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Windy City Blues Society

Windy City Blues Society Windy City Blues Society Windy City Blues Society

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

Willow Springs Blues Fest @ Willow Fest August 15 & 16

Saturday August 15th

  

12:00 – 12:45         To Be Determined

1:00 – 1:45             A Patch of Blues

2:00 – 2:45             To Be Determined

3:00 – 3:45             To Be Determined

4:00 – 5:00             Ivy Ford Band

Sunday August 16th

  

12:00 – 12:45        To Be Determined

1:00 – 1:45            To Be Determined

2:00 – 3:00            To Be Determined

3:15 – 4:30            The Sean McKee Band 

Scroll Down for Band Videos


Mad Diggity

Fest Info

This is a Blues Festival, Carnival and , Craft Fair

Can I bring a Cooler? My Pet ? A Lawn Chair? Will there be BUBBLES ?

This is a Blues Festival, Carnival and , Craft Fair

The music is free, you have to pay for everything else.  There will be 50/50 drawings throughout the day to help raise funds for the Windy City Blues Society (a 501 c 3 public charity)

Where do we Park

Can I bring a Cooler? My Pet ? A Lawn Chair? Will there be BUBBLES ?

This is a Blues Festival, Carnival and , Craft Fair

There is plenty of parking.   PLUS there will be people directing you to parking.

Can I bring a Cooler? My Pet ? A Lawn Chair? Will there be BUBBLES ?

Can I bring a Cooler? My Pet ? A Lawn Chair? Will there be BUBBLES ?

Can I bring a Cooler? My Pet ? A Lawn Chair? Will there be BUBBLES ?

Leave your Pet and cooler at home, but bring your chair. 


Of Course, there will be BUBBLES  !!

(everybody Loves bubbles)

Area Map

The Ivy Ford Band

Ivy Ford – “Not In The Right Way”

 

Ivy Ford delivers a must-hear stripped-down performance with CDF Music Group.  A raw and intimate session that puts her powerful voice and emotion front and center, this is Ivy Ford at her purest.  

Ivy Ford – “Big Bossman”

   Ivy Ford Performs at Epiphany Center for the Arts  Ivy Ford versatile and multi-instrumentalist who brings energy and an entertainment factor above the rest.  Ivy Ford kick started her career , opening up for Buddy Guy in 2015. Since then she's performed bi-coastal North and South, ranked in the top 40 of the International Blues Challenge and released three original albums solely written and produced, herself.   October 2019, Ivy Ford amplified her moniker from the 'Chicago Blues Kitten,' to the official ''International Blues Kitten,'' making her debut in Ontario, Canada.  Ivy Ford is the next generation of blues, roots and soul music.   She's a red lipstick wearing, guitar slinging showWOMAN to remember! 

Ivy Ford "Time To Shine "

  Blues Shakedown Thunder Bay Oct 25/2025 


 Follow Ivy Ford: YouTube →   / @ivyford751  Instagram →   / missivyford  Facebook →   / ivyfordmusic  Spotify →https://open.spotify.com/artist/57SSK...Website → https://www.ivyfordmusic.com/ 

The Sean McKee Band

Sean McKee Band - Ram

 In this episode of Sean’s Guitar Lounge, Sean McKee Band performs “Ram” by Al Green  Sean McKee - Guitar and Vocals Bass - Chris Pecoraro  Drums - Danny Lozano  Guitar - Drew D’Astice Video and mix by Chris Pecoraro 


Sean McKee Band "Ain't Taklin' Bout Love"

 The Sean McKee Band, "Ain't Talkin Bout Love", performed at the 2023 Willow Springs Blues Fest.  Sean McKee Lead guitar vocals, Danny Lozano on Drums, Chris Pecoraro on Bass, Drew D'Astice on guitar & vocals.  Presented by the Village of Willow Springs and the Windy City Blues Society.  

