Chicago Blues Festival spotlights Alligator Records
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Alligator Records founder Bruce Iglauer. Photo: Courtesy of Chris Monoghan
As the Chicago Blues Festival returns to Millennium Park this weekend, one of the city's most influential blues institutions is taking center stage.
Why it matters: Alligator Records will celebrate its 55th anniversary Friday night with a mainstage showcase featuring Ronnie Baker Brooks, Lil' Ed Williams & The Blues Imperials, Toronzo Cannon and other Chicago blues stars.
Context: Alligator owner Bruce Iglauer has deep roots in Chicago blues, not just from starting his famed record label in 1971, but also for being at the table when the Blues Festival was created in 1984.
What they're saying: "After Harold Washington was elected mayor, he appointed Lois Weisberg as head of event planning for the city," Iglauer tells Axios. "Within a week or two, Lois and I were seated on the same educational panel ... I went up to her and asked if we were [going] to celebrate Chicago's greatest musical export, and that's when the first Blues Festival was scheduled."
- "I have sat on the talent committee ever since."
Zoom in: Since launching the label more than five decades ago, Iglauer has helped introduce generations of blues artists to wider audiences, recording legends like Lonnie Brooks, Son Seals, Albert Collins, Johnny Winter, Luther Allison and James Cotton, as well as contemporary stars like Shemekia Copeland.
The bottom line: Few people have shaped the Chicago Blues Festival more than Iglauer. This year, the festival is returning the favor.
- "I'm immensely proud of being in on the ground floor of organizing the biggest blues festival in the world."
If you go: The Alligator Records tribute is Friday night at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
- The fest runs Fri.-Sun., noon-9pm at Millennium Park.