Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials

Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials: Chicago Blues Royalty

"Electrifying, raucous, pure Chicago blues...Lil' Ed is a guitarist extraordinaire...slashing slide and flamboyant stage persona." –Chicago Tribune

"Rough and ready blues played with unmitigated intensity...Swirling, snarling, riveting slide...The Blues Imperials pound out riffs and rhythms like they're overdosing on boogie juice. Scorching and soulful, joyous and stomping." –Living Blues

In a city overflowing with unrivaled blues talent, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials have been standing tall for over 30 years as the undisputed royalty of Chicago blues. Fueled by Lil' Ed's gloriously rollicking slide work, deep blues string bending, and rough-edged, soulful vocals, the band's big sound is as real and hard-hitting as Chicago blues gets.

As the Chicago Sun-Times aptly describes, "Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials are the hottest purveyors of bottleneck boogie to come out of Chicago since Hound Dog Taylor." Their electrifying live performances, marked by Lil' Ed's flamboyant stage presence and the band's relentless energy, have earned them a devoted following both in their hometown and around the world.

Through their uncompromising commitment to the blues tradition and their ability to infuse it with a fresh, modern edge, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials have cemented their status as one of the most respected and influential blues acts to emerge from the Windy City. As they continue to captivate audiences with their raw, soulful sound, this legendary band remains a shining beacon of Chicago's enduring blues legacy.

11/13/2026 9:30 PM

Door Time: 8:00 PM

Other Showtimes

Buy Tickets – 9:30 PM Show! Includes Rosa’s After Hours at 11 PM!

Join us for just $20! Secure your seat in advance, or grab your ticket at the door for $25 (if available; advance purchase highly recommended)

Buy Tickets – 11 PM Show! Rosa’s After Hours!

$15 General Admission is a relaxed, free-flowing late-night blues set where artists stretch out, special guests musicians often sit in.

Entry begins at 10:30-11 PM. Shared-table and bar seating are available as space permits.


Important Details:

Doors open at 8 PM: To secure guaranteed seating, guests should arrive between 8 PM and 9 PM. Guests arriving after 9 PM will be guaranteed entry, but seating will be based on availability. Seating: Available on a first-come, first-served basis at tables and the bar. Please note that tables are shared.

Seating locations are determined based on special needs, party size, specific requests, and are subject to Rosa's Lounge’s discretion and availability.


Group Ticket Purchases:

Rosa's Lounge ensures that you and your friends are seated together if you purchase tickets under the same name. If people of your group are purchasing tickets separately, please include the group name in the Customer Notes section in the Order Summary form. Late Arrivals: Please note that we cannot hold seats for late arrivals or no-shows. After 9 PM, Rosa's Lounge may seat other guests in any available seats.


We are 21 & over:

For those parents who wish to bring their own under 21 years of age:
  • Must be contacted by a parent for pre-authorization and other instructions before you purchase tickets. Please call 773-342-0452
  • Must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to enter
  • Illinois law prohibits anyone under 21 from consuming alcohol, even when accompanied by a parent.

- All sales are final. No refunds -

Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials: Chicago Blues Royalty

"Electrifying, raucous, pure Chicago blues...Lil' Ed is a guitarist extraordinaire...slashing slide and flamboyant stage persona." –Chicago Tribune

"Rough and ready blues played with unmitigated intensity...Swirling, snarling, riveting slide...The Blues Imperials pound out riffs and rhythms like they're overdosing on boogie juice. Scorching and soulful, joyous and stomping." –Living Blues

In a city overflowing with unrivaled blues talent, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials have been standing tall for over 30 years as the undisputed royalty of Chicago blues. Fueled by Lil' Ed's gloriously rollicking slide work, deep blues string bending, and rough-edged, soulful vocals, the band's big sound is as real and hard-hitting as Chicago blues gets.

As the Chicago Sun-Times aptly describes, "Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials are the hottest purveyors of bottleneck boogie to come out of Chicago since Hound Dog Taylor." Their electrifying live performances, marked by Lil' Ed's flamboyant stage presence and the band's relentless energy, have earned them a devoted following both in their hometown and around the world.

Through their uncompromising commitment to the blues tradition and their ability to infuse it with a fresh, modern edge, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials have cemented their status as one of the most respected and influential blues acts to emerge from the Windy City. As they continue to captivate audiences with their raw, soulful sound, this legendary band remains a shining beacon of Chicago's enduring blues legacy.

https://www.alligator.com/artists/Lil-Ed-and-The-Blues-Imperials/