May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
Bobby Rush is set to headline June 7 at the Chicago Blues Festival.
(Photo: Rick Olivier)
Bettye LaVette is set to headline June 8 at the Chicago Blues Festival.
(Photo: Mark Seliger)
Larkin Poe is set to play June 9 at the Chicago Blues Festival.
(Photo: Courtesy Chicago Blues Festival)
Ruthie Foster is set to headline the Chicago Blues Festival’s final evening.
(Photo: Riccardo Piccirillo)Blues is a feeling, and it’ll be in ample supply June 7–9 as the Chicago Blues Festival returns for its 36th edition.
The free festival, which runs 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and is spread across several stages at Millennium Park in downtown Chicago, hosts countless performers tied to the genre, some touting tradition and others moving to personalize the music, incorporating soul, r&b and folk into their work. Headliners for the festival this year are singer Bobby Rush, vocalist Bettye LaVette and singer/guitarist Ruthie Foster. Find the schedule below.
—Charlie Musselwhite and Bill Boy Arnold
—The Jimmy Johnson Blues Band with Rico McFarland
—Bobby Rush
—Latimore
—Don Bryant
—Bettye LaVette
—Larkin Poe
—A tribute to the late Mike Ledbetter by guitarist Mike Welch
—Ruthie Foster
For additional information about the events, visit the City of Chicago homepage. DB
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
May 12, 2026 11:42 AM
The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
May 26, 2026 10:40 AM
Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM
Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
