular on the slate, drawing a wide cross-section of locals and visitors alike for three days and nights of great food, great atmosphere and great performances from locals and legends on five different stages, including big-name headliners like Billy Branch and Mavis Staples (pictured). This year’s event runs from June 8 through 10 – call 312/744-3316 for a full schedule and more information.
THE AFTER PARTY
After the music in the park winds down each evening, expect the party to continue into the wee hours at the blues landmark Kingston Mines, 2548 N. Halsted, 773/477-4646.
FREE BLUES BRUNCH
The aisles of the legendary Jazz Record Mart will be packed with blues fans all weekend long, but this will especially be true on Sunday when JRM breaks out the free refreshments and live performances from Mississippi Heat, Eddie C. Campbell, Rockin' Johnny, and more, for their highly- anticipated annual Blues Brunch. Sunday from 10am-noon. FREE. 27 E. Illinois. 312/222-1467.