Jeff & Jill McClusky hanging with people that would never talk to you or I

On the heels of being named “Independent Music Promoter of the Year” by Radio & Records Magazine, Jeff McClusky & Associates, the nation’s only comprehensive entertainment promotion and artist exposure company, is proud to be a vital component of the inaugural Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival (http://www.cbbfestival.com), which takes place November 22nd at Chicago’s historic Congress Theater.

JMA has been instrumental in the success of today’s top musical talent, including Bruce Springsteen, U2, Sheryl Crow and Depeche Mode and offers emerging talent comprehensive exposure to radio, film, television, new media and live audiences.

The company, whose diverse client base includes major and independent record labels, publishing companies and artist management firms, is excited to be working closely with KingTello Presents to bring Midwest music fans a day of great music that benefits a good cause.

Jeff McClusky, the company’s founder and CEO, has a long history of charitable outreach and has worked extensively with Special Olympics and Opportunity International. In 2007 McClusky was honored by the MusiCares Foundation for his support in providing members of the music community access to emergency financial assistance, senior housing and addiction recovery treatment. He is pleased that a portion of each $31 ticket will be donated to the Saving Tiny Hearts Society (www.savingtinyhearts.org), a non-profit organization that raises money for America’s #1 birth defect, congenital heart defects (CHD).

Jeff McClusky & Associates hopes that you will join us in spreading the word about the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival and the Saving Tiny Hearts Society. JMA is committed to answering any of your questions and assisting in gaining access to festival artists, including the David Grisman Quintet, the Avett Brothers, former JMA client Billy Chiders and organizers.

August Forte
Jeff McClusky & Associates
aforte@jmapromo.com
(773) 938-1212

By Josh Downs, downs.josh@gmail.com, cbbfestival.com Senior Correspondent

Mike & Heather: Even closer than your average bandmates

The Chicago Blues and Bluegrass Festival would have never come about if not for Chicago’s own Majors Junction. But more about that later.  When the band precedes David Grisman on the festival’s main stage this November 22nd, the folk/rock act and friends to the Saving Tiny Hearts Foundation will have realized long-deserved career ascension.

The band came onto the scene in 2003 with their debut release “A Desert Oasis”. Locally garnered praise has propelled the group to bigger gigs and a growing fan base, but a resistance to flirt with the sometimes-tacky art of aggressive self-promotion has left them as critical darlings that are pleasantly under-exposed.   Their latest release, “Confluence,” has been receiving rave reviews from the US and abroad, while selling promisingly on iTunes. Providing upbeat rockers and smooth ballads, the album shows off the songwriting and performance abilities that puts this band at the forefront of the Chicago Americana scene.

The husband and wife duo of Mike Mulcahy and Heather O’Brien provide the upfront harmonies that give the band their rich and layered sound. Mulcahy writes the majority of songs for the band and is a graduate of the University of Iowa School of English. Moving from the serious to the satirical he provides a scope for the listener but will not disavow the intelligence of his audience.  Other members of the band include multi-instrumentalist Michael Scott Duplessis whose tasteful playing transcends the guitar, piano and bass, lead guitarist Matt Gandurski, and Colin Williams, who drives the beats on the drums and other percussive instruments.  Colin also co-produced “Confluence” with Mulcahy and has been with the band since its conception back in 2002.

Beyond the core of Majors Junction there is a family of musicians throughout Chicago that joins the band regularly to satiate any Americana palate. Upright bass player Roger Sherman, pedal steel ace Brian Wilkie, fiddle player Allie Kral and slide guitar player John Hasbrouck are just a few of the musicians that join the band live and in-studio.

Majors Junction’s relationship with the Saving Tiny Hearts Foundation began when Brian Mazzei, an ex-bandmate of Mulcahy’s at Iowa, had a son named Trevor who was born with a congenital heart disorder (CHD).  Trevor had successful surgery and is now a healthy and happy boy.  Pledging to help families in a similar predicament, Brian & Tracy Mazzei offered their support and passion to growing the Chicago-based Saving Tiny Hearts Society.

With a host of fundraising events under their belt, Mazzei decided to draw on his lifelong passion for live music and throw a truly foot-stomping affair.  His old college buddy and his band of Americana barn burners were quick to lend a hand.      After Majors Junction headlined Saving Tiny Heart’s first benefit concert this past April at the Sundance Saloon in Waukegan, IL, raising an unprecedented amount of funds for CHD research, they realized live music was the ticket to bringing their cause to the national stage.  Cue David Grisman and the Avett Brothers.  Cue Majors Junction on the National Stage.  Cue another foot-stomping celebration this fall.

