Influential Chicago Publication Pushes City Government To Develop Blues Tourism

Crain’s Chicago Business, the influential Windy City publication, has taken up the cause of convincing local government and business leaders to develop the visibility of the city’s blues scene to promote tourism.

In a January 21 editorial, the weekly backs writer Mark Guarino's argument in his January 13 Crain's story that the city of Chicago can and should do more to promote one of its greatest creations and most recognizable exports.[NOTE: after clicking the links above, click on "ALREADY A MEMBER Login Here" to access full article.]

Although the city produces the largest free blues festival in the world every June, the government otherwise does almost nothing to acknowledge its internationally known blues music heritage. Nor does the city government support or publicize the local clubs dedicated to presenting blues year-round, as cities such as Memphis and New Orleans do to great success.