Representing Chicago @ The International Blues Challenge

Stefan Hillesheim Trio

Stefan Hillesheim is a German Native who moved to Los Angeles, California at age 27 to attend Musicians Institute (GIT). Soon after his arrival Stefan began to play gospel churches and live music venues around the country.

In 2022 Stefan relocated to Chicago in pursuit of his love of the blues. Stefan formed a power trio with bassist Darryl Wright and drummer Dionte McMusick.

Stefan is best known for his slide guitar playing, soulful vocals and dynamic live performances. Stefan's main musical influences are Elmore James, Howlin' Wolf, Albert King and Jimi Hendrix.

Windy City Rev Ups Duet

The Windy City Rev Ups sound transcends generational boundaries by fusing Chicago-style R&B with soulful harmonica and guitar-driven rock n' roll. Their repertoire features original songs. With two decades of collaboration, the band has established itself performing thousands of live shows including the Chicago Blues Festival, House of Blues residency and headlining Ireland's Danny Boy Jazz & Blues Festival. Their discography showcases 8 titles streaming worldwide with bandleader Rich Rev undertaking solo international tours to reinforce the band's status as a modern blues-rock innovator.

Alex Olson

Alex Olson is a 14-year-old blues guitarist and vocalist from Oswego, Illinois. He began playing the guitar at the age of 10 and became emersed in the Western Chicagoland blues scene at the age of 11 after attending a local blues jam. Since, he has been navigating the Chicago blues scene taking in all that he can from the many generous musicians he has met along the way. His early influences include Buddy Guy, Freddie King and B.B. King. Alex has a deep passion for the blues and looks forward to carrying on the blues tradition to the next generation.

Best Self Produced CD

Live at Rosa's Lounge (2024)

Live Album - 12 original Tracks - Recorded in front of a live audience at Rosa's Lounge, Chicago.

Band:

Stefan Hillesheim - Guitar / Vocal

Dionte McMusick - Drums

Darryl Wright - Bass

Sumito "Ariyo" Ariyoshi - Piano

Recording:

Live at Rosa's Lounge, Chicago

Mixed, mastered and engineered by 3011 Studios -

Engineer Pete Galanis.

700 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

Blues Challenge Finals

$25 Cover Charge

5:30    Alex Olsen (Youth)
6:10    Daniel "D-Bone" Volpe (Solo)
6:45    Windy City Rev-Ups Duet
7:30    The Amanee Avery Band.
8:15    The Paolo Apuli Band.
9:00    Stefan Hillesheim
9:45    Marty "Big Dog" Mercer
10:30 The Chicago Diamonds

Tonight's show will select one band, and a solo/duet to move on to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis (January 2025). These artists will represent Chicago in an International competition of over 200 musical acts from across the globe. We thank all the supporters of the Chicago Blues Challenge. The moneys raised tonight will benefit the cost of the musicians to travel to Memphis for the International Competition.

Cant make the show But want to help out? We are trying to raise $4000 to share with the winning acts. (Band, Solo/Duet, & Youth acts) Can ya share a few extra dollars? Thank You.

DONATION

Buddy Guys Legends

The premier blues club in the world. Owned and operated by the Grammy winning blues legend himself, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Buddy Guy.

Blues fans know - There is only one place in Chicago to experience the finest Blues seven nights a week, enjoy southern Cajun soul food, and behold a major archive of Blues memorabilia. That place is Buddy Guy's Legends at 700 S. Wabash!

Learn more

The International Blues Challenge

The International Blues Challenge represents the worldwide search for blues bands and solo/duo blues performers ready for the international stage, yet just needing that extra big break. The world’s largest gathering of blues musicians will take place on Beale Street, with over 20 clubs hosting the challengers and fans. In addition to featuring these final rounds of the prestigious blues music competition, the IBC event week will offer seminars, showcases, master classes, film screenings, networking events, book signings, and receptions for blues societies, fans, and professionals.

Learn more

Stefan Hillesheim

Stefan Hillesheim - "When I'm Gone" - Sessions from Studio A (2023)

Stefan Hillesheim performs "When I'm Gone" live on Sessions from Studio A along with Phillip Burgess on drums and Darryl Wright on bass. Find the full session here - https://www.northernpublicradio.org/s...

Stefan Hillesheim - "Seduced by the Blues" - Sessions from Studio A (2024)

Find the full episode of Sessions from Studio A, including our interview with Stefan and the band, on our website - https://www.northernpublicradio.org/s...

Stefan Hillesheim - Remember Me

Apr 25, 2024 My new song - "REMEMBER ME" live from Montrose Beach, Chicago, IL. I love going outside to work on music. It was a little fresh by the lake today, but I had the beach all to myself - aside from some seagulls, one of them rudely walks into the scene around 2:10 just to get famous! I wrote this song about a week ago. It's an introspective reflection on life, time, and people who are no longer with us - I'm sure some of you can relate to the words.

Windy City Blues Society

Representing Chicago @ The International Blues Challenge

Stefan Hillesheim Trio

Windy City Rev Ups Duet

Alex Olson

Best Self Produced CD

700 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

Blues Challenge Finals

Buddy Guys Legends

The International Blues Challenge

Buddy Guy Interview on CBS Sunday Morning

Alex Olsen w/ Miles Minor

"Outskirts of Town"

Windy City Rev Ups Duet

Playing The House of Blues

PURCHASE TICKETS Buddy Guys Legends

Amanee Avery

I Can Play All Night

"Saxchick" - Sessions from Studio A

Tyla "water" saxophone cover

The Apuli Brothers Blues Band

The Apuli Brothers

Paolo Apuli Band

I Remember [Official Music Video]

Paolo Apuli Band

Harlem Avenue Lounge October 20, 2023

Stefan Hillesheim

Stefan Hillesheim - "When I'm Gone" - Sessions from Studio A (2023)

Stefan Hillesheim - "Seduced by the Blues" - Sessions from Studio A (2024)

Stefan Hillesheim - Remember Me

Marty "Big Dog" Mercer

"Big Dog" Mercer - Scratchin' Fleas

Big Dog Mercer - "I Feel Like I Could Die"

Marty "Big Dog" Mercer plays "Revelation"

Best Self Produced CD

Stefan Hillesheim

.

November 2024

Windy City Blues Society

Representing Chicago @ The International Blues Challenge

Stefan Hillesheim Trio

Windy City Rev Ups Duet

Alex Olson

Best Self Produced CD

700 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

Blues Challenge Finals

Buddy Guys Legends

The International Blues Challenge

Buddy Guy Interview on CBS Sunday Morning

Alex Olsen w/ Miles Minor

"Outskirts of Town"

Windy City Rev Ups Duet

Playing The House of Blues

PURCHASE TICKETS Buddy Guys Legends

Amanee Avery

I Can Play All Night

"Saxchick" - Sessions from Studio A

Tyla "water" saxophone cover

The Apuli Brothers Blues Band

The Apuli Brothers

Paolo Apuli Band

I Remember [Official Music Video]

Paolo Apuli Band

Harlem Avenue Lounge October 20, 2023

Stefan Hillesheim

Stefan Hillesheim - "When I'm Gone" - Sessions from Studio A (2023)

Stefan Hillesheim - "Seduced by the Blues" - Sessions from Studio A (2024)

Stefan Hillesheim - Remember Me

Marty "Big Dog" Mercer

"Big Dog" Mercer - Scratchin' Fleas

Big Dog Mercer - "I Feel Like I Could Die"

Marty "Big Dog" Mercer plays "Revelation"

Best Self Produced CD

Stefan Hillesheim

.

November 2024

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