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Chicago Tribune
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Willow Fest brings the blues, sets aside quiet time for sensory sensitive people
This year's Willow Fest in Willow Springs combines two festivals — the longtime west suburban summertime celebration Willow Fest and the newer Blues Fest, which debuted a few years ago. The festival begins July 24 and wraps up July 27 and the addition of the blues doesn't mean any of the longtime fan favorites of Willow Fest are going anywhere. The popular event draws thousands of attendees and this year, event organizers say they expect another packed downtown. As always, the four-day event will still kick off with a car show. 'We have 120 to 180 classic cars,' said village administrator Ryan Grace. Beyond the cars the festival has food, vendors and music each and every day, starting with the popular Chicagoland Beatles tribute band, American English as the Thursday headliner. Friday is the big night for country and classic rock fans, with Billy Gray, a country act steeped in tradition, taking the stage at 6:30 p.m. and then Infinity at 9 p.m. Infinity started as a Journey tribute band but, over the years, the Chicago-based group has become a popular all-around classic rock tribute outfit. Saturday is the first full day of the fest and it kicks off with something a little quieter. From 10 a.m. until noon, Grace said the festival is open to attendees with disabilities and among those disabilities, people with sensory issues. 'That's free and it's for anyone with disabilities and it's no sound and low lights,' he said. This is one the few summer fairs with a time set aside for sensory-sensitive people, and he said it draws about 100 people and it's always popular. 'It's something our mayor is adamant that we do,' Grace said. 'We get volunteers from our Lions and Lioness Clubs. It's a fun part of the carnival for us.' Saturday is also the blues day, and Willow Fest organizers let the Windy City Blues Society take the reins. As soon as the quiet part's over—the blues music begins. 'That's from lunchtime until the show ends at 11 p.m.,' Grace explained. The whole music lineup for that day can be found at but the headliner Saturday are the Cinelli Brothers—two Italian brothers and their London-based blues band. Sunday, the event winds down with another day of music. The last band is Arra, another classic rock tribute band and then, as is tradition, fireworks put the cap on another Willow Fest. The festival is headquartered at 1 Village Circle, in the heart of Willow Springs. 'We've just recently redone the grounds. We've paved every road down here with permeable brick pavers,' explained Grace. 'And we just wrapped that up.' Just in time for Willow Fest.
Forbes
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Mavis Staples, John Primer Deliver Soulful Sets At Chicago Blues Fest
Rick Holmstrom (left) and Mavis Staples (right) perform on stage during Chicago Blues Fest. Sunday, ... More June 8 at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park in Chicago, IL 'My name is Ivan Singh - this is a dream come true,' said the Argentinian guitarist, kicking off Blues Fest last month in Chicago. Singh now calls Chicago home and stands as a perfect example of the way the world's largest free blues festival continues to embrace local talent, drawing a massive early crowd at just after noon on a hot summer Friday along the lakefront in the Windy City's Millennium Park ahead of a run of European dates. Singh, 26, was backed on the Rosa's Lounge stage by a five piece group including a horn section that cooked, attacking his cigar box with a slide as he took on Muddy Waters' 'I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man' at the top of his set. Ivan Singh performs on stage during a birthday celebration at Rosa's Lounge. October 26, 2024 in ... More Chicago, IL Chicago Blues Fest began way back in 1984, just about one year after Waters' death, taking place annually since. This year's festival included an in depth look at the career of bluesman Bobby Rush, 91, a women in blues tribute to Denise LaSalle and a 75th anniversary celebration of Chess Records featuring Charles Berry Jr. and Charles Berry III, the son and grandson of the legendary rock and roller. Red-hot guitarist Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram, 26, who was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the