Chicago Blues Fest 2011

June 10-12, 2011

In 2011, the festival celebrated the 40th Anniversary of Alligator Records. Artists included Holle Thee Maxwell, Nora Jean Bruso, Eddie Cotton, David “Honeyboy” Edwards, Rick Sherry, Rocky Lawrence, Hubert Sumlin and Duwayne Burnside, Jarekus Singleton, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Nellie “Tiger” Travis, Mud Morganfield Band and Shemekia Copeland. The Alligator celebration included:
Lonnie Brooks with guests Michael “Iron Man” Burks, Rick Estrin, Ann Rabson and Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater. In a ceremony before the performance, Shemika Copeland was designated the “New Queen of the Blues” by Koko Taylor’s  family.