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Quinn Sullivan & Buddy Guy on the 4th of July

On a soggy, gray Saturday, those lucky enough to stick around in the rain and the mud at Grant Park were treated to the sight of ten year old Quinn Sullivan keeping up with legendary blues man Buddy Guy at the Taste of Chicago’s Free Fourth of July concert.

Ever the showman, Buddy Guy worked the crowd as he allowed the Boston-based guitar prodigy to strut his stuff on stage while matching the 72 year old Guy riff for riff in many instances. In homage to Sullivan’s blues and rock influences, Quinn even played a few notes with the guitar on top of his head.

The onlookers were duly impressed with Sullivan’s expertise. Tina Annoreno of Brookfield summed it up when she said “the kid is keeping up with Buddy Guy… that’s kicking it!"

Guy also invited another legend, Mavis Staples, to share the stage with him during his 90 minute set at the Petrillo Music Shell as the two engaged in a vocal interplay that brightened the spirits of those hardy souls who made it out on a dreary holiday.

As a major influence on guitar greats like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and more, Guy seems to be doing his part to bring the next generation of blues musicians into the fold via stage appearances like Quinn Sullivan’s or through bookings  at his South Loop club, Legends.

A case in point is the appearance of Cedric Burnside and Lightning Malcom at Legends on Tuesday, July 7th. The grandson of legendary bluesman, RL Burnside and the son of renowned drummer Calvin Jackson, Cedric has the blues pedigree as well as the credentials since he grew up backing up "Big Daddy" Burnside beginning at the tender age of 13.

Lightnin' Malcom has equally impressive credentials as his guitar, bass and drum skills have made him an in demand session musician while his soulful vocals pay homage to the blues greats from a bygone era.

Together, this duo has generated a real buzz with Chicago area blues aficionados that grew in stature following their 2008 Blues Fest appearance that had music lovers scrambling for the band’s schedules and making the trek to catch their act in far flung places like Clarksdale, Mississippi or the Doheny Blues Festival in California. But , it’s not just word of mouth, that’s bolstering these fellow’s credentials. Their "Two Men Wrecking Crew" was recently awarded the Best New Artist Album at the 30th Annual Blues Music Awards held in Memphis in May of 2009

Judging by the rave reviews these two get for their live appearances and accolades from their cronies, the $10 admission fee to Buddy Guy’s Legends is a real bargain as it will offer onlookers a prime venue for checking out these up-and-coming blues artists.

Cedric Burnside and Lightnin' Malcom are scheduled to take the stage at Legend's on July 7th at 9:30 pm. Buddy Guy's Legends is located at 754 S. Wabash in Chicago.