Chicago Blues Festival kicks off Friday

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A musical countdown is underway to this weekend's Chicago Blues Festival.

The Smiley Tillmon Band performed for the lunchtime crowd Monday at Daley Plaza. The free concert was a musical preview to the 31st annual Chicago Blues Festival.

It kicks off this Friday and runs through Sunday in Grant Park. The City of Chicago has encouraged attendees to utilize public transit or bikes to get to the festival.

Petrillo Music Shell headliner schedule

Friday, June 13

6 p.m. Carolina Chocolate Drops

7:05 p.m. Otis Taylor Band

8:25 p.m. "Centennial Celebration of John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson" - The Siegel-Schwall Blues Band w/ Sam Lay, Billy Boy Arnold, Marcella Detroit, Billy Branch and Omar Coleman

Saturday, June 14

6 p.m. Theo Huff

6:55 p.m. Willie Clayton

8:15 p.m. Bettye LaVette

Sunday, June 15

5:30 p.m. Nikki Hill

6:45 p.m. Aaron Neville

8:15 p.m. Dr. John (Music Director: Sarah Morrow)

Day stages

Bud Light Crossroads Stage, 11:15 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

The Jackson Rhythm and Blues Stage, 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Pepsi Front Porch Stage, noon-5:30 p.m.

Windy City Blues Society Stage, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Complete schedule: chicagobluesfestival.us