Upcoming Blues Music Events You Won’t Want to Miss
Keep your eyes peeled and your dancing shoes ready- there are some upcoming blues music events that are sure to get your toes tapping!
Chicago
The Chicago Blues Festival is the world’s largest free blues festival. It is held on five stages throughout Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois, United States. The festival is free to the public and features over 300 blues artists, as well as food and drink vendors. The Chicago Blues Festival is held every year in June.
January
Get ready to groove, because January is bringing some fantastic blues music events to Chicago! From up-and-coming artists to legends of the genre, there’s something for everyone.
One highlight is the Black Music Heritage Month Celebration at the Chicago Cultural Center. This free event will feature performances by acclaimed artists such as guitarist Maurice John Vaughn, vocalist Nellie “Tiger” Travis, and many more.
If you’re looking for something a little more intimate, check out the Blue Monday Series at Uncommon Ground. Held every Monday in January, this series features local blues musicians in an intimate setting.
And of course, no blues month would be complete without a visit from Buddy Guy! The legendary musician will be performing at the Windy City Smokeout on January 25th. Other headliners include Chris Stapleton and Brett Eldredge.
So don’t miss out – start planning your blues month now!
February
If you’re a fan of the blues, Chicago is the place to be this February! Here are some of the upcoming events you won’t want to miss:
-On February 7th, catch the Terry Callier Tribute Show at Kingston Mines.
-The following week, on February 14th, head to Rosa’s Lounge for their Valentine’s Day Blues Bash.
-The Chicago Blues Festival will be taking place February 15-17th at Millennium Park, and will feature performances by Mavis Staples, Buddy Guy, Shemekia Copeland, and many more.
-Closing out the month on February 29th is the Big Shoulders Blues Festival at Honky Tonk BBQ.
March
Looking for something to do this March? Check out these upcoming blues music events in Chicago!
-The 24th Annual Chicago Blues Festival will be held on March 3-5 at Millennium Park. This FREE event will feature performances by some of the best blues musicians from all over the world!
-The 26th Annual Blues Blast Music Awards will be held on March 10 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Bloomington, IL. This event will recognize some of the best blues musicians and albums of the year!
-The Chicago Blues Challenge will be held on March 11 at Buddy Guy’s Legends. This annual event showcases some of the best up-and-coming blues talent in the city!
Memphis
The Beale Street Music Festival is an annual three-day music festival held in Memphis, Tennessee. The festival is held in late April or early May, and it features a wide variety of music genres, including blues, rock, hip hop, and R&B. If you’re a fan of blues music, then this is one event you won’t want to miss.
April
4/5 – 6 – B.B. King’s Birthday Celebration – Clarksdale, MS
In honor of the late, great B.B. King, the city of Clarksdale, Mississippi will be hosting a birthday celebration in his honor. The event will feature live music from some of the best blues artists in the country, as well as food and drink specials. If you’re a fan of the blues, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
4/12 – 14 – Beale Street Music Festival – Memphis, TN
One of the biggest music festivals in Memphis, the Beale Street Music Festival features a lineup of both local and national acts across all genres. In addition to the music, there will also be food and drink vendors on site, so you can enjoy all your favorite festival snacks and drinks. This is definitely an event not to be missed!
May
May is shaping up to be a great month for blues music in Memphis! Here are just a few of the upcoming events that you won’t want to miss:
On May 5th, head to the Hi-Tone Cafe for an evening with Mississippi native and internationally acclaimed bluesman, Cedric Burnside. A recipient of the prestigious Blues Music Award for “Best Traditional Male Artist”, Burnside is not to be missed!
The next night, May 6th, catch Louisiana-based blues rockers Honey Island Swamp Band at the 1884 Lounge at The Peabody Memphis. This band is known for their high energy live performances, so be prepared to dance the night away!
Wrapping up the month on May 27th is an evening with legendary Chicago bluesman Buddy Guy at the Orpheum Theatre. A true pioneer of the electric blues guitar, Buddy Guy has influenced everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Eric Clapton. This is a rare opportunity to see one of the greats in action – don’t miss it!
June
Memphis in June is always a great time for blues music lovers. This year, there are several upcoming events that you won’t want to miss.
On June 8th, the annual Memphis Blues Challenge will be taking place. This event is open to all blues musicians and offers a chance to compete for prizes and exposure.
Then, on June 15th, the Mid-South Jazz Fest will be happening. This event features some of the best jazz musicians from around the world and is sure to be a great time.
Finally, on June 22nd, the Beale Street Music Festival will be taking place. This event is one of the largest and most popular blues festivals in the world and features over 100 different artists. There is sure to be something for everyone at this festival.
So if you love blues music, make sure to check out these upcoming events in Memphis!
New Orleans
The Blues is a music genre born out of the African-American experience in the Deep South of the United States. It is a music style that has been around for over a century and has evolved over time. The Blues is a music genre that is enjoyed by people all over the world. New Orleans is a city that is known for its rich culture and history.
July
The New Orleans Blues Society presents the Annual French Quarter Festival. This free, four-day music event features more than 100 local, national, and international musicians performing on stages throughout the historic French Quarter. genres represented include jazz, R&B, rock, zydeco, and more.
In addition to the live music, the festival also offers food and drink from local vendors, Second Line parade rides, and other activities for the whole family.
August
Music lovers rejoice! The New Orleans blues scene is heating up this August with some great events. Check out the calendar below for a taste of what’s in store.
8/5 – The Dirty Dozen Brass Band at d.b.a.
8/6 – Walter “Wolfman” Washington & The Roadmasters at Tipitina’s
8/11 – Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen at The Howlin’ Wolf
8/12 – Cyril Neville & Swamp Funk at One Eyed Jacks
8/18 – Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys at Rock ‘n’ Bowl
8/19 – Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at The Joy Theater
September
September is a great month for blues music in New Orleans! Here are some upcoming events you won’t want to miss:
-The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival will be taking place from September 25th-27th. This event will feature some of the best blues musicians from around the world, and is sure to be a great time!
-The French Quarter Festival will be happening from September 10th-13th. This free event is open to the public and features a wide variety of music, including some great blues bands.
-The Satchmo SummerFest will be happening August 1st-3rd. This annual event is dedicated to the memory of Louis Armstrong and celebrates his life and legacy with three days of live music, food, and fun.
