Discovery Museum hosts the blues exhibit
“The Blues: From the Heart and Soul” will bring the sound and feel of the Chicago blues scene to the galleries of the Lake County Discovery Museum beginning Feb. 18.
This unique exhibition offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most influential periods of modern music and showcases the expansive collection of memorabilia from local blues legend “Barrelhouse” Chuck Goering of Libertyville.
The exhibit, sponsored by the Daily Herald and the Friends of the Lake County Discovery Museum, will be on display through Aug. 19.
From playbills and autographs to the original musical instruments that created some of the most influential music in American history, “The Blues: From the Heart and Soul” exhibit provides an interactive and engaging environment to relive this exciting era.
Visitors can gain an insider's perspective of the blues culture in Chicago from artifacts, stories, and videos that document the talent and work of “Barrelhouse” Chuck and other famous Chicago blues musicians.
Discover your own unique blues name, and take the spotlight on the interactive stage, complete with guitar, drum kit, and karaoke, to perform in your very own blues band.
“Barrelhouse” Chuck and other local blues artists will perform live and share their stories at special concerts offered during the exhibit run.
Follow the museum on Facebook and Twitter @LakeCoMuseum to find out dates and times of lives performances and other special exhibit programs and events.
For more information about the exhibit, or to download discount admission coupons, call (847) 968-3400.
Known for his blues, boogie-woogie and barrelhouse piano style, “Barrelhouse” Chuck, whose real name is Charles Goering, is one of Chicago's greatest blues pianists.
While living in Florida, he heard his first Muddy Waters record featuring Otis Spann on piano and became hooked on the blues. Not long afterward, he formed his own band and opened for Willie Dixon, B.B. King, and Muddy Waters. He also played with the great Bo Diddley.
In 1979, he drove to Chicago to see blues pianist Sunnyland Slim, who Chuck calls the great-granddaddy of blues piano players. He spent the next 16 years in Chicago studying with him. He also studied with Pinetop Perkins, Blind John Davis, Detroit Junior and Little Brother Montgomery.
Over the last 30 years, Chuck has developed his immense mastery of blues piano and has performed and recorded alongside many notable Chicago blues musicians such as Jimmy Rogers, Eddie Taylor, Kim Wilson, Hubert Sumlin, Otis Rush, Louis Myers, Buddy Guy and Big Smokey Smothers, among many others. Chuck regularly appears at the Chicago Blues Festival.
The Lake County Discovery Museum is on Route 176, just west of Fairfield Road and east of Wauconda in Lakewood Forest Preserve.
Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for seniors ages 55 and older and students ages 18 to 25, $2.50 for youth ages 4 to 17 and free for kids ages 3 and younger. On Discount Tuesdays, admission is $3 for adults, free for youth 17 and younger. Admission is free for museum members.