We always get excited for the Chicago Blues Festival lineup to be announced and this year is no exception. Summer is coming!
Many Delmark artists are performing, including:
- Sheryl Youngblood – rising star vocalist/drummer and new Delmark signee
- Jamiah Rogers – newest Delmark signee, and rising star Chicago blues rock superhero
- Mike Wheeler – blues guitar star and hardest working man in Chicago blues
- Dee Alexander – jazz/blues singer extraordinaire in a Dinah Washington tribute
- Johnny Iguana & Roosevelt Purifoy – piano wizards in a tribute to Otis Spann
- Billy Flynn – ace veteran guitarist in the special Otis Spann tribute
- Bob Stroger – beloved Chicago blues bass legend in special Otis Spann tribute
- Omar Coleman – blues funk harp star and vocalist supreme
- Friendly Chap – the biggest blues star in the world, and Delmark recording artist with his former partner in crime, Junior Wells, Buddy Guy is headlining Chicago Blues Fest for his “farewell” tour
City of Chicago Announces Lineup for 2024 Chicago Blues Festival, June 6 – 9, Featuring One of Buddy Guy’s Final Chicago Performances
March 6, 2024
DCASE Communications dcase@cityofchicago.org
Matthew Bryant, Carol Fox & Associates matthewB@carolfoxassociates.com, 217-504-1905
Additional Headliners Include Shemekia Copeland, Mr. Sipp, Southern Avenue, and Centennial Tributes to Jimmy Rogers, Dinah Washington, and Otis Spann
Citywide Recognition to Celebrate Living Legend Buddy Guy’s Chicago Roots and Legacy Ahead of Retirement
CHICAGO— Today the City of Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced the full lineup and programming highlights for the 2024 edition of the beloved Chicago Blues Festival, taking place June 6 – 9 as part of Millennium Park’s milestone 20th anniversary season.
Established in 1984, the largest free Blues festival in the world returns to Chicago with four days of top tier talent performing in Chicago’s Millennium Park, plus a special opening night performance at the historic Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport. Throughout the weekend, three stages set up across Millennium Park will welcome more than 35 performances and more than 250 artists celebrating the city’s renowned Blues legacy, including a special Sunday evening performance by Buddy Guy as part of his “Damn Right Farewell” tour, marking one of his final Chicago performances.
“Blues is the foundation of numerous genres of music and is deeply ingrained in the soul the fabric of our city’s culture and history,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “The Chicago Blues Festival is a testament to Chicago’s rich musical heritage, and we are thrilled to welcome the legendary Buddy Guy to this year’s lineup.”
“I can’t wait to hit the stage at the Chicago Blues Festival!” said Buddy Guy. “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.”
Additional headliners include: Award-winning blues, soul and Americana singer Shemekia Copeland; “The Mississippi Blues Child,” Mr. Sipp; GRAMMY-nominated Memphis-based Soul and Roots band Southern Avenue; and Centennial Tributes to Jimmy Rogers, Dinah Washington and Otis Spann.
The festival will culminate with a Sunday evening performance by living legend Buddy Guy in one of his final Chicago concerts as part of his “Damn Right Farewell” tour. One of the most prolific and influential artists of all time, Guy is the quintessential Chicago Blues artist, having influenced 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, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and much more.
In recognition of Buddy Guy’s immeasurable impact on music in Chicago and around the world, the City of Chicago plans to honor Guy and his legacy in light of his Chicago Blues Festival engagement; more details to be announced.
Back by popular demand, the festival elevates its food options with a Blues-inspired smokehouse experience called “Wally’s BBQ Pit” in the North Promenade Tent of the Park with delicious BBQ fare and specialty drinks catered by Eleven North Hospitality. In between Blues sets, guests can stop to enjoy their BBQ, cornbread and drinks on picnic tables alongside whiskey barrels and smokers.
Chicago Blues Festival is sponsored by Visit Mississippi, Chicago Transit Authority, Rosa’s Lounge, 90.9FM WDCB, Chicago Jazz Publishing and Entertainment and Millennium Garages.
For more information, visit ChicagoBluesFestival.us or follow on Facebook (@ChicagoBluesFestival), Instagram (@ChicagoDCASE), (@Millennium_Park); or X/Twitter (@Millennium_Park) or (@ChicagoDCASE). Sign up for the DCASE Newsletter to receive the monthly updates and event information.