Sean McKee Band - "Color Outside The Lines" Official Music Video

  "Color Outside The Lines" music and lyrics written by Sean McKee  Sean McKee - Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals, Mandolin and production Chris Pecoraro - Bass and Back Up Vocals  Skyler From - Drums Danny Lozano - Back Up Vocals and Cameo  Drew D'Astice - Cameo Alex Kapecki - Engineering, Mixing and Mastering AJ Thiede - 12 String Guitar and Videography 

The Miles Minor Band

Miles Minor Band, "Outskirts of Town" Featuring Alex Olson "The Young Gun"

 2023 Willow Springs Blues Fest, presented by the Windy City Blues Society, www.WindyCityBlues.ORG. (always The Last Saturday in July) 

Miles Minor, Guitar

Young Alex Olson on guitar

 Jeff "Bigfoot" Burgos on harmonica, 

"South side" Johnny Nitter on Bass 

& Willey Packerns on Drums.   

Miles Minor 2023 Willow Springs Blues Fest

 Miles Minor plays some killer Blues at the 2023 Willow Springs Blues Fest.  " Hell Yeah !"  

Miles on Guitar & Vocals, 


Presented by the Windy City Blues Society,  www.WindyCityBlues.Org 

The Miles Minor Band, "Scientific Woman" written by Miles Minor

Check out Miles on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/MilesMinorBluesBand/

A Patch of Blues

A Patch of Blues, playin' Willow Springs Blues Fest

 A Patch of Blues, playin "Ball and Chain" by Big Mama Thornton & "Someone Else is Stepping In" , written by Denise LaSalle.  Willow Springs Blues Fest.   Fati Jones vocals, Rebecca Egwuenu guitar,  Claudia Easterwood bass,  Stacy Norris Drums.  2022 Winners Chicago Blues Challenge , youth division. 

A Patch of Blues@International Blues Challenge 2023-Wolf Den by Danielle Nicole

 Fati Jones (vocals), Rebecca Eguenwu (guitar), Claudia Easterwood (bass), Stacy Norris (drums) 

A Patch of Blues @ Buddy Guy's Legends 12/6/25

 

 Vocals (Fati Jones), Guitar (Rebecca Egwuenu), Drums (Stacy Norris), Bass (Sam Jones) 

The Paolo Apuli Band

I Remember [Official Music Video]

Premiered Nov 19, 2021 CHICAGO

From the 5-song EP "Days Go By" OUT NOW  

Spotify: https://sptfy.com/6ONmApple 

Music: https://apple.co/3FwIR9wAmazon 

Music: https://amzn.to/3Fus6M4 


Written by Paolo Apuli Filmed & Edited by Max Williams (www.maxwilliams1.com) Recorded & Produced by: Jesse Barrera (@JesseBarrera) Mastered by Dan Coutant (https://srmastering.com) Recorded at The JB Cave  in Los Angeles, CA (www.thejbcave.com) 

Midday Fix: Live music from Paolo Apuli playing Midnight Hour

 

June 3rd 2025   CHICAGO

From The Midday Fix on WGN   

Written by Paolo Apuli 

Give Me One Reason | Sofar Chicago

 Artist URLs 

 instagram  / paoloapuli  

 facebook / paoloapulimusic   


Filmed By: Max Williams Justin Mendoza  Audio by: Marshaun Robinson  Additional Credits: Filmed at Cerise Rooftop at The Virgin Hotel  Find out more about Sofar here: https://sofar.co/home

 https://sofar.co/instagram

 https://sofar.co/facebook

 https://sofar.co/twitter 

Pizza 750

Pizza 750, woodfire stove pizza business, Willow Springs, IL

501 Willow Boulevard.

Here at PIzza 750 our directives are simple, to deliver fast and consistent service without sacrificing on quality. With fresh ingredients we make all our doughs, sauces, dressings and our house sausage blend from scratch as we strive to give our best to you and your family from our woodfire kitchen."

