The 35th annual Chicago Blues Festival returns to Millennium Park's Jay Pritzker Pavilion for their free concert series June 8-10. The star-studded lineup is set including the legendary Mavis Staples and a celebration of the 65th anniversary of Delmark Records which will include some current and former members of their label. Where would we be without blues music? It is the source from which nearly all modern music flows and its contributions to social progress cannot be measured. Have you tried learning a musical instrument lately? If so, you'll know blues harmonies are some of the most fundamental to be learned. The blues cuts to a place deep inside; it knows how to make you relate. Chicago has a deep history with the blues. Stars such as Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, and Buddy Guy have all called Chicago home, helping give blues music a new identity with the addition of the electric guitar and harmonica. A wide variety of blues recording labels have existed in Chicago over the last half-century, but the oldest independent label in the country is the object of celebration for this year's festival—Delmark Records. Friday evening will feature tribute performances to former Delmark Records stars, such as Big Joe Williams, Sleepy John Estes, and Junior Wells. Saturday will feature Selwyn Birchwood, Willie Clayton, and a Little Walter Tribute. Sunday will feature an all-star lineup of blues musicians, including Fantastic Negrito, Kenny Neal, and Mavis Staples. Born and raised in Chicago, Staples can frequently be found playing clubs all across the Windy City. She has collaborated with the likes of Arcade Fire, The Gorillaz, Nick Cave, Neko Case, Bob Dylan, The Band, Ray Charles, Prince, and George Jones. Staples has had an impressive career spanning more than half a century. Her voice and musical range covering blues, R&B, soul, and gospel make her a rare talent and a huge reason to visit this year's Chicago Blues Festival. Did I mention it's free?
