2024 Chicago Blues Festival Lineup Announced, featuring one of Buddy Guy’s final Chicago performances!
Today the City of Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced the full lineup and programming highlights for the 2024 edition of the beloved Chicago Blues Festival, taking place June 6 - 9 as part of Millennium Park’s milestone 20th Anniversary season.
Established in 1984, the largest free Blues festival in the world returns to Chicago with four days of top tier talent performing in Chicago’s Millennium Park, plus a special opening night performance at the historic Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport. Throughout the weekend, three stages set up across Millennium Park will welcome more than 35 performances and more than 250 artists celebrating the city’s renowned Blues legacy, including a special Sunday evening performance by Buddy Guy as part of his “Damn Right Farewell” tour, marking one of his final Chicago performances.
“Blues is the foundation of numerous genres of music and is deeply ingrained in the soul the fabric of our city's culture and history,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “The Chicago Blues Festival is a testament to Chicago's rich musical heritage, and we are thrilled to welcome the legendary Buddy Guy to this year's lineup.”
“I can't wait to hit the stage at the Chicago Blues Festival!” said Buddy Guy. “There's something special about playing in the city where it all started. The energy, the history, the soul of Chicago blues—it's in the air, and I'm excited to be a part of it once again.”
Additional headliners include: Award-winning blues, soul and Americana singer Shemekia Copeland; “The Mississippi Blues Child,” Mr. Sipp; GRAMMY-nominated Memphis-based Soul and Roots band Southern Avenue; and Centennial Tributes to Jimmy Rogers, Dinah Washington and Otis Spann.
The festival will culminate with a Sunday evening performance by living legend Buddy Guy in one of his final Chicago concerts as part of his “Damn Right Farewell” tour. One of the most prolific and influential artists of all time, Guy is the quintessential Chicago Blues artist, having influenced generations of guitarists including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Keith Richards and John Mayer. Throughout his career, Guy has earned 8 GRAMMY Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and much more.
In recognition of Buddy Guy’s immeasurable impact on music in Chicago and around the world, the City of Chicago plans to honor Guy and his legacy in light of his Chicago Blues Festival engagement; more details to be announced.
Back by popular demand, the festival elevates its food options with a Blues-inspired smokehouse experience called “Wally’s BBQ Pit” in the North Promenade Tent of the Park with delicious BBQ fare and specialty drinks catered by Eleven North Hospitality. In between Blues sets, guests can stop to enjoy their BBQ, cornbread and drinks on picnic tables alongside whiskey barrels and smokers.
Chicago Blues Festival is sponsored by Visit Mississippi, Chicago Transit Authority, Rosa's Lounge, 90.9FM WDCB - Chicago’s Home for Jazz & Blues!, Chicago Jazz Publishing and Entertainment and Millennium Garages.
For more information, visit ChicagoBluesFestival.us.
2024 Chicago Blues Festival Schedule
Thursday June 6 through Sunday, June 9
THURSDAY, JUNE 6
Ramova Theatre - 3520 S Halsted St
6pm - Shemekia Copeland, Ronnie Baker Brooks
FRIDAY, JUNE 7
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
5:00-5:15pm - National Anthem
5:15-6:15pm - Corey Harris
6:30-7:30pm - Mr. Sipp
7:45-9:00pm - Centennial Tribute to Jimmy Rogers featuring Kim Wilson, Jimmy D. Lane, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, Bob Margolin, Sebastian Lane, Felton Crews, and Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith
Visit Mississippi Juke Joint Stage (South Promenade)
12-1:15pm - Nora Jean Wallace
1:30-2:45pm - Keith Johnson & The Big Muddy Band
3:00-4:15pm - J’Cenae
4:30-5:45pm - Big A & The Allstars
Rosa’s Lounge (North Promenade)
12:30-1:45pm - Lil’ Jimmy Reed with Ben Levin
2:00-3:15pm - Ivy Ford
3:30-4:45pm - Luke Pytel Band featuring Laretha Weathersby
5:00-6:15pm - Sheryl Youngblood
6:30-7:45pm - Last Call with WDCB featuring Carlos Johnson
SATURDAY, JUNE 8
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
4:45-5:00pm - National Anthem
5:00-6:15pm - Centennial Tribute to Dinah Washington featuring Dee Alexander, Bruce Henry, Miguel de la Cerna, Jeremiah Hunt, Charles Heath IV, and Melody Angel
6:30-7:30pm - Vanessa Collier
7:45-9:00pm - Southern Avenue
Visit Mississippi Juke Joint Stage (South Promenade)
12-1:15pm - Mzz Reese and Reese’s Pieces
1:30-2:45pm - Melvin Taylor
3:00-4:15pm - Ra’Shad The Blues Kid
4:30-5:45pm - Dexter Allen
Rosa’s Lounge (North Promenade)
12:30-1:45pm - Al Spears & The Hurricane Project
2:00-3:15pm - Vino Louden
3:30-4:45pm - Jamiah "Dirty Deacon" Rogers and the Dirty Church Band
5:00-6:15pm - The Mike Wheeler Band
6:30-7:45pm - Last Call with WDCB featuring Ivan Singh
SUNDAY, JUNE 9
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
4:45-5:00pm - National Anthem
5:00-6:15pm - Centennial Tribute to Otis Spann featuring Johnny Iguana, Roosevelt Purifoy, Rie “Miss Lee” Kanehira, Sumito “Ariyo” Ariyoshi, Oscar Wilson, Bob Stroger, Billy Flynn and Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith
6:30-7:30pm - Cash Box Kings
7:45-9:00pm - Buddy Guy
Visit Mississippi Juke Joint Stage (South Promenade)
12-1:15pm - Southern Komfort Brass Band
1:30-2:45pm - Jonathan Ellison & The RAS Blues Band
3:00-4:15pm - Anissa Hampton
4:30-5:45pm - Jaye Hammer
Rosa’s Lounge (North Promenade)
12:30-1:45pm - Nate Manos Band with Alicia “Ya Yah” Townsend
2:00-3:15pm - Joey J. Saye Trio
3:30-4:45pm - Omar Coleman Westside Soul
5:00-6:15pm - Melody Angel
6:30-7:45pm - Last Call with WDCB featuring The Stephen Hull Experience
