Buddy Guy at Legends in Chicago, IL

Buddy Guy and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram perform at the first of two sold-out shows at the Blues legend’s own club during his annual January residency.

2019 was a crazy year forChristone “Kingfish” Ingram. At just 20 years old, he released his debut album, was GRAMMY-nominated in the “Best Traditional Blues Album” category and is now nominated for five BMA Awards. To round out what can only be described as a fantastic year for the young musician, he opened for Buddy Guy for two sold-out shows at Legends during his January residency. Can you imagine just coming up to your 21st birthday and achieving even just part of what Kingfish has? 

Hailing from Clarksdale, MS, it would have been impossible for him not to be influenced by the Blues. This guy has taken it to a whole new level and the Blues clearly run through his veins. He produces music and a mature sound and stage presence that you would expect from someone easily twice his age. There was a lot of excitement around this show, and it is clear to see why. It was an impressive performance, and if the show had ended there, the audience would very likely have gone home pretty happy. 

For him to have achieved so much in such little time, we are excited to see what lies ahead for Kingfish.

To say people are eager to attend a show at Legends during Buddy Guy‘s January residency is an understatement. Even in the depths of a Chicago winter, they line up from 6am, waiting for the moment the doors to open at 12 noon so they can rush in and grab a spot in the limited seating, trying to get as close as they can to the modest stage (just to put this into context, the main man doesn’t start his set until 10.30pm). But who can blame them? It’s not every day you get the chance to see Buddy Guy! 

The term “legend” is often thrown around all too easy, but never is it more of an apt description than when discussing Buddy Guy. At 83 years old, he is still going strong and showing absolutely no sign of slowing down. Every January, he performs Thursday-Sunday, playing each show as if it was a one-off. He certainly knows how to entertain, and you’re guaranteed to leave having seen him give 100% to his performance! 

January is not an easy month to deal with at the best of times, but when you add to that having to contend with a Chicago winter, it’s a whole new level of hell. This annual residency yet again made us forget about the brutal storm that was brewing outside, and that’s no mean feat. 

Throughout the night, Buddy wore a smile across his face, a sentiment that was clearly reciprocated by the sold-out crowd. If you’re in the Chicago area, and you still haven’t attended one of these shows, get your tickets now! Often, there will be a special guest who will join Buddy on stage, and you never know who it might be.  Last year, we were lucky enough to catch Joss Stone. David Bowie’s guitarist, Earl Slick, has also graced the stage on more than one occasion. But let’s face it, you’re there to see the man himself, and that is a pleasure that we can never take from granted.

If you’ve put off getting tickets for this residency, stop sitting around and get them today! This is a show you do not want to miss. 

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About Kirstine Walton 394 Articles
Kirstine moved from the UK to Chicago in 2011, and has fallen in love with the city and its music scene. She enjoys combining her two biggest passions – music and photography. If there is a band with a guitar playing, chances are she’ll be there…camera in hand. Kirstine went to her first live concert at 7 years old, and hasn’t looked back since!