Buddy Guy delivers powerhouse set on closing night of Chicago Blues Festival

It was a “Sweet Home Chicago” reception for Buddy Guy during his closing night set for the Chicago Blues Festival at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park Sunday night, part of his Damn Right Farewell Tour as the 87-year-old gets ready to retire from the road.Throngs of fans were lined up all along Randolph and Monroe streets and Michigan Avenue to get a spot. The wait was more than worth it as the guitar legend delivered a set that belied his age, on what was officially proclaimed “Buddy Guy Day” by the city of Chicago.It was a standing-room-only crowd — and then some — at the Pritzker Pavillion on Sunday night as fans filled Millennium Park in anticipation for Buddy Guy’s set at the 2024 Chicago Blues Festival.Anthony Vazquez/Sun-TimesBuddy Guy performs Sunday night at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion to close out the Chicago Blues Festival in Millennium Park.Anthony Vazquez/Sun-TimesSong picks were a mix of covers including Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love,” and originals like the poignant “Skin Deep,” that kept people smiling — and dancing — throughout the set.The 75-minute performance ended in an all-out jam session with special guests: vocalist Shemekia Copeland, plus guitar players Wayne Baker Brooks, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Billy Branch and Guy’s son Greg, with all four guitarists playing Buddy’s own signature polka dot guitars in homage.Buddy Guy, 87, says he may be ready to give up going on the road after decades in the music business, but he’ll keep his South Loop club Legends open.Anthony Vazquez/Sun-TimesFans cheer during the 2024 Chicago Blues Festival in Millennium Park on Sunday night.Anthony Vazquez/Sun-TimesBlues Festival fans of all ages dance at Millennium Park on Sunday night.Anthony Vazquez/Sun-TimesThe legendary Buddy Guy did not disappoint during his powerhouse set at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion on closing night of the 2024 Chicago Blues Festival in Millennium Park on Sunday.Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times