40th Annual Chicago Blues Festival at Millennium Park!

Experience Chicago’s rich blues music legacy at the 40th Annual Chicago Blues Festival happening in our own back yard! With a diverse lineup celebrating the blues’ past, present and future, the Chicago Blues Festival shares the great Chicago-born music tradition with the world while shining a spotlight on the genre’s contributions to soul, R&B, gospel, rock, hip-hop and more.

We will meet way at the back of the lawn, right next to the sidewalk.
Bring wine, snacks, blankets, chairs if you like. Dress for the weather. Look for us in our spot way on the back of the lawn near the sidewalk. You can't miss us! See map pin or this image at the link: http://bit.ly/2H6tuWw

Come later, if you can't make it at 3 pm as we will stay until 9 pm! Note, it is closing night and Buddy Guy is playing so it will get full early!

IF ANYONE HAS A SMALL PORTABLE TABLE TO BRING THEN PLEASE BRING IT! IT MAKES IT EASIER TO PUT THE WINE & SHARED FOOD FOR ALL TO ENJOY! I HAVE 2 TABLES BUT WE ALWAYS NEED MORE!!! (if you been to these you know we have a lot of food and wine!!!)

Bring some wine, beer, and some food/snacks to share and enjoy! Mariano's is close by on Randolph St. and Macy's on State St. Food suggestions include cheese & crackers, fruit plate, baked goods, hummus & chips.

It's always a nice gesture to bring some extra cups, napkins, toothpicks or small plates if you can. I will try to bring what I can but since I take the bus I am limited. Those who drive or live close by can really help by bringing some extra items!

NOTE THAT OUTSIDE ALCOHOL IS USUALLY NOT ALLOWED AT BLUES FEST! This one of the events at Millennium Park where outside alcohol is sometimes banned. You can bring food and any non-alcoholic drinks. They will be doing bag checks before entering so be prepared for a slight wait to get it in. Corkscrews and cheese knives also not allowed. You can buy alcohol inside the park at one of the park vendors.

NOW YOU DID NOT HEAR THIS FROM ME, BUT IF WANT TO BRING A BOTTLE OF WINE FROM THE OUTSIDE, I WOULD SUGGEST HIDING DEEP IN YOUR BAG OR BACKPACK UNDER A BLANKET OR BUNCH OF FOOD SO IT IS NOT EASILY VISIBLE. THEY DO A LIGHT SEARCH OF BAGS. WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SNEAK SMALL THINGS IN BEFORE BUT IT IS NO GUARANTEE. THEREFORE DO NOT BRING AN EXPENSIVE BOTTLE IN CASE IT DOES GET CONFISCATED. PREFERABLY BRING A TWIST OFF BOTTLE FOR EASE OF USE, AS CORKSCREWS ARE ALSO NOT ALLOWED. BEST IF PUT IN PLASTIC WATER BOTTLE OR TRAVEL CONTAINER. SOMETHING NOT OBVIOUS.

The annual Chicago Blues Festival in June is the city’s largest music festival. More than 500,000 blues fans gather in Chicago’s Millennium Park for three days of performances — all free and open to the public — featuring some of the genre’s most revered musicians, along with up-and-coming and local talent.

A Chicago staple for over 40 years, the festival’s diverse lineup has included everyone from B.B. King and Buddy Guy to Etta James and Koko Taylor and beyond. Performances showcase the genre’s contributions to soul, R&B, gospel, rock, hip-hop, and more. The festival also features local food and drink vendors, along with “Blues Village” featuring different record companies and blues groups.
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_blues_festival10.html

Sunday, June 9, Jay Pritzker Pavilion Lineup/Schedule:
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
4:45-5:00pm - National Anthem + Commissioner's Welcome
5:00-6:15pm - Centennial Tribute to Otis Spann
6:30-7:30pm - Cash Box Kings (WE WIL WATCH THIS BAND)
7:45-9:00pm - Buddy Guy (WE WIL WATCH THIS BAND)
Visit Mississippi Juke Joint Stage (South Promenade)
12-1:15pm - Southern Komfort Brass Band
1:30-2:45pm - Jonathan Ellison & The RAS Blues Band
3:00-4:15pm - Anissa Hampton (WE WIL WATCH THIS BAND)
4:30-5:45pm - Jaye Hammer
Rosa’s Lounge (North Promenade)
12:30-1:45pm - Nate Manos Band with Alicia “Ya Yah” Townsend
2:00-3:15pm - Joey J. Saye Trio
3:30-4:45pm - Omar Coleman Westside Soul
5:00-6:15pm - Melody Angel
6:30-7:45pm - Last Call with WDCB Radio and The Stephen Hull Experience

If you are taking public transportation please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/

If you drive,use SpotHero or ParkWhiz as it is a challenge over there. Look for the Grant Park North Parking Garage. There is some metered parking but best to use a parking lot or garage

PLEASE KEEP RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!

## COVID-19 safety measures

Event will be outdo