Original Chicago Blues All Stars Blues Band from Chicago, IL

Chicago Blues All Stars, Inc. (CBAS, Inc.), a 501(c) 3 foundation, is about the past, present, and future of the Blues. The blues is the true facts of life told in words and songs of inspiration, emotion, and feeling. By bringing experienced musicians together with those new to the blues, the organization's founders Freddie Dixon, Jimmy Lee Tillman and John Watkins strive to pass on musical and life lessons through the vehicle of blues music performance, while bringing new talent and ideas into the genre. The newest member of the Original Chicago Blues All-Stars is 24 years old Michael Damani. Michael met the other three band members at their weekly jam, and quickly started soaking up as much as he could about blues performance. So when John Watkins took ill and had to quit playing for a while, the other band members chose Michael him to fill John Watkins' lead guitar chair in the band. Among the organization's current activities is a weekly multi-generational jam session they host at Motor Row Brewing Company 2337 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm every Thursday. Blues Stars who have sat in with the band over the past year have included Syl Johnson, Jimmy Johnson, Eddie Clearwater, Billy Branch, Doktu Rhute (Roy Hightower) Deitra Farr, Johnny Drummer and many others. Lots of young musicians come every week, aspiring to play like the pros and to gain musical and life lessons from their on and off stage mentors. The Organization offers guitar, bass, drum and piano classes, as well an education about songwriting, copywriting, and stage presentation. CBAS, Inc. will even assist with publishing and promotion of new artists.