AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/tourism/)
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.
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.