In 1950s Chicago, urban blues exploded into a musical revolution. Fueled by new-style amps and electric guitars, pioneers like Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley and Elmore James forged a hard-driving soundtrack for the new urban culture of migrants from the south. Otis Rush, who headlines this May's Japan Blues Carnival, was right there. Though other Chicago stalwarts from the same era became guitar cult faves like Magic Sam or earned big label contracts like Buddy Guy, Otis Rush's blistering guitar was just as innovative and his powerful vocals equally soul-chilling. After 50 years, he's still in top form on blues classics, many of which he penned.

Also coming for this year's carnival is the gospel-inspired Mavis Staples. As lead singer for the Staples Singers, she graced countless recordings. Her well-crafted mix of funk, blues and gospel never strays far from the pleasures of Memphis soul.

Third on the bill is guitarist Derek Trucks. The latest in a line of hot young electric guitarists, Trucks sat in with the Allman Brothers Band at the age of 12. He eventually took over the slide guitar spot there (heard at his searing best on ABB's latest release "Hittin' the Note") before going on to record two excellent high-energy, jazz-inflected blues CDs of his own.

Opening for the three are two of the best bands on the local blues scene: Fusanosuke & His B&O and the Black Bottom Brass Band. When buying tickets, be sure to check the lineup as the performers differ on each date. Full info on all shows is available from M&I at (03) 5453-8899.