About the Festival:

On November 22nd, 2008, the Congress Theater will host the inaugural Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival (cbbfestival.com). While rooted in the foot-stomping influences of bluegrass and blues, the festival will transport the concertgoer through the genre-defying evolution of music today.  The one-day event, with music from noon ‘til midnight, will serve as a tribute to two schools of music that continue to shape and inspire contemporary rock, jamband, funk, folk, roots, Americana, and indie cultures, while allowing festivalgoers to save a heart.  A portion of each $31 ticket will be donated to the Saving tiny Hearts Society (www.savingtinyhearts.org), an non-profit organization that raises money for America’s #1 birth defect, congenital heart defects (CHD).

HA HA TONKA LEAVES THE ALTAR AND BRINGS THEIR SULTRY SERMON TO THE SECOND CITY

by Mike Mering, Senior cbbfestival.com Correspondent, mikemering@gmail.com

When your backyard is nestled in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, you are officially in the Bible Belt. When you assemble a band there to record an album inside an old church, what would you imagine to be the end result?

If you guessed a collection of anthems fit for a Sarah Palin rally you are not only wrong, but also perhaps a little cynical this election year.

I’m actually referring to Ha Ha Tonka’s inspired debut album, Buckle in the Bible Belt, which is indeed a product of the band’s Missouri roots. However, the fellas from Springfield have crafted an assortment of thoughtful, often moody rockers which rail against blind flag-waving, the crippled state of health care, and the plague of methamphetamine in rural areas.

Their self-described “foot stompin’ indie rock” can be witnessed at this fall’s Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival, where they share the main stage with The Avett Brothers, The David Grisman Quintet, Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials, Majors Junction, Billy Childers, and Dollar Store.

In the meantime, salvation is just a click of the mouse away; Ha Ha Tonka’s video for St. Nick makes for worthy youtube viewing whenever you’re feeling like procrastinating at work

St. Nick’s haunting daydream begins, fittingly, in a churchyard. The four band members set the stage by chanting in unison before levying a dose of driving rock to usher in nightfall. As the bonfire rages, so does the party.  The band’s harrowing chants on St. Nick make it known that it’s time to “get one thing straight from the get-go: this glimpse of brilliance is better than a long look at mediocrity.”

For a live and up-close glimpse of this brilliance strap on your boots and stomp over to the Congress Theater on 11/22.

AMEN.

Chicago, IL – September 24, 2008.  It wasn’t supposed to be like this. The holiday season Brian and Tracy Mazzei had envisioned for 2005 didn’t take place in a hospital. Yet here they were, with their infant son Trevor about to undergo heart surgery.

Tracy had initially taken Trevor for a routine examination when he was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect known as Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR), a condition that prevents the body from receiving proper blood circulation.

“I was in total disbelief,” Tracy admits. Trevor would be spending his first Christmas in a hospital bed.

The saving grace for the Mazzei family resided in the capabilities of modern medicine. TAPVR is a treatable condition.

Under the expert care of the Children’s Memorial Hospital staff, and with his family close by, Trevor endured a successful surgery.

Nearly three years later, Trevor is a happy and healthy toddler. The story doesn’t end here, however.

The Mazzeis have become dedicated members of the Saving tiny Hearts Foundation (www.savingtinyhearts.org), a volunteer organization that raises funds for congenital heart defect research.

This fall, funds will be generated for the foundation via the Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival (www.cbbfestival.com). The idea for the fest hatched out of Brian’s love of music.

To help get the wheels rolling, Brian called upon Mike Mulcahy, an old friend and former college band mate, and local producer Mike Raspatello.  After one conference call and a couple of beers, the idea for Chicago’s largest independent music event was hatched, and within weeks the Congress Theater was on board to make it a reality.

Mulcahy’s current band, Majors Junction, is one of 16 groups on the bill, excited to join the Avett Brothers, David Grisman, Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials, Ha Ha Tonka, Dollar Store, and Billy Childers on the historic Main Stage.

And in the end, a portion of each ticket will be donated to the Saving tiny Hearts Foundation, in addition to awareness-building activities that will go on throughout the event.

Meanwhile, the Mazzeis still marvel at their son’s courage and the delicate care bestowed upon him.