(708) 330-5541

. Curbside pickup · Delivery · No dine-in .... 501 Willow Blvd, Willow Springs, IL 

Our Sponsors

Our Main Sponsor and Host

 One Village Circle
Willow Springs, IL 60480
Phone: 708.467.3700
Fax: 708.467.7010 

Township of Lyons

 6404 Joliet Rd. Countryside, IL 60525 – (708) 482-8300 

 Lyons Township is one of 30 townships in Cook County, IL. As of the 2010 census, its population was 111,688. Lyons Township was established in 1849 and is comprised of seventeen municipalities. 

TEAMSTERS Joint Council 25

 Teamsters Joint Council 25 is America's premier labor union for Chicago, Illinois and Northwest Indiana, representing more than 100,000 men and women with 25 local union affiliates. 

Illinois Arts Council

 A grant from the State of Illinois / Illinois Arts Council / Artstour Grant helped fund the performance of  American Blues Icon John Primer.  The WCBS  acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council 

Visit Website

WDCB Public Radio

WDCB Public Radio

 WDCB Public Radio is Chicago's home for jazz, blues, news, and more! Check us out at 90.9FM, and now also at 90.7FM in Chicago's West Loop! 

Visit Website

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING in 2024

The 2024 Line Up

The 2024 Line Up

The 2024 Line Up

 

12:00 - 12:25  Joe Doyle Duet

12:30 - 1:10  The John Millard Band

1:25 - 2:45  Women in the Blues - Sonia Astacio, Sheryl Youngblood, w/ Nick Manos Band

3:00 - 3:45  Robert Kimbrough Sr. Blues Connection

4:05 - 5:05  Demetria Taylor & Her Bad Boys

5:25 - 6:55  John Primer & The Real Deal Blues Band

7:10 - 8:10  The Hungry Williams

8:30 - 10:00  Ghost Town Blues Band





Interesting Notes

The 2024 Line Up

The 2024 Line Up

Chi Music Live a Youtube program covering the Chicago Music scene, came out to cover the festival.  Host Elianne Nascimento did 6 episodes of their show at the fest.


 Jeppson's Malört . We partnered with Chicago's unique liquor and filmed Blues Fans Malort Face.  Here is a link to the first full video in the series.  Blues Fans Malort Face

 

The Last Willow Springs Blues Fest ?  Was 2024 the last stand alone Willow Springs Blues Fest ?  Only time will tell.  It might be the BLUES,  but it takes the GREEN to make the blues.  We are happy  to still have the blues in Willow Springs.

Volunteers, Fans & The Village

Volunteers, Fans & The Village

Volunteers, Fans & The Village

Thank You Thank You  Thank You  so much for your help, hard work, and dedication.  Thank You to the music fans for comming out to the festival and spending a few dollars with us



The Crowd

Volunteers, Fans & The Village

Volunteers, Fans & The Village

It seems like we had about 3,000 people throughout the whole day.  My nephews who walked the crowd in 2023 and 2024 selling the 50/50 cards said the crowd was larger. 


 Everyone was courteous and well-behaved.  Everybody was friendly.  People were nice to one another.  Thank you so much to all the fans who helped make this a wonderful event.

2024 Festival Photos

Melvin Smith on bass and the drummer,  John Primers rhythm section.
The headliner, Ghost Town Blues Band out of Memphis.
Pre-Game,  thank you to our major sponsors.
Dave Madlener and girlfriend Nina in front of the merchandise table

2024 Video's from the Festival

Ghost Town Blues Band

"Memphis Train"   Visit their web-site  HERE

Demetria Taylor

"You Belong to Me"  Visit her on Facebook   HERE

The Hungry Williams

Find Yourself Another Fool...  Visit their web Stie...HERE

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING in 2023

The 2023 Line Up

The 2023 Line Up

The 2023 Line Up

Between Sets:  Matt Hendricks & Bob O Walesa

1:00 - 1:45     A Patch of Blues

2:00 - 2:45    The Miles Minor Band

3:00 - 3:45    The Sean McKee Band

4:05 - 5:05    The Dave Specter Band w/ Brother John                Kattke

5:25 - 6:55    Bob Corritore's Reunion Revue Set with John Primer  in,cluding Kenny Beedy Eyes Smith, Billy Flynn Bob Stroger and Singers: Oscar Wilson, Willie Buck, Tail Dragger

