The build up to this years' Chicago Blues Fest has been truly a great experience. The M.O.S.E. (Mayors office of Special Events) kicked it off with a celebration of the birthday of Otis Rush in early May. The party was held at Buddy Guys Legends' and it was an evening of Legends.
The cover was only $10 and all the proceeds went to benefit the medical funds of Mr. Rush (he had a recent stroke). Many blues greats came to show their guitar talent and raise funds for the Blues Medical fund. Carl Weathersby, Chico Banks, Laurie Bell, Veno Louden, Shirly Dixon, Buddy and Phil Guy, Billy Branch, Lonnie and Ronnie Brooks, Chief "Eddy" Clearwatter and Bad Bad Leroy Brown.. There were many many more.
The following Monday was another birthday celebration for the club owner that houses Billy Branch & The Sons of The Blues. It's Artis's Lounge on 1249 E 87th St. in the City of Chicago, I believe she turned 29 ! The set featured Billy & The SOB's (shut yo mouth) with special Guest Ronnie Baker Brooks.
A new fest has emerged in the forecast for the City of Chicago Blues Fest. The Party is down in Richton Park , Illinois . The mayor, Rich Reinbold , says the fest is planned for the reign of his term every weekend before the Chicago Blues Fest. They are down at about 213th and Cicero for the locals. For the traveler from Minnesota perhaps, as long as BB celebrates in Mississippi for his homecoming, there is a chance to catch him in his neighborhood of Richton Park. A number of the local Chicago Blues legends like the idea.
Tonight there is a Salute to the "12 Bar Blues" at Buddy Guys. Tomorrow at Noon Erwin Helfer kicks off the Chicago Blues Fest 2005. God Willing, and the creeks don't rise; I'll be there for that as well.
Keep the Blues Alive !
There are many many many more events planned. To many for one guy to cover. I'll tell about Thursday night and day. The weekend at The Hot House, Buddy Guys, The south Loop Club and other adventures of a Chicago South Loop traveler. The south side is the best side for Chicago Blues.
The City of Chicago, BEST BUY, and the Mayors Office of Special Events (M.O.S.E.) welcome you to Chicago and the 22nd Annual Chicago Blues Fest 2005.
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