“It is my hope that all children with congenital heart defects will be able to obtain the same quality of care,” Tracy explains. “With continued research, no parent will have to hear that their child’s heart defect is not fixable.”

On November 22nd, 2008, the Congress Theater will host the inaugural Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival (cbbfestival.com). While rooted in the foot-stomping influences of bluegrass and blues, the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival will transport the concertgoer through the genre-defying evolution of music today.  The one-day event will serve as a tribute to two schools of music that continue to shape and inspire contemporary rock, jamband, funk, folk, roots, Americana, and indie cultures, while allowing festivalgoers to save a heart.  A portion of each $31 ticket will be donated to the Saving tiny Hearts Society (www.savingtinyhearts.org), an non-profit organization that raises money for America’s #1 birth defect, congenital heart defects (CHD).

HOMETOWN WINNER WILL PERFORM ALONGSIDE NATIONAL HEADLINERS AT THE CONGRESS THEATER’S INAUGURAL CHICAGO BLUEGRASS & BLUES FESTIVAL

The Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival, a one-day music fest to be held this November at the legendary Congress Theater, is bringing the Battle of the Banjos to the Windy City. Organizers today announce the kickoff of “LAST BANJO STANDING,” an online contest that will scour

Chicagoland to find the top bluegrass or blues inspired artist.

The winner, as voted on by fans, family, friends and music lovers around the city, will join a slew of national headliners including the legendary David Grisman Quintet, and the chart-blazing Avett Brothers, on stage this fall. 16 bands for a mere $31 bucks just got a whole lot sweeter, as one local band will get the chance to bring down the house, alongside:

The Avett Brothers, The David Grisman Quintet, Ha Ha Tonka, Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials, Majors Junction, Billy Childers, Dollar Store, Blackdog, Blue Mother Tupelo, How Far to Austin, Mike Mangione, Cobalt & the Hired Guns, The Lindsay O’Brien Band, Jessica Lee, and Blue Room Hero

How Bands/Artists can enter:
Starting September 15th, until October 1st, bands can fill out an entry form and upload two of their original tracks to www.cbbfestival.com. Keep in mind that artists do not have to be of the traditional bluegrass and blues persuasions to be considered.

Winner will be announced:
On October 16th, the votes will be tallied and Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival organizers will choose the winning artist amongst the top 5 vote-getters. The winner will be announced at 12:00 a.m. on October 17th, at www.cbbfestival.com.

Online Voting:
The online voting period begins on October 2ndth, and concludes on October 16th, 2008. Each e-mail address will be allotted one vote per day, and as is the tradition in Chicago, encourage your supporters to vote early and often!

“As we kick off the inaugural Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival, we launched the Last Banjo Standing contest to give every musician a shot at taking the stage. Chicago boasts an un-elitist reputation for recognizing good music, and we’re excited to give an up-and-coming, still-to-be-discovered musician the exposure they need to break through to the next level,” said Michael Raspatello, founder/organizer of the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival.

And although the festival will get to break a band, festivalgoers will get to save a heart. A portion of each $31 ticket will be donated to the Saving Tiny Hearts Society (www.savingtinyhearts.org), a non-profit organization that raises money for grossly under-funded, crucial, life-saving research of congenital heart defects (CHD), America’s #1 birth defect. Nearly one of every 125 babies born in America each year is affected by a Congenital Heart Defect.

By Josh Downs, cbbfestival.com Senior Correspondent

Chicago, IL – September 15, 2008 – My foray into the blues stylings of Lil’ Ed began in the parking lot before the show. Standing in line to pay for parking, what can only be described as an oversized hobbit in a white sequined fez ambled up behind me, opened up a hatch full of pearly whites, and offered me a friendly head nod. I hesitated for a moment, trying to convince myself that I was not about to be knifed in a Calcutta Bazaar, and somewhat nervously returned the nod. I said to myself, “This is definitely something different”, words that would prove to be quite prophetic.

Though I wasn’t able to put two and two together in the parking lot, realization quickly came to me when I saw the funky hobbit tuning up with his band, the Blues Imperials. His bandmates, the house-sized Pookie Young on bass and the tall and lanky Mike Garrett on rhythm guitar, only emphasize Lil’ Ed’s diminutive stature. Once the music started, however, Ed quickly became the largest presence in the room.

