Chicago Blues is like no other. Known worldwide for a distinctive sound, Blues is as synonymous for Chicago as pizza or the Magnificent Mile. Now come see why Chicago and Blues are the perfect pairing in a one-night only blues revue at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts, Sweet Home Chicago Blues on March 5, 2016 at 8 p.m. Sweet Home Chicago Blues features three-time Grammy nominee Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues (Billy Branch-harmonica; Sumito Ariyoshi-keyboards; Andrew “Blaze” Thomas-drums; Dan Coscarelly-lead guitar; Marvin Little-bass; horns and singers), and an all-star lineup of local artists. Special Guests Include: Eddy, Jimmy Burns, Eddie Shaw (formerly of Howlin’ Wolf), Zora Young, Demetria Taylor (daughter of the late Eddie Taylor), and Jamiah Rogersand Tail Dragger.
This performance is part of the Center’s “Made in Chicago” Series, and is made possible through the generosity of The Chicago Community Trust. The series brings Chicago-based theatre, dance, and musical ensemble companies to the Southland. Additional support is provided by First Midwest Bank. Made in Chicago Series was designed to support Chicago artists and increase theater participation by first-time attendees, many who live in communities with little or no access to the arts. This is the final performance in the series for the 2015-16 Season.
Tickets and Information
Tickets for the March 5, 8:00 p.m. performance are $38/$28 online at CenterTickets.net; by phone at (708) 235-2222 or at the Box Office Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (open until 6 p.m. on Thursdays) and 2 hours prior to all performances.
The University of Illinois Alumni Association is hosting a pre-show reception and meet-and-greet with University of Illinois Alumni Billy Branch at 6:30 p.m.; open to Illinois alumni only. The cost is $55. For details, visit www.uialumninetwork.org/billybranch, or call Allison Henning at (312) 585-9018.
Governors State University is located at 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL. Parking is free. For best GPS directions always use the location search term “Governors State University” only.
About Billy Branch
Billy Branch was discovered by Willie Dixon, the “father of modern Chicago Blues,” and began touring with the Willie Dixon Chicago All-Stars. Since those early days, Billy has played on over 150 different recordings, including 12 under his own name and recorded with Willie Dixon, Johnny Winter, Lou Rawls, Koko Taylor, Eddy Clearwater, Lonnie Brooks, Ronnie Baker Brooks, just to name a few. He has received three Grammy nominations (losing one nomination to BB King and Eric Clapton), founded the Grammy Blues Committee, won multiple W.C. Handy Awards from the Blues Foundation, an Emmy Award, an Addy Award (this is like an Oscar for TV ads), two Chicago Music Awards, and numerous humanitarian achievement awards. Bill Branch has become the ambassador of the Chicago Blues. His internationally recognized “Blues in Schools Program,” is committed to teaching both young and old about the Blues as the roots of America’s music.
