JOHN PRIMER AND THE REAL DEAL BLUES BAND

Schedule

Fri Aug 14 2026 at 08:00 pm to 11:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

The North Street Cabaret | Madison, WI

Advertisement
Performed with Junior Wells, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters and Magic Slim before launching an award-winning career as a front man.
About this Event

https://www.johnprimerblues.com/

John Primer, born on March 5, 1945, in Camden, Mississippi, is a legendary American blues guitarist and singer, recognized for his contributions to traditional blues. Raised on the Mansell Plantation where his grandmother was a sharecropper, Primer's early exposure to blues came through hearing it sung by his family while working in the fields. At the age of 18, he migrated to Chicago with his mother, they were in search of a better life. John was looking to join the blues scene and was told to go to Maxwell Street on Sundays. This is where he got his start, playing for tips on the corner. Soon his talent was noticed and he was told to go down to Theresa's Lounge, a famous juke joint on Chicago's south side to audition for the Junior Wells band. This is where he played for the next seven years, seven nights a week, learning from all the greats!

In the late 1970s, Primer's career took a significant leap when he joined Willie Dixon's All-Star Band, a key figure in Chicago blues. This opportunity allowed him to get noticed by Muddy Waters' in the early 1980s. He joined Muddy's band playing rhythm guitar and soaking in the rich legacy of Waters' music. After Muddy Waters' passing, Primer joined forces with Magic Slim and the Teardrops, where he played for over a decade, opening up the show all over the world.

John Primer's solo career began in 1995, marked by the release of his Atlantic Records album "The Real Deal". John has been recorded on more than one hundred recordings. In 2008 he created his own independent record label, Blues House Productions. John was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2023, earned three Grammy nominations as well as many Blues Music Awards. Known for his powerful voice and exceptional guitar work, Primer continues to keep the blues traditions alive, through his playing, his teaching and inspiring a new generation.

Advertisement

Where is it happening?

The North Street Cabaret, 610 North Street, Madison, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

USD 35.71

Icon
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Al Rasho

Host or Publisher Al Rasho

Ask AI if this event suits you:

Discover More Events in Madison

Dive-In Movie
Fri, 14 Aug at 07:00 pm Dive-In Movie

Monona Community Pool

ENTERTAINMENT
Trevor - The Musical at Overture Center - The Playhouse
Fri, 14 Aug at 07:30 pm Trevor - The Musical at Overture Center - The Playhouse

Overture Center - The Playhouse

LIVE-MUSIC CONTESTS
Big Thief at The Sylvee
Fri, 14 Aug at 07:30 pm Big Thief at The Sylvee

The Sylvee

TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Big Thief in Madison
Fri, 14 Aug at 07:30 pm Big Thief in Madison

The Sylvee

Big Thief
Sat, 15 Aug Big Thief

The Sylvee

TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Agora Art Fair 2026
Sat, 15 Aug at 10:00 am Agora Art Fair 2026

5500 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711-5312, United States

ART MUSIC
Curdfest w\/ Railhopper
Sat, 15 Aug at 01:00 pm Curdfest w/ Railhopper

Breese Stevens Field

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Behind the Lens: WVM Movie Tour
Sat, 15 Aug at 02:00 pm Behind the Lens: WVM Movie Tour

Wisconsin Veterans Museum

ENTERTAINMENT WORKSHOPS
Powerful Voices Open Mic Show - Live Music, Comedy, Poetry+ More!
Thu, 13 Nov at 07:00 pm Powerful Voices Open Mic Show - Live Music, Comedy, Poetry+ More!

Madison

ART MUSIC
Band of Horses
Tue, 28 Apr at 01:00 am Band of Horses

The Sylvee

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
The Growlers at Majestic Theatre - Madison
Tue, 28 Apr at 08:00 pm The Growlers at Majestic Theatre - Madison

Majestic Theatre - Madison

ART THEATRE
Bruce Katz Band
Wed, 29 Apr at 06:00 pm Bruce Katz Band

High Noon Saloon

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Garage Door Sessions - The Midnight Monarchs
Wed, 29 Apr at 06:00 pm Garage Door Sessions - The Midnight Monarchs

2001 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Beaches & Cream Duo at Club LaMark
Wed, 29 Apr at 06:00 pm Beaches & Cream Duo at Club LaMark

The Club La Mark

PARTIES ENTERTAINMENT
MATT BLAIR QUARTET
Wed, 29 Apr at 07:00 pm MATT BLAIR QUARTET

The North Street Cabaret

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Brian Allison, Brad Stuart, Natalie Brooke, Dave Tamkin
Wed, 29 Apr at 07:30 pm Brian Allison, Brad Stuart, Natalie Brooke, Dave Tamkin

The Bur Oak

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Allie X
Thu, 30 Apr at 01:00 am Allie X

Majestic Theatre - WI

ART THEATRE
Diversity Action Team, Cultural Trip to Madison: Chucho Valdes Paquito D'Rivera Reunion Sextet
Thu, 30 Apr at 04:00 pm Diversity Action Team, Cultural Trip to Madison: Chucho Valdes Paquito D'Rivera Reunion Sextet

Wisconsin Union Theater

MUSIC TRIPS-ADVENTURES

What's Happening Next in Madison?

Discover Madison Events