birthplace of the blues, performed two sets, taking part in a centennial tribute to legendary guitarist B.B. King ahead of a festival closing performance by Chicago native, soul singer and Civil Rights activist Mavis Staples. Mavis Staples performs on stage during Chicago Blues Fest. Sunday, June 8, 2025 at Jay Pritzker ... More Pavilion in Millennium Park in Chicago, IL 'I've learned from Dr. King to just hold on and keep pushing - don't give up. If you fall down, pick yourself up, brush off and keep going. That's what we would do when we were marching,' said Staples, 86, looking back upon her time alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in the 60s during a conversation in 2020. 'Everything he did was for us. And I do mine for the people,' she said. 'When people come to my concerts, I want them to leave there feeling better than they did when they arrived. So, I'm following in his footsteps.' Despite rain earlier in the day, Staples' offered up a full set nevertheless, closing out Blues Fest following the unique pairing of incendiary jazz saxophonist Frank Catalano and blues guitarist Lurrie Bell, with the duo nodding in the direction of B.B. King, who brought those worlds together magically on the 1983 album Blues 'N' Jazz. Saturday, Mississippi-born bluesman Jesse Robinson offered up a scorching set on the Visit Mississippi Crossroads stage, working up his take, appropriately enough, on 'Sweet Home Chicago,' early in his 75 minute performance. Frank Catalano performs on stage during a set with Lurrie Bell at Chicago Blues Fest. Sunday, June ... More 8, 2025 at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park in Chicago, IL Louisiana born singer Vickie Baker is now a Mississippi-based teacher and followed Robinson with over an hour of her own, taking a sultry approach to her set as she picked up harmonica for her latest single 'Cheatin' Tonight.' But Saturday belonged to John Primer, 80, who, over more than six decades, has collaborated with artists like Willie Dixon and Junior Wells while working as guitarist and band leader for Waters. Following a Friday duo set alongside harmonica player Steve Bell, who recently portrayed Sonny Terry in the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, Primer delivered a rollicking 75 minutes alongside his Real Deal Blues Band. 'We're workin' up the king, y'all: B.B. King!' announced Primer proudly, introducing the six piece group's take on 'Baby, Look at You.' 'Tom Holland on the guitar. Johnny Iguana on the keyboards y'all!' he continued, shouting out longtime cohort Holland and guest keyboard player Iguana, who, alongside Jeffrey 'JQ' Qaiyum, scores the Chicago-centered FX on Hulu restaurant drama The Bear. 'You're probably too young to know this song,' joked Primer of the 1961 cut. John Primer and The Real Deal Blues Band perform on stage during Chicago Blues Fest. Saturday, June ... More 7, 2025 at Millennium Park in Chicago, IL Iguana sparkled on 'Hard Working Woman,' a song Primer sent out to his mother, before offering up an unexpected cover on stage at Chicago Blues Fest. 'I was born and raised on country and western in Mississippi back in the day,' said the singer with a smile, wrapping a fun take on Glen Campbell's 'Rhinestone Cowboy.' As the smell of barbecue wafted across Millennium Park, the all-star ensemble offered up 2019's 'Rainy Night in Georgia,' with Primer on a ripping slide guitar during 'I Can't Be Satisfied' moments later. John Primer (left) and Tom Holland (right) perform on stage during Chicago Blues Fest. Saturday, ... More June 7, 2025 at Millennium Park in Chicago, IL But just a year removed from a similar celebration of Chicago blues icon Buddy Guy, Blues Fest 2025 belonged to south side Chicago native Mavis Staples. 'I know people feel down and mishearted but you have to continue to hold onto your faith. Hold onto hope. If we don't, what do we got?' asked Staples during our 2020 chat, comments regarding COVID which nevertheless remain eerily prescient five years later. 'When I get ready to close the show, I let the people know that when you come out in the morning, if you're going to work or school or wherever, if you walk into someone, put a smile on your face. Just be kind! You'll feel so much better about yourself when you see that person smile back at you,' she said. 'The world just may as well get ready to be bothered with me,' said Mavis Staples. 'Because I'm gonna be right here in their faces.'
