Cubbie Blues event raises over $5800 for the Ryan and Jenny Dempster Family Foundation

In a melodic marriage of baseball and the blues, longtime Chicago blues band Lil’ Ed and the Blue Imperials performed at Buddy Guy’s Legends Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011, to a full house, to help raise funds for the Ryan and Jenny Dempster Family Foundation.

Chicago Cubs pitcher Justin Berg made a cameo appearance to support his teammate and thrill the crowd.

The event kicked off the 40th anniversary of Alligator Records and the 25th anniversary of Vine Line, the monthly magazine of the Chicago Cubs — a publication of EMI Network. The evening featured great blues music, a silent auction, and a live auction featuring autographed guitars supplied by Sam Ash music stores.

An Alligator Records legend, Lil’ Ed boasts a direct bloodline to blues history-his uncle and musical mentor was the great Chicago slide guitarist, songwriter and recording artist J.B. Hutto. For 40 years, Alligator Records has showcased the careers and cut records for a veritable who’s who of blues legends including James Cotton, Koko Taylor, Robert Cray, Hound Dog Taylor, Buddy Guy and Albert Collins, among many others.

Berg, 26, is a native of Antigo, Wis., and an accomplished guitar player who can also bang on the drums in his spare time. Originally selected by the New York Yankees in the 43rd round of the 2003 draft, he was acquired via trade in 2005. Berg made his major-league debut Aug. 13, 2009, tossing two shutout innings against the Philadelphia Phillies. In 52 big-league appearances, Berg is 0-1 with a 4.15 ERA.

The Ryan and Jenny Dempster Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness of 22q11.2 deletion (DiGeorge Syndrome/VCFS) and reaching out to families with children with the disorder and the charities that support them-to help them deal with difficult situations they face each day. The foundation strives to support those charities through monetary grants, programs and increased community awareness.

Sam Ash is one of the leading musical instrument retailers in the country.  With over 84 years in the business, Sam Ash is one of the most trusted names in the industry. Having originally started with only one little store in Brooklyn, N.Y., Sam Ash now boasts 45 megastores in 16 states.

Cubbie Blues feature with Justin Berg – Carrie Muskat, mlb.comFor information on upcoming event and tickets, please contact Buddy Guy’s Legends: http://www.buddyguys.com

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