Isaac “Ike” Carothers, former 29th ward alderman, and the current alderman Chris Taliaferro, are throwing a party open to everyone Thursday Sept. 1, 6 to 10 p.m. at the Columbus Park Refectory at Jackson and Central Av.. It’s the second annual 29th Ward Blues Fest, featuring two seasoned bluesmen—Larry Taylor from the West Side and Killer Ray Allison from the South Side.
Both bluesmen started as drummers in the late 1970s-early 1980s, and during the 1990s could be seen drumming for Junior Wells and Buddy Guy. Killer now plays guitar and leads his own band, holding down the fort each Sunday night at the Good Times Lounge. Larry Taylor leads his band as a singer with a repertoire reaching from Howlin’ Wolf to Little Milton, Bobby Blue Bland, Bobby Womack and James Brown. He can be found most Thursdays (except this one) at the Water Hole lounge at 14th and Western.
Thursday evening’s fest in Columbus Park is free to all ages, all neighborhoods. Refreshments will be for sale at Tee’s Snack Shop.
After the fest, for those craving even more blues, Killer Ray and guests will be performing at the Water Hole at 14th and Western, which is Larry Taylor’s usual weekly spot with singer Della Greer and Joe B’s Shotgun Blues Band.
The event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/173528483076138/
