The Chicago Blues Festival is gearing up for its 2025 edition, celebrating the rich legacy of an original American music genre.
This annual event reliably provides music lovers with a myriad of opportunities to experience the powerful sounds that originated in the city of Chicago.
Despite recent challenges faced by the local blues scene—including the closures of iconic venues like Harlem Avenue Lounge and B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted—there remains a vibrant and passionate community dedicated to preserving and promoting the blues.
For those seeking to immerse themselves in the festival atmosphere without navigating downtown traffic, numerous afterparties, daytime shows, and related events will be happening throughout the city and its suburbs.
Blues Fest weekend is not just about the main acts; it’s also a prime opportunity for both novices and veterans to create new memories.
Attendees are encouraged to explore different venues they have never visited before, which can lead to exciting discoveries and unforgettable experiences.
As always, bringing cash is advisable, as it ensures that you can tip bartenders and servers who work hard to make the festival enjoyable for all.
Kicking off on June 4, the festival will feature the Blues Fest Kickoff Party at Buddy Guy’s Legends with Big Llou Johnson taking the stage at 5 PM.
Tickets for the evening cost $32.45 and are restricted to those aged 21 and over.
Other performances that night include Michael Damani at Untitled Supper Club at 7:30 PM, followed by the Stefan Hillesheim Band at Rosa’s Lounge at 9:30 PM and 11 PM.
The entry fee for both shows is $16.50, or $11.50 for the earlier set.
For those looking for a family-friendly outing, Eric Johanson will perform at SPACE in Evanston at 7:30 PM, with tickets ranging from $16.26 to $23.87.
Luke Pytel Blues Band with Ivy Ford will round out the evening at Blue Chicago from 9 PM to 1:30 AM, with an admission of $15 and a one-drink minimum.
Thursday, June 5 promises to be just as exciting, with the All-Star Harmonica Blast showcasing renowned artists like Omar Coleman and Matthew Skoller over at Reggies Music Joint at 8 PM, with tickets available for $39.83.
Another notable event that day is the Chess Records 75th Anniversary Review at Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation garden from 6 PM to 7:30 PM, which is free and open to all ages.
The evening unfolds with the Rico McFarland Blues Band, along with the Joanna Connor Band hosting a jam session at Kingston Mines starting at 7:30 PM.
General admission is set at $18, with special door discounts available for students, seniors, active military personnel, police, and firefighters.
Those interested in a more informal experience can attend an open jam hosted by Big Lew at Lee’s Unleaded Blues from 8 PM to midnight at no cost.
Rosa’s Lounge will feature Lil’ Ed Williams with the Rosa’s All-Stars Band at 9:30 PM and 11 PM, with tickets priced at $21.50.
At Buddy Guy’s Legends, the Morry Sochat & the Special 20s will take stage at 9 PM for $16.99.
And for those venturing out to Des Plaines, Dave Weld & the Imperial Flames will perform at Bourbon ’N Brass Speakeasy at 7:30 PM for only $5 with a two-drink minimum.
The festival continues into Friday, June 6, where the Fran Banish Trio will perform at FitzGerald’s Sidebar at 8:30 PM for free, also for those aged 21 and above.
At Reggies Music Joint, the Chicago Blues SuperSession starts at 10 PM, priced at $33.65 and offers an impressive lineup including Bob Stroger and Billy Flynn.
Additionally, the Joanna Connor Band and the Nora Jean Wallace Blues Band will be the featured acts at Kingston Mines, starting their performances at 9 PM, with a $23 entry fee.
Meanwhile, Fernando Jones will bring his sounds to Epiphany Hall at 8 PM at no cost.
City Winery will showcase legendary Eddie Levert at two separate times: 6 PM and 9:30 PM, with ticket prices ranging from $48 to $75.
Mud Morganfield is also on schedule at FitzGerald’s with an entry fee of $24.38 to $189.70.
At Lee’s Unleaded Blues, Joe Pratt & the Source One Band featuring Louisiana Al will entertain from 9 PM to 1 AM for free.
John Primer returns to Buddy Guy’s Legends at 8 PM, where the entry will cost $27.30.
Blue Chicago continues its lineup with Mike Wheeler Blues Band set to perform at 9 PM, with entry priced at $20 and a two-drink minimum.
The night wraps up with the Sheryl Youngblood Band performing two shows at Rosa’s Lounge at $26.50 for both or $21.50 for the later show only.
Saturday, June 7 presents a rich schedule with free outdoor performances by the Chicago Blues Angels at FitzGerald’s at 7 PM and an engaging Blues Brunch featuring Gerry Hundt from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Nighttime performances resume with Joanna Connor Band and Nora Jean Wallace Blues Band performing at Kingston Mines once again.
Other highlights include Chris Duarte and Alastair Greene at Des Plaines Theatre, with ticket prices ranging from $46.75 to $78.75.
For fans craving comedy along with music, Ivy Ford Band will perform at Reggies Bananna’s Comedy Shack at 10 PM at no cost.
Rosa’s Lounge will feature John Primer & the Real Deal Blues Band later in the evening, with tickets going for $31.50 or $26.50 for the second show.
At the same time, Buddy Guy’s Legends will host Kat Riggins and Derek Caruso at 9 PM, ticketed at $27.30.
Other afternoon performances include Carlos Showers & Ron Simmons at the 57th Street Art Fair, providing free entertainment open to all ages.
The festival comes to a crescendo on Sunday, June 8 with the End of Bluesfest Super ProJam at Reggies Music Joint featuring a host of talented artists—including Jimmy Burns and Bob Stroger—taking the stage at 10 PM for an admission of $33.65.
The final day also brings back the beloved Blues Brunch featuring Tom Holland from 11 AM to 3 PM, where entry remains free.
For family-friendly fun, the Maxwell Street Blues Series will be running from 10 AM to 3 PM, offering live performances alongside DJ sets in an open setting.
There is no doubt that this year’s Chicago Blues Festival is set to be a remarkable celebration, showcasing not just established names but also emerging talent, all within the cultural heartbeat of the Blues.
The festival is also a reminder of the resilience of the blues community, dedicated to keeping their music alive amidst trials and tribulations, ensuring that vibrant sounds echo through Chicago for generations to come.
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