Day two of the Chicago Blues Festival was a trip down memory lane—the days of big production concerts, tailored clothes, and memories of summers in Louisiana. The mainstage performers on Friday, June 6, were worthy of either playing hooky from work or taking a vacation day. I felt transported back to the days when performers entertained the masses. Horn sections, perfectly tailored attire, and a sound like no other. D.K. Harrell, Dawn Tyler Watson, John Primer, and Steve Bell, with a smash centennial tribute to B.B. King.
D.K. Harrell was first out of the gate, and he tore it up. Harrell is what I call a torch bearer. He sings and plays in a similar style to the late B.B. King. He makes the notes count, as opposed to the guitar histrionics of other genres. He gets a gorgeous timbre out of that Gibson that is homage to King. Harrell's story is a blues song. He was homeless for a while and continued to play his guitar. He was eventually discovered and signed to Alligator Records. His easy manner and dimpled smile are deceptive because when he sings, it is a revelation. Songs such as "Life Lessons" and "I'm Grown Now" elicited cheers from the crowd.
Harrell caused a stir when he invited the women down to the front. They swarmed the press area, giggling and dancing. He sang "You're an Original" to them before the security guard shooed them out (don't mess with her). Harrell has the hip-swiveling style of Howlin' Wolf and did a twerk, pump, and grind to the delight of the audience. He and the band were dressed in impeccably tailored tomato red. The band is Russ Bryant on saxophone, Ruffin Jackson on drums, Orlando Henry on keys, Jumpin' John Dupree on the trumpet, and Andrew Moss on the bass.
They are a tight band firmly rooted in the blues sound. Echoes of the church organ and growling bass lines filled out songs like "Post Traumatic Love Disorder" and "Ride With Me Baby." Harrell has earned his place in the pantheon of blues masters.
Next up was Dawn Tyler Watson with the Ben Racine Band. The Blues Festival curators had been trying to get them here for three years, and festival #41 was the magic number. Dawn Tyler Watson and the band are from Canada—Montreal, Quebec, Manitoba, and other corners of our neighbor to the north. Their sound features smooth harmonies, accompanied by a driving horn section and guitar. With the rhythm section of drums and bass, Watson's voice is a sweet alto with the right amount of grit. She has won a Juno Award for her album, "Mad Love."
One song in particular was from a blues experience with a broken heart. "Lost" was a gospel-tinged moan with Sunday morning service organ exclamations. The song is right out of the Amen Corner with a "St. James Infirmary" feel. Ben Racine plays a scorching guitar backed by François Dubé on bass, Charles Trudel on keyboards, Nicky Estor on drums, Kaven Jalbert on tenor sax, and Mat Mousseau on baritone sax. The revenge song balanced that heartbreak song, "It Was Good to Watch You Go." Watson was resplendent in sparkling pants and sequins. She gave a karate kick in her heel and said, "Get yo' sh!t and get outta my house!" It was satisfying, and the audience was pumped up and on their feet. Watson strutted defiantly singing, "I Look Good" to top the triumph of getting a toxic man out of her life.
Watson was a great addition to the Blues Festival. She spoke of how cool Chicago is and was very pleased by the ASL interpreters, Samantha and Walter. She had never seen that at any other event. The ASL people are amazing, especially when it comes to blues songs. They were signing and doing it with the blues beat and attitude. I hope to see Watson and the Ben Racine Band in Chicago again.
The vibe took a traditional turn with guitarist John Primer and harmonica artist Steve Bell. This duo took me back to Benton, Louisiana, in the summer. I could imagine the waving heat, the pungent smell of collard greens, and the sizzle of the grill cooking low and slow. Primer and Bell sat on stools and lit into some hot cooking blues. Primer was superb in his hat and shades rocking that Fender. He sang with the perfect blend of blues and country drawl. A judicious use of the metal slide put some funk into the songs. They played Junior Parker's "Mystery Train" and burned it up. Bell wore a leather belt of harmonicas and didn't seem to take a breath with that syncopated rhythmic style of playing. "I Woke Up This Morning With My Baby on My Mind," "Rosa Lee," "Trouble," and other songs gave that vibe of heat and sweat. Primer singing about "Rosa Lee" walking away down a hot gravel road gave me visions of my uncles drinking "white lightning" and chewing tobacco. I loved those times and loved this set.
The celebration of B.B. King's centennial began with a proclamation read by singer Tammy McCann. Mayor Brandon Johnson proclaimed June 6, 2025, as B.B. King Day in Chicago. The band that followed was made up of some of King's touring band. The luxurious, tailored look of the horn section reminded me of seeing King on television back in the day. Tailored and well-groomed is a contrast to the funky blues sounds coming from the stage. Dr. Alfonso Sanders led the horn section, and Jesse Robinson led the first set. Robinson is one of the last guitarists to front the King tribute band after King died.
D.K. Harrell, Jonathan "Prince of Beale Street" Ellison, and Christone "Kingfish" Ingram joined the band onstage. Each gave tribute to the King of the Blues and touted his guitar genius. The song list hit all of the big hits. "Every Day I Have the Blues," "It's My Fault Baby," "Been Downhearted Baby (ever since the day you left)," "Worry," "Ain't Nobody Home," "I Like to Live the Love That I Sing About In My Song," "Someday Baby" and of course "The Thrill is Gone." The stage was filled with Gibson guitars. King's "Lucille" Gibson is as famous as he was.
It was the perfect ending to a beautiful day of music and camaraderie between fans of the blues and the musicians. Blues music has an atmospheric vibe;.it transports us to different places and times. In my life, music has always been an instant mood lifter, even with the sad songs. Memories of summers in the South or on the West Side of Chicago flood my mind. Chicago was a rough-and-tumble town before it became polished and elevated. I am as proud of those times as I am of our city today. Blues music and beautiful Millennium Park blend those eras. "The Blues is a Healer" (John Lee Hooker).
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