Felix Ybarra - Blues of Local Interest columnist
The Chicago Blues Festival
June 7-10, 2001
To recount all the wonderful moments at the Chicago Blues Festival would be endless. So instead, I will encapsulate what I saw at the festival. It was good to see so many West Michigan people in Chicago. I encountered several people from Grand Rapids, as well as blues friends from Lansing, Kalamazoo, and Detroit. Please be sure to make a point to attend this festival next year as it continues to be the biggest and best blues festival throughout the free world.
Most Historic Presence
Chuck Berry - in his late 70's - continues to thrill audiences. Unfortunately, the dexterity in his fingers can no longer allow him to play the fantastic leads that he is most famous for. This was evident this weekend where the lead duties were carried on by his keyboard player. But he can still sing as well as he did 20 or 30 years ago. His presence just proved to be an historic occasion.
Best Perfomance
Billy Branch, Irma Thomas, and Alberta Adams. - Billy Branch continues to amaze Chicagoians with his fine musical skills. Why he is not better-known outside of the Illinois area is beyond me. His performance at the main stage simply blew everyone away. I know I will never forget the chill I felt down my spine when Billy opened up the festival with a harmonica rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Billy's band was extremely tight. This is one band deserving wider recognition.
Irma Thomas closed out the festival with pure vintage Irma Thomas. She was a big star during the 60's and has not missed a beat since then.
My favorite during the weekend was Detroit's own Alberta Adams. At 83 years old, she is still as sexy and sassy as ever. The reception she received from the crowd proves that you only get better with age.
Most Surprising Performance
When I heard that country and western singer Leeroy Parnell was performing at the festival, I was simply aghast that he would perform before a blues audience. Leeroy just blew the crowd away. Under a hot Chicago sky, Leeroy sizzled the crowd with very powerful Texas blues. His playing and vocals are reminiscent of Delbert McClinton. This country man played blues! In speaking with Leeroy shortly after his performance, it was obvious that he was very proud of his blues debut.
Wildest Suit of Clothes
Kootie Stark and Ike Turner - Kootie Stark is an old Piedmont player who performed at the festival wearing an oversized lime green suit with a large pink bow tie and ruby red shoes. Kootie's guitar licks were as impeccable as his duds. Ike Turner was resplendent in a tuxedo that reminded me of the dress uniform worn by Captain Kirk when he had dinner with the Klingons. By the way,Ike's performance on the main stage was brilliant.
Most Reflective Moment
The performance by the Holmes Brothers - The quiet and peaceful moment I experienced sitting under a small elm tree listening to the Holmes Brothers sing gospel music in the late morning under clearing skies was awesome. The Holmes Brothers offered pure gospel and soothed my soul after previous nights of drinkin' and sinnin' throughout the City of Chicago. Look for them to perform this month at the Kalamazoo Blues Festival.
Best Food Concession
"Cheez Bougher, Cheez Bougher and Cheeps" - Compliments of the Billy Goat Inn
Nicest People
Chicago cops, Chicago cabbies, and Liz Mandville Greeson - The Chicago cops were fabulous this year. They seemed to let everybody into the park who brought in their own booze, and I did not see one Chicago cop beat anyone up during my weekend there. The Chicago cabbies are great people, too. You just point them down the road and they get you there fast and quick. They are very talkative and a lot of cabbies listen to the blues. Liz Mandville Greeson approached me at the Main Stage after having spotted my West Michigan Blues Society satin jacket almost half a mile away. We had a nice chat during the Ike Turner performance and spent a great amount of time reminiscing about her perfomance in Grand Rapids during the Halloween Bash. Liz tells me that the bash was one of the best concerts she performed this year.
