Dave Specter brought his world class Chicago blues guitar and more to South Korea on a recent trip in June, 2026!
June 14: Gunsan Brews and Blues Festival, Gunsan South Korea
Nestled in the charming coastal city of Gunsan, a vibrant cultural event awaits to tantalize your taste buds and serenade your soul: the Gunsan Craft Beer & Blues Festival. This annual extravaganza is a unique celebration, blending the rich, melodic traditions of blues music with the innovative artistry of craft brewing. It’s an invitation to experience Korea’s dynamic cultural scene through a distinctly global lens, set against the backdrop of Gunsan’s historical charm. Prepare for an unforgettable journey into flavor, rhythm, and local spirit.
“Scenes from South Korea at the Gunsan Brews & Blues Festival, 06/13/26. Thanks to Halle Tchoe and the band along with Stephanie Tice for making my first trip to East Asia a memorable one.” DAVE SPECTER
Check out the hugely successful recent DAVE SPECTER’s ADVENTURES IN GUITAR show with MIKE WHEELER at Evanston SPACE to kickoff Chicago Blues Fest week! Both Dave Specter and Mike Wheeler have killer new LPs on Delmark. Dave Specter, LIVE AT SPACE, VOLUME 2 and Mike Wheeler, CHICAGO BLUES!
Great show review in the Evanston Round Table!
Dave Specter’s jazzy blues adventure at Space
by Joerg MetznerJune 5th, 2026
Dave Specter’s Adventures in Guitar with Mike Wheeler featuring Rodrigo Mantovani and Marty Binder, with a guest appearance by Meaza Joy took the stage at SPACE Wednesday evening, playing some jazz-inflected blues to a full house.
Dave Specter recently released his 14th album on Delmark Records: “Live at SPACE.” A 40-year-veteran of the Chicago blues scene, Specter’s unique guitar style combines elements of Chicago and Texas blues, and a taste of New Orleans funk. He has performed in 19 countries and appeared on compilation recordings with artists such as B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Carlos Santana and Mike Bloomfield. Downbeat magazine called Dave one of the few top-tier guitarists.
Mike Wheeler is one of the finest bluesmen on today’s Chicago music scene. He travels the world as a global ambassador for Chicago blues. A Delmark Records artist for many years, he has also played and written songs for a variety of Chicago artists, including Nellie Tiger Travis, Peaches Staten, Sam Cockrell, Demetria Taylor, Big Ray; he has shared the stage with legendary artists such as Willie Kent, Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, George Benson and Shemekia Copeland. Wheeler is also a member of the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame.
opening act Meaza Joy
Historia del Blues: “When the Guitar Speaks: The Elegance of Dave Specter Live…For over thirty years, Dave Specter has been much more than a guitarist: he’s been a guide, alchemist, and storyteller of Chicago blues. His playing conveys more than just technique; it speaks of history, character, and an encyclopedic devotion to a genre that exudes freedom and soul. In “Live at Space,” released in 2025 by Delmark Records, Specter gives us a work that feels like a homecoming, with the intensity of a rainy night and the warmth of a conversation between friends.”
Chicago Blues Guide: “On his most recent Delmark release, his 13th for the label, Specter and his crack band (Brother John Kattke, Marty Binder and Rodrigo Mantovani) offer a set of tunes recorded at SPACE in Evanston IL which demonstrate why Dave Specter is among the pantheon of great modern blues musicians. Live At SPACE is a recording which captures Chicago’s finest blues musicians at one of Chicago’s best sounding venues”
Americana Highways: “There are 13 generous portions to this blue plate special Live At Space…it’s a showcase of sophisticated blues…The sound of the band & its live audience is pristine. “Alley Walk” smokes from the opening notes with its heavy, noirish style. Wet midnight sidewalks & low lamps, couples embracing in brick-walled alleys… Henry Mancini would’ve liked Dave Specter’s direction.”
https://evanstonroundtable.com/2026/06/05/dave-specters-jazzy-blues-adventure-at-space
