Billy Branch & The S.O.B.s w/ Mae Koen: "Begging For Change" single release party: Rosa's Lounge!
Two opportunities to experience this fantastic event!
Friday 08/01/2025 & Saturday 08/02/2025
Door time: 8:00 PM
Show Time: 9:30 PM
Tickets are: $25.00 online & $30.00 at the door if available
Also livestreaming on Rosa's Lounge Facebook Page & YouTube Channel!
“Begging For Change” is a milestone for Billy Branch—not only as a three-time Grammy-nominated artist and harmonica virtuoso, but also as the leader of The Sons of Blues, the very first band to take the stage at Rosa’s Lounge in 1984. This new single marks the first official release under the Rosa’s Lounge Records label, making it a significant event for both Branch and the legendary venue, which stands as a cornerstone of Chicago’s blues heritage.
For Branch, whose career is defined by innovation and influence, this release represents a fresh chapter and a powerful partnership with Rosa’s Lounge. The title “Begging For Change” carries layered meaning, evoking both the literal and the metaphorical, and reflecting the blues’ enduring ability to capture themes of transformation, resilience, and social realities. This debut single is both a celebration of Branch’s artistry and a meaningful moment for the blues community at large.
Billy Branch, Emmy award winner, 3 time Grammy nominee has followed a very non-traditional path to the blues. Unlike many blues artists, he isn't from the South. Billy was born in Chicago in 1951 and was raised in Los Angeles. He first picked up a harmonica at the age of ten and immediately began to play simple tunes. Billy returned to Chicago in the summer of '69 and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in political science. It was during these years that he was introduced to the Blues. He soon became immersed in the local blues scene. He spent a great deal of time at legendary blues clubs such as: Queen Bee's and Theresa's Lounge; he learned from such stalwart harmonica players like: Big Walter Horton, James Cotton, Junior Wells and Carey Bell.
Mae Koen’s lifelong passion for music began in Chicago’s church and community choirs, where her talent quickly stood out. Honing her skills with the Roosevelt University and Chicago Chamber Choruses, Mae became known as a “