ChicagoBluesTour™

Vance Kelly is one of the few acts in Chicago who was able to please audiences on the South, West and North sides, with a versatile band that spans the wide spectrum of blues material, from old soul chestnuts to funk to raw down-home blues, which sometimes ventures into the “blue” topical territory, but that’s okay in a club environment where everyone’s over 21. His broad repertoire includes a version of Prince’s “Purple Rain” which is typically a show-stopper. Guitarist Kelly plays all over the world, but when he’s not touring, Checkerboard Lounge has long been his “home base”, stretching back to its years as a rough and ready landmark of 43rd St. (9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.)

Click the enclosure to listen to Vance Kelly singing “Joyriding in the Subway”:

Vance Kelly singing “Joyriding in the Subway

You might also want to click this link to read Frequently Asked Questions, or click this link to see the list of performers and clubs.

Robert Pasenko is one of the better drummers on the Chicago circuit, and he’s played with just about everyone, including gigs with Johnny Drummer at Lee’s Unleaded and as part of the revivalists Blue Plate Special. He’s also one of the premier blues photographers, and so his jam sessions at Catcher’s Inn are well-documented and well-attended. Catcher’s is a friendly Bridgeport hangout, and owner Bo keeps the atmosphere comfortable (even if you’re a Cubs fan). The blues jam often features a boiling pot of hot dogs alongside the stage, in keeping with its proximity to Sox Park.

This “South Side Showcase” highlights the wealth of talent that resides in Chicago today, from rising underground stars like Mz. Peachezto local veteran stalwarts like Linsey Alexander and Smilin’ Bobby. Several of the performers in this jam session will be part of the Chicago Blues Festival in June, along with Li’l Ed, Johnny Drummer, and Vance Kelly.

Killer Ray Allison is a world-renowned drummer, including touring stints with Buddy Guy and other top-echelon acts, but in recent years he has turned to guitar with surprisingly good results. He was taught by Muddy Waters’ one-time guitarist Pee Wee Madison, and it shows up in his resonant playing. He’s also a husky vocalist, often roams the audience with a wireless axe, and he has a playful demeanor that often leads to rambunctious jamming.

Tré (he uses only a first name) is a second-generation bluesman, and one of several exciting guitarists on this tour. He alternates between melodic struts and explosive bursts of fretwork, a balancing act familiar to fans of Buddy Guy. When his band The Blue Knights, backs up the sultry, feisty Lady Kat, the result is always compelling, and sometimes ecstatic.

Mz. Peachez has turned some heads with a set of pipes that allows her to get away with covering Aretha and Tina, but she’s a fine raw talent who has become continually more nuanced in her approach. (8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.)

You might also want to click this link to read Frequently Asked Questions, or click this link to see the list of performers and clubs.

KILLER RAY VIDEO: click this link to see Killer Ray at his regular weekly set

TRE VIDEO: click this link to see Tré jamming at Lee’s Unleaded

Rosa’s Lounge is the darling of blues purists, offering a wide variety of local and touring acts, honoring tradition (the bar was modeled on the legendary Theresa’s) while nurturing modern original acts like Pete Galanis, the guitarist from the popular Howard & the White Boys, on a double-bill with veteran slide guitarist Li’l Ed Williams. This is a typical Rosa’s bill, featuring a popular veteran performer with a lot of showmanship alongside a younger star who’s picking up the mantle. Li’l Ed & the Blues Imperials have become the flagship act for Alligator Records, cranking out energy-charged CDs built around the slide-guitar theatrics Ed learned from his uncle, the legendary J.B. Hutto. This is featured as a “Guitar Duel”, but there’s just as likely to be a lot of friendly jamming going on, since both high-energy acts place an emphasis on fun. (8:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.)

LI’L ED VIDEO on YouTube: click this link to see Li’l Ed & the Blues Imperials in action

PETE GALANIS AUDIO via WimpyPlayer: click this button to hear Pete Galanis playing “Drive My Automobile” with Howard & the White Boys:

You might also want to click this link to read Frequently Asked Questions, or click this link to see the list of performers and clubs.