Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The gates to the Chicago Blues Festival, the largest free event of its kind on earth, swung open with its signature blend of area all-stars and internationally-renowned acts, curated by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

Following a warm-up inside Bridgeport’s Ramova Theatre, the happenings headed outdoors to Millennium Park, featuring several historic headliners taking the permanent stage at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Chicago’s adopted Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Elvin Bishop (guitar/vocals) from The Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Memphis’ Charlie Musselwhite (harmonica/vocals) were some of the finest examples as they brought portions of the “100 Years Of The Blues” album collaboration, personally popularized cuts and covers.

Accompanied by fellow guitarist Bob Welsh, they included “If I Should Have Bad Luck,” “Old School,” “Can’t Even Do Wrong Right,” “My Kinda Gal” and “What The Hell Is Goin’ On” with an obvious chemistry between the two longtime friends, who at 83 and 82-years-old respectively, still possess the both the passion and the playing chops.

Next up came a 55th anniversary celebration of the local label Alligator Records, which throughout its illustrious history has hosted the likes of Hound Dog Taylor, Albert Collins, Koko Taylor, Luther Allison, Johnny Winter, Lonnie Brooks, Bishop and Musselwhite.

Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, Tinsley Ellis, Nick Moss, Toronzo Cannon and Lonnie’s son Ronnie Baker Brooks (joined briefly by brother Wayne Baker Brooks) were some of its latter day artists to reverently salute the greats, in addition to their original flavors.

But that was merely the tip of the iceberg as Saturday, June 6 will be centered around harmonica man Billy Branch’s 75th birthday bash, slated to personally perform alongside Kenny Neal and a reprise by Ronnie.

It all wraps up on Sunday, June 7 starring 84-year-old icon Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band, debuting tunes off their brand new “Time” album on back and surely destined to continue in the Chicago Blues Festival’s timeless tradition.

For additional information on Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite and Alligator Records, visit ElvinBishopMusic.com, CharlieMusselwhite.com and Alligator.com.

Chicago Blues Festival continues at Millennium Park through Sunday, June 7. For additional details, visit ChicagoBluesFestival.US.

Related Articles

A half-century of Los Lobos, collaborations and Lil’ Ed close a chilly Chicago Blues Festival Blind Boys Of Alabama, Bobby Rush, Albert King’s centennial salute begin bountiful Blues Fest Mavis Staples, B.B. King Centennial, Chess’ 75th, John Primer amongst Blues Fest favorites Ravinia clears “Room On The Porch” for the rootsy combination of treasures Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ Genesee lands a once-in-a-lifetime look at timeless troubadour Bob Dylan’s “Rough And Rowdy Ways” The Lumineers, Benson Boone and Chicago bring Summerfest to climatic, firecracker conclusion Summerfest sequel stars Lainey Wilson’s country, Billy Corgan’s Machines and Spyro Gyra’s 50th Boz Scaggs’ “Rhythm Revue” results in a jazzy, bluesy Auditorium Theatre “Detour”