Buddy Guy to perform at Chicago Blues Festival in June as part of farewell tour, city announces
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CHICAGO — A living legend will perform on the final night of this year’s Chicago Blues Festival.
Buddy Guy will play a special Sunday evening performance as part of his “Damn Right Farewell” tour, marking one of his final Chicago performances, as the 87-year-old blues icon prepares to retire from touring.
More: At 87, Buddy Guy still inspiring youth
The City of Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events announced Wednesday morning the full lineup for this year’s Blues Festival. The festival is free and scheduled for Thursday, June 6, through Sunday, June 9, as part of Millennium Park’s 20th anniversary season.
Chicago’s Millennium Park: From parking lot to park
Guy will perform Sunday, June 9, from 7:45 to 9 p.m. at Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
“I can’t wait to hit the stage at the Chicago Blues Festival!” Guy said in a news release announcing the lineup. “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.”
Guy has earned countless honors and accolades during his long, legendary career, including eight Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.
The “quintessential Chicago blues artist,” as the release states, Guy has influenced generations of guitarists, including fellow legends like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Keith Richards and John Mayer.
In accordance with his appearance at the Blues Festival, the city plans to honor Guy for his immense impact on music in Chicago and around the world. Details of that will be announced later, according to the release.
“Blues is the foundation of numerous genres of music and is deeply ingrained in the soul and the fabric of our city’s culture and history,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said. “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.”
Established in 1984, the Chicago Blues Festival is “the largest blues festival in the world,” according to the release.
In addition to Guy, this year’s lineup is packed with acts, beginning Thursday, June 6, with an opening-night performance at the Ramova Theatre in the Bridgeport neighborhood on the city’s South Side, and continuing the next three days in Millennium Park.
Additional headliners include, per the release, 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.
Additionally, food options include “Wally’s BBQ Pit,” a “Blues-inspired smokehouse experience.”
Visit ChicagoBluesFestival.us for more information.
Who is playing the Chicago Blues Fest?
Below is details on the lineup including artists and days of performance:
Thursday, June 6
Opening-night performance by Shemekia Copeland and Ronnie Baker Brooks at Ramova Theatre, 3520 South Halsted Street, doors open at 5 p.m., show begins at 6 p.m. Minors under 18 will be admitted only if accompanied by a guardian. This event is free with an online RSVP, which will become available May 1. Sign up on the Ramova Theatre website to receive the most up-to-date ticket information at bit.ly/ramovablues.
Friday, June 7
MILLENNIUM PARK
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
7:45-9:00 p.m.: 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
6:30-7:30 p.m.: Mr. Sipp
5:15-6:15 p.m: Corey Harris
5:00-5:15 p.m.: National Anthem
Visit Mississippi Juke Joint Stage (South Promenade)
4:30-5:45 p.m.: Big A & The Allstars
3:00-4:15 p.m: J’Cenae
1:30-2:45 p.m.: Keith Johnson & The Big Muddy Band
12-1:15 p.m.: Nora Jean Wallace
Rosa’s Lounge (North Promenade)
6:30-7:45 p.m.: Last Call with WDCB Radio and Carlos Johnson
5:00-6:15 p.m.: Sheryl Youngblood
3:30-4:45 p.m.: Luke Pytel Band featuring Laretha Weathersby
2:00-3:15 p.m.: Ivy Ford
12:30-1:45 p.m.: Lil’ Jimmy Reed with Ben Levin
Saturday, June 8
MILLENNIUM PARK
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
7:45-9:00 p.m.: Southern Avenue
6:30-7:30 p.m.: Vanessa Collier
5:00-6:15 p.m.: Centennial Tribute to Dinah Washington featuring Dee Alexander, Bruce Henry, Miguel de la Cerna, Jeremiah Hunt, Charles Heath IV, and Melody Angel
4:45-5:00 p.m.: National Anthem
Visit Mississippi Juke Joint Stage (South Promenade)
4:30-5:45 p.m.: Dexter Allen
3:00-4:15 p.m.: Ra’Shad The Blues Kid
1:30-2:45 p.m.: Melvin Taylor
12-1:15 p.m.: Mzz Reese and Reese’s Pieces
Rosa’s Lounge (North Promenade)
6:30-7:45 p.m.: Last Call with WDCB Radio and Ivan Singh
5:00-6:15 p.m.: The Mike Wheeler Band
3:30-4:45 p.m.: Jamiah “Dirty Deacon” Rogers and the Dirty Church Band
2:00-3:15 p.m.: Vino Louden
12:30-1:45 p.m.: Al Spears & The Hurricane Project
Sunday, June 9
MILLENNIUM PARK
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
7:45-9:00 p.m.: Buddy Guy
6:30-7:30 p.m.: Cash Box Kings
5:00-6:15 p.m.: 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
4:45-5:00 p.m.: National Anthem
Visit Mississippi Juke Joint Stage (South Promenade)
4:30-5:45 p.m.: Jaye Hammer
3:00-4:15 p.m.: Anissa Hampton
1:30-2:45 p.m.: Jonathan Ellison & The RAS Blues Band
12-1:15 p.m: Southern Komfort Brass Band
Rosa’s Lounge (North Promenade)
6:30-7:45 p.m.: Last Call with WDCB Radio and The Stephen Hull Experience
5:00-6:15 p.m.: Melody Angel
3:30-4:45 p.m.: Omar Coleman Westside Soul
2:00-3:15 p.m.: Joey J. Saye Trio
12:30-1:45 p.m.: Nate Manos Band with Alicia “Ya Yah” Townsend
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