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Blues Fest 2.0. New version of popular event returning to downtown Canton
CANTON − Is a sequel ever as good as the original? Blockbuster movie franchises sometimes replicate success. Other times, subsequent films bomb at the box office. But what about the 2025 version of the Blues Fest in downtown Canton? Blues fans have lamented the loss of the original Canton Blues Fest, which ended after the 2022 event. Previously presented and coordinated by the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, the free event was reduced to one day its final year due to rising costs. But Todd Herberghs and the Downtown Canton Partnership will give a blues-themed event another try July 11-12 at Centennial Plaza. Event sponsors also include International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 540 and Visit Canton. Northeast Ohio musicians will be featured. "The Canton Blues Fest was absolutely amazing," he said. "This is something different. People can come and walk around downtown and support downtown businesses and have a good time, and we'll see where it goes (in the future)." The original Blues Fest "was wildly successful, and people loved it, and it had a great following," Herberghs added. "But like all events, you have to at least break even, or you make some money or it's difficult to operate." The new Downtown Canton Blues & BBQ Festival will pair live music with barbecue vendors and food trucks while also featuring a craft beer garden comprised of local breweries. Part of the proceeds from beer sales will benefit the Canton Palace Theatre's renovation project. Blues Fest hours will be 5 to 9:30 p.m. July 11 and 2 to 9:30 p.m. July 12. The July 11 music lineup will be Austin Walkin Cane from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m., and Bob Frank Trio from 7:45 to 9:30 p.m. July 12 will feature Willis Gordon Band from 2:30 to 430 p.m.; Jake Friel Band from 5 to 7 p.m.; and The Blue Lunch Band from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The first day of the Blues & BBQ Festival will coincide with July First Friday festivities (First Friday is taking place the second Friday of July due to the Fourth of July holiday). Food trucks and vendors will include Uncle Bacon's BBQ, The Ohio BBQ Crew, The Hickory Hog, RaK's BBQ, Mydee Good Eatin, Twisted Grill & Grind, Don Polo Mexican Food, Metropolis Popcorn, Island Delight Smoothies and Hampy Camper Cocktail Co. Herberghs, executive director of the Downtown Canton Partnership, said this will be the first step toward bringing back a blues-based event on what he hopes is an annual basis. Performers won't be national acts or as well-known as those in the past because the Downtown Canton Partnership lacks the resources to book them, he said. Paying for such musicians and bands costs tens of thousands of dollars, and the Downtown Canton Partnership has a limited budget and sources of funding, he said. Security and marketing are other event costs. He also noted the Downtown Canton Blues & BBQ Festival is a free event. Jonathan Becker of the Downtown Canton Partnership said the group worked with the Northeast Ohio Blues Association to identify and book bands. "These are all regional and local performers that we wanted to feature and celebrate as we re-establish the blues event here," said Becker, creative director of First Friday for the Downtown Canton Partnership. Additionally, DJ Krooze will "provide an interactive experience filled with blues music as we change over the bands," Becker said. "... That gives us four-and-a-half hours of blues music on Friday, and a seven-hour show Saturday." Things to do: Ultimate summer fun guide for Canton: Nearly 50 concerts, fests and events to enjoy In 2023, the Downtown Canton Partnership presented the Downtown Canton Music Festival in absence of the Blues Fest. Local, regional and tribute bands performed at the free event. Attendance was low on the first day (Thursday) before rebounding strongly on the second day, but the Downtown Canton Music Fest was canceled after one year because it wasn't financially feasible to hold again, Herberghs said. The nonprofit Downtown Canton Partnership was formed in October 2022 by downtown property and business owners, and includes the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District, a designated area downtown where property owners pay a special assessment for services, such as landscaping. The Downtown Canton Partnership receives 40% of its funding from the city of Canton. Other sources include grants and sponsorships. The organization also awards grants to support downtown events such as the Canton Farmers Market, Stark Pride Festival, Canton Pickle Fest, African American Arts & Cultural Festival and the summer movie series at Centennial Park. Along with paying for entertainment, events at Centennial Plaza are limited on how much revenue they can generate through alcohol sales, Herberghs said. "It makes the economics of this event difficult," he said of the Blues Fest. Jerzee's Cafe, a sports bar and eatery, holds the liquor license for Centennial Plaza. Events like the Blues & BBQ Festival