William James Dixon (July 1, 1915 – January 29, 1992), Burr Oak Cemetery, Alsip—At 6’6”, Willie Dixon was a towering figure among his contemporaries, but his influence over the Chicago Blues and later rock & roll is even larger.

Working as a songwriter and producer with Chess Records and Cobra Records, Dixon wrote songs for and developing the sound of Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, Magic Sam, Howlin’ Wolf, Bo Diddly, Little Walter, Koko Taylor and many more.

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Blues on our bicycle tour which explores the heritage of Chicago Blues in the suburbs of Blue Island and Alsip. Stand among the ghosts of Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Hound Dog Taylor, Magic Sam and many others while you learn how Chicago electric blues of the 1950s seeded the rise of Rock & Roll in the 1960's.

LIMITED TO 50 RIDERS. Pre-register $27; otherwise $35 after August 31.

We'll start at Blue Island Beer Co. and pedal on quiet streets to three historic cemeteries near the Cal-Sag Trail: Burr Oak, Restvale and Lincoln. At each stop, Blues musician and historian Harmonica Neil meets us graveside to share stories and music of the Chicago Blues and R&B legends.

The route is an easy 22 miles at a relaxed, nobody-gets-left-behind pace. Refreshments and SAG support. We’ll finish at Blue Island Beer Co. for music and craft beer.

Blue Island Beer Co. is at 13357 Olde Western Ave in Blue Island. Ample parking and easy access from both the Metra Rock Island and Metra Electric lines. Plan to arrive at 10:30, finish around 3. 

For more info, email to friends@calsagtrail.org

Produced by and benefiting Friends of the Calumet-Sag Trail, whose nonprofit mission is the construction, use and enhancement of a 26-mile multiuse recreation path.