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Rosa's Blues Jam, Hosted by David Levit Live at Rosa's Lounge!Wednesday 12/17/2025 Door Time 8:00 PM
House Band to perform at 9:15 PM - 10:15 PM
Blues-Jam from 10:30 PM - 12:30 AM
Band to perform at 12:45 AM - 1:00 AM
Buy tickets for the 8:30 PM show. Stay all night!
Admission is $15 in advance, $20 at the door if available.
We are so very happy to have Stefan Hillesheim back in our House band. He is a German Native who moved to Los Angeles, California at age 27 to attend Musicians Institute (GIT) where he was awarded "Most Improved Student" of the Year 2015. Soon after he began to play renowned gospel churches and live music venues around the country. His signature guitar tone and driving rhythm guitar skills make Stefan a high-demand session player.
Stefan has performed and recorded with many notable artists such as: Bobby Kimball (Toto), Ellis Hall (Tower of Power), Brent Carter (Average White Band), Emerson Cardenas (Santana), Frank Nitty (2Pac), James Fortune.
In 2022 Stefan relocated to Chicago in pursuit of his love of the blues. The Chicago blues community welcomed Stefan with open arms - Stefan is best known for his slide guitar playing, soulful vocals and dynamic live performances. Stefan's main musical influences are Elmore James, Howlin' Wolf and Albert King.
We are also thrilled to have our very own Tom Holland, AKA, "The Red Baron" 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 highest in demand Blues artists on the scene today.
Tom played on both of James Cotton’s Grammy Nominated releases, Giant, and Cotton Mouth Man, both on Alligator Records. In 2013 Tom took the band back into the studio, recording No Fluff, Just the Stuff, on his own E Natchel Records imprint, which garnered rave reviews. Tom was also inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame in 2013. With over 24 years of stage experience under his belt, Tom Holland is, without a doubt one of the finest purveyors of classic Chicago Blues guitar styles. More recently he headlined with The Chicago Wind at the Lucerne Blues Festival in Switzerland, Greece and other parts of Europe.
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.
SMOOTH GROOVING JAZZ BEST DESCRIBES MY STYLE BASS GUITARIST - AL SHORTER
He is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter. But considers himself primarily a bassist. Growing up in the Chicago Bronzeville area, he started playing at the age of 6. Influenced by his dad who played the piano and guitar, he started playing the guitar, bongos, drums and my love, the bass. He started his first band at the age of 12 with some neighborhood buddies. Their first song was Herbie Hancock's Chameleon. He has worked with independent producer Willie Keys and accompanied Al Rowe, Jodie Christian, and Gary Davis on bass. He has also played with various bands including B.O.S. and Planet Band.
As his professional career as a bassist has evolved, he has 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 music, his priorities included his spiritual life. In his own words "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 seen with different acts throughout the area including The Glenn Davis Band, Al Spears's Hurricane Project, BB & The Honey, The Zach Avery Band, The Windy City Rev Ups, The New Colony Six, Fifty-One Lincoln, Roger That!, Caesar Salad, Vintage Vinyl, The Danny Baron Band, The Chicago Blues Super Session, and 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.
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.
The House Band this month is:
Tom Holland - Guitar & Vocals
Stefan Hillesheim - Guitar & Vocals
Al Shorter - Bass
David Levit - Drums, Promo, Off-Handed Comments, Life Changing Announcements, Spiffy Fedoras.
Free Admission to all performing musicians. Bring your sticks, axe, vocals, harp, horn...backline provided!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Rosa's Lounge, 3420 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647-3720, United States
Tickets
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