are limited to street sales of alcohol after securing a temporary permit through the state of Ohio. The city of Canton recently transferred management of Centennial Plaza from the Pro Football Hall of Fame to ASM Global, a private company that manages the Canton Memorial Civic Center. Jerzee's, however, will still maintain the liquor license for the site, Mayor William V. Sherer II said. Liquor sales at events help keep Jerzee's economically viable at Centennial Plaza since business fluctuates greatly, Sherer said. "Jerzee's (and owner Chris Maggiore) came down (to Centennial Plaza to open a restaurant and bar) when nobody else wanted to," he said. "And my intent the whole time was to have Jerzee's stay. We negotiated with (ASM Global) and ASM negotiated with Chris. I think everything is going to be headed in the right direction." Visit Canton, also known as the Stark County Convention and Visitors' Bureau, is enthused to welcome back a blues-centric event. "Stark County is fortunate to offer a remarkable array of live music for both residents and visitors," said Allyson Bussey, president and CEO of Visit Canton. "However, this particular genre has been absent from our offerings. The previous Blues Festival served as a regional attraction for visitors, positively impacting the community through increased visitor spending." "We are confident that the Downtown Canton Partnership's new Blues & BBQ Festival will bring back previous blues fans to the community and attract new audiences to experience both outstanding music and great (barbecue)." Sherer is also pleased to have a variation of the Blues Fest back. The mayor hopes the event grows. He also would like to add other new events downtown, including one focusing on ribs at Centennial Plaza. However, a ribs event would not compete with the annual Ribs Burnoff at the Pro Football Hall of Fame campus during Memorial Day weekend, he said. "I've lived here my entire life," Sherer said. "I remember how impactful the Ribs Burnoff was downtown for the city of Canton, and I would like to see that come back to be able to take our downtown to the next level." New plaza plans: 'Take it to the next level.' Canton looks to boost entertainment at Centennial Plaza Sherer said a potential Canton Ribs Burnoff also would not take place during the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. Both the city and Herberghs are hoping for bigger musical acts at the Blues & BBQ Festival in the future. They believe ASM Global and Canton Civic Center General Manager Blake Schilling could help make that happen. ASM Global is assuming management of Centennial Plaza under a lease agreement with the city of Canton. "With their nationwide clout, we can continue to build (the event)," Herberghs said of ASM Global, which manages arenas and entertainment venues across the country and world. "I hope to build up the event to be something that would draw national performers, and I hope to work with (ASM Global) and build that up." The plan is to bring ticketed events and concerts to the city-owned Centennial Plaza, Sherer said. "If you want the good bands to come, you're going to have to pay them," he said. "Blake Schilling and SMG can really take it to the next level with his contacts and being hooked up with Ticketmaster," Sherer said. "... And it will benefit all downtown businesses. "I think it's only going to complement what we already have at Centennial Plaza," the mayor added. "We've got a lot of great stuff in the pipeline." Schilling said he shares the mayor's desire to take Centennial Plaza "to the next level ... and to provide increased content and provide quality and quantity." More diverse entertainment is also planned, Schilling said, noting he's had conversations with Caged Thunder MMA about the possibility of bringing events to Centennial Plaza. Caged Thunder already holds events at the Civic Center. "Some of the acts that we look to get there may warrant a ticket price," he said of Centennial Plaza. "I look forward to collaborating with everyone down there to see where I can be of assistance," he said. "And I'm excited to see the Blues Fest this year and certainly take notes and see in what ways I can help." Bill Wright, 70, of Canton Township, is among the fans who would love to see notable blues artists perform downtown again at a multi-day event. "I was a big fan of the past Blues Fests because they always brought in top bands and artists who were on the rise," he said. "Seeing bands like Walter Trout, Coco Montoya and Robert Cray was pretty cool. "I'm pleased to see that they are trying again because there is a big blues audience in the area," Wright added. "Plans are up in the air for me this year, but I hope it builds from here. Who knows, a band that plays this year might just make it." Reach Ed at 330-580-8315 and ebalint@ Follow on Instagram at ed_balint This article originally appeared on The Repository: Downtown Canton Blues & BBQ Festival fills hole of Blues Fest
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Warren Haynes Band to headline New York State Blues Festival
