2018 Line-up
Marty “Big Dog” Mercer’s heartfelt, southpaw Blues and soulful voice have growled through the Chicagoland music scene. Mercer’s ability to combine emotional lyrics with aggressive guitar playing and/or slide guitar abilities makes him an artist unlike any other. Standing 6'10”, Marty owns every stage he walks on and his personality is as large as his stature.
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Mercer has worked with Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Billy Branch & the S.O.B's, L.V. Banks, Toronzo Cannon, Lonnie Brooks, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Mud Morganfield, Rockin' Johnny Burgin, Omar Coleman, Marty Sammon, Lurrie Bell, Eddie Taylor Jr., Lindsey Alexander, Tom Holland, Larry McCray, Anthony Gomes, Chris Beard and Sharon Lewis, just to name a few. Marty Mercer was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame on October 16th 2016 at Legends in Chicago.
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4 P.M.
The HepKats – Karl Maurer on guitars and vocals, Mitch Straeffer on bass, and Larry Beers on drums -- have been entertaining audiences in Chicago for decades. Presenting jumped up versions of classic blues from the 1920’s to contemporary blues, Maurer frequently offers context on the songs they perform, revealing interesting facts about the origins of the music prior to performing the song. Maurer is a former trustee of The Blues Foundation and helped build the Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis, which opened in 2015.
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The HepKats were formed in 2014, and most frequently perform for charities such as Lurie Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Misericordia Home, Holiday Heroes and other non-profits, to lift the spirits of struggling families and children fighting illness.
5:30 P.M.
Mojo Morganfield - is the youngest son of World Famous Muddy Waters!
Mojo Morganfield born April 14, 1964 in Chicago, . Mojo began his Career following in his fathers footsteps. As a young boy he would travel and preform the closing song with his father growing up in the Blues. He has been preforming at many venues around the country. His style and enthusiasm is all his own. His band consists of some of Blues top notch players, Rick Kreher on guitar - also played with his father Muddy Waters, Maurice Vaughn on keys - who needs no introduction, Paul Hanover on harp, Mike Flynn on Bass, and Chris Alexander on drums. He is also an Ambassador, Supporter, and Promoter inductee in the Prestigious Chicago Blues Hall of Fame. His Love for the Blues and Keeping his Father's Legacy alive and well, has kept him focused on his own dream as a Blues performer. https://josephmojomorganfield.com/
7 P.M.
Mike Wheeler has a vast knowledge of music and a voice that's reminiscent of the late Sam Cooke. From Jazz to Rock, from popular music to Top 40, he slides in and out of musical genres with sophistication, ease and indulgence. Mike Wheeler has travelled the world as an ambassador for Chicago blues music. He's shared the stage with the most elite musicians the world has known, including Willie Kent, Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, George Benson, Jimmy Johnson and Shemekia Copeland. Mike was inducted in the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame in 2014. The band includes extraordinary talent – Larry Williams on bass, Cleo Cole on drums and Brian James on keyboards, all veterans of Chicago’s blues scene. www.mikewheelerband.com
8:30 P.M.
The Jamiah Rogers Band "Blues Superman" is one of the Midwest’s Hottest Bands and local favorites in the Chicago Area. The band consists of Jamiah Rogers, Lead vocals and guitar, Dionte Skinner, Drums, and Tony Rogers, background vocals and bass guitar. In 2015, the Jamiah Rogers Band recorded their second CD titled, Winners Never Quit, 10 original songs written and produced by Jamiah. The band also traveled to Canada and Europe to play several international music festivals including the Montreal International Jazz and Blues Festival! The band continues to play local venues and festivals in the U.S. and Canada. In June of 2017, Jamiah released his junior solo CD “Blues Superman”. The 10 original tracks are written and produced by Jamiah Rogers. Be sure to check out the Jamaih Rogers Band on Facebook and YouTube.