Two York Students Perform in Tribute to Buddy Guy at Millenium Park

Two York High School students were among the youth who performed at a send-off celebration Nov. 27 for bluesman Buddy Guy. Fifteen-year-old Haley Goulding sang, while 14-year-old Matt Lezak played guitar for the nonprofit group, Blues Kids of America.

The afternoon was a mixture of legendary talent and youth coming together to honor a man many consider to be a pioneer in Chicago blues. The celebration was a going-away of sorts for Guy, who was heading to Washington, D.C., to receive the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors.

The private event was held at the Pritzker Pavilion at Millenium Park and took place on a glass-enclosed stage with the sunset and the Art Institute serving as a backdrop. Those in attendance were treated to performances by Eddie Clearwater, Jimmy Johnson, Paul Winter, Lonny Brooks and his sons Wayne Baker Brooks and Ronnie Brooks, Todd Park Mohr of Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Ken Kinsey and Fernando Jones. Lonny Brooks and his sons ended the event with their version of "Sweet Home Chicago."

Submitted by Carol Patrizi-Engmann