Billy Branch & The Sons Of Blues: Celebrating Rosa's Lounge 41st Anniversary Party and a memorial birthday tribute to Carl Weathersby w/ Corey Dennison
Billy Branch, Emmy award winner, 3 time Grammy nominee has followed a very non-traditional path to the blues. Unlike many blues artists, he isn't from the South. Billy was born in Chicago in 1951 and was raised in Los Angeles. He first picked up a harmonica at the age of ten and immediately began to play simple tunes. Billy returned to Chicago in the summer of '69 and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in political science. It was during these years that he was introduced to the Blues. He soon became immersed in the local blues scene. He spent a great deal of time at legendary blues clubs such as: Queen Bee's and Theresa's Lounge; he learned from such stalwart harmonica players like: Big Walter Horton, James Cotton, Junior Wells and Carey Bell. More about Billy…
Corey Dennison
Corey Dennison, born in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1975, is a blues and soul musician who has made a significant impact on the Chicago blues scene. He received his first guitar at the age of six and was influenced early on by artists like Junior Wells, Albert Collins, and Albert King.
A pivotal period in Dennison's career was his 12-year stint as a sideman for blues musician Carl Weathersby. This experience was transformative, with Weathersby becoming more than just a bandleader—he was a mentor who Dennison affectionately called "Pops". During this time, Dennison learned to blend blues and soul styles with remarkable nuance, developing a musical approach that avoided traditional accompaniment like horns or background vocalists.
Through Weathersby, Dennison gained extraordinary exposure to the blues world, sharing stages with legendary artists including Nick Moss, Lurrie Bell, Carlos Johnson, Buddy Guy, and Robert Randolph.
This comprehensive musical education prepared Dennison to form the Corey Dennison Band in 2013, a project that would solidify his reputation in Chicago's competitive blues scene. Since then, he has released multiple albums on Delmark Records and become a fixture at renowned local blues venues, continuing the rich tradition of Chicago blues while bringing his own distinctive voice to the genre.
Rosa's Lounge will commemorate its 41st anniversary with a spectacular month-long celebration featuring three-time Grammy nominee and blues icon Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues. This event holds special significance as Billy Branch and his band were the first to perform at Rosa's Lounge's grand opening in 1984. The celebration will also coincide with a memorial birthday tribute to Carl Weathersby, a former member of the Sons of Blues, who passed away on August 9, 2024
Buy Tickets 9:30 PM Show! Stay All Night!
Join us for just $20! Secure your spot in advance or grab your ticket at the door $25 (if available).
Buy Tickets 11 PM Show! Come Late, Party 'Til the End!
Join the fun for only $15! In advance or at the door (if available). Note: The general admission tickets for the 11 PM show do not ensure entry to the 9:30 PM show.
Important Details:
Doors open at 8 PM: To secure guaranteed seating, guests should arrive between 8 PM and 9 PM. Guests arriving after 9 PM will be guaranteed entry, but seating will be based on availability. Seating: Available on a first-come, first-served basis at tables and the bar. Please note that tables are shared
Group Ticket Purchases:
Rosa's Lounge ensures that you and your friends are seated together if you purchase tickets under the same name. If people of your group are purchasing tickets separately, please include the group name in the Shopping Cart / Order Summary / Customer Notes section. Late Arrivals: Please note that we cannot hold seats for late arrivals or no-shows. After 9 PM, Rosa's Lounge may seat other guests in any available seats.
We are 21 & over:
- Must be contacted by a parent for pre-authorization and other instructions before you purchase tickets. Please call 773-342-0452
- Must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to enter
All sales are final. No refunds.
Billy Branch, Emmy award winner, 3 time Grammy nominee has followed a very non-traditional path to the blues. Unlike many blues artists, he isn't from the South. Billy was born in Chicago in 1951 and was raised in Los Angeles. He first picked up a harmonica at the age of ten and immediately began to play simple tunes. Billy returned to Chicago in the summer of '69 and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in political science. It was during these years that he was introduced to the Blues. He soon became immersed in the local blues scene. He spent a great deal of time at legendary blues clubs such as: Queen Bee's and Theresa's Lounge; he learned from such stalwart harmonica players like: Big Walter Horton, James Cotton, Junior Wells and Carey Bell. More about Billy…