🎷🎸 Chicago Summer Blues Bash: Rico McFarland at Historic Chess Records! 🌆🎶

# 🎷🎸 Chicago Summer Blues Bash: Rico McFarland at Historic Chess Records! 🌆🎶

🎵 Record Row Concert Series Featuring Rico McFarland 🎵

Let’s head back to one of Chicago’s most historic music landmarks for an evening of incredible live blues at the legendary Willie Dixon Blues Garden next to the historic Chess Records building!

Join us for a FREE Record Row Concert Series performance featuring acclaimed Chicago blues guitarist and vocalist Rico McFarland. 🎸🔥

This is a chance to enjoy live music, Chicago blues history, and great company at one of the most important addresses in American music!

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📅 WHEN
🗓️ Thursday, September 10, 2026
⏰ 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 WHERE
Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation
2120 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL
🎟️ FREE admission

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## 🎶 TENTATIVE ITINERARY

🕕 6:00 PM — Meet & greet in the Blues Garden and grab seats
🎸 6:00–7:30 PM — Live concert featuring Rico McFarland
🍻 7:30–9:00 PM — Optional socializing afterward

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## 🎸 ABOUT RICO McFARLAND

Rico McFarland is a Chicago blues guitarist and vocalist known for his powerful guitar work, soulful vocals, and energetic performances. His style draws from the deep traditions of Chicago blues while bringing his own modern edge to the music.

🎶 Expect an evening filled with electric guitar, blues grooves, and the unmistakable sound of Chicago's South Side blues tradition.

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## 🪑 SEATING

The Blues Garden typically provides chairs, but seating is first come, first served.
Feel free to bring:
✅ Lawn chair
✅ Folding chair
✅ Small cushion

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## 🏛️ ABOUT THE VENUE

The concert takes place at the historic Chess Records building, one of the most important sites in American music history.
Founded by brothers Leonard and Phil Chess, Chess Records became one of the world's most influential blues and R&B labels, helping launch and shape the careers of legends including:
🎸 Muddy Waters
🎸 Howlin' Wolf
🎸 Chuck Berry
🎸 Bo Diddley
🎸 Little Walter
🎤 Etta James
Willie Dixon was one of the label's most important creative forces, working as a songwriter, producer, arranger, musician, and mentor behind countless legendary recordings.

The famous studio at 2120 S. Michigan Avenue became an international musical landmark and was even immortalized by The Rolling Stones, who recorded there during their first U.S. tour.

Today, the building is home to Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation, which preserves and celebrates Chicago's blues heritage. 🎶🏛️

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## 🍽️ OPTIONAL DINNER & DRINKS AFTERWARD

If anyone wants to continue the evening after the show, we may head to a nearby restaurant or bar for food and drinks.
Possible nearby options:
🍗 Jerk Villa Bar & Grill
🍺 Fatpour Tap Works
🍕 Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar
🍝 Il Culaccino
🍕 Pizano's Pizza & Pasta

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## 🚇 GETTING THERE

🚉 CTA: Red Line & Green Line nearby
🚌 #1 Bronzeville
🚌 #3 King Drive
🚌 #4 Cottage Grove
🚌 #29 State Street
🗺️ CTA Trip Planner:
https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
🚗 Driving: Metered street parking is usually available nearby, along with several parking garages.

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📱 LOST OR RUNNING LATE?
Call or text Giovina: 312-835-4259

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## ⚠️ NO-SHOW POLICY

✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated.
✔️ Cutoff to update RSVP is event start time.
✔️ Running late? Contact the host directly.
❌ 3 no-shows without updating RSVP = 3-month event restriction.
🚫 Continual no-shows may result in removal from the group.

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🎶🎸 Come enjoy FREE live blues, incredible Chicago music history, and great company at one of the most legendary addresses in American music! 🌆🔥

Chess Records + Chicago blues + Rico McFarland = a true Chicago night! 🎷🎸✨