Buddy Guy tribute tops celebration of Illinois music and culture

Chicago's jam-packed festival summer got a new contender with the program announcement for the Great Performers of Illinois festival, July 18–20 in the city's Millennium Park. The celebration of Illinois culture and history has music on multiple stages, including a great opening night featuring Latin country music originating in Durango, Mexico, and thriving in cities like Aurora and Joliet.

But the big festival highlight is a special tribute concert to Chicago blues great Buddy Guy, free to the public, 8 p.m. July 20 on the Great Lawn at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Grammy-winning guitarist Jimmie Vaughan will headline with his Tilt A Whirl Band, along with vocalist Lou Ann Barton and other special guests to be announced. Guy will be presented with the first Great Performer of Illinois award.

"[Guy] is a blues giant who has had a world-wide impact on music and culture and brought international attention to Chicago as the home of the blues,” said Lois Weisberg, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, which is hosting the festival.