Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
In Memoriam: Rodney Holmes, 1966–2026
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
Shemekia Copeland is set to headline the Jay Pritzker Pavilion on June 5 as part of The Chicago Blues Festival.
(Photo: Mike White)The Chicago Blues Festival returns to Chicago June 5–7 and marks the 70th anniversary of Chess Records, the label that brought music by Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and Howlin’ Wolf to the world.
One day before the festival begins its main slate of programming, Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation and Chicago Blues Revival will host a Record Row walking tour, with a musical celebration to follow at 2120 S. Michigan Ave., where Chess Records was located. Music is set to run from 6 p.m. to 8.
A list of main-stage performers headed to Millennium Park is below.
June 5 at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion
7:50 p.m.–9: Shemekia Copeland
7 p.m.–7:40: Jimmy Johnson and Billy Branch
5:45 p.m.–6:45: Nick Moss Band featuring Dennis Gruenling
4:30 p.m.–5:30: Marquise Knox
June 6 at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion
7:50 p.m.–9: Candi Staton
7 p.m.–7:40: John Primer and Steve Bell
5:45 p.m.–6:45: Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
4:30 p.m.–5:30: The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra featuring Terrie Odabi and Sugaray Rayford
June 7 at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion
7:50 p.m.–9: Eric Gales
7 p.m.–7:40: Erwin Helfer and Katherine Davis
5:45 p.m.–6:45: Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials
4:30 p.m.–5:30: Catherine Russell celebrating the Classic Blues Women Centennial
Other performances on ancillary stages include singer Mary Lane and guitarist Cedric Burnside on Friday; guitarists Tab Benoit and Johnny Burgin, and singer Mud Morganfield on Saturday; and singer Johnny Rawls and guitarist Tinsley Ellis on Sunday.
For additional information about the event, visit the City of Chicago homepage. DB
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
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