The Chicago Blues Festival #41 has emerged as a vibrant celebration of the blues, showcasing an exceptional lineup on day three, primarily focused on the musical traditions of the Mississippi Delta.
The Pritzker Pavilion was alive with energy as the crowd gathered for the opening performance, headlined by four remarkable blues divas: Thornetta Davis, Nora Jean Wallace, Nellie “Tiger” Travis, and Mzz Reese.
Together, they paid tribute to Denise LaSalle, a legendary figure known as the “Queen of the Blues” after the passing of Koko Taylor in 2009.
LaSalle’s legacy as a pioneer celebrated assertive female sexuality and power, with popular hits like “Trapped By a Thing Called Love” and tracks that found their way to late-night radio playlists.
The divas commanded the stage, exuding sass and grit as they performed timeless songs such as “Ugly Man,” “A Real Sad Story,” and the playful, personal favorite, “Don’t Jump My Pony (If You Can’t Ride).”
Closing their set, the quartet joined forces for a powerful rendition of “Don’t Mess With My Toot Toot,” a song that challenged men seeking casual flings, a recurring theme in LaSalle’s repertoire.
The women of the blues have long embodied resilience, performing in lounges and juke joints, and LaSalle’s crown as a singer-songwriter has solidified her as an icon worthy of homage.
The festival continued with an acoustic set by young talents Joey J. Saye, Stephen Hull, and the promising Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport.
Displaying a deep connection to traditional music, the trio captivated the audience with harmonies that depicted tales of love and the struggles of life.
In a picking and plucking style that resonates with percussive qualities, they performed classics like “Crosscut Saw,” “My Hen Won’t Lay,” and “Ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do,” each infused with the essence of the Delta.
At just 18 years old, Davenport, originally from Mississippi, displayed an extraordinary vocal maturity, evoking the life of a traveler aligning with blues legends Robert Johnson and Elmore James.
His soulful expressions on songs like “I’m Gonna Leave You” and “Sittin’ On Top of the World” reflect a strong lineage in the genre.
Latimore, a standout on this year’s festival lineup, captivated audiences with his timeless tracks.
His smooth rendition of “Stormy Monday” is particularly cherished in Chicago, alongside his sultry hit, “Let’s Straighten It Out,” both of which comprise an essential part of any laid-back music therapy playlist.
Latimore’s persona as a sexy artist from the ’70s, characterized by his processed hair and alluring poses, remains etched in the minds of blues aficionados.
With a distinct voice marked by emotional breaks, he stands alongside fellow legends like Levi Stubbs of the Four Tops in the realm of soul music.
Latimore’s soulful baritone has established him as one of the great ballad singers still resonating with listeners today, appealing to audiences through humorous tracks like “I’m an Old Dog (But I Can Still Bury the Bone).”
The crowd, particularly women, embraced his appreciation for plus-size women, as evident in his playful tune, “I’m in Love With a Big Pretty Girl.”
Such themes of celebrating curves resonate well at this year’s festival, reinforcing that blues music is indeed inclusive of all body types, suggesting that beauty is defined in various ways.
Now at a vital 85 years old, Latimore exhibited no signs of slowing down during his performance, which culminated in an electrifying finale alongside harmonica virtuoso Billy Branch.
Branch’s presence on stage enhanced the festival experience, captivating audiences, including a new fan in Latimore’s adoring daughter, who enjoyed the groove of his tunes.
The night’s headliner, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, had already made waves earlier in the festival with his participation in the B.B. King centennial tribute.
When he took the stage, excitement surged through the crowd, who remained on their feet for the entirety of his performance.
Ingram’s passion for music is palpable, as he played a gorgeous Flying custom Banker guitar.
With a style all his own, he captures the audience’s attention, effortlessly blending his role as a guitarist and a singer, both originating from Clarksdale, Mississippi.
He kicked off his set with a powerful performance of “Fresh Out,” backed by an equally talented band that showcased their chemistry, making music that felt seamless and connected.
Musicians like DeShawn “D’Vibe” Alexander on the Hammond B3 added a distinct depth to the music, infusing it with church-like energy, reminiscent of a preacher’s passionate sermon.
Paul Rogers and Christopher Black solidified the powerful rhythm section, driving home the energetic pulse of the set.
With a concise yet impactful setlist, Ingram delivered heartfelt tracks like “It’s What You Do For the Blues,” “Empty Promises,” and the deeply resonant “I’m Not Gonna Die.”
As anticipation built, Ingram stepped into the crowd, fostering a genuine connection with his fans and reminding everyone of the intimate nature of blues music.
At only 26, he evokes the wisdom and flair of a seasoned performer, akin to soul music legends who once roamed the halls of Chicago.
This interaction echoed a similar fearless spirit demonstrated by Buddy Guy, another iconic artist whose bond with the audience is legendary.
Ingram encouraged attendees to experience a Clarksdale juke joint atmosphere, which sparked thunderous cheers across the venue.
He requested ten ladies to join him on stage, but in true celebratory fashion, around sixty individuals – women and men alike – answered the call.
The stage transformed into a juke joint, where merriment and joy reigned, as attendees danced and moved to the rhythm of the blues.
It was a sight to behold, unlike any other festival gathering seen before, as Ingram thrived amidst the love and enjoyment.
His ability to mesh blues and community spirit illustrates a deep-rooted connection between Clarksdale and Chicago, tied by shared migrations that have shaped the musical landscape.
As festival-goers witnessed the blending of seasoned blues veterans and fresh talent, a renaissance of the blues was firmly on display, heralding a bright future for the genre.
With a rich sense of history and culture, Chicago Blues Festival #41 continues to celebrate the music that has united generations, reminding us of blues’ intimate and visceral power.
The legacy continues as both past and present artists unite to demonstrate that the spirit of the blues will undoubtedly carry on.
image source from：https://thirdcoastreview.com/art/festivals-events/2025/06/08/dispatch-the-mississippi-delta-juke-joints-tributes-and-a-prodigy-at-millennium-park
