Mark your calendars for this great event at the JR Sullivan Theater in Rockford's Nordlof Center to help us celebrate Black History Month!

We start with Cheat You Fair, the great story of Maxwell Street in three acts on film. A ninety minute journey about the rise of Maxwell Street with Eastern European Jewish immigrants, the influx of African Americas during the Great Migration from 1900 to 1940 that gave rise to Chicago Blues, and the demise of Maxwell Street where the City of Chicago and UIC conspired to tear it down and pretty much replace it with condos. This fantastic film by Phil Ranstrom is superb and we will view it in the theater with their excellent sound system. Narrated by actor Joe Mantegna, this film gives the viewer a look at the rise and fall of a culturally iconic area that influenced the British Invasion and rock and roll.

Then it's time for John Primer and the Real Deal Band. Moving to Chicago in 1963, Primer started on that path of becoming a great bluesman, getting his first steady gig at the legendary Maxwell Street in Chicago on Sunday's and at the famous Theresa’s Lounge seven nights a week for seven years! John was taught by the founding fathers of the blues! Starting out with his own band the Maintainers with Pat Rushing on Maxwell Street, he then moved on to play with the legendary Sammy Lawhorn and Junior Wells at Theresa's Lounge. He worked hard and impressed Willie Dixon enough to go on tour with him and his Chicago Blues All-Stars Band. At this point he was known and John's dream finally came true in 1981 when he got to play with his idol, Muddy Waters! Muddy called for him to lead his band and changed his life forever. After Muddy’s untimely death, he joined up with Magic Slim & The Teardrops for the next 14 years, traveling all over the world. John paid his dues and in 1995 he began leading his own band, The Real Deal Blues Band. He has been recorded more than 87 albums with 17 albums in his own name. His newest Album Hard Times is getting lots of airplay and accolades!

Prairie Street Brewing Company will be serving beverages at the viewing and show. The event is sponsored by Crossroads Blues Society and Rockford Public Library; the is no cover charge or fee to get in!