HYDE PARK — The blues are getting a little academic scrutiny for the Logan Center’s Blues Fest at the University of Chicago.
The weekend fest from Oct. 13-15 is full of performances, but the real heart of the weekend is a full roster of workshops breaking down the music.
The weekend ends with the Midwest premiere of the documentary “Horn From the Heart: The Paul Butterfield Story.” Butterfield was blues harmonica player and singer who grew up in Hyde Park.
Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio, and Wee Willie Walker and Terri Odabi with the Anthony Paule Orchestra kick off the fest with an 8 p.m. performance Oct. 13.
Then on Oct. 14, the workshops really get rolling. Joe Filisko leads a session on harmonica before Eric Noden leads a workshop on the unique characteristics of 1920s and ’30s blues guitar styles.
Terrie Odabi will talk about vocals and Billy Branch will talk about blues on the South Side of Chicago on Oct. 15.
The documentary screening will be free, but tickets for the other events range from $10-$25.
Tickets are available online on the university’s box office page.
