A rich blues-education experience at Dominican University
The Toddlin’ Town is gearing up for the very large and very free Chicago Blues Fest. Just as baseball fans know batting averages, fence distances, trivia and strategy, serious blues fans make it their business to be authorities on the art form. Blues fans in Chicago however, are held to a higher standard. For a long time, I had to settle for occasional blues from a college radio station on a Sunday evening. The mother lode was rack-jobbing the old album covers at Delmark.
If you, like me are one of those blues fans who can’t get enough, I have just the thing for you. Nearby Dominican University is hosting The Blues & the Spirit Symposium II. I was fortunate enough to attend the inaugural version and I feel quite disappointed over not being able to attend this year’s event. This two day exploration of blues and gospel music will also commemorate the 100 year anniversary of Howlin’ Wolf’s birth, and the 40th anniversary of Living Blues Magazine. There will be panels and presentations with blues and gospel scholars, musicians, writers and industry giants.
Dr. Janice Monti, who deserves much credit for this whole idea is a tireless friend of the blues, and it shows in the rich experience her and her staff have assembled.
This is an event where you will meet the blues V.I.P.s you have heard or read about. The event starts Wednesday evening June 9 at 4:00PM. After a few hours of hearing “how it really was” they will present the 2010 Blues and the Spirit Awards. Blues friend Barry Dolins (the man who brings us the Chicago Blues Fest) will be one of the recipients.
The Symposium wraps up Thursday evening with a reception, followed by a bus excursion to the opening of the Blues Fest, and ending with an “after party” at Rosa’s.
Did I say “party” in the same sentence as “symposium”? As I remember last year’s party, it was a perfect conclusion to a blues immersion experience. Invited back this year to perform at Rosa’s is Sharon Lewis & Texas Fire. The evening promises many special surprise players and non-stop entertainment. Sharon Lewis is one of my favorite people in Blues Land.
Please check out the Symposium website for more information. I know what you’re thinking: Well if Lordy isn’t going to be there, what’s the point? The point is you should not miss this opportunity for a great edifying, fun blues fix. Furthermore, you should take notes and pictures for me. Hurry along now, time is limited.
Be sure to check out ChicagoBluesBeat
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