Chicago Blues Festival, the nation’s largest FREE blues festival, returns with a citywide lineup honoring Chicago’s blues legacy, while highlighting the genre’s established musicians and emerging artists.
Festivities kick off Thursday, June 4, at Ramova Theater, and continue throughout the weekend Millennium Park with four stages of music from noon to 9 p.m. Maxwell Street attendees will also tap into the blues with live music on Sunday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
DELMARK RECORDS will have a booth at Chicago Blues Fest and also Thursday evening at Ramova Theater – selling Delmark vinyl, CDs, new releases, apparel, books, and more!!
Visit ChicagoBluesFestival.us for the full schedule! And see you there June 4-7
 So many great Delmark events happening before the Chicago Blues Fest. We hope to see you!!This Sunday, May 31st! Come see us at the Salt Shed! It is a huge shopping event that features over a 100 vintage, handmade, vinyl and small business vendors with live DJs, food and drinks. And it is FREE!! The Delmark Booth is #106 (inside) Salt Shed 1357 N. Elston Ave, Chicago 11am – 5pm  |
| Tune in this Monday 6/1 on WDCB for a live Broadcast from Delmark’s Riverside Studio! Jimmy Burns rejoins Soul Message Band for a great musical evening.On this very special evening of blues and jazz, the legendary Jimmy Burns and the Soul Message Band perform songs from their Blues Music Award nominated Delmark album, “Full Circle”. The Soul Message Band has long been helmed by co-leaders Chris Foreman (organ) and Greg ‘The Rock’ Rockingham (drums). Foreman and Rockingham were part of the Deep Blue Organ Trio along with guitarist Bobby Broom, and they also recorded together with guitarist Henry Johnson and saxophonist Red Holloway. Long time fixtures in Chicago, they opened for Steely Dan for eight years and were inducted into the Hammond B3 Organ Hall of Fame. The Soul Message Band previously recorded such albums as Soulful Days, Live At The Blue Llama, and People.Jimmy Burns, who turned 82 in 2025, was born in the Mississippi Delta as the youngest of 11 children. When he was 12, he moved with his family to Chicago where he has lived ever since. He recorded a series of singles starting in 1964, took some time off to raise his family, and in the early 1990s became active again, leading six albums for the Delmark label during 1996-2007. “Full Circle” teams Jimmy Burns with the Soul Message Band and is a joyful listening experience. It is a fine showcase for Jimmy Burns and the Soul Message Band and is easily recommended for fans of high-quality blues, soul jazz, blues ballads, and soulful music. WDCB 90.9 & 90.7 fm6-7pm You can also purchase BMA nominated “Full Circle” cd here!  Dave Specter & Mike Wheeler at Evanston SPACE – June 3rd Dave Specter’s Adventures in Guitar with Mike Wheeler ft. Rodrigo Mantovani and Marty Binder. Guest appearance by Meaza Joy. Dave Specter recently released his 14th album on Delmark Records, “Live at SPACE, Vols 1 & 2”. A 40-year veteran of the Chicago blues scene, Dave’s unique guitar stylings combine elements of Chicago and Texas blues along with the after hours jazz feel of Kenny Burrell, combined with a taste of New Orleans funk. Dave has performed worldwide in 19 countries and appears 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 Recording artist for many years he’s also played and written songs for a variety of Chicago artists including Nellie Tiger Travis, Peaches Staten, Sam Cockrell, Demetria Taylor, and has shared the stage with legendary artists such as Willie Kent, Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, George Benson and Shemekia Copeland. Mike is also a proud member of the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame. Wed, 3 Jun, 8:00 PM Doors open 7:00 PM SPACE 1245 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202TICKET LINK: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/dave-specters-adventures-in-guitar-space-tickets/14744053  Make sure to come see us at the Delmark booth at the 2026 Chicago Blues Fest! We will have lots of merch—LPs and CDs plus new T-shirts, books and more! We will also have specials pop ups each day including Earwig records, author and artist signings! See you there! Friday – Sunday, June 5, 6, 7 Wrigley Square at Millennium Park!VIDEOS |
| Copyright ©2025 DELMARK RECORDS LLC, All rights reserved.Our mailing address is:4121 N. ROCKWELL, CHICAGO, IL 60618 |
Here’s Bob Stroger and the Headcutter‘s Official Music Video for their track “Bob Is Back In Town”
Chicago Blues Festival 2026 lineup
Thursday – Sunday, June 4 – 7
Millennium Park, 4 stages across the Park
Plus: The Ramova Theater at 35th & Halsted
and Maxwell Street
FREE!
