2012 Street Stage Video

Chicago Blues Festival 2012 Recap

Chicago Blues Festival!

Well it’s over and it was the best WCBS Street Stage/Booth event so far in our first three years of hosting these parties! And what a party it was. Fantastic Blues music from 11 to 7 three straight days. The booth churning out memberships, tshirts, posters, buttons and beads. And we sold 25 beautiful flasks (stainless steel) engraved with our logo! Yahoo!

Amidst all this commerce and wailing harmonica and guitar was the party and festivities in our nearby hospitality tent! Thanks to a very generous donation from Cermak Foods, Chicago, IL for donating sandwiches and more., we had what seemed like unlimited submarine sandwiches, salad and chips for the entire three day festival. Another donation came from Costco Corp–cases and cases of bottled water. All these good things created an atmosphere where many musicians were able to chat with each other, enjoy a cold refreshment and sandwich. It’s was about the best possible formulation of music, food, drink and friendly camaraderie.

Super Thank You to all the fantastic Musicians that brought energy, soul, passion for the Blues and more to our stage! Thanks to the many volunteers who staffed our booth and managed the stage (Michael from Germany, Megan, Dwayne, Rudy and many more. Many thanks to Opal Sound, Norridge, IL (Phil, Mark, Nick, ___, Mickey) for their exceptional quality service and expertise. What a resource! One of the sound board guys sat in and played the drums in a pinch.  And super thanks to the record labels and other sponsors who donated CDs including Alligator Records, BlindPig Records, Earwig Music, Vizztone Records, Blues for a Cure and BratGirlMedia!

At one point I was sitting on the white cooler, listening to music and this dude & I start yacking. After a few he tells me he’s playing at 2:00p. It was Buzz Krantse. And like all the musicians, he was excellent when he played and entertained at 2! Many other musicians were greeting each other between sets. It was great synergy of energy.

A great celebration.

SEND US your photos, videos, notes/memories so we can include on our website and newsletter… contact form

I’ve updated the WCBS Musicians Directory, adding new musicians who played our stage this year and affixing this years award. Musicians… if you see any discrepancies or want to add more detail to your entry, use our contact form to send us a note. Here’s a sample of an entry!

Our next event is CBC Round #2 in early JULY. Details forthcoming, Check back on the website soon. And if you’re not a member, visit our membership page and join now and support this important non-profit. Support the Chicago Blues scene!