blues

Tell your story through the blues – with help from Larry Taylor

By AustinTalks | May 8, 2018

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.

Community

Come hear the blues

By AustinTalks | November 25, 2017

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.

Community

Free blues concert Friday in Austin

By AustinTalks | August 30, 2017

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.

arts

Discuss how arts, culture can be elevated in Austin

By AustinTalks | July 12, 2017

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.

blues

West Siders look to turn blues heritage into tourist attraction

By Xueer Zhang | June 12, 2017

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.

Austin

Can Blues tourism benefit the West Side?

By AustinTalks | June 6, 2017

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.

Community

Blues in the sanctuary

By AustinTalks | June 11, 2015

Tickets are still available for the June 13 performance that will benefit St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.

News

West Side blues musician portrayed on the big screen

By Cara Ball | March 30, 2015

The story of Larry Taylor’s musical family will be depicted as they struggled to survive in Chicago during the 1960’s and 1970’s.

Community

Free documentary tonight

By AustinTalks | February 11, 2015

“Reel Black Love: Black Romance in Film” will be screened 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at Austin Town Hall; reservations are required.

News

Musician digs West Side’s hidden blues treasure

By Bonni McKeown | March 28, 2011

Larry Taylor will talk about his new book and his band will perform April 4th at the University of Illinois at Chicago.