Concerts will also be livestreamed at Youtube.com/ChicagoDCASE
2026 Chicago Blues Festival Lineup
June 4–7
Thursday, June 4 – Ramova Theatre
John Primer/ photo: Jennifer Noble
Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St., Chicago IL. 60609
5 p.m. – doors 6-10:30 p.m. – panel discussion + double-bill program18+ (minors accompanied by their guardian will be admitted)
Seating is available on a first-come, first served basis, and an RSVP does not guarantee a seat. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure admission. For ADA accommodations, please reach out to bo*@***********go.com.
Panel Discussion, 6-7 p.m.
20 Years of the Mississippi Blues Trail – Fireside Chat with Mayor John Horhn, Scott Barretta, Bill McPherson, Dr. Edgar Smith, and Jim O’Neal
Ramova Theatre Double-Bill Concert Program
- 7:15-8:30 p.m. – John Primer – Tribute to Theresa’s Lounge
- 8:45-10:15 p.m. – Willie Clayton
Friday, June 5 – Millennium Park
MIKE WHEELER BAND with DEMETRIA TAYLOR will perform at Rosa’s Lounge Stage, Friday, June 5th, 3:30 pm!
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
- 3:30-3:45 p.m. – Emcee Intro Remarks + National Anthem + Lift Every Voice
- 3:45-4:45 p.m. – Marquise Knox
- 5-6 p.m. – C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band
- 6:15-7:15 p.m. – Elvin Bishop Duo & Charlie Musselwhite
- 7:30-9 p.m. – 55 Years of Alligator Records featuring Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Toronzo Cannon, Nick Moss, and Tinsley Ellis
Visit Mississippi Crossroads Stage (South Promenade)
- Noon – 1:15 p.m. – Mississippi Marshall
- 1:30-2:45 p.m. – Big Time Rhythm & Blues Band
- 3-4:15 p.m. – Eden Brent
- 4-5:45 p.m. – Ra’shad The Blues Kid
Rosa’s Lounge (North Promenade)
- 12:30-1:45 p.m. – Nick Alexander Blues Band
- 2-3:15 p.m. – Funky MojoDaddy
- 3:30-4:45 p.m. – The Mike Wheeler Band with Demetria Taylor
- 5-6:15 p.m. – Tom Holland & The Shuffle Kings
- 6:30-7:45 p.m. – The Freddie Dixon Blues Band
Wrigley Square – Next Generation of Blues
- Noon – 12:45 p.m. – Walter H. Dyett High School for the Arts
- 1-1:45 p.m. – Chicago West Community Music Center
- 2-2:45 p.m. – Curie Metro High School
- 3-3:45 p.m. – The People’s Music School
- 4-4:45 p.m. – Kenwood Academy High School
- 5:15-6:15 p.m. – Meaza Joy
- 6:45-7:45 p.m. – Vander
Saturday, June 6 – Millennium Park
Billy Branch/ photo: Roman Sobus
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
- 3:45-4 p.m. – Emcee Intro Remarks + National Anthem + Lift Every Voice
- 4-5 p.m. – Dylan Triplett
- 5:15-6:15 p.m. – Shakura S’Aida
- 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Ruthie Foster
- 7:45-9 p.m. – 75 Years of Billy Branch with Kenny Neal and Ronnie Baker Brooks
Visit Mississippi Crossroads Stage (South Promenade)
- Noon – 1:15 p.m. – John Clayton White
- 1:30-2:45 p.m. – Anissa Hampton
- 3-4:15 p.m. – Cuz Band
- 4:30-5:45 p.m. – Dexter Allen
Rosa’s Lounge (North Promenade)
- 12:30-1:45 p.m. – Theo Huff & The Legacy Band
- 2-3:15 p.m. – Melody Angel
- 3:30-4:45 p.m. – Nick Moss Band
- 5-6:15 p.m. – Gerry Hundt Trio
- 6:30-7:45 p.m. – Oscar Wilson Blues Band
Wrigley Square – Next Generation of Blues
- Noon – 12:45 p.m. – WDCB Presents
- 1-1:45 p.m. – Nicholas Senn High School
- 2-2:45 p.m. – BandWith Chicago
- 3-3:45 p.m. – Fernando Jones Presents the Blues Kids of America Jam Session
- 4-4:45 p.m. – Whitney Young High School
- 5:15-6:15 p.m. – Chicago Blues Revival
- 6:45-7:45 p.m. – Midwest Young Artist Conservatory
Sunday, June 7 – Millennium Park
Legendary Bob Stroger will perform at Rosa’s Lounge Stage, 3:30 pm, Sunday, June 7
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
- 3:30-3:45 p.m. – Emcee Intro Remarks + National Anthem + Lift Every Voice
- 3:45-5 p.m. – Women in Blues Tribute to Mama Yancey and Big Mama Thornton with Mary Lane, Deitra Farr, Katherine Davis, Nora Jean Wallace, Melody Angel, Lee Kanehira, and Lynne Jordan & the Shivers
- 5:15-6:15 p.m. – Sue Foley
- 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Chris Cain
- 7:45-9 p.m. – Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band
Visit Mississippi Crossroads Stage (South Promenade)
- Noon – 1:15 p.m. – Libby Rae Watson with Bill Steber
- 1:30-2:45 p.m. – Fred T and The Band
- 3-4:15 p.m. – Mzz. Reese & Reese’s Pieces
- 4:30-5:45 p.m. – Jaye Hammer
Rosa’s Lounge (North Promenade)
- 12:30-1:45 p.m. – A Patch of Blues
- 2-3:15 p.m. – Dan Souvigny Band with Carlos Johnson
- 3:30-4:45 p.m. – Bob Stroger: Windy City Blues Legend
- 5-6:15 p.m. – Rick King’s Royal Hustle
- 6:30-7:45 p.m. – Gerald McClendon (The Soulkeeper) & The A-Team Band
Wrigley Square – Next Generation of Blues
- Noon – 12:45 p.m. – Wendy and DB
- 1-1:45 p.m. – King College Prep
- 2-2:45 p.m. – Jones College Prep
- 3-3:45 p.m. – Will Carter Music
- 4-4:45 p.m. – Alex Olson
- 5:15-6:15 p.m. – Knott Us Band
- 6:45-7:45 p.m. – The Chicago Academy for the Arts
Blues Village
Festivalgoers can visit the Blues Village in the North Promenade and Wrigley Square, featuring the Blues Foundation, Delmark Records, Muddy Waters MOJO Museum, Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation and other organizations.
STUDEBAKER JOHN‘s Maxwell Street Kings will perform Sunday, June 7th, 11am on MAXWELL STREET!
Sunday, June 7 – Maxwell Street Blues Series
The blues continues with a neighborhood celebration at the legendary market on Maxwell Street, between South Halsted Street and South Union Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Schedule
- 10-11 a.m. – DJ James Porter
- 11 a.m. – Noon – Studebaker John’s Maxwell Street Kings
- Noon – 12:30 p.m. – DJ James Porter
- 12:30-1:30 p.m. – John Primer & Steve Bell
- 1:30-2:00 p.m. – DJ James Porter
- 2-3 p.m. – Harmonica Hinds Duo
### 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 an 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.
Delmark related shows!!
JUNE 2026
6/1
Johnny Burgin Blues Revue w/ Billy Flynn, Aki Kumar, Noah Wotherspoon
SPACE (Evanston)
6/3
Dave Specter, Mike Wheeler, Marty Binder, Rodrigo Mantovani, Meaza Joy
SPACE (Evanston)
Sheryl Youngblood Band
6/4
Mike Wheeler Band w/ Mzz Reese
All-Star Harmonica Blast w/ Matthew Skoller, Rob Stone, Martin Lang, Tom Holland, Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport, Kenny Smith, Lee Kanehira, Andrew Diehl, Mike Scharf & more.
Reggies (Chicago)
June 5, 6,7
Four Stages/FREE
Taj Mahal, Ruthie Foster, Billy Branch,
Ronnie Baker Brooks, Kenny Neal, Sue Foley,
Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite, CJ Chenier
and much more!
Millennium Park (Chicago)
6/5
Corey Dennison Band, Nicholas Alexander, Billy Flynn (acoustic)
Buddy Guy’s Legends (Chicago)
Super Session: Bob Stroger, Billy Flynn, Oscar Wilson,
Pooky Styx, Brother John, Melvin Smith, Amy Lowe, Dave Katzman
Reggies (Chicago)
Johnny Burgin & Noah Wotherspoon
Epiphany (Chicago)
6/5-6
Mike Wheeler Band w/ Demetria Taylor
Brother John (2:30)
Reggies (Chicago)
Stephen Hull Experience with Johnny Iguana
Reggies (Chicago)
Toronzo Cannon, Rico McFarland
6/7
BTS Express w/Shirley Johnson
Mike Wheeler Band, Nick Moss Trio, Dave Weld, Studebaker John
Buddy Guy’s Legends (Chicago)
Blues Brunch: Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames
Reggies (Chicago)
Super Pro Jam: Bob Stroger, Oscar Wilson, Pooky Styx, Billy Flynn, Dave Katzman, Lee Kanehira, Jimmy Burns, Vince Salerno, Melvin Smith & more.
Reggies (Chicago)
Big thanks to Linda Cain and CHICAGO BLUES GUIDE for helpful info on BLUES EVENTS and more!!!