(WSYR-TV) — A look at his resume says a lot. The Allman Brothers Dead. Gov't mule. The Last Waltz tour. When you hear him play, you understand why Warren Haynes is considered one of the best guitarists on the planet. He is set to bring the Warren Haynes Band to the New York State Blues Festival on Saturday night at the state fairgrounds. He caught up with Bridge Street ahead of the show. Haynes discusses his career, his recent album, and the Blues Fest ahead of his arrival in Syracuse. He will also raffle off a signed Gibson Guitar as part of support for the Blues in the Schools program in central New York. The Blues Fest is Haynes' last stop for his current tour before he heads to Europe. Admission to the festival is free, and it begins this Thursday, June 12 at 4 pm. Learn more at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Bobby Rush, Billy Branch kicks off 2025 Chicago Blues Festival in Bridgeport
Blues Fest kicks off Thursday in Bridgeport Blues Fest kicks off Thursday in Bridgeport Blues Fest kicks off Thursday in Bridgeport The Chicago Blues Festival is back in Chicago this weekend, featuring the biggest names in the genre. The free four-day festival kicks off on Thursday in the Bridgeport neighborhood and will be held in Millennium Park on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Festivities start Thursday night at the Ramova Theatre with Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues and Bobby Rush. Entry into the venue will be on a first-come, first-served basis. 2025 Chicago Blues Fest full schedule For those looking to attend the event, here's when and where you can find the performers: Thursday Ramova Theatre 7:30-8:30 p.m. - Billy Branch and The Sons of Blues 9-10:15 p.m. - Bobby Rush Friday Jay Pritzker Pavilion 3:45-4 p.m. - Emcee Intro Remarks + National Anthem + Lift Every Voice 4-5 p.m. - D.K. Harrell 5:15-6:15 p.m. - Dawn Tyler Watson 6:30-7:15 p.m. - John Primer with Steve Bell 7:30-9:00 p.m. - B.B. King Centennial Tribute featuring Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, D.K. Harrell, and Jonathan Ellison with the B.B. King Centennial Band, co-presented with the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. Rosa's Lounge (North Promenade) 12:30-1:45 p.m. - Ivan Singh 2-3:15 p.m. - Jamiah "Dirty Deacon" Rogers and the Dirty Church Band 3:30-4:45 p.m. - Rico McFarland 5-6:15 p.m. - Sheryl Youngblood 6:30-7:45 p.m. - The Mike Wheeler Band Visit Mississippi Crossroads Stage (South Promenade) Noon- 1:15 p.m. - Lady Adrena and LA Band 1:30-2:45 p.m. - Vick Allen featuring the Velvet Soul Band 3-4:15 p.m. - Johnny Rawls Soul Review 4:30-5:45 p.m. - Eddie Cotton Saturday Jay Pritzker Pavilion 3:45-4 p.m. - Emcee Intro Remarks, National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing 4-5:15 p.m. - Women in Blues Tribute to Denise LaSalle featuring Nellie "Tiger" Travis, Thornetta Davis, Nora Jean Wallace, and Mzz Reese with Jonathan Ellison 5:30-6:15 p.m. - Joey J. Saye, Stephen Hull, and Harrell "Young Rell" Davenport 6:30-7:30 p.m. - Latimore 7:45-9 p.m. - Christone "Kingfish" Ingram Visit Mississippi Crossroads Stage (South Promenade) Noon- 1:15 p.m. - 2 Blues for You 1:30-2:45 p.m. - Jesse Robinson 3-4:15 p.m. - Vickie Baker, The V Souls, and The Groove Crew 4:30-5:45 p.m. - John Primer & The Real Deal Blues Band Rosa's Lounge (North Promenade) 12:30-1:45 p.m. - Stefan Hillesheim Band 2-3:15 p.m. - Michael Damani 3:30-4:45 p.m. - Lynne Jordan and the Shivers 5-6:15 p.m. - Joe Barr and the Platinum Band 6:30-7:45 p.m. - Theo Huff Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace - Next Generation of Blues 11-11:45 a.m. - Wendy & DB noon-12:45 p.m. - Chicago Blues Revival 1-1:45 p.m. - Curie Metro High School 2-2:45 p.m. - Bandwith 3-4 p.m. - VanderCook College of Music Sunday Jay Pritzker Pavilion 3:30-3:45 p.m. - Emcee Intro Remarks + National Anthem + Lift Every Voice and Sing 3:45-5 p.m. - Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Chess Records with special guest artists, Mud Morganfield, Mitty Collier, Charles Berry, Jr., Charles Berry III, Melvin Taylor, Louisiana Al, Joe Barr, Steve Bell, Rodrigo Mantovani, Dudley Owens, Rick Hall, Simbryt Dortch, Lady Patice, Mae Koen, Sam Chess, and Joe Pratt 5:15-6:15 p.m. - C.J. Chenier and The Red Hot Louisiana Band 6:30-7:30 p.m. - Lurrie Bell and Frank Catalano 7:30-7:45 p.m. - Avery R. Young, Chicago Poet Laureate 7:45-9 p.m. - Mavis Staples Visit Mississippi Crossroads Stage (South Promenade) Noon- 1:15 p.m. - Stevie J and The Blues Eruption 1:30-2:45 p.m. - Nellie "Tiger" Travis 3-4:15 p.m. - Jonathan Ellison 4:30-5:45 p.m. - Ms. Jody Rosa's Lounge (North Promenade) 12:30-1:45 p.m. - Harrell "Young Rell" Davenport 2-3:15 p.m. - Jimmy Burns Band 3:30-4:45 p.m. - Nick Alexander Blues Band 5-6:15 p.m. - Sonia Astacio 6:30-7:45 p.m. - 3 by 3 Crew: Freddie Dixon, John Watkins, Maurice Vaughn with Tim Taylor Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace - Next Generation of Blues 11-11:45 a.m. - Wiggleworms featuring Amanda Payne & Will Fancher of Old Town School of Folk Music noon-12:45 p.m. - Fernando Jones Presents the Knott Us Band 1-1:45 p.m. - Kenwood Academy High School 2-2:45 p.m. - Nicholas Senn High School 3-4 p.m. - A Patch of Blues
