All the Blues You Can Use

The Chicago Blues Festival is this weekend and bills itself as the world's largest blues festival. And, it's FREE!!! Something rare in Chicago where it seems everyone is intent on getting as much money as they can from you, from the outrageous parking costs, to the 10% downtown sales tax.

I am a big fan of the blues. Most Mondays, I tune into Tom Marker's Bluesbreakers Show on WXRT, 93.1 FM, and listen to an hour of new and old blues songs and the information he gives out. At one time, our classical station had a great blues/soul show on after midnight featuring Mr. A. They changed formats and now is The Drive playing classic rock, but I sure do miss Mr. A and would like to know if he is still on the air somewhere.

Like Marker says, Chicago is the World Capital of the Blues. A major destination for tourists are the various blues clubs around the city. Buddy Guy's Legends is probably the best known. They will be moving from the building soon, but relocating elsewhere. Plus we have the Queen of the Blues, Koko Taylor.

There will be lots of acts at several stages, but some of the "big" names are:

Thursday- Artie "Blues Boy" White, Larry McCray
Friday- Eddie Bo, Elvin Bishop
Saturday- Ronnie Baker Brooks, Siegal-Schwall Blues Band
Sunday- Bobby Blue Bland, Dorothy Moore

I'm considering taking a ride on the Metra train. It drops you off at UnionStation, about ten blocks from Grant Park, where the festival is taking place. Great deals on the weekends, $5 unlimited rides for both days. Plus... Union Station and Grant Park are on ROUTE 66!!!!

This Day in History
1944- D Day

Automotive History
1932- the first federal gas tax, 1 cents a gallon
1933- the first drive in movie theater opens in Camden, NJ

Bluesin' It in Chicago. --RoadDog