Toronzo Cannon, story telling Chicago bluesman, to perform at Prairie Dog Fest
By Peyton Meisner
Chicago blues veteran Toronzo Cannon will be making his return to the Prairie Dog Blues Festival, which will be held this weekend, July 26-28. “I’m looking forward to being able to make some new witnesses,” Cannon said.
Cannon was born in Chicago on February 14, 1968, in Chicago. Theresa’s Lounge, one of the city’s most famous South Side blues clubs, was nearby. As a child, Cannon would stand on the sidewalk outside the door, soaking up the live blues pouring out while trying to sneak a glance inside at larger-than-life bluesmen like Junior Wells and Buddy Guy.
Cannon broke into the music scene in the 90’s playing guitar with artists such as Wayne Baker Brooks, L.V. Banks and Joanna Carter. In 2001, he formed his own band, The Cannonball Express.
In 2013, his album “John the Conquer Root” was nominated for a Blues Music Award as Rock Blues Album of the Year.
In 2015, Cannon was signed to Chicago-based independent blues record label Alligator Records. His 2016 album, The Chicago Way was nominated for a Blues Music Award in 2017 as Album of the Year.
Currently, Cannon is on the road touring in support for his upcoming September album, “The Preacher, The The Politician or The Pimp.” Cannon just got back to the states after a week long tour in Japan.
Cannon is excited for his upcoming album, which took about a month and a half to record, saying, “I’m a storyteller bluesman. On the upcoming record I’ll tackle issues such as overcoming adversity, domestic abuse and immigration. It’s not all doom and gloom though; I do have some lighthearted songs, one of them is a funny story about insurance,” he commented.
Cannon is looking forward to returning to the Prairie Dog Blues Festival. “It’s a unique concert. I previously played there about five years ago. It has kind of a carnival setting to it, with some pretty great food,” he added.
Cannon is ready to interact with the crowd Friday night, though he does have one request from the crowd. “Save the skinny dipping for after my set is over!” he said jokingly.
Toronzo Cannon will perform Friday, July 26, at 9 p.m.
