In conjunction with the Chatham Jaycees, the Illinois Central Blues Club has announced the line-up of talent for the Chatham Sweet Corn Festival’s “Afternoon of Sweet Corn Blues”, Saturday, July 16, 2011 from noon til 5:00pm at the Chatham Community Park.
Taking the stage at noon will be Robert Sampson, the winner of the ICBC’s 2007 solo/duo Blues Challenge and as a band member of Pleasure Chest, the 2008’s ICBC Blues Challenge band winners. Representing the ICBC February 2008 at the 24th Annual Blues Foundation International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Robert was a finalist among 99 bands and 60 solo/duo acts competing in 16 clubs from 6 continents, 10 countries, and 36 states. His high-energy blues entertained and delighted the Memphis audiences and continues to entertain his Illinois audiences.
Taking the stage at 1:50pm will be the Jeff Chapman Blues Band. Jeff Chapman, a South Central Illinois vocalist/guitarist/songwriter has been performing live since 1977. More recently the ‘Jeff Chapman Blues Band' continues to please audiences with their regional shows building a growing fan base. Over the last 5 + years he has been writing & performing his own music, which lead to his first solo release, Jeff Chapman - Big Jeff's Blues Vol.1 (Feb. 2009) and October 1, 2010 the Big Jeff’s Blues – Vol.2.
Closing out the “Afternoon of Sweet Corn Blues” at 3:40 pm til 5:00pm will be Hurricane Ruth. The first incarnation of Hurricane Ruth was in 1979. They enjoyed success with a huge Midwest following, and earned such accolades as "Best Local Band" by the Illinois Times & "Best of the Midwest; #1 Blues Artist" by Prairie Sun Magazine. The group performed with many national touring acts including Taj Mahal, Willie Dixon, John Lee Hooker, BB King, Survivor, Judas Priest, and others. Hurricane Ruth returned briefly in the middle '90's delving more into her rock background & releasing the CD "Prepare for Impact". She is now back, and has gone back to her blues roots. Hurricane Ruth brings a powerful and electrifying stage show.
