Mount Prospect brings blues to the green
Blues artists start out in the Deep South and make their way along the Mississippi River, playing in bars, until they're good enough to make it to Chicago, said Frank Curtis, a local blues promoter.
Once in the city, musicians have got a shot at getting picked up by recording studios with the chance of being heard all over the world.
Some of those blues artists will be taking another, shorter trip from the city to Mount Prospect for the village's first Blues on the Green from 2 to 9 p.m. June 21 in front of village hall, 50 S. Emerson St.
Seating will be on the lawn and is limited to blankets and lawn chairs, so attendees are asked to bring their equipment.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase. The party goes on after the fest with a performance by Liz Mandville Greeson at 9:30 p.m. at the Blues Bar, 2 W. Busse Ave.
For blues fans, it'll be a treat, said Curtis, who is promoting the event.
The final act, Magic Slim and the Teardrops, is well known to blues connoisseurs, including other rock musicians who've been influenced by Magic Slim, Curtis said.
"The Rolling Stones know who this guy is," Curtis said.
Magic Slim will be in good company. Local artists joining him include Chicago Blues Divas featuring Ms. Peachez, winner of the Chicago Blues Diva Award at Kingston Mines, and Shirley Johnson, a veteran Delmark Recording artist who is known worldwide.
"They're getting the top talent in the area," Curtis said.
The fest is in coordination with the village and the Blues Bar in downtown Mount Prospect.
"We are proud to be the first sponsor of this blues fest and know that it will grow in stature and popularity within the region," Errol Oztekin, owner of Blues Bar, said in a statement. "This is just the beginning of a new era in downtown Mount Prospect, and we are glad to be a part of it."
Downtown Mount Prospect is undergoing major redevelopment and the fest is a way to showcase the village to many people who live in the area, said Maura El Metennani, Mount Prospect's public information officer.
If you go
What: Blues on the Green
When: 2 to 9 p.m. June 21
Where: In front of Mount Prospect village hall, 50. S. Emerson St.
Tickets: Free
Performers :
2 to 3 p.m., BTS Express
3:30 to 4 p.m., Ms. Peachez
4 to 4:30 p.m., Shirley Johnson
4:30 to 5 p.m., Nellie "Tiger" Travis
5:30 to 7 p.m., Cadillac Dave and the Chicago
7:30 to 9 p.m., Magic Slim and the Teardrops
Info: www.mountprospect.org