BRONZEVILLE — Blues performers such as Roy Hytower, Shoji Naito, Eddy Clearwater and Wayne Baker Brooks will kick off the first outdoor blues festival “Blues'n Bronzeville” in Ellis Park Thursday.
The "Unsung Bronzeville: Pioneers of Black Music” exhibit about the history of Chicago Blues kicks off the month-long series of events at the park at 3520 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Thursday. The music starts at 6 p.m. with Hytower, who now goes by Doktu Rhute Muuzic, and ends with an 8 p.m. performance by Brooks, whose father — Blues legend Lonnie Brooks — died in April.
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The Chicago Blues Museum in partnership with the Old Town School of Folk Music will bring the unique selection of Blues artists to the Bronzeville community.
The Chicago Blues Festival starts Friday in Millennium Park.
The exhibit is a part of the Chicago Blues Museum's “We Bring You Bronzeville,” a month-long celebration of the musical heritage and cultural legacy of the historic South Side district. There will be film presentations of music performances and programs at Ellis Park exploring significant contributions from musicians, artists, and citizens to the fabric of Bronzeville's deep cultural history.
After the first week of programming, focused on Chicago Blues, the rest of the month will also highlight Chicago Soul, R&B and Black DeeJays, and Chicago Jazz.
"The Chicago Park District is pleased to work with the Chicago Blues Museum to celebrate Chicago's rich history and diverse tapestry of cultures," said Chicago Park District CEO & Superintendent Michael P. Kelly.
The Chicago Blues Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the legacy and rich living tradition of the blues and its musical off-springs with the public.
“The Chicago Blues Museum is pleased to collaborate with the Chicago Park District in sharing this showcase with local audiences” said Gregg Parker, CEO and founder of the museum. “I grew up in the neighborhood and it is important to tell the story of this cultural district. In Sam Cooke’s words we will 'Bring It Home,' and 'We're havin' a party!'”
Chicago Blues Museum's “We Bring You Bronzeville” is presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series, supported by Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
"Unsung Bronzeville: Pioneers of Black Music” and “We Bring You Bronzeville” runs from June 8 through June 30 at the Arts & Recreation Center at Ellis Park, 3520 S. Cottage Grove Ave. during facility hours: Monday through Friday from 9 am-9 pm, Saturday 9 am-5 pm and Sunday 9 am-2 pm.
