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Rhymefest, Rhiannon Giddens, Gary Clark Jr. slated for Blues Fest

By  Miriam Di Nunzio
   
SHARE Rhymefest, Rhiannon Giddens, Gary Clark Jr. slated for Blues Fest
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Hip-hop artist, songwriter and activist Che “Rhymefest” Smith, pictured in 2016 in Beverly Hills, Calif. | Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

The 34th annual Chicago Blues Festival will feature an exciting and eclectic lineup of headliners. And it also moves to a new location.

Slated for June 9-11 at Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph), this year’s festival is celebrating the influence of urban blues on rock, R&B, hip-hop and rap.

“We are excited to move the Chicago Blues Festival to Millennium Park where fans will be able to enjoy the finest blues performances in a setting that will only heighten the event’s reputation as the world’s preeminent free blues festival,” said Mark Kelly, Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, in today’s announcement.

The Pritzker Pavilion headliners include:

JUNE 9

Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues

Che “Rhymefest” Smith

JUNE 10

William Bell

JUNE 11

Gary Clark Jr.

Rhiannon Giddens

Ronnie Baker Brooks

More headliners, opening acts and the full lineup of artists will be announced at a later date.

An official preview of the fest will take place at noon June 5 at Daley Plaza.

More information is available at chicagobluesfestival.us.

Rhiannon Giddens of the Carolina Chocolate Drops is sheduled to perform at the 2017 Chicago Blues Festival. | RICK DIAMOND/GETTY IMAGES

Rhiannon Giddens of the Carolina Chocolate Drops is sheduled to perform at the 2017 Chicago Blues Festival. | RICK DIAMOND/GETTY IMAGES

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