It was Buddy Guy's “Sweet Home Chicago” reception during the closing night of the Chicago Blues Festival at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park on Sunday night, part of his farewell Damn Right Farewell Tour as the 87-year-old prepares to retire from the road.
Crowds of fans lined up throughout Randolph and Monroe streets and Michigan Avenue to get a spot. The wait was worth it as the guitar legend delivered a piece of music that belied his age, on what the city of Chicago officially declared “Buddy Guy Day.”
It was a standing-room-only crowd — and then some — at Pritzker Pavillion Sunday night as fans filled Millennium Park in anticipation of Buddy Guy's set at the 2024 Chicago Blues Festival.
Anthony Vasquez/Sun-Times
Buddy Guy performs Sunday night at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion to close the Chicago Blues Festival in Millennium Park.
Anthony Vasquez/Sun-Times
The song selections were a mix of covers including Cream's “Sunshine of Your Love,” and original songs like the poignant “Skin Deep,” which kept people smiling — and dancing — throughout the set.
The 75-minute show ended in an all-out jam session with special guests: vocalist Shemekia Copeland as well as guitarists Wayne Baker Brooks, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Billy Branch and Jay's son Greg, with all four guitarists playing Buddy's signature dotted guitar. Honor, allegiance, or respect.
Buddy Guy, 87, says he may be ready to give up going on the road after decades in the music business, but he will keep his South Loop Legends club open.
Anthony Vasquez/Sun-Times
Fans cheer during the 2024 Chicago Blues Festival at Millennium Park on Sunday evening.
Anthony Vasquez/Sun-Times
Blues Festival fans of all ages dance in Millennium Park on Sunday night.
Anthony Vasquez/Sun-Times
The legendary Buddy Guy did not disappoint during his powerful show at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion on the closing night of the 2024 Chicago Blues Festival at Millennium Park on Sunday.
Anthony Vasquez/Sun-Times