Lil’ Ed boasts a screaming guitar that sets the tone for the band’s frenetic, house-shaking tunes. His gravelly voice, though a bit indecipherable at times, complements the howling tone of the rest of the music. The Blues Imperials form a taut, cohesive unit, with a standout effort from Young, a gigantic dude who looks the part of an earth-shaking bassist and follows through on his appearance.

The unbridled enthusiasm he displayed onstage was infectious. The mostly arrhythmic Caucasian crowd (including yours truly) clapped dutifully along with Ed, even long after he had broken into a nasty solo. Those of us in the packed house who weren’t able to find a seat swayed in place between trips to the bar. At one point, Lil’ Ed strolled into the crowd, a fairly standard move for all but the creakiest boned blues musicians at Legend’s, but with the duckwalking flair that Ed showed for it, you could tell that he would have jumped into the audience if he were playing at Ravinia with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Lil’ Ed’s outstanding blues repertoire, coupled with his unmatched showmanship, make him a must see at November’s Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival. Just be prepared for something different than your typical blues show.

By Amy Schwartz, cbbfestival.com Senior Correspondent,

The Chicago Blue Grass & Blues Festival’s Pavilion Stage, to be placed atop the Congress Theater’s epic grand staircase, shouldn’t be overlooked this coming November at the fest’s inaugural gathering. Showcasing an eclectic mix of unique and newsworthy up-and-comers, the Pavilion Stage eight will host artists from around the corner and around the country, adding Nashville, Colorado, and Cleveland staples to a roster of Chicago’s local crowd pleasers.

Blackdog, sounding like something old made new, stays true to the roots of rock with an upbeat blues sound full of riffs that make you feel like a badass if you happen to be enjoying them while walking down the street. They are the type of band that rockers of many different colors can agree on.

Blue Mother Tupelo has a soulful richness that sometimes sounds as if literally created atop an Appalachian foothill or knee-deep in a bayou. This duo proclaims itself to be “swampadelic.” Micol Davis belts and soothes as she sings soft-yet-soulful and energetic ballads. Ricky Davis brings a southern twist to the vocals as the couple sings both together and apart on their tracks.

How Far to Austin is a Chicago-based rock band with a bright future. Poised to soon work with famed Elton John, Led Zeppelin and George Harrison producer Stuart Epps, HFTA boast the unique combination of Derrick Mitchell and Katie Troelstrup on vocals. Separating them even further from the typical rock act, Nick Ranucci’s injects an edgier incarnation of another Epps project; Fleetwood Mac.

Jessica Lee is an R&B entrepreneur with a taste for sultry jazz , gospel, and a hint of soul. Her passion for live music shows with every note she belts.

Mike Mangione is a Chicago-based folk rock band with strong ties to Milwaukee. They’ll calm your nerves with its uplifting and smooth sound made whole by the gracious flow of the cello, violin, vocals and guitars.

The Lindsey O’Brien Band & Friends returns to Chicago via Colorado, with a sound that’s frankly too hard to characterize. From a rich musical Chicago family, count on host of siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, and friends to join Lindsey on stage.

Cobalt & the Hired Guns is a young band with a folk-punk sound and a strong dose of energy. They mix it up as they remind us that the piano always has a place in rock ‘n’ roll, and never forget to add some horns as they sing about their hometown of Chicago. Lately, their carbon-neutral record production has brought this group of good people some added momentum.

Blackdog: Fans of Zeppelin? Probably.

Blue Room Hero is a former Madison band that carried their crowd with them to Chicago after college. They’ve built up a fanbase of folks that know their lyrics and remember them when, but never discourage a newcomer from joining the circus that is their live sets.

Check out each of these acts at their individual artist pages at cbbfestival.com.

Pavilion Stage Lineup:

Noon – 12:45 – Blue Room Hero
1 – 1:45 – Cobalt & the Hired Guns
2 – 2:45 – Lindsey OʼBrien Band & Friends
3- 3:45 – Mike Mangione
4 – 4:45 – Jessica Lee
5-5:45 – How Far to Austin
6 – 6:45 – Blue Mother Tupelo
7 – 7:45 – Blackdog

In 1983, it was difficult for Chris Bauman to understand why his baby brother Carsten was “sick and not going to wake up”. At only two years old, “Cardiomyopathy” didn’t make much sense to Bauman, who was only been able to spend nine short months with his baby brother.

