Chain O' Lakes Blues Festival

10/06/2025

Our friends at the Great Northern Blues Society have a great event coming up March 13-14, 2026!

🎶🎸 The wait is over… the lineup is set for the 26th Annual Blues Café! 🎸🎶

Join us for two days of incredible blues music at the Rothschild Pavilion in Rothschild, WI:
📅 Friday, March 13, 2026 – Doors open at 5:30 PM
📅 Saturday, March 14, 2026 – Doors open at Noon

✨ Featuring performances by:

• D.K. Harrell

• The Stephen Hull Experience

• Leilani Kilgore

• Big Al Dorn & The Blues Howlers

• The Blue Notes featuring Jay Stulo

• Birddog Blues Band

Plus special sets from Alexander Craig between shows!

🎟️ Tickets:

• $45 Advanced Tickets

• $55 for Both Nights at the Door

• $10 Friday-Only Pass

📍 Don’t miss one of the Midwest’s premier blues festivals!

👉 Grab your tickets & full details at: www.gnbs.org

10/02/2025

🎶 Bluesfest Starts Tomorrow! 🎶
We’re proud to be the venue sponsor for this amazing event hosted by the Waupaca Chamber of Commerce!

👉 For full details, visit: Waupaca Chamber Event Page - https://www.chainolakesbluesfestival.com/
Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing our updated hours starting Monday, October 6th!

09/24/2025

🎶✨ The Blues Return to the Chain! ✨🎶

The 14th Annual Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival is back at the historic Indian Crossing Casino in Waupaca on Friday, October 3 & Saturday, October 4, 2025. Two nights. Six powerhouse acts. One legendary stage.

🎸 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟰
𝗔𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱 | 𝟵:𝟬𝟬–𝟭𝟬:𝟯𝟬 𝗣𝗠

Closing out the weekend is a band that has put Milwaukee blues on the national map. Altered Five smolders with energy, their sound as bold and satisfying as a shot of good whiskey. Lead singer Jeff Taylor’s booming, soulful voice has earned comparisons to Howlin’ Wolf, while guitarist Jeff Schroedl delivers solos that critics say, “set the bar for fluidity and invention.” Together, with their airtight rhythm section, they’ve created award-winning albums, topped Billboard’s Blues Chart, and earned international acclaim. Their shows are known for being fierce, polished, and unforgettable—a fitting finale for a festival celebrating the power of live blues.

________________________________________

🎶 From gritty Chicago-style grooves to horn-driven swing, powerhouse vocals to blistering guitar solos, the Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival brings together everything that makes the blues a living, breathing art form.
Come for the music. Stay for the memories. The blues are calling—will you answer?
________________________________________

👉 Which band are you most excited to see light up the Casino stage?

www.ChainOLakesBluesFestival.com

09/23/2025

𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 – 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁

The 14th Annual Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival at the historic Indian Crossing Casino 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆. Secure your spot now by purchasing tickets online!

🎶 Festival Dates: Friday, October 3 & Saturday, October 4
💲 Best Value: Weekend Pass – both nights for $35 in advance

𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿, so don’t wait—get yours today and be part of this unforgettable blues experience!

09/23/2025

🎶✨ The Blues Return to the Chain! ✨🎶

The 14th Annual Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival is back at the historic Indian Crossing Casino in Waupaca on Friday, October 3 & Saturday, October 4, 2025. Two nights. Six powerhouse acts. One legendary stage.

🎸 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟰
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 | 𝟳:𝟬𝟬–𝟴:𝟯𝟬 𝗣𝗠

Since 1990, The Blues Disciples have been a fixture of the Milwaukee blues scene, carrying the torch for the electric Chicago blues of the ’50s and ’60s. Founded by “Barefoot” Jimmy Schwarz, their style is rooted in the legends—Little Walter, Muddy Waters—while also influenced by Wisconsin blues heroes like Jim Liban and Billy Flynn. Their weekly gigs at Milwaukee’s iconic Up & Under made them a training ground for new blues fans and a proving ground for their authentic, hard-hitting sound. With over 30 years on the scene, they’re not just playing the blues—they’re preserving and passing it down.

