Chicago is the birthplace of modern blues, a pure American art form that has had a profound influence on nearly every style of music that followed. This music could have been forged only in Chicago: when the Great Migration brought Delta blues to the city, it was amplified to reflect the energy and struggle of an urban audience. The Chicago Blues Experience celebrates the pioneering artists as well as the generations of musicians who have been influenced by the blues and continue to carry on its traditions.
The Chicago Blues Experience will be a world-class cultural attraction for the City of Chicago. The Museum will feature state-of-the-art interactive technology that takes visitors on an eye-opening, immersive journey into the past, present, and future of the blues. Exhibitions, memorabilia, a live music venue, and restaurants will reinforce the history and culture from which the blues emerged.
Through community outreach efforts, the Chicago Blues Experience Foundation will help play a vital role in providing positive experiences for youth through music education and immersion, creating sustainable and enriching activities for young people. The Foundation’s overall objective is to use the Blues and all popular music genres as an educational gateway to inspire and cultivate creativity, critical thinking and self-expression.
The Chicago Blues Experience Artist Board is composed of members who have made profound contributions to the development, promotion, and preservation of blues music and culture. The Artist Board members span cultures and generations, reinforcing the universal appeal and relevance of the blues. Through their efforts, the Chicago Blues Experience will ensure that the blues remains a vital art form for generations to come.
Buddy Guy, Chairman
Billy Boy Arnold
Ronnie Baker Brooks
Elvin Bishop
Jerry Butler
Billy Branch
Gary Clark Jr.
Shemekia Copeland
Robert Cray
Dietra Farr
Barry Goldberg
B.B. King
Taj Mahal
Keb Mo
David Murray
Aaron Neville
James Newton
John Primer
The Rolling Stones
– Mick Jagger
– Keith Richards
– Charlie Watts
– Ron Wood
Corky Seigel
Mavis Staples
Susan Tedeschi
Derek Trucks
James “Blood” Ulmer
The Chicago Blues Experience will augment these members with other distinctive artists who have demonstrated their commitment and interest in keeping the blues alive. Be sure to check in regularly for announcements on new members.
www.chicagobluesexperience.com
Chicago Blues Experience
600 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611