The death of Carsten created a permanent void in the Bauman household, a void that remains this day. “I still remember as a kid, we as a family would set and keep a spot at our

Joshua Bennett Paul; The Saving Tiny Heart's Society's First Member

dinner table for Carsten. We kids would insist upon it,” comments Bauman. “His loss is something that still effects us on a daily basis.”

Thanks to the organizations like the Saving Tiny Hearts Society that aim to eradicate congenital heart defects (CHD) like cardiomyopathy, fewer families are currently forced to experience such a tragedy. Since 1993, death rates for congenital heart defects have decreased by over 35% due to advances made through research, according to the American Heart Association. The progress is encouraging, but Bauman isn’t satisfied.

“It is unbelievable how much has been accomplished due to the valiant efforts of organizations like the Saving Tiny Hearts Society, but there are still families hurting, and much more work to be done.”

It’s this passion, coupled with a string of extraordinary events that has empowered Bauman’s “Music 2.0” company, FanFound, to help make a difference.

Since the event’s conceptualization last March, Chicago-based FanFound has acted as both a sponsor and organizer of the upcoming festival

“Newgrass” legend and longtime Jerry Garcia collaborator David Grisman and his David Grisman Quintet will be sharing the headlining duties with surging festival sensations The Avett Brothers and their massive following of rowdy devotees. The Avett Brothers have recently teamed up with legendary producer Rick Rubin, and signed with American/Columbia Records, home of Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, and The Black Crowes.

Throughout, FanFound has dedicated its resources and manpower to help ensure the budding festival’s long-term success. “The grouping of these artists has been long-awaited amongst the roots music community, and it’s almost surreal that they’re finally coming together for a cause that is so near and dear to my heart,” expresses Bauman.

“This is a killer event, at a killer price. There couldn’t be a better place to spend $31 dollars around the Thanksgiving holiday.” Bauman continues, “We are hopeful the Chicago community will rally around this event, helping aid in this unbelievably important, under-funded, and life-saving cause. My dream is that less and less families this year will have to go through the pain of losing a brother, sister, son or daughter as a result of our efforts ”

About FanFound (savingtinyhearts.org):

Since it’s conception in 2006, FanFound has made significant strides guiding the music industry into a new era of online social networking, ad-supported content distribution, and fan-designed live music events. “Saving Music, One Fan At A Time”, FanFound aims to help fans, artists, and venues collaborate to shape their respective musical communities.

Located in downtown Chicago, FanFound continues to develop a suite of services that will pave the way to an integrated “Music 2.0” industry. Sign up on (www.fanfound.com) to stay informed and learn more.

About the Saving Tiny Hearts Society (savingtinyhearts.org):

The Saving tiny Hearts Society’s mission is to raise money for grossly under-funded, crucial, life-saving research of congenital heart defects (CHD), America’s #1 birth defect. Nearly 1 of every 125 babies born in America each year is affected by a Congenital Heart Defect…

The Saving tiny Hearts Society is the only organization in the country that was formed for the sole purpose of raising funds for congenital heart defect research with 100% of general donations going directly to funding this research. There are no paid employees and we are run entirely by dedicated volunteers. Furthermore, the organization’s overhead costs are fully funded by our Board of Directors and directed donations.

The Saving tiny Hearts Society has 501(c)(3) tax exempt status and a contribution to the organization may be deductible as a charitable contribution.

Fanfound Press Contact: Chris Bauman
Phone: 866 – MUSIC-RX
Email: Chris@fanfound.com

by Mike Mering, cbbfestival.com Senior Correspondent, mikemering@gmail.com

It’s almost a given that the assortment of music at the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival

Biscuits & Gravy = Bloodshot & Alligator

will go together like biscuits and gravy this November 22nd.

“The variety of bluegrass, blues, roots rock, and indie acts we put together for the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Fest makes sense for me as a fan and a Chicagoan. I’ve met very few folks here that aren’t looking for some range when they go out to catch a show, ” says Mike Raspatello, the festival’s founder and organizer.

When you add two Chicago-based record industry powerhouses, pivotal in cooking up the very cultures that embody the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Fest, it seems like a classic recipe.

Blues label Alligator Records and roots-rock label Bloodshot Records are sharing a bill for the first time this fall at the Congress Theater, teaming up to bring some homegrown legitimacy to the young festival.

“Surprisingly,” admits Raspatello, “it’s rare to find a one-day festival with this much to offer by way of variety and Chicago flavor. Nevertheless, without the scene’s more influential Blues and Roots music labels on board it just wouldn’t have been kosher in my book.”

