Chicago Blues Fest 2016

Sunday, June 12, 2016

The Chicago Blues Festival this year gave a special tribute to Blues artist Otis Rush.  On Sunday, the last day of this three-day festival, Otis Rush, surrounded by his family, was brought on the Petrillo stage in Grant Park.  Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel stepped up to the mike and declared June 12, 2016 Otis Rush Day in Chicago to the delight of the crowd.

The Mayor's presentation was followed by an outstanding performance by Blues musicians who are friends or have been influenced by Rush. The line-up included Ronnie Earl, Diane Blue, Eddy "the Chief" Clearwater, Jimmy Johnson, Carl Weathersby Billy Flynn, Lurrie Bell, Shun Kikuta, Mike Welch, Mike Ledbetter, and many more notable musicians and singers. .

This was the 33rd year of this popular annual Chicago Festival.