Alligator Records

The Alligator festivities kick off tonight for Chicago Blues Fest! Don't miss it

I’m excited to join Bruce Springsteen and this week for Music America: The Songs That Shaped Us celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Night two also includes Jackson Browne, Jon Bon Jovi, Mavis Staples, Gary Clark, Jr and more.

“The concerts reflect everything the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music stands for: the power of music to bring people together, the rich and diverse treasury of American music as a mirror of our national culture, and the inspiration to think about our shared history in these divisive times.”

Today is the birthday of one of the long-time members of the Alligator family and a close friend, the great Tinsley Ellis. He’s previously released twelve albums on Alligator, full of tough, hard-rocking blues, searing guitar and outstanding original songs. His most recent release, Labor Of Love, is his second acoustic release …just Tinsley and his two guitars - his beloved 1969 Martin D-35 and his 1937 National Steel O Series guitar.

Tinsley will be performing at the Chicago Blues Fest TOMORROW, June 5th, as part of the opening night headlining set - 55 Years Of Alligator Records on stage - along with labelmates Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials, Ronnie Baker Brooks , Toronzo Cannon and Nick Moss Band.

Don't miss it and Happy Birthday!

Great festival coming to Houghton Lake!

Rare Bucks County, PA appearance!!!
It WILL be History Making Time!!!!

June tour starting up! Chris Cain and the Chris Cain Band are coming to play for you! A solid collection of jazz flavoured original blues as well as Chris Cain's interpretation of his idols, including BB King and Albert King. He'll have CDs and LPs of his most current Alligator Records releases available and he's happy to sign them for you.
I have verified through venue websites that these dates are accurate. There are some open dates if you have a venue for them. Contact Intrepid Artists International for assistance.
Chris Cain on guitar, Greg Rahn on keys, Dewayne Pate on bass, Kevin Hayes on drums.

Ronnie Baker Brooks stopped in at Chicago’s WGN TV Midday News today, June 3, for a brief interview and he performed “I’m Feeling You” from his Blues Music Award-winning Alligator Records debut, Blues In My DNA.

He also spoke about the legacy of Alligator Records and the upcoming 55th anniversary performance at Chicago Blues Fest this Friday, June 5 which will feature Ronnie along with Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials,Toronzo Cannon, Tinsley Ellis and Nick Moss Band.

Check it out

Live music from Ronnie Baker Brooks | Midday Fix Midday Fix: Live music from Ronnie Baker Brooks

Ronnie Baker Brooks gearing up for his performance on the WGN Midday News in advance of Chicago Blues Festival kicking off this Friday

Chicago, don’t miss it! 🎶 Tune in to WGN TV today at 11:30 AM CT to catch Ronnie Baker Brooks live. From soulful blues to electrifying guitar work, it’s a performance you won’t want to miss. See you on WGN!

A huge feature is running on Alligator Records in The Sun-Times and at Chicago Public Radio station WBEZ-FM in the lead up to Chicago Blues Fest this weekend and they’re calling it like they see it…”The star of this year’s Blues Fest: Chicago’s Alligator Records, celebrating 55 years of championing the music.” Read up on the history of Alligator and the headlining performance on the opening night at the fest – Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Toronzo Cannon, Tinsley Ellis and Nick Moss Band. This story will appear in print this Thursday

https://chicago.suntimes.com/music/2026/06/02/chicago-blues-festival-alligator-records-bruce-iglauer-lil-ed-williams-55-anniversary

https://www.wbez.org/music/2026/06/02/chicago-blues-festival-alligator-records-bruce-iglauer-lil-ed-williams-55-anniversary

The star of this year’s Blues Fest: Chicago’s Alligator Records, celebrating 55 years of championing the music Bruce Iglauer’s “preeminent blues record label” will mark its milestone anniversary at this year’s Chicago Blues Festival with performances by Lil' Ed Williams, Ronnie Baker Brooks and Nick Moss.

Chicago Blues Fest is right around the corner. Special 55 Years Of Alligator Records on stage on Friday, June 5 at 7:30 PM. For the full lineup see
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_blues_festival.html