Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival

The Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival is a one-day festival celebrating our city’s unprecedented appreciation of roots music and culture. Hosted by the legendary Congress Theatre, Kingtello, React Presents, a bevy of homegrown talent will unite with some of contemporary music’s most accomplished and influential artists for a day of collaboration and cause. 12 hours, 25 bands, for only $35

And all in the name of a just cause and a plethora of musical styles that have evolved from the Bluegrass and Blues traditions that started it all. Aiming to help eradicate child abuse and congenital heart defects in children, a portion of the event’s proceeds will contribute to the research efforts of the Chicago-based Saving Tiny Hearts Foundation and Prevent Child Abuse in America.

Listen to Bela Fleck & the Flecktones’ “Big Country” LIVE from the CBB Festival 2009

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

“the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival would prove to be the next great landmark in Chicago music culture”.- JamBase

2009 Lineup: Béla Fleck & the Flecktones – Dr. Dog – Emmitt-Nershi Band – Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater – The Giving Tree Band – Josh Phillips Folk Festival – Van Ghost – Majors Junction – Chicago Farmer – - Jaik Willis – Mike Mangione & The Band – Holy Ghost Tent Revival – Tangleweed – Environmental Encroachment – Squeeze-bot – GreenSugar – How Far to Austin – Liberty Bluegrass Band – The Right Now – Cobalt & the Hired Guns – The Shams Band – Goodbyehome – The Junior League Band – Great Divide – Sexfist – Alex Wilson

2008 Lineup: The David Grisman Quintet  -  The Avett Brothers  -  Ha Ha Tonka  -  Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials  -  Majors Junction  -  Dollar Store  -  Blue Mother Tupelo  -  Billy Childers  -  How Far To Austin -  Blackdog  -  Cobalt & the Hired Guns -  Mike Mangione -  Lindsey O’Brien & Friends  -  Blue Room Hero  -  Jessica Lee – Donnie Biggins