Mavis Staples To Headline Blues Fest
By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 31, 2012 4:20PM
Mavis Staples was a highlight of last year's Hideout Block Party and, for many, the main reason they attended. Those folks may want to pencil in June 10 on their concert calendar. Staples is set to headline the final day at this year's Chicago Blues Festival, which is shaping up as a festival heavy on paying tribute to the past.
Staples will close out the festival as part of an all-female schedule that includes a koko Taylor tribute by by Melvia “Chick” Rodgers, Jackie Scott, Deitra Farr and Nora Jean Brusco.
The festival will pay its respects to the numerous blues legends that died last year, such as David "Honeyboy" Edwards, Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin and harmonica king George "Mojo" Buford.
This year's festival will also have a tribute to Lightning Hopkins, who would have been 100 this year. The Texas guitar master will be feted by fellow Lone Star State gunslingers Reverend KM Williams, Texas Johnny Brown, Jewel Brown and Milton Hopkins (Ligntnin’ Hopkins cousin). Paul Kaye, a former Honeyboy Edwards sideman, will lead a tribute to the legendary guitarist, as well.