Chicago Blues Festival 2008

25th Annual Chicago Blues Festival, June 5-8, 2008 in Grant Park

The Mayor's Office of Special Events has completed announcing the headliners for this year's festival:

Thursday, June 5: Guitarist and singer Johnny Winter will make his first appearance at the Chicago Blues Festival since the inaugural event in 1984. He'll be part of the opening night celebration of Muddy Waters on Thursday, June 5th, sharing the spotlight with "Superharp" James Cotton and others.

Friday, June 6: The Queen of the Blues, Koko Taylor (joined by her Blues Machine) headlines on Friday night, along with a set by Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater. There will also be a tribute to the past with a set featuring Ruby Andrews, Cicero Blake and Jackie Ross.

Saturday, June 7: Buckwheat Zydeco will headline on Saturday. The 60-year-old accordionist will bring one of the classic sounds of New Orleans to the stage. Also appearing that night will be Chicago favorite Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials, the 2007 Band of the Year at the Blues Music Awards.

Sunday, June 8: Just announced to close the festival on Sunday June 8th will be the legendary B.B. King, making his first appearance at the festival in over 20 years. Other headliners on the final night include keyboardist Little Willie Littlefield, guitarist Bobby Parker and vocalist Karen Carroll, who performs with Charlie Love and Lurrie Bell.