For nearly 70 years, Bob Koester owned the Jazz Record Mart and Delmark Records—and though his businesses could be “crazy town,” they helped nurture thriving communities.
Tag: Lurrie Bell
Posted inMusic
Blues guitarist Lurrie Bell beat mental illness to build a thriving career
By the early 90s Lurrie Bell didn’t even own a guitar anymore, but now he’s got a shelf full of Blues Music Awards.
Posted inMusic
Thinking outside the park (and beyond the weekend)
The Blues Festival spurs dozens of special events around town, including shows by Jamiah Rogers, Lurrie Bell, and Lynne Jordan—plus three historic photo exhibits.
Posted inBlogs
Former Buddy Guy’s Legends manager opens a blues bar in Little Italy
Taylor Street Tap has already hosted bluesmen such as Jimmy Johnson, Lurrie Bell, and Guy King.
Posted inMusic
Harmonica master Billy Branch celebrates 40 years leading the Sons of Blues
As a bandleader and an educator, harmonica master Billy Branch links blues tradition to the genre’s evolving future.
Posted inMusic
The Reader’s guide to the 2017 Chicago Blues Festival
The Chicago Blues Festival moves to Millennium Park for 2017, with an adventurous bill that includes Rhymefest, Rhiannon Giddens, and Ronnie Baker Brooks.
Posted inMusic
The complete schedule for the 2017 Blues Festival
Every set at the 2017 Blues Festival, from Friday morning through Sunday night on all five stages in Millennium Park
Posted inMusic
The blues don’t quit when Grant Park goes dark
Chicago’s blues clubs are in high gear for the festival weekend—and some neighborhood spots are getting in on the action.
Posted inMusic
Otis Rush recorded the harrowing blues that established his legacy 50 years ago in Chicago
Blues great Otis Rush been sidelined by a stroke, but more than 25 musicians will pay tribute to him at this year’s festival.
Posted inMusic
The Reader’s guide to the 32nd annual Chicago Blues Festival
More people turn out for Blues Fest than for Pitchfork and Lollapalooza combined—and here are a couple dozen reasons why, including Syl Johnson, Shemekia Copeland, Clarence Carter, Chick Rodgers, and Buddy Guy.
Posted inMusic
In Billy Branch’s blues, the legendary Palm Tavern still stands
Gerri’s Palm Tavern, once a crown jewel of Bronzeville, was shut down by the city in 2001. But blues harpist Billy Branch remains dedicated to preserving the history and culture it embodied.
Posted inArts & Culture
This week’s Culture Vultures recommend:
Chicagoans recommend zombie burlesque, a good book/good movie combo, and a blues series
Posted inBlogs
6/12-6/14–Chicago Blues Festival
The world’s biggest free blues festival starts tomorrow in Grant Park.