For over 25 years Chicago has been hosting it’s annual blues festival.  It’s an incredible scene with several stages set up throughout Grant Park.  The admission is free and every year thousands and thousands of blues lovers come together to celebrate this great genre.

The Chicago story came about some 90 years ago as the blacks from the South began moving to the more Northern cities in the early 1900s.  Chicago was a place of promise for them.  It gave them hope for more opportunity and a better life.  Much of what their music was based on.

Many musicians on their journey North stopped at Memphis and spent time there, which is why Memphis today is such an important part of the blues history.  In Chicago, though the players were starting to plug in their guitars, and the blues music became infused with an edgier, more electrified sound.  Roaring vocals and boogie-woogie style became popular across the city’s venues and the Chicago style began to take hold.

The recording industry also made the Chicago scene boom.  Chess Records, Vee-Jay and numerous other small labels were a huge force in this city.  Muddy Waters exemplified the Chicago sound of the 40s and 50s. It was aggressive and electric, and by the late 40s Chicago was a powerhouse for this electric blues.

The blues had it’s own economical and cultural draw.  Blues clubs abounded in the city such as the South Side’s Maxwell Street.  Tourists and locals alike who were huge supporters of the blues, would spend their money in the stores, and on liquor in the clubs.  They would frequent the hairdressers, and clothing stores.  This “heyday” cemented Chicago as the Blues capitol.

In the late 60s and 70s blues began to lose its popularity with black audiences.  Some believe this was due to the increasing popularity of disco, soul and R&B.  Yet the blues did begin to gain more attention from the white audience.  A new collection of clubs began to open on Chicago’s North side because of this interest.

Today, even though Chicago’s South side has drastically changed, the Chicago scene remains alive from the North side’s traditional blues to the south Side’s blues melded with soul.  Chicago’s Blues Fest helps keep this alive.

Chicago has become famous over the years for many different things.  Chicago hot dogs, the electrifying Chicago Bears, the incredible post season debacle of the Cubs, and who can look past the outstanding museums that call Chicago home.

Aside from all these iconic pillars Chicago has to offer, there is one staple that has become as equally impressive in the Windy City, and that is the style of Blues Music that has birthed from such a magnificent city. Under this vibrant cities spot light, many artists have come and gone, always leaving their remarkable impression on the cities nightlife.

Artist such as the “Queen of Blues” – Koko Taylor who belted out such hits as Wang Dang Doodle, Piece of Man or Hard Pill To Swallow.

Then you have Otis rush who so electrified the stage with his unique sound. Sharing his amazing talent in hits like “I Can’t Quit You Baby, Love That Women and Keep On Lovin’ Me Baby,

And of course there was Buddy Guy who always brought a uncanny flavor of life to the stage working his magic with hits like First Time I Met The Blues, Best Damn Fool and Every Time I Sing The Blues.

Just like Chicago to hold near and dear some of it’s greatest traditions, the blues will always find that there is no sweeter place to call home… “Sweet Home Chicago”.

If you come to find your way to Chicago, you simply must take in the Chicago Blues Festival that usually takes place at some point in June down at Grant Park.

This Festival as it’s called is more like a three day party featuring some of the greatest blues music ever to be produced as well as some new fresh flavorful talent surrounded by the love of the city, it’s food and the amazing Chicago skyline. Just make sure that you plan to sweat, eat and have a good old time.