Chicago Blues Festival Entertainment Art Grant Park Chicago, Ill. June 7, 2007 – June 10, 2007

As with every year, the festival had its share of big names, unknowns and up and comers to look out for. The four-day festival had different themes for each day. Thursday was “Boogie Woogie Stomp” and saw the likes of Willie Clayton, Phil Guy (buddy’s brother) and Chicago’s own Koko Taylor. Koko is known as the Queen of the Blues for a reason and with more than forty years in the business knows how to satisfy and has been around since the 60’s back when she was at Chess Records. If you don’t know who she is go listen to her classic "Wang Dang Doodle” and get schooled.

Friday was “The New Generation is the Now Generation” and featured Lurrie Bell (son of Carey Bell) and Billy Branch. Harpist Billy Branch’s performance was a reunion of sorts bringing back 30 years of whom played with Billy Branch’s Sons of the Blues. For a solid two hours former band-mates jammed with Branch that included Lurrie Bell, Carl Weathersby and Vernon Harrington among many others. The night also included a special tribute to the harmonica icon Carey Bell who died of heart failure last month at the age of 71.

“Downtown Saturday Blues” was the theme on of course Saturday and featured Magic Slim, Big Jay McNeely and New Orleans’ Irma Thomas. Irma won a Grammy earlier this year for Best Contemporary Blues Album. It’s about time she was recognized after having several nominations over her forty-five year career. She was followed by Magic Slim and the Tear Drops representing the West Side Chicago Blues. Magic Slim’s deep voice and his amazing guitar work was a perfect way to end the night.

Last but not lease came Sunday’s “Wang Dang Doodle” and showcased such talents like James Cotton, Hubert Sumlin and closed the night with Bobby Rush. Let’s face it Rush is one of those guys that looks like he’s having a time of his life on stage and his energetic performance is a testament to that. I’ve seen Rush a few times through the years and he seems to get better every time I see him.

So if you missed this year never fret there’s always next year. But do yourself a favor and get out and catch a few of the great blues artists while you still can. Every year you miss is another year you might get your last chance to catch a legend like the late great Carey Bell. The blues is a genre that is quickly losing all the greats and we are lucky to get a special free weekend to see them once a year.

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