Chicago Blues Summer Tour
Get ready for genuin Chicago Blues!
The Chicago Blues Summer Tour, inspired by the legendary annual Chicago Blues Festival, will debut its first edition in summer 2025. Following the same principle, this tour will feature an ensemble of renowned musicians from the electric blues capital.
Leading the group for this inaugural edition is Mike Wheeler, one of the pillars of contemporary Chicago blues. Over the past fifteen years, he has established himself as one of the worthy successors to his idol, Buddy Guy, gracing the clubs and festivals of Illinois.
Trained in the best traditions through years of experience as a sideman in various bands, Mike has had the honor of performing alongside many legends such as Son Seals, Koko Taylor, Willie Kent, and, of course, Buddy Guy. After a long stint with Big James and the Chicago Playboys from 1998 to 2010, Mike launched his solo career, leading to his signing with the historic Delmark Records in 2012 and releasing three critically acclaimed albums.
The musicians in his band are all among the most respected on the blues scene in their respective instruments, as evidenced by the "all-star" rhythm section featuring Cleo Cole on drums and Larry Williams on bass. Joining them are two longtime collaborators to complete the group: Omar Coleman on harmonica and Faye "Peaches" Staten on vocals!
Omar takes inspiration from Billy Branch and Junior Wells, while Peaches draws hers from Koko Taylor and Etta James.
All three are seasoned performers who frequently cross paths in Chicago’s club circuit and share the stage regularly. Their chemistry, talent, and on-stage energy promise an outstanding first edition of the Chicago Blues Summer Tour!
CHICAGO BLUES SUMMER TOUR 2025 are:
Mike Wheeler – guitar/vocals
Larry Williams - bass
Cleo Cole - drums
Jesse Lockridge - keyboard
Omar Coleman – harmonica/vocals
Faye "Peaches" Staten - vocals