Bloodshot will be adding Lollapalooza standouts Ha Ha Tonka and Waco Brothers offshoot Dollar Store to a stacked bill co-headlined by The David Grisman Quintet and The Avett Brothers. Alligator will throw Lil’ Ed and his fez-covered head into the mix to make sure classic Chicago Blues are represented on festival’s main stage.

Heather West, co-owner of Bloodshot Records since its inception in 1994, admits that this truly independent festival immediately intrigued her.

“Chicago has the best indie music scene of any city in the world,” she says. “A festival like Chicago Bluegrass & Blues, and a label like Bloodshot, can thrive here.”

The seeds were sown for collaboration between the record labels when an executive from Bloodshot advised the festival producers to contact Tim Kolleth, her contemporary at Alligator. Since 1971, Alligator has released more than 250 blues and blues/rock albums.

“We suggested Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials to play the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival,” says Tim Kolleth, Director of Radio Promotion at Alligator. “In my opinion, they are one of the greatest live bands in the city.”

Aside from creating what Tim predicts to be, “a fun and unique live experience at a legendary venue,” both labels are in it for charity. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to the Saving Tiny Hearts Society.

INDEPENDENT PRODUCERS DEFY GENRES AND STRIKE A CHORD FOR CHARITY WITH THE INAUGRAL CHICAGO BLUEGRASS & BLUES FESTIVAL

Chicago, IL – September 8, 2008. The Congress Theater, in conjunction with newly-formed KingTello Presents, is proud to announce the inaugural Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival (cbbfestival.com). While rooted in the foot-stomping influences of bluegrass and blues, the Festival will transport the concertgoer through the genre-defying evolution of music today. The one-day event, which will run from noon until midnight on November 22nd, will serve as a tribute to two schools of music that continue to shape and inspire contemporary rock, jamband, funk, folk, roots, Americana, and indie cultures.

Against the backdrop of an official Chicago landmark and one of the last of the classic “movie palaces,” fans will be treated to a party with a purpose, featuring 2 stages and 16 bands for less than the typical price of the headliners alone. “Newgrass” legend and longtime Jerry Garcia collaborator David Grisman and his David Grisman Quintet will be sharing the headlining duties with surging festival sensations The Avett Brothers and their massive following of rowdy devotees. The Avett Brothers have recently teamed up with legendary producer Rick Rubin, and signed with American/Columbia Records, home of Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, and The Black Crowes.

Tickets for the festival go on sale on at an early-bird price of $31 this week through the event’s website (cbbfestival.com), ticketmaster.com, and frontgatetickets.com.

The Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Fest will offer a musical reprieve from the merciless Chicago Winter by adapting elements of a summer music festival to the historic and intimate indoor setting. The Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Fest stands alone as the only music festival experience offered during the otherwise depressing Chicago winter. In addition to 12 hours of 2 stages worth of nonstop music, the day’s activities will also include Chicago’s largest live-art exhibition and indoor gallery, charitable raffles, an improv comedy showcase, and one of the Midwest’s leading alternative DJs.

Garcia & Grisman: Grateful Dawg

The main stage will feature the co-headliners, as well as festival favorites Ha Ha Tonka, Chicago Blues giant Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials, Chicago alt-country mainstays Dollar Store and Majors Junction, and country’s Next Big Star Competition winner Billy Childers. The participation of artists from both Alligator Records and Bloodshot Records marks a rare collaboration between two independent Chicago labels universally considered leaders in their respective genres.

The opening spot on the main stage will feature the winner of “LAST BANJO STANDING,” an online contest that will scour Chicagoland to find the top bluegrass/blues artist.

The Pavilion Stage will feature some of the best musicians from the local Chicago music scene, as well as Nashville bluegrass veterans including Blue Mother Tupelo, Blackdog, How Far to Austin, Mike Mangione, Cobalt & the Hired Guns, Lindsey O’Brien & Friends, Jessica Lee, and Blue Room Hero

And while the festival will serve to break a band or two, festivalgoers will get to save a heart. A portion of each $31 ticket will be donated to the Saving tiny Hearts Society (www.savingtinyhearts.org), a non-profit organization that raises money for grossly under-funded, crucial, life-saving research of congenital heart defects (CHD), America’s #1 birth defect. Nearly one of every 125 babies born in America each year is affected by a Congenital Heart Defect.