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.
THURSDAY, JUNE 6
Ramova Theatre Shemekia Copeland
Ronnie Baker Brooks
FRIDAY, JUNE 7
Free
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
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
6:30-7:30pm Mr. Sipp
5:15-6:15pm Corey Harris
5:00-5:15pm National Anthem
Visit Mississippi Juke Joint Stage (South Promenade)
4:30-5:45pm Big A & The Allstars
3:00-4:15pm J’Cenae
1:30-2:45pm Keith Johnson & The Big Muddy Band
12-1:15pm Nora Jean Wallace
Rosa’s Lounge (North Promenade)
6:30-7:45pm Last Call with WDCB Radio and Carlos Johnson
5:00-6:15pm Sheryl Youngblood
3:30-4:45pm Luke Pytel Band featuring Laretha Weathersby
2:00-3:15pm Ivy Ford
12:30-1:45pm Lil’ Jimmy Reed with Ben Levin
SATURDAY, JUNE 8
Free
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
7:45-9:00pm Southern Avenue
6:30-7:30pm Vanessa Collier
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
4:45-5:00pm National Anthem
Visit Mississippi Juke Joint Stage (South Promenade)
4:30-5:45pm Dexter Allen
3:00-4:15pm Ra’Shad The Blues Kid
1:30-2:45pm Melvin Taylor
12-1:15pm Mzz Reese and Reese’s Pieces
Rosa’s Lounge (North Promenade)
6:30-7:45pm Last Call with WDCB Radio and Ivan Singh
5:00-6:15pm The Mike Wheeler Band
3:30-4:45pm Jamiah "Dirty Deacon" Rogers and the Dirty Church Band
2:00-3:15pm Vino Louden
12:30-1:45pm Al Spears & The Hurricane Project
SUNDAY, JUNE 9
Free
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
7:45-9:00pm Buddy Guy
6:30-7:30pm Cash Box Kings
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
4:45-5:00pm National Anthem
Visit Mississippi Juke Joint Stage (South Promenade)
4:30-5:45pm Jaye Hammer
3:00-4:15pm Anissa Hampton
1:30-2:45pm Jonathan Ellison & The RAS Blues Band
12-1:15pm Southern Komfort Brass Band
Rosa’s Lounge (North Promenade)
6:30-7:45pm Last Call with WDCB Radio and The Stephen Hull Experience
5:00-6:15pm Melody Angel
3:30-4:45pm Omar Coleman Westside Soul
2:00-3:15pm Joey J. Saye Trio
12:30-1:45pm Nate Manos Band with Alicia “Ya Yah” Townsend