2024 Chicago Blues Festival Schedule
All performances are free. Schedule subject to change.
Thursday, June 6
Ramova Theatre
3520 S. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60609
5pm – doors, 6pm – show
18+ (minors accompanied by their guardian will be admitted).
Shemekia Copeland
Ronnie Baker Brooks
This event is free with online RSVP, which will become available May 1, 2024. Sign up on the Ramova Theatre website to receive the most up-to-date ticket information at bit.ly/ramovablues. Event entry will be first come, first served; and subject to venue capacity. This is a standing room event; for ADA accommodations please email box@ramovachicago.com. For more information and the latest ticket updates, visit RamovaChicago.com.
Ramova Theatre has reopened in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood as a live music venue, craft brewery, beer garden and grill. The project is the culmination of years-long rehabilitation efforts alongside multi-million dollar public and private investments into the South Side Chicago community, which will invigorate Bridgeport as a premier live entertainment destination.
________________________________________
Friday, June 7
Millennium Park
Free
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
- 7:45-9:00pm Centennial Tribute to Jimmy Rogers featuring Kim Wilson, Jimmy D. Lane, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, Bob Margolin, Sebastian Lane, Felton Crews, and Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith
- 6:30-7:30pm Mr. Sipp
- 5:15-6:15pm Corey Harris
- 5:00-5:15pm National Anthem
Visit Mississippi Juke Joint Stage (South Promenade)
- 4:30-5:45pm Big A & The Allstars
- 3:00-4:15pm J’Cenae
- 1:30-2:45pm Keith Johnson & The Big Muddy Band
- 12-1:15pm Nora Jean Wallace
Rosa’s Lounge (North Promenade)
- 6:30-7:45pm Last Call with WDCB Radio and Carlos Johnson
- 5:00-6:15pm Sheryl Youngblood
- 3:30-4:45pm Luke Pytel Band featuring Laretha Weathersby
- 2:00-3:15pm Ivy Ford
- 12:30-1:45pm Lil’ Jimmy Reed with Ben Levin
________________________________________
Saturday, June 8
Free
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
- 7:45-9:00pm Southern Avenue
- 6:30-7:30pm Vanessa Collier
- 5:00-6:15pm Centennial Tribute to Dinah Washington featuring Dee Alexander, Bruce Henry, Miguel de la Cerna, Jeremiah Hunt, Charles Heath IV, and Melody Angel
- 4:45-5:00pm National Anthem
Visit Mississippi Juke Joint Stage (South Promenade)
- 4:30-5:45pm Dexter Allen
- 3:00-4:15pm Ra’Shad The Blues Kid
- 1:30-2:45pm Melvin Taylor
- 12-1:15pm Mzz Reese and Reese’s Pieces
Rosa’s Lounge (North Promenade)
- 6:30-7:45pm Last Call with WDCB Radio and Ivan Singh
- 5:00-6:15pm The Mike Wheeler Band
- 3:30-4:45pm Jamiah “Dirty Deacon” Rogers and the Dirty Church Band
- 2:00-3:15pm Vino Louden
- 12:30-1:45pm Al Spears & The Hurricane Project
________________________________________
Sunday, June 9
Millennium Park
Free
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
- 7:45-9:00pm Buddy Guy
- 6:30-7:30pm Cash Box Kings
- 5:00-6:15pm Centennial Tribute to Otis Spann featuring Johnny Iguana, Roosevelt Purifoy, Rie “Miss Lee” Kanehira, Sumito “Ariyo” Ariyoshi, Oscar Wilson, Bob Stroger, Billy Flynn and Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith
- 4:45-5:00pm National Anthem
Visit Mississippi Juke Joint Stage (South Promenade)
- 4:30-5:45pm Jaye Hammer
- 3:00-4:15pm Anissa Hampton
- 1:30-2:45pm Jonathan Ellison & The RAS Blues Band
- 12-1:15pm Southern Komfort Brass Band
Rosa’s Lounge (North Promenade)
- 6:30-7:45pm Last Call with WDCB Radio and The Stephen Hull Experience
- 5:00-6:15pm Melody Angel
- 3:30-4:45pm Omar Coleman Westside Soul
- 2:00-3:15pm Joey J. Saye Trio
- 12:30-1:45pm Nate Manos Band with Alicia “Ya Yah” Townsend
________________________________________
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city—to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city—serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.
