Poets @ The Alley

This past saturday, the Universal Alley Jazz Jam celebrated the poets and storytellers. Of course jazz was at the core of the celebration. Below are a few of creative people in attendance.

Host - Mario/WHPK

Storyteller - Oba William King

Poet - Elder Johnnie Moore

Poet - Kendra Taborn

Poet - Pepi Talbert

Vocalist - Sherry Scott

Musician and Vocalist - Ray Mosley

Musician - Eliel Sherman Story

Musician - Walter Clark

 House Band - Cécile Savage & Komengo

Debra Jackson at Blues Heaven

The storm that was forcast stayed at bay long enough for Blues and Soul Diva, Debra Jackson to get her performance in at Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation. Jackson performed with her backup band "The Fire Starters". The set  included blues classics like  "Rock Me Baby" and soul gems such as "Love and Happiness", were warmly recieved by the audience. Veteran Chicago bluesmen "Little" Al Thomas and Johnny Drummer also came up and sat in with the band. This show was part of the Record Row Concert Series which takes place every Thursday fron 6:00pm until 7:00pm thru August 30th. Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation is located at 2120 S. Michigan Avenue in Chicago.

Universal Alley - Ancestor Tributes

The 2012 Universal Alley Jazz Jam is well under way. The event takes place at 1801 E. 71st on the plaza of Black United Fund Building. Yesterday's show include such artist as Ari Brown, Alexis Bivens, The Chicago Community Ensemble and Che' of Chi.The title of Saturday's celebration was "Ancestor Tributes". Next Saturday's event  is being called "Poets @ the Alley"
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Alexis Bivens

Chicago Community Ensemble

Che' of Chi

Taylor Moore

Sunshine

Tommy McCracken Plays Blues Heaven

Blues legend Tommy McCracken performed Thursday evening at the Willie Dixon Blues Heaven Foundation with his band "Force of Habit". The performace was part of the Record Row Concert Series that takes place at the foundation every Thursday thru August 30th from 6:00pm until 7:00pm. "Blues Diva" Debra Jackson will be next weeks artist. Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation is located at 2120 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago former site of the historic Chess Records Studio.

Blues legend Tommy McCracken

DuSable Museum's 38th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival

Sunday provided better weather for the 38th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival that the sometimes rainy Saturday. Hosted by the DuSable Museum of African, the festival provided everything from painting and sculpture to doll and jewelry making. Shown below are a few of the fine exhibitors.

Quinton Foreman

Keith David Conner

 Tony Wade

Lindsey E. Bates

Sheila McPhan