Ivan Singh performed to a full house at Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago tonight, May 23, 2026, delivering a high-energy blues set filled with blistering guitar work and deep soul. Singh has clearly found the perfect musical home in Chicago, performing with passion alongside his top-notch band.
His song “Chicago” was a highlight, radiating both his love for the city and appreciation for the people who have embraced him since his move, giving him the opportunity to do what he loves. His sincerity and gratitude were evident throughout the set. Singh’s warm nature was especially evident during “Sol de Otoño” (“Autumn Sun”), a heartfelt tribute to the people we cherish in life. Singh invited the crowd to sing along, transforming the performance into a shared moment of joy and connection. That spirit of community and celebration defined the entire night.
About halfway into the set, the audience was treated to the appearance of Buddy Guy himself, who reportedly has been spending plenty of time around the club lately. As he worked his way to the stage, the room buzzed with anticipation. He moved carefully, accompanied by a young man who had earlier introduced himself to me as Buddy’s grandson.
The moment Buddy Guy began speaking and singing, any thought of his 89 years disappeared. His voice, presence, and humor were as commanding and electrifying as ever. His banter was riveting as he reflected on his past saying “There were no schools available for Black people,” so he taught himself the guitar and was rightly proud of his accomplishments that include having a street named after him. Backing the blues legend, Singh and his band matched the moment with masterful playing that elevated the performance even further.
When Buddy Guy left the stage, Singh carried that momentum through the rest of the set, taking his performance into the crowd and creating an even deeper sense of intimacy with the audience. By the end of the night, it was clear he is following in Buddy Guy’s footsteps, both literally and figuratively. It was an incredible privilege to be at this show tonight and to hear the blues from the legendary Buddy Guy along with the up-and-coming Ivan Singh, who proves that the blues can still thrive. Learn more about him here.
On a side note: if you’re in Chicago take the tour of Chess Records through the Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and fostering blues music and its history. This cultural gem was the recording site of many legendary blues icons and continues its legacy today. The staff is deeply committed to telling, and continuing, the story of the blues and the tour offers a powerful look at the artists who helped shape blues history. Click for more information on their website.
Review and photographs by Fredda Gordon.
