A true dynamic duo, Rockin’ Johnny Burgin and Aki Kumar come ready to play at the weekly Blue Monday jam hosted by our Illinois Central Blues Club. Johnny has graced us before with his peculiarly wonderful, expressionistic way of doing real Chicago blues. Now he brings along his pal Aki Kumar, a West Coast harmonica virtuoso and singer extraordinaire. The blues buddies are doing 17 Midwest shows in 15 days including a Harmonica Tone Workshop on July 20 along with a post-workshop concert at Pioneer Tap & Liquors in Forest Park. Similar to how Rockin’ Johnny was studying at the University of Chicago before being seduced by real live South Side Chicago blues, Aki left his home in Mumbai to work in Silicon Valley until he discovered American blues and made interpreting the iconic music his life’s work. Both artists are steeped in Chicago-style and most other blues traditions, well known for classic and classy playing, and true believers in the heart and soul of performing. Add the bonus of being good friends, and it all sounds good.
Rockin’ Johnny Burgin and Aki Kumar
Monday, July 18, 8pm
The Alamo
This article appears in Jul 14-20, 2016.