Millennium Park
Celebrating its milestone 20th anniversary season, Millennium Park delivers a world-class collection of architecture, landscape design and art that provides the backdrop for hundreds of free cultural programs including concerts, exhibitions, interactive art and family activities. In Millennium Park, you’ll find a spectacular gathering spot located in the heart of the city, a destination for all Chicagoans and visitors alike. In addition to the more than 80 free events to be presented throughout the summer, a special four-day 20th Anniversary Celebration will take place July 18-21 across the Park featuring award-winning headliners, activities for families and youth, workouts, new public art, dance performances, concerts, and fireworks — presented by DCASE with the Grant Park Music Festival, Millennium Park Foundation, and others.
Millennium Park is the #1 attraction in the Midwest and among the top 10 most-visited sites in the U.S. It is also the anchor of an urban cultural campus (Millennium Park Campus) that includes the Chicago Cultural Center, Maggie Daley Park and The Art Institute of Chicago. Millennium Park is located on Michigan Avenue, bordered by Randolph St. to the north, Columbus Dr. to the east and Monroe St. to the south. The Park is open daily from 6am to 11pm. Plan your visit at MillenniumPark.org; follow us on Facebook (@MillenniumParkChicago), Twitter and Instagram (@Millennium_Park); and join the conversation on social media using #MillenniumPark.
Ramova Theatre
In 1929, Ramova Theatre opened its doors as Bridgeport’s premier movie palace. With an iconic sign and Spanish-inspired architecture, it became the jewel of the neighborhood — a place for people to gather and communities to come together. Now, nearly a century later, the space has returned, reimagined as a 1,800+ person live concert hall, craft brewery partnered with Other Half Brewing, beer garden and grill. Meticulously restored to preserve the architectural heart of the building, Ramova once again lights up Halsted and 35th Street and brings the country’s top performing acts to Bridgeport, alongside educational programs, workshops, and community outreach initiatives. For more information, visit https://ramovachicago.com/ or follow @ramovachicago on Instagram and Facebook.
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/provdrs/chicago_festivals/news/2024/march/blues_fest.html
Buddy Guy to headline the 2024 Chicago Blues Festival as full lineup is revealed
The legendary Chicago bluesman will be making one of his final Chicago appearances at the fest as part of his “Damn Right Farewell” tour.
Chicago blues legend Buddy Guy will be making one of his final appearances in the city when he headlines the 2024 Chicago Blues Festival, it was announced Wednesday by the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
The Grammy-winning Guy, a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and recipient of both Kennedy Center Honors and the National Medal of Arts, is among a host of entertainers scheduled for the event — the largest free blues festival in the world — running June 6-9 at Millennium Park.
“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,” Guy said via statement.
https://news.wttw.com/2024/03/06/buddy-guy-headline-chicago-blues-fest-during-farewell-tour
Buddy Guy to Headline Chicago Blues Festival During Farewell Tour
Patty Wetli | March 6, 2024 1:26 pm
Buddy Guy will close out Chicago Blues Festival in June. (Casey Mitchell)
Buddy Guy is bringing his “Damn Right Farewell” tour to the Chicago Blues Festival, where he is scheduled to close out the free four-day event this June, officials announced Wednesday.
The legendary 87-year-old guitarist and singer has influenced generations of musicians, from Jimi Hendrix to Gary Clark Jr. Guy’s accolades include 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!” Guy said 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.”
This year’s festival will kick off June 6 with a special opening night performance from Shemekia Copeland and Ronnie Baker Brooks at the Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport. Though this show is free, it requires an online RSVP, which will become available May 1 (click here for ticket info).
The action then moves to Millennium Park, June 7-9, where more than 35 acts have been programmed across three music stages. Guy is set to play June 9. The complete schedule is available online.
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/buddy-guy-headlines-2024-chicago-blues-festival/
Hi I hope in my capacity as a reporter especially working with the Philadelphia Blues Messengers, I will have the opportunity to have some good contacts soon (in June in Chicago) for some festivals here in France. There are many festivals, especially in the south of France, which would have liked to have producers from Chicago (the center of blues today) to show the talents of these musicians. If this message interests you, you can contact or simply wait for my arrival very soon for your festival scheduled for June.
AfricaSam O’SELMOU / Paris, France
we would be very interested to speak with you