Every month the Chicago Blues Revival teams up with the Kenwood-Oakland Community Organization (KOCO) to present the Silver Fox Pop Up. The Silver Fox will eventually be a physical cafe’ that caters to seniors but while that is being built there are Pop Ups at the Martin Luther King Community Center where seniors gather to have lunch, stay informed on issues, and listen to live blues. Thursday, March 13, CBR brought in Delmark recording artist Sheryl Youngblood and her band. Sheryl had the seniors up and dancing from beginning to end. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson stopped by as a surprise speaker for the seniors as well. It was also the first time Sheryl saw in person the Chicago Blues Women mural she is on that is affixed to the corner of the King Center building.
Chicago Blues Revival is hosting their annual fundraiser gala on Thursday, March 20 at the Bridgeport Arts Center, 1200 W. 35th Street, from 6-9pm. Brother Jacob and his band are playing, there will be food and also wine provided by Cooper’s Hawk and beer provided by Moor’s Brewing Company.
CBR Fundraiser Gala 2025
Don’t miss our annual fundraiser gala. You will meet CBR’s staff and board members, hear about our plans for the future, find out how you can get involved, hear great music and mingle with fellow blues fans and musicians!
Ticket link: https://chicagobluesrevival.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F9886
| SHERYL YOUNGBLOOD seeing her on the Chicago Blues Women mural at King Center Building |
Chicago Blues Revival was established in 2018 and is a non-profit organization that strengthens blues music communities on the South and West sides of Chicago. Through community events, educational programs, and direct support to musicians, Chicago Blues Revival preserves the legacy of the blues and bridges the generational gap, ensuring continued relevance, appreciation, and vitality for this rich musical tradition.
Sheryl Youngblood and band with guitarist Giles Corey perform!
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson stopped by as a surprise speaker for the seniors!
Chicago Blues Revival
Dedicated to promoting and preserving the cultural significance of blues music, supporting artists, and inspiring future generations.
Supporting Blues & Blues-Inspired Music in Chicago
Take a look at Executive Director Diamond’s insights shared in her interview from November 26, 2024 on WGN News.
Our Mission
Chicago Blues Revival strengthens blues music communities on the South and West sides of Chicago. Through community events, educational programs, and direct support to musicians, Chicago Blues Revival preserves the legacy of the blues and bridges the generational gap, ensuring continued relevance, appreciation, and vitality for this rich musical tradition.
Our Mission
1
Organizing Events
We are dedicated to organizing events that celebrate the rich heritage of this iconic music genre and transport our audience to the soulful roots of the blues. From vibrant concerts in historic venues to lively festivals that unite blues enthusiasts, our events showcase the incredible talents of Chicago blues artists.
2
Supporting Musicians
We aim to provide unwavering support to blues musicians, who are the heart and soul of this extraordinary art form. Through various initiatives, we offer valuable resources, mentorship opportunities, and performance platforms for musicians. We are dedicated to championing the success and well-being of both renowned and emerging blues musicians.
3
Connecting to the Next Generation
We believe in preserving the legacy of the blues by fostering a deep appreciation for this musical tradition among the next generation. Our commitment to education and outreach programs is aimed at introducing young individuals to the magic of the blues and inspiring them to carry its flame forward.
Featured Content
Bringing Blues to High Schools
Chicago Blues Revival imagines a world in which Chicago young people know and appreciate blues music as their cultural heritage, understanding the significant impact of blues music on the world. Chicago Blues Revival envisions a future in which the next generation is connected to their roots, inspired to create, and equipped with the knowledge and skills to carry on the legacy of Chicago blues music for generations to come.
Contact Us
Diamond M. Dixon
Executive Director
diamond@chicagobluesrevival.org
Chicago Blues Resources
- Chicago Blues Resources Final
- Chicago Blues History
- Blues Non-Profits
- Blues Record Labels
- Blues Radio Stations
Our Team
Diamond M. Dixon
EXECUTIVE director
As the Executive Director of Chicago Blues Revival, Diamond lends a visionary perspective while leading with a passion for preserving and promoting the rich heritage of blues music. With a background in music performance and a 13-year Legal career, Diamond is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences for artists and audiences alike. Her strategic approach and commitment to community engagement will contribute to sustaining and maintaining the organization’s current success in supporting blues musicians, organizing events, and fostering a vibrant blues community. Through her leadership, Diamond will continue to champion the blues genre and ensure its legacy for future generations.
Jeff Pinzino
DEVELOPMENT director
Jeff Pinzino is Chicago Blues Revival’s Development Director, which includes implementing and executing the organization’s annual fundraising plans and managing the organization’s portfolio of donors.
Jeff has spent more than 25 years working for racial and economic justice, first as a community organizer, then as a funder, and since 2010 as a professional fundraiser and nonprofit manager. He has managed fundraising for groups such as People’s Action, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Midwest Academy, and Resilience Force. He is a former Program Officer at the Woods Fund of Chicago, making grants in community organizing, public policy advocacy, and the arts. He is a social innovator, having been one of the founders of Stone Soup Co-Op, Interfaith America, Fresh Moves Mobile Produce Market, and Chicago Blues Revival. Pinzino previously trained and consulted for the Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training. He is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), and holds a certificate in mid-level fundraising from the Veritus Group
Board of Directors
Dr. Jacqueline Samuel
BOARD PRESIDENT
Chairperson, Nominating Committee and Hiring Committee
Allison Marks
BOARD VICE PRESIDENT
Annual Fundraiser Coordinator
Mark Carlson
BOARD TREASURER
Programming Committee Member
Joel Barr
BOARD SECRETARY
Programming Committee Member
Toronzo Cannon
MUSICIANS’ AFFAIRS LIAISON
Fundraising Committee Member
Ray Crosland
CHAIRPERSON OF FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE
Nominating Committee Member
Jennifer Littleton
CHAIRPERSON – PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE
Blues in the Parks Liaison
Diane Chandler-Marshall
BLUES INSTITUTE LIAISON
Fundraising Committee Member
Cory Muldoon
COMMUNITY ORGANIZING AND ENGAGEMENT LIAISON
Hiring Committee Member
Bradley Olson
FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE MEMBER
Nominating Committee Member
James Porter
PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE MEMBER
Maurie Richie
PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR
Hiring Committee Member
Nomination Committee Member
