Sun's Gonna Shine in my Backyard

2008 Chicago Blues Festival-Friday, June 6

msleah — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 04:11:00 GMT

11:30 in the morning is the best possible time to arrive at the blues festival--not only did the temperature hover at a manageable seventy degrees, but the grounds were almost empty. I was able to stroll up to the stages without impediment. Seating was...(read more)

2008 Chicago Blues Festival-Thursday, June 5

msleah — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 23:15:00 GMT

The first day of the blues festival is always filled with the same sort of anticipation that accompanies Christmas morning. There was a brief but dramatic thunderstorm on Wednesday night, and the Thursday morning sky was gray and creepy, filled with ominous...(read more)

SPACE is the Place--Chicago Blues Festival Pre-Concert

msleah — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:45:00 GMT

Chicago is a town that can't get enough of the blues, and the annual blues festival kicks the typical Chicagoan's passion for the genre into overdrive. By the time the second week of June rolls around, we're impatient for the chance to sit...(read more)

The Blues Festival Returns to Chicago!

msleah — Fri, 30 May 2008 01:54:00 GMT

It is difficult to believe that an entire year has passed since the last blues festival, even after the exceptionally cold winter and spring. Many times, as I was shivering and cranking the heater in my apartment in April and May, I consoled myself by...(read more)

Blues Festival Addendum: Where to Go in Chicago for the Blues

msleah — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 14:46:00 GMT

I'm feeling a bit melancholy, now that the festival is over, and I imagine that others may be, as well. However, Chicago is a mecca for this musical genre, and you can hear blues in the clubs, seven nights a week. Here is a short, but handy guide...(read more)

Chicago Blues Festival--Saturday June 9

msleah — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 15:37:00 GMT

Saturday is arguably the most popular day of the Chicago Blues Festival. We are over a half hour late meeting my friend Joel at nearby Buckingham Fountain, and parking is almost nonexistent. Joel and Russ (my husband) have never met each other, and we...(read more)

Chicago Blues Festival - Friday June 8

msleah — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 15:44:00 GMT

The 24th anniversary of the Chicago Blues Festival is well underway when I arrive at Grant Park. I am accompanied by my husband Russ, who is carrying a huge backpack full of mineral water, a Mexican blanket, and extra clothing. Trailing along behind us...(read more)

Anticipatin' the Blues

msleah — Wed, 23 May 2007 01:57:00 GMT

I am a lifelong blues aficionado. It began when I was a small child in Chicago, listening to AM radio on my babysitter Liz' hand-held transistor while walking home from school. When I heard the amazing "Walk On By" by Dionne Warwick, it...(read more)