FitzGerald's American Music Festival is an annual festival which takes place just west of Chicago in Berwyn, Illinois. [1] In 2013, it is a 4-day festival over the July 4 holiday. [2] The festival focuses on roots music, and presents performers from around the United States. [3] [4] [5]
FitzGerald's American Music Festival began in 1981 [6] as a weekend event, organized by the operators of the Fitzgerald Night Club, with an appearance by Stevie Ray Vaughan. [7] The first year there were four bands. [8]
In 1997 the festival, by then stretching over four days, featured Neal Coty and the Hackberry Ramblers. [9]
In 2011 the Friday evening entertainment included Cathy Richardson and Michelle Malone. [10]
In 2013 the festival featured more than 40 artists on three stages. Performers included Dave Alvin, NRBQ, Marcia Ball, [11] Brave Combo, James McMurtry, Bottle Rockets, Jon Dee Graham, Pat McLaughlin, Jimmy LaFave — plus up-and-coming artists like St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Warren Hood Band, Luke Winslow King, Sarah & the Tall Boys, Luella & the Sun and Lost and Nameless Orchestra. And from around the Chicago music scene — Dolly Varden, Girl Group Chicago, The Westies, Cathy Richardson Band, The Blisters, Expo '76 and Tributosaurus. The festival also included a Paladins reunion and some Tex-Mex fun with Mac Baca & Los TexManiacs.
The 2014 festival included a performance by Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys, [12] and in 2016 the singer/songwriter Jon Dee Graham took part. [13]
Each year a T-shirt with a newly created design is available to attendees at the festival. The designs are created by local artists. [14]