Shameless Plug for the Chicago Blues Tour

Just went to The Chicago Blues Tour for about the 5th time, and I wanted to recommend it to any Chicago residents and visitors alike. Steve Pasek, the organizer, keeps a calendar at both the Chicago Blues Tour site and at Blues U, which includes a lot of other Chicago Blues information.

Anyway, this was my first time at the New Checkerboard Lounge, a great spot, but I sure miss the old location, which was what a blues bar should be.

Fortunately, Vance Kelly rocked the house as always. (For the uninitiated, Vance tends to do sets with a mix of blues, soul and paint-peeling funk. Don't miss it.)

The tour always includes Checkerboard and Rosa's (something very special and a great room.) The tour also includes smaller clubs, usually on theSouth and West sides.

It's a great time, so don't miss it the next time around! $30 includes bus transportation and cover.