Looking Ahead: Blues at the Crossroads

( January 23, 2013 )

The McAninch Arts Center's Blues at the Crossroads series pays tribute to blues legends Muddy Waters (McKinley Morganfield) and Howlin' Wolf (Chester Burnett). Waters is considered the father of contemporary Chicago blues, while Wolf was just as influential on the blues scene in the '50s with his intimidating presence (he was a big dude) and more abrasive style. The Fabulous Thunderbirds with Kim Wilson perform, with other artists including James Cotton, JJ Grey (MOFRO), Bob Margolin and Jody Williams.

Why go: "Killing Floor," "Smokestack Lightnin'," "I'm Ready" and "Mannish Boy" bring it all home.

Reconsider: It's just not the same when an ensemble from Texas sings "Spoonful" and "Rollin' Stone."

8-10 p.m. Jan. 31 at Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove; $46; 630-942-4000, atthemac.org