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The Rosa's Lounge Pro Blues Jam continues on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Backline supplied. Bring your axe, sticks, and best Blues tunes to jam with your combo!
Wednesday 02/19/2025 Door Time 8:00 PM
House Band to perform at 9:00 PM
Blues-Jam from 10 PM - 12 AM
House Band to perform at 12:15 AM - 12:30 AM
Admission is $15 in advance, $20 at the door if available.
Free Admission to all performing musicians. Bring your instruments, Backline provided.
Since its establishment in 1984, Rosa's Blues-Jam has been a stage for iconic blues personalities such as Chico Chism, Buddy Scott, Valerie Wellington, James Wheeler, Melvin Taylor, Sugar Blue, Lil Ed, Willie Buck, Mary Lane, and many others. The Blues-Jam has always attracted seasoned, world-known recording artists as well as novices with a strong will to learn and network with other musicians. Our focus is on creating the best possible music. What sets Rosa's Blues-Jam apart is its commitment to providing direction and suggestions based on classic Blues songs, paying respect to the original black creators of the Blues. Musicians are welcomed to bring their instruments and immerse themselves in the blues, getting acquainted with the environment and with the intention of creating an unforgettable musical experience.
Our House Band Musical Director is the one and only Tom Holland, AKA, "The Red Baron" is back with us. Tom is well known for fronting his own band, Tom Holland and The Shuffle Kings. Years on the road with Blues legends such as John Primer (Muddy Waters last guitar player), Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater, and most recently, James Cotton, have made Tom Holland one of the most in-demand Blues artists on the scene today.
Our featured performer this month is international Blues star, Lil’ Ed! Let’s start out by offering congratulation on being inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis. Born in Chicago on April 8, 1955 in the heart of Chicago’s tough West Side, Ed grew up surrounded by music. He first played guitar, then drums and bass by the time he was twelve. Ed and Pookie (Ed’s half-brother) received lessons and support from their famous uncle, J.B. Hutto. “J.B. taught me everything I know,” says Ed. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.” Ed and Pookie spent their teen years making music together, and in 1975 formed the first incarnation of The Blues Imperials.
Lil’ Ed Williams came to the Blues naturally. His uncle, Chicago slide guitar king and master songwriter, J.B. Hutto, taught him how to feel, not just play the Blues. Nine albums and thousands of performances later, Lil’ Ed is now universally hailed as a giant of the genre. Lil' Ed and The Blues Imperials bassist, James “Pookie” Young, guitarist Mike Garrett, and drummer Kelly Littleton have remained together for nearly 30 years (an extraordinary feat for any group), fueling Ed’s songs with their rock-solid, road-tested, telepathic musicianship. They tour the country, continent, and the entire world. Please check them out at: https://www.liledblues.com and you can catch him right here at Rosa's with the Rosa's All-Stars every Thursday!
Al Shorter comes from a bass playing lineage that is deep in the pocket of the Blues. He describes his styles and influences in the description of his 2009 Solo CD release.
In his own words "SMOOTH GROOVING JAZZ BEST DESCRIBES MY STYLE BASS GUITARIST - AL SHORTER I am a multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter. But I consider myself primarily a bassist. Growing up in the Chicago Bronzeville area, I started playing at the age of 6. Influenced by my dad who played the piano and guitar, I started playing the guitar, bongos, drums and my love, the bass. I started my first band at the age of 12 with some neighborhood buddies. Our first song was Herbie Hancock's Chameleon. I have worked with independent producer Willie Keys and accompanied Al Rowe, Jodie Christian, and Gary Davis on bass. I have played with various bands including B.O.S. and Planet Band. As my professional career as a bassist has evolved, I have been strongly influenced by the jazz greats such as Miles Davis, Stanley Clark, Alphonso Johnson, Bunny Brunel, Jaco Postorius, Marcus Miller and The Yellow Jackets, just to name a few.
While pursuing my music, my priorities included my spiritual life. The love of music helped me realize my talent is a direct reflection of the God who gave it to me. And for that I praise him daily. Alongside me is my beautiful, loving, spiritual wife, Elaine. We have a married daughter Shanda and 2 absolutely beautiful grandchildren. While keeping all things in perspective, I consider what most may call tribulations in the flesh, as a blessing from God."
Drummer Dave Levit is currently holding down the drum throne for The Zach Avery Band, The Windy City Rev Ups, and occasionally subbing in The Glenn Davis Band, BB & The Honey, The New Colony Six, Fifty-One Lincoln, Roger That!, Caesar Salad, Vintage Vinyl, The Danny Baron Band, The Chicago Blues Super Session, and many more. Some of the past artists you may have seen him with are: Sammy Fender, Ivy Ford, JB Ritchie, Darren Jay and the Delta Souls, Allister Perea, and The Mustangs. He is also an instructor offering lessons to select students as well. Some exciting new projects are always in the works. You will certainly hear about them as they break out.
This is another dynamite formation of David Levit's Million Dollar Blues Band! This remains the best Blues Jam you could ever dream of.
Keep your eyes on these events as we have a lineup of special guests in the coming months that will make your head spin. Want to know more? Ask Dave at the jam
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Rosa's Lounge, 3420 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647-3720, United States,Chicago, Illinois
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