2015 Chicago Blues Festival Preview

Billy Branch playing the harmonica on May 14, 2015, at Harold Washington Library Center's Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, Chicago, Illinois On May 14, my husband and I had the opportunity to see three-time GRAMMY nominee and award-winning harmonica player Billy Branch perform at Harold Washington Library Center’s Cindy Pritzker Auditorium.  His performance was part of “Speakin’ of the Blues:  Celebrating the Willie Dixon Centennial” presented by the Chicago Public Library in cooperation with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

This year is the 100th anniversary of the birth of American blues legend Willie Dixon.  This preview event provided audience members a taste of this year’s Chicago Blues Festival tribute to Willie Dixon on June 14.

Keshia Dixon-Nelson singing on May 14, 2015, at Harold Washington Library Center's Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, Chicago, Illinois Also sharing their talents were singer Keshia Dixon-Nelson, a granddaughter of Willie Dixon, and guitarist Dan Carelli, a member of Billy Branch’s Sons of Blues band.

In a short question-and-answer session led by Chicago Public Library’s music librarian Christopher Popa, Mr. Branch shared some of his memories of knowing Willie Dixon and playing in his band.  He remembers Willie Dixon as a person who provided encouragement and support to him in his music career.

Ms. Dixon-Nelson shared a story she had been told.  One evening her grandfather brought The Rolling Stones home.  Her grandmother was cooking and said if they were going to party and play music, they were going to have to leave.  Willie Dixon took his daughter (Ms. Dixon-Nelson’s mother) and they went with The Rolling Stones for the evening.  So, basically, her grandmother kicked out The Rolling Stones!  Funny story!

Dan Carelli playing guitar and Billy Branch playing the harmonica on May 14, 2015, at Harold Washington Library Center's Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, Chicago, Illinois We heard some amazing blues and some wonderful stories.  It was pretty incredible to be able to attend a free performance featuring Billy Branch, one of the top blues harmonica players in the world!

This year's Chicago Blues Festival is Friday, June 12, through Sunday, June 14, in Grant Park.  Admission is free.  The festival will celebrate Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters with centennial tributes.  For the complete lineup, including preview events scheduled for May and June, please visit the Chicago Blues Festival website.