The Village of Mount Prospect, along with Blues Bar, is launching the first-ever, once-a-year, nothing-like-it Mount Prospect Blues Festival on Saturday, June 21 from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The “Blues on the Green” concert will be held in conjunction with the Special Events Commission’s Fine Arts Festival along Emerson Street and Busse Avenue. Beyond the music and fine art, the Village is requesting that each person attending donate a can or box of non-perishable food for the Mount Prospect Food Pantry. The poor economy has had a serious effect on area food pantries, including Mount Prospect’s according to the Village’s Human Service Department. (see list for acceptable/unacceptable items). “We wanted the blues fest and fine arts festival to showcase our exciting downtown, but realized that this would also be the perfect venue to help our community by tapping into the generosity of our residents. All we ask for the price of admission is a can or box of food,” said Maura El Metennani, the Village’s Public Information Officer.

Performances will take place in front of the Village Hall located on Emerson Street. Seating will be on the lawn, (the “green”) and is limited to blankets and lawn chairs (attendees are asked to bring their own). Event sponsor, Blues Bar searched for a diverse group of performers that have a large following in the Chicago area. “We are proud to be the first sponsor of this Blues Fest and know that it will grow in stature and popularity within the region,“ said Errol Oztekin, owner of Blues Bar. “This is just the beginning of new era in downtown Mount Prospect and we are glad to be a part of it.”

All favorites on the Chicago club scene, this year’s talented lineup includes:

BTS Express—a favorite in the Chicago clubs
The Chicago Blues Divas featuring Ms. Peaches—winner of the Chicago Blues Diva Award at Kingston Mines;   Shirley Johnson—a veteran Delmark Recording Artist known worldwide on the blues circuit;   Nellie “Tiger” Travis—a major international blues performer with an international current release;
Highly acclaimed blues artist, Cadillac Dave and the Chicago Redhots featuring—Chico Banks;
Magic Slim and the Teardrops—regarded as one of the premier blues talents who throughout the years has inspired the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton.

Sharing the day with “Blues on the Green” is the 4th Annual Fine Arts Festival. This juried exhibition features acrylics, watercolors and mixed medium paintings, sculptures, photography, pottery, graphics, glass, and jewelry. The exhibit runs from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. also along Emerson Street and Busse Avenue.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site. The party continues with a performance by Liz Mandville Greeson at 9:30 p.m. at Blues Bar, 2 West Busse Avenue.

“We hope that this event, along with the other great events that are held downtown such as the Downtown Block Party, Fall Festival, and Farmers’ Market, will continue to draw residents and visitors to our downtown.” said Village Manager Michael Janonis. “The vision for our downtown is that it be a meeting place for neighbors to gather and enjoy their community.”

Downtown Mount Prospect has undergone significant redevelopment over the last several years, and another new development was recently approved by the Village Board for the area known as the small triangle, bounded by Rte. 83, Northwest Highway and Wille Street.

“Blues on the Green” Performance Times
BTS Express 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Chicago Divas Featuring:
   - Ms. Peaches 3:30 – 4:00 p.m.
   - Shirley Johnson 4:00 – 4:30 p.m.
   - Nellie “Tiger” Travis 4:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Cadillac Dave and the Chicago Redhots 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Magic Slim and the Teardrops 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
 

Food Pantry Donation Items

You can also visit the Blues Bar web site for more details.