🎶 From gritty Chicago-style grooves to horn-driven swing, powerhouse vocals to blistering guitar solos, the Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival brings together everything that makes the blues a living, breathing art form.
Come for the music. Stay for the memories. The blues are calling—will you answer?
________________________________________
👉 Which band are you most excited to see light up the Casino stage?
www.ChainOLakesBluesFestival.com

09/21/2025

🎶✨ The Blues Return to the Chain! ✨🎶

The 14th Annual Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival is back at the historic Indian Crossing Casino in Waupaca on Friday, October 3 & Saturday, October 4, 2025. Two nights. Six powerhouse acts. One legendary stage.

🎸 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟰
𝗠𝗮𝗺𝗮 𝗚𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 & 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝘀 | 𝟱:𝟬𝟬–𝟲:𝟯𝟬 𝗣𝗠

Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Erin Krebs, this group blends blues, swing, and R&B into a performance brimming with energy and soul. Erin has been recognized with multiple WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) awards, including Blues Song of the Year for her original “Ride or Die.” Her voice draws comparisons to the greats—Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald—and with guitarist Jeff Johnston and the Red Hots behind her, the band brings both finesse and fire. Expect soaring vocals, red-hot guitar, and a rhythm section that’ll keep you moving from the first note to the last.

🎶 From gritty Chicago-style grooves to horn-driven swing, powerhouse vocals to blistering guitar solos, the Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival brings together everything that makes the blues a living, breathing art form.
Come for the music. Stay for the memories. The blues are calling—will you answer?
________________________________________

👉 Which band are you most excited to see light up the Casino stage?

www.ChainOLakesBluesFestival.com

09/20/2025

🎶✨ The Blues Return to the Chain! ✨🎶

The 14th Annual Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival is back at the historic Indian Crossing Casino in Waupaca on Friday, October 3 & Saturday, October 4, 2025. Two nights. Six powerhouse acts. One legendary stage.

This isn’t just another festival—it’s a gathering of musicians who live and breathe the blues. Here’s a look at the artists who’ll be filling the lakeside air with unforgettable music:

🎸 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟰
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘅 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱 | 𝟯:𝟬𝟬–𝟰:𝟯𝟬 𝗣𝗠

Guitar virtuoso Rex Carroll has spent decades mastering his instrument. Best known for leading the Grammy-nominated Christian metal band Whitecross, he’s toured the world, written songs that topped charts, and even had his riffs featured on ESPN and commercials for the Milwaukee Bucks. Rex is a powerhouse musician, channeling years of experience into soulful, intricate playing. At the festival, he strips away the flash to showcase pure guitar mastery, proving that the blues remains the beating heart of great music.

________________________________________

🎶 From gritty Chicago-style grooves to horn-driven swing, powerhouse vocals to blistering guitar solos, the Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival brings together everything that makes the blues a living, breathing art form.
Come for the music. Stay for the memories. The blues are calling—will you answer?
________________________________________

👉 Which band are you most excited to see light up the Casino stage?

www.ChainOLakesBluesFestival.com

09/19/2025

🎶✨ The Blues Return to the Chain! ✨🎶

The 14th Annual Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival is back at the historic Indian Crossing Casino in Waupaca on Friday, October 3 & Saturday, October 4, 2025. Two nights. Six powerhouse acts. One legendary stage.

🎸 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟯
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗝𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗼 | 𝟵:𝟬𝟬–𝟭𝟬:𝟯𝟬 𝗣𝗠

If you like your blues big and bold, The Blue Notes are your band. With seven members, a horn section that shakes the walls, and Jay Stulo’s fiery guitar front and center, their shows are as much a party as a performance. Jay is a veteran of the Wisconsin blues scene, known for his soulful riffs and commanding stage presence. Together, the band mixes uptown blues, swing, and early R&B, creating a groove that’s irresistible. This is the sound of a full band firing on all cylinders—horns wailing, rhythms driving, and every song pushing you to the dance floor.

