Celebrate Chicago Blues Artists at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts

For Immediate Release

Celebrate Chicago Blues Artists at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts

University Park, IL, February 18, 2016 – Chicago Blues is like no other. Known worldwide for a distinctive sound, Blues is as synonymous for Chicago as pizza or the Magnificent Mile. Now come see why Chicago and Blues are the perfect pairing in a one-night only blues revue at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts, Sweet Home Chicago Blues on March 5, 2016 at 8 p.m. Sweet Home Chicago Blues features three-time Grammy nominee Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues (Billy Branch-harmonica; Sumito Ariyoshi-keyboards; Andrew "Blaze" Thomas-drums; Dan Coscarelly-lead guitar; Marvin Little-bass; horns and singers), and an all-star lineup of local artists. Special Guests Include: Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater, Jimmy Burns, Eddie Shaw (formerly of Howlin' Wolf), Zora Young, Demetria Taylor (daughter of the late Eddie Taylor), Jamiah Rogers and Tail Dragger.

This performance is part of the Center’s “Made in Chicago” Series, and is made possible through the generosity of The Chicago Community Trust. The series brings Chicago-based theatre, dance, and musical ensemble companies to the Southland. Additional support is provided by First Midwest Bank. Made in Chicago Series was designed to support Chicago artists and increase theater participation by first-time attendees, many who live in communities with little or no access to the arts. This is the final performance in the series for the 2015-16 Season.For Tickets and InformationTickets: $38/$28

Online: CenterTickets.net

By Phone: 708.235.2222

Box Office Hours: Monday- Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (open to 6p.m. on Thursdays) & 2 hours prior to all performances

Governors State University is located at 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL. Parking is free. For best GPS directions always use the location search term “Governors State University” only.

About Billy BranchBilly Branch was discovered by Willie Dixon, the "father of modern Chicago Blues," and began touring with the Willie Dixon Chicago All-Stars. Since those early days, Billy has played on over 150 different recordings, including 12 under his own name and recorded with Willie Dixon, Johnny Winter, Lou Rawls, Koko Taylor, Eddy Clearwater, Lonnie Brooks, Ronnie Baker Brooks, just to name a few. He has received three Grammy nominations (losing one nomination to BB King and Eric Clapton), founded the Grammy Blues Committee, won multiple W.C. Handy Awards from the Blues Foundation, an Emmy Award, an Addy Award (this is like an Oscar for TV ads), two Chicago Music Awards, and numerous humanitarian achievement awards. Bill Branch has become the ambassador of the Chicago Blues. His internationally recognized “Blues in Schools Program,” is committed to teaching both young and old about the Blues as the roots of America's music.

“Billy Branch has become a beacon and model for his times, as an artist, and social/cultural activist. Billy Branch is a Bluesman; Billy Branch is the Blues!”

Blues Producer, Chicago Beau

“Billy Branch can effortlessly segue from vintage Little Walter to thoroughly up-to-the-minute funky blues without Dropping a beat ….backed by his skin-tight band, the Sons of Blues.”

Author and music critic, Bill Dahl

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