Chicago Blues Festival 2024: A Celebration of Blues Legends and Chicago’s Musical Heritage

• 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

(IN SHORT) The City of Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) have announced the lineup for the 2024 Chicago Blues Festival, set to take place from June 6 to June 9 as part of Millennium Park’s 20th anniversary season. Featuring over 35 performances and more than 250 artists across three stages, the festival celebrates Chicago’s renowned Blues legacy. Headliners include Shemekia Copeland, Mr. Sipp, Southern Avenue, and special centennial tributes to Jimmy Rogers, Dinah Washington, and Otis Spann. The festival will also feature a special Sunday evening performance by living legend Buddy Guy as part of his “Damn Right Farewell” tour, marking one of his final Chicago concerts. Additionally, the festival will offer food options with a Blues-inspired smokehouse experience and various sponsors supporting the event. This year’s festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of Blues music and Chicago’s rich musical heritage.

(PRESS RELEASE) Chicago, IL, 2024-Mar-8 — /Travel PR News/ — 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

Millennium Park

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.

Media Contact:

DCASE Communications    dcase@cityofchicago.org

Matthew Bryant, Carol Fox & Associates    matthewB@carolfoxassociates.com, 217-504-1905

Source: City of Chicago

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