🎶 From gritty Chicago-style grooves to horn-driven swing, powerhouse vocals to blistering guitar solos, the Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival brings together everything that makes the blues a living, breathing art form.
Come for the music. Stay for the memories. The blues are calling—will you answer?
________________________________________

👉 Which band are you most excited to see light up the Casino stage?

www.ChainOLakesBluesFestival.com

09/18/2025

🎶✨ The Blues Return to the Chain! ✨🎶

The 14th Annual Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival is back at the historic Indian Crossing Casino in Waupaca on Friday, October 3 & Saturday, October 4, 2025. Two nights. Six powerhouse acts. One legendary stage.

This isn’t just another festival—it’s a gathering of musicians who live and breathe the blues. Here’s a look at the artists who’ll be filling the lakeside air with unforgettable music:
________________________________________

🎸 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟯
𝗟𝗶𝗹’ 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘅 | 𝟳:𝟬𝟬–𝟴:𝟯𝟬 𝗣𝗠

Lil’ Davy Max plays the blues the way they’re meant to be played: vintage Chicago style, where guitar, harmonica, and piano lock together into a sound as raw as it is timeless. His passion for the genre runs deep—so deep that as a teenager he would sneak out at night, hitchhike nearly 100 miles to Madison, and perch outside blues clubs just to catch a glimpse of Muddy Waters or Magic Sam through the windows. That relentless hunger for the music shows in every note he plays. At Indian Crossing, you’ll hear blues steeped in tradition, yet alive with the energy of someone who has carried the music in his bones since boyhood.

🎶 From gritty Chicago-style grooves to horn-driven swing, powerhouse vocals to blistering guitar solos, the Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival brings together everything that makes the blues a living, breathing art form.
Come for the music. Stay for the memories. The blues are calling—will you answer?
________________________________________

👉 Which band are you most excited to see light up the Casino stage?

www.ChainOLakesBluesFestival.com

09/11/2025

🎶 Hey Blues Fans! 🎶

Catch the groove by the lake October 3–4 at the Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival! 🌊🎸

🔥 Two days. Legendary stage. Unforgettable vibes. From gritty guitar riffs to smooth, soul-shaking vocals, this lakeside festival is the ultimate blues getaway.

✨ Historic venue, the 1925 Indian Crossing Casino ✔️
✨ Killer lineup ✔️
✨ Weekend pass = best value ✔️

🎟️ Don’t wait—tickets are going fast! Book your pass today → www.ChainOLakesBluesFestival.com

07/11/2025

🎸🔥 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤—𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐁𝐈𝐆 𝐰𝐚𝐲! 🔥🎸

Join us for the 𝟏𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐎’ 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥

📍 Indian Crossing Casino (ICC) – celebrating 100 years of music, memories & magic! 🎉

🗓️ October 3–4, 2025 | Waupaca, WI
🎶 Must be 21+ to attend
🚌 Complimentary shuttle service available between ICC and local lodging!

🎤 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘, 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟑
7:00pm – Lil Davy Max – Kicking things off with gritty vocals, killer rhythm, and undeniable blues soul.
9:00pm – The Blue Notes featuring Jay Stulo – A fan favorite! Guitar-driven grooves and tight, high-energy blues.

🎸 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐀𝐘, 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟒
3:00pm – The Rex Carroll Band – Virtuosic blues with edge, power, and passion.
5:00pm – Mama Ginger and The Red Hots – Sass, soul, and a whole lotta spice! A must-see set. 🌶️
7:00pm – The Blues Disciples – Pure Chicago-style blues with that smoky, soulful sound.
9:00pm – Altered Five Blues Band – Award-winning blues-rock powerhouse closing the fest with a bang! 💥

🎟️ 𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐓𝐒
🎫 Friday Only: $25 advance / $30 at the door
🎫 Saturday Only: $30 advance / $35 at the door
💥 BEST VALUE: Weekend Pass – $35 advance / $40 at the door

🎫 Get tickets at www.ChainOLakesBluesFestival.com,
call 715.258.7343, or stop by 315 S. Main Street, Waupaca.

🎶 Don’t miss the music. Don’t miss the memories.
Come celebrate 100 years of ICC with the best blues lineup around! 💙