BLUES N'AT

The sounds of Chicago blues will fill the air on Friday night, June 7. The South Park Summer Concert Series heats up with the smoking slide guitar licks of Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials. Lil' Ed Williams and his half brother, bassist, James "Pookie" Young grew up in a blues-filled household in Chicago. They were mentored by their uncle, songwriter and slide guitarist J.B. Hutto. Before forming the Blues Imperials, Lil' Ed cut his teeth playing with his uncle. The band got their start by contributing some tracks to a compilation album for Chicago-based blues label Alligator Records. Their time in the studio turned into a full-fledged, debut album. "Roughhousin'" was released in September, 1986. In 1987 Guitarist Mike Garrett joined in the fun. He was followed in 1988 by his friend, drummer Kelly Littleton. The band recorded and performed worldwide to rave reviews from the likes of the New York Times, Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times and Washington Times. After a hiatus and some solo albums by Lil' Ed, the group reunited in 1998. They have been favorites of the blues festival circuit ever since, earning a spot on Conan O'Brien's show. Along the way, Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials have also earned nominations at the Blues Music Awards for Band of the Year in 2013 and 2014. Their latest Alligator release, Jump Start, dropped in 2012. They will be joined on the bill by legendary Pittsburgh blues band Jill West and Blues Attack. You'll know it's Lil' Ed by the hot guitar leads and the fez that he sports on his head in homage to his late uncle, J.B. Get there early for the 7:30pm show. This is the only blues act coming to South Park this year and you'll want to have plenty of room to shake your tailfeather. Until next time boys and girls, keep it bluesy.