AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/blues/)
West Side resident Bonni McKeown says Chicago’s world-famous blues music can be a powerful cultural symbol to encourage appreciation of African-American culture. The city would greatly benefit from a blues revival, she says.
The fourth annual blues fest will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31 at Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd. Featured performers include Sharon Monique, Larry Taylor, Ronnie G. and Marie Levon.
The free show starts at 7 p.m. Friday, July 6 at Hubbard Park playlot, 4942 W. Hubbard St. BUILD is sponsoring the performance.
Discover how to tell your story in your own three-line blues verse. Born of African-American poverty and struggle, blues music came to Chicago with the Great Migration. “Barrelhouse Bonni” McKeown, piano player, teaching artist, journalist, and Austin resident, will help everyone make up and sing our blues. Another West Side neighbor, legendary bluesman Larry Taylor, will stop by to sing a song, tell a bit about his blues life and music, and encourage us to learn more. All are welcome.
The Illinois Alliance presents a post-Thanksgiving karaoke event 7 p.m. Nov. 25 at 5924 W. Chicago. Saxophonist Ike Carothers will be the special guest.
The third annual fest – which will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 1 at Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd. – features musicians Sharon Monique and West End 40.
Community development expert Valerie Leonard will be the guest speaker July 12 at Gone Again Travel & Tours, 5940 W. Chicago Ave., as residents continue to discuss how to use blues and soul to develop the West Side.
Rather than focusing on Chicago’s Downtown, city officials should look for ways to promote the blues in Austin, North Lawndale and Garfield Park, some local residents say.
Join in on the discussion June 7 from 6 to p.m. An expert panel will explore the ways this rich tradition can help draw visitors to Austin.
Tickets are still available for the June 13 performance that will benefit St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.