This year Chicago seems to be hosting fewer extracurricular blues events during Blues Festival week than it has in the past. It’s too soon to decide that audiences have gotten complacent, though—and you can still find plenty of worthwhile shows. The city’s blues clubs kick into overdrive during the fest, of course (see the Reader‘s listings for more on them). But this weekend several spaces that don’t routinely host big blues concerts also get into the act—as do less publicized neighborhood venues, which do their best to make special occasions out of their shows. This roundup focuses on the latter two categories.
Thursday, June 7
Chicago Queens of Rhythm & Blues featuring Mzz Reese, Tracee Adams, Brenda Taylor, Ms. Trysh, Mz. Joy, Laretha Weathersby, and Gail Redd 7:30 PM, Motor Row Brewing, 2337 S. Michigan, $20
Friday, June 8
Doc Payne & the Payne Relief Smooth Blues Band with special guests A tribute to late Howlin’ Wolf saxophonist and Wolf Gang bandleader Eddie Shaw. 7:30 PM, Motor Row Brewing, 2337 S. Michigan, 312-624-8129, $25, $20 in advance
Selwyn Birchwood, Kevin “B.F.” Burt10 PM, SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston, $15-$25, all-ages
Original Chicago Blues All Stars with special guests7:30 PM, Motor Row Brewing, 2337 S. Michigan, 312-624-8129, $25, $20 in advance
