Chicago’s legendary reputation for blues will be celebrated March 5 at the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville.
The 12th Annual Chi-Town Blues Festival is set for 7 p.m., and will feature Shirley Brown, Latimore, Calvin Richardson, Nellie Travis, Sir Charles Jones and Bobby Rush.
A good helping of Chicago-style blues will be dished out at a venue that is drawing artists from various locales to the Chicago-area summit.
Born in Louisiana, Rush moved to Chicago while a teen, and slid into the Windy City blues scene.
Rush makes an appearance in the documentary “The Road to Memphis,” part of a PBS-TV film series called “The Blues.” The series’ executive producer is Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese.
After relocating to Chicago with his family in 1953, Rush moved to Jackson, Miss., decades later, but not before leaving his mark on Chicago’s ample blues legacy.
“I lived in Chicago for over 40 years,” Rush said in a recent phone interview. “I’ve been recording for over 60 years.”
Now residing in Jackson, Miss., Rush said Chicago was a destination with opportunities for black musical artists around the time he moved there.
A platform was provided for blues, and rhythm and blues.
“Chicago was an outlet to express yourself,” said Rush, noting the clubs and radio exposure that were available in the large metropolitan area.
Rush has one of the most identifiable names in the Chicago blues world, having recorded — according to his estimate — more than 300 records.
“I’m so thankful,” the singer and harmonica player said. “People accept me for what I do and who I am. I record what I feel, and hope everyone likes it.”
More Top Picks Best Milk Frothers
The veteran bluesman will be trotting out fan favorites in the 3,400-seat Merrillville venue. “I’ll be doing ‘Chicken Heads,’ ‘Gotta Be Funky,'” Rush said, giving a hint of what’s in store. “I’ll be doing ‘Down in Louisiana'”
Sharing the stage with Rush will be Sir Charles Jones, who said he dishes Southern soul with a royal touch.
“Southern soul is more of a bluesy feel, with a touch of R&B and hip-hop,” Jones, an Atlanta resident, said.
Asked to name two of this best songs, Jones selected a pair with different tones.
“Is There Anybody Lonely” has a slow-ballad sway, and speaks to those lacking a relationship.
The other choice is at the opposite end of the spectrum.
“‘Friday’ is more of a party dance song,” Jones said.
His bio touts him as “King of Southern Soul” — a monarch who dips into jazz and gospel.
He is a two-time recipient of the B.B. King Achievement Award.
Another notable on the Chi-Town bill is Louisiana’s Calvin Richardson, a guitarist and singer who is influenced by pop and R&B greats Al Green, Donny Hathaway, Bobby Womack and Marvin Gaye.
“I often tell people I’m a soul singer,” said Richardson, noting his aim is to “feel every word.”
As for new projects, Richardson is eyeing a recording that will boast more of an “acoustic-type” vibe this time around.
“I’m working on a new album; I may be done with it by midsummer,” he said.
Adding female force to the Chi-Town lineup will be Shirley Brown, known for the Grammy-nominated R&B hit “Woman to Woman.”
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.
Chi-Town Blues Festival
Where: Star Plaza Theatre, 8001 Delaware Place, Merrillville
When: 7 p.m. March 5
Tickets: $60.50, $71.50 and $95
Information: 219-769-6311, ext. 5463; starplazatheatre.com