Sam Burckhardt

Sam Burckhardt is a great saxophonist, originally from Switzerland, who moved to Chicago in 1982 at the invitation of legendary blues musician Sunnyland Slim, and played in his band until Sunnyland's death in 1995. He's performed with and/or recorded with some of Chicago's musicians including Robert Stroger, Pinetop Perkins, Erwin Helfer, Floyd McDaniel, and Big Time Sarah. He also has enjoyed much success with bands such as the Mighty Blues Kings, The Big Swing, and The Vanguard Aces.

For more information, please visit www.samburckhardt.com

Erwin Helfer

Erwin Helfer is a master Chicago blues and jazz pianist, with a longstanding, traditional Chicago style. Born in 1936, Erwin has been playing and performing for over forty years. He performs regularly at Chicago clubs and annually at the Chicago Blues Festival garnering rave reviews from publications such as The Reader and Chicago Magazine. His local gigs and frequent European tours have created a strong and loyal following in Chicago and overseas.

For more information, please visit www.erwinhelfer.com

Yoko Noge

Yoko Noge and her Jazz Me Blues Band had been a staple at the HotHouse for 15 years, and is currently holding down residence at Andy's Jazz Club every Monday night. She is equal parts inventive band leader/singer/pianist, not to mention patient house mother to a group of unruly genius musicians. The success of Jazz Me Blues lies not only in the consistently high caliber of musicianship but in Yoko's careful shepherding and giving of space to Jazz Me Blues' constituent members.

For more information, please visit www.jazzmebluesmusic.com