The annual Chicago Blues festival is without a doubt one of the biggest blues festivals in the world, and certainly the biggest of all the music festivals in Chicago. For three days (it used to be four) visitors in the hundred thousands will flock to Grant Park to hear the ‘fine fleur’ of the blues scene.

This year marks the 26th edition, which starts on Friday June 12 and ends Sunday June 14. On Friday there is a special birthday party planned for the Delmark artist and ‘King of the West Side Funky Blues’ Eddie C. Campbell. But of course there will be much more to see. So much so that a summary of all the participating bands and artists is an impossible task. However, we would like to point out just a few of the highlights.

Big Bill and Mud Morganfield with special guests Pinetop Perkins and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith
Charlie Musselwhite Band
Eddie Taylor Jr. with Harmonica Hinds
Shirley Johnson - celebrating her new release on Delmark - Blues Attack!
Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials
Travis “Moonchild” Haddix
John Primer and the Real Deal Blues Band
Trudy Lynn with the Chicago Rhythm and Blues Kings featuring Gene “Daddy G” Barge
David Honeyboy Edwards and with Devil in a Woodpile
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings

Of course there will be many others performing over the three days and several podia, such as: Gibson Guitar Crossroads, Mississippi Juke Joint, Petrillo Music Shell, Zone Perfect Route 66 Roadhouse, Front Porch...

There is much more to be seen and not only on the festival grounds.  In the neighboring streets and nearly every bar there are live concerts to be seen.  In spite of the fact that this festival attracts an enormous number of visitors (about 650,000) it is still boasts a fun family atmosphere.  But do not wait too long to book hotel reservations as rooms fill quickly.

The Chicago Blues Festival 2009 from 12 – 14 June…a world class and free blues event.

Website:
http://www.chicagobluesfestival.us

Translation by: Amy Crawshaw