This year’s line-up included everything from accomplished young blues students like Logan Layman (who performed as part of the Kids Blues Foundation) to fiery singer Shemekia Copeland to icons such as Otis Clay and Ronnie Baker Brooks. All styles were embraced, from the cool vibe of New Orleans soul queen Irma Thomas to the seasoned raunch of 79-year-old Bobby Rush.
With a weekend of balmy weather, the festival was an unqualified success with a dancing and jubilant audience estimated at 500,000. The Chicago Blues Festival may be considered a tradition but with the Chicago Office of Special Events behind it, specifically Mary May and Cindy Gatziolis, this city has a lot to look forward to in the next few months.