Blind Boys Of Alabama, Bobby Rush, Albert King’s centennial salute begin bountiful Blues Fest

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Since 1984, the Chicago Blues Festival has hosted every major musician of its stripe imaginable, attracting both a considerable local and international audience along the way.

The 2023 edition was no exception thanks to a star-studded start in Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion, including none other than Windy City staple Bobby Rush, who at 89-years-old, is the oldest living ambassador of the historic style.

Whether starting out solo acoustic on guitar, whipping out a harmonica or howling with his fiery voice, the veteran defied age while living up to a reputation of having won practically every award possible and recording well over an astounding 400 tracks through the upcoming album, “All My Love For You.”

Rush also introduced the Blind Boys Of Alabama, who are easily America’s longest running act given a lineage dating back to 1939, and despite technically being a gospel group, they fit in just fine during these festivities.

Whether it was their own heavenly harmony-dipped “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” or having Rush join them on the harp come “(I’m A) Soldier In The Army Of The Lord,” “Amazing Grace” and many others, church certainly came early.

No matter if one believed in the sacred or secular, everyone was on their feet by the time a couple of the guys took a lap around the seating area, prompting such jubilation, the praises may keep coming all weekend.

In the meantime, Albert King was toasted throughout a “Centennial Tribute” featuring several soloists, plus an all-star band with some players who once backed the late “Born Under A Bad Sign” icon.

Rico McFarland served as the de facto leader, bringing out the lauded likes of Donald Kinsey, Larry McCray and Carl Weathersby to put their own spin on some seriously slick guitar licks.

Upcoming must-see moments include Friday’s “70th Anniversary Celebration” for Delmark Records, Saturday’s spectacular “Women In Blues” revue and Sunday’s crossover finale featuring Los Lobos, alongside a ton of other genre gems.

For additional information on Blind Boys Of Alabama, Bobby Rush and Albert King, visit BlindBoys.com, BobbyRushBluesman.com and Facebook.com/AlbertKingOfficial.

Chicago Blues Festival continues at various Millennium Park venues through Sunday, June 11. For additional details, visit ChicagoBluesFestival.US