7:10 - 8:10     Johnie B & Queen Iretta Sanders

8:30 - 10:00    Billy Branch & The Sons of Blues






Interesting Notes

The 2023 Line Up

The 2023 Line Up

TAIL DRAGGER,  James Yancey Jones, dies Sept 4th 2023.  So many Loved Tail Dragger.  This was his last blues festival performance.  ( The Delmark street party was his last performance.)  This show was the last time he and Bob Corritore played together.  I always wished we could have Tail Dragger play every show. Here is a clip from his performance:  https://youtu.be/x1OY0Yqr6FI?feature=shared


Billy Branch & Bob Corritore had a harp blowout, battle of legendary harp players.  Billy called Bob up to join him on "Help Me" by Junior Wells.  This could be the first time they battled it out. 

here is the video clip:  https://youtu.be/gyzn-Ajt_ZI?feature=shared



Volunteers, Fans & The Village

Volunteers, Fans & The Village

Volunteers, Fans & The Village

Thank You Thank You  Thank You  so much for your help, hard work, and dedication.  Thank You to the music fans for comming out to the festival and spending a few dollars with us



The Crowd

Volunteers, Fans & The Village

Volunteers, Fans & The Village

It seems like we had almost 2,000 people throughout the whole day.  Everyone was courteous and well-behaved.  Everybody was friendly.  People were nice to one another.  Thank you so much to all the fans who helped make this a wonderful event.

2023 Pictures

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING in 2022

The 2022 Line Up

Chicago Blues Challenge Result

Chicago Blues Challenge Result

12:30 - 1:00  Brenda Taylor  & The Earth Shakers 

1:15 - 1:40    Weeds & Seeds

1:55 - 2:25    The Miles Minor Band

2:40 - 3:10    Fast Mikey Blue Eyes

3:25 - 3:50    Bill Grady

4:10 - 5:10    The CROS Band & Jeff Stone

5:30 - 6:40    Willie Buck &The Right Sound Blues Band

7:00 - 8:20     Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames

8:40 - 10:10    The Steepwater Band






Chicago Blues Challenge Result

Chicago Blues Challenge Result

Chicago Blues Challenge Result

BILL GRADY, the last performer of the Challenge, The soloist, got the highest score  and will move on to the finals in the Solo Duet Category.


BRENDA TAYLOR & THE EARTH SHAKERS, The first act of the day, got the best score in the BAND category and will be moving on to the finals in the Band Category.


The Finals were at Buddy Guys Legends on Sunday Nov 13th.  Win Noll & The Rockin' Souls won the Band Category, Bill Grady won the sol/duet Category

Tip Bucket

Tip Bucket

Tip Bucket

Thank You so much for your generosity.  You donated over $600 into the tip bucket for the Blues Challenge musicians. This money will be combined with the Tips collected at the Bolingbrook Blues Showcase and divided equitably between all 15 acts participating in the Chicago Blues Challenge.


PRIZE MONIES for the winning acts  come from a separate fund.



The Crowd

Tip Bucket

Tip Bucket

It seems like we had almost 2,000 people throughout the whole day.  Everyone was courteous, and well behaved.  Everybody was friendly.  People were nice to one another.  Thank you so much to all the fans that helped make this such a wonderful event.

2022 Pictures (the first year)

Village President,  Melissa N. Neddermeyer 

overhead crowd shot
Willie Buck

Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames

Dave "Mad Dog" Madlener & Dave Weld

The Food Truck Line

Bill Grady Chicago Blues Challenge Winner Solo category

Dave Weld playing in the Crowd

Happy Blues Fans

50/50 split the pot

Vacation Dave staying hydrated

crowd shot

Cookie Taylor & Village Manager Ryan Grace

A nice crowd for the 1st Willow Springs Blues Fest

The Steepwater Band was awesome

Folks even packed in under the bridge

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