2012 Chicago Blues Fest Honors The Past
By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 8, 2012 4:20PM
This year's Chicago Blues Festival, which kicks off in a few minutes, looks to be heavy on paying respect to the musicians who paved the way for today's bluesmen and women this weekend. In the past year legendary blues players like Koko Taylor, David "Honeyboy" Edwards, Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin and harmonica king George "Mojo" Buford all passed away, while the legendary Texas guitarist Sam "Lightning" Hopkins would have been 100 years old.
Tonight's tribute to Hopkins, featuring the Rev. K.M Williams, Hopkins' brother Milton, singer Jewel Brown (best known for handling vocals in Louis Armstrong's bands) and Texas Johnny Brown serves to be a highlight of today's festivities. Williams is the act to catch here. Equal parts guitarist, singer and musicologist, Williams pays respect to multiple blues styles while incorporating his own touches.
Rev. K.M Williams
Texas Johnny Brown
Milton Hopkins
Jewel Brown
Saturday night's lineup at the Petrillo Band Shell is highlighted by a tribute to Perkins, Buford and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith with Steady Rollin Bob Margolin, Mud Morganfield, Kenny ”Beedy Eye’s” Smith, Barrelhouse Chuck, Lil Frank , Bob Stroger and Joe Filisko. The night closes with Floyd Taylor. The son of blues/soul singer Johnnie Taylor (of "Disco Lady" fame), Floyd Taylor mines the familiar territory of his father note for note. Here's hoping some acoustic drums are present for Taylor's set.
Mavis Staples closes out Blues Fest Sunday. A tribute to Koko Taylor will warm up the crowd with Taylor's Blues Machine Band backing Melvia “Chick” Rodgers, Jackie Scott, Deitra Farr, and Nora Jean Bruso
Chick Rodgers
Jackie Scott
Deitra Farr
Nora Jean Bruso
And don't forget to check out some of the acts on the side stages. K.M. Williams will be playing the Pepsi Front Porch Stage 1:30 p.m. Sunday. The Pepsi Front Porch stage will also host the tribute to Hubert Sumlin at 4:30 p.m. Sunday featuring Steady Rollin Bob Margolin, Eddie Shaw, Dave Specter, Bob Corritore, Johnny Iguana, Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith and Bob Stroger