Two Events at Buddy Guy's Legends to Kick Off the 2009 Chicago Blues Festival

The Chicago Blues Festival takes place this year June 12, 13 and 14, but the party has already begun, as I recently posted. Two more events are worthy of note, and both will happen at Buddy Guy's Legends.

First, the Recording Academy Chicago Chapter will host an all-star Bluesfest kickoff jam from 6 to 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10. Performers will include Billy Branch, Vino Louden, Michael McDermott, Nick Moss, Rick Nielsen (of Cheap Trick), Pinetop Perkins, John Primer, Matthew Skoller and Sones de Mexico.

Radio personality and blues harp player Buzz Kilman, along with NBC Channel 5 entertainment reporter LeeAnn Trotter will host.

Proceeds from the Kickoff Jam will benefit the Recording Academy's Chicago Chapter's year-round educational programs. The evening will also include a pre-concert reception and silent auction.

Tickets are $30 for the general public and $10 for Recording Academy members. You can purchase tickets by sending an email to RSVP_Chicago@grammy.com. Or, you can call (312) 786-1316.

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The following night, Thursday, June 11, the XRT Blues Breakers radio show will make its 12th annual live Blues Fest live broadcast. The event is free and runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

As always, Buddy Guy's Legends will run a full schedule of blues during the festival.

Here's the lineup:

June 12
12:00 p.m. - Lurrie Bell
3:00 p.m. - Big James & the Chicago Playboys
5:00 p.m. - Carlos Johnson
8:00 p.m. - Ana Popovic
11:00 p.m. - Carl Weathersby

June 13
11:00 a.m. - Blues Brunch with Matthew Skoller - $15 per person.
2:00 p.m. - Nick Moss
5:00 p.m. - Jimmy Johnson
8:00 p.m. - John Primer
11:00 p.m. - Magic Slim
A separate $15 cover charge will be collected at 7:00 p.m.

June 14
11:00 a.m. Blues Brunch with Guy King - $15 per person.
3:30 p.m. - Jimmy Burns
7:00 p.m. - Joanna Connor
10:30 p.m. - Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials
A separate $15 cover charge will be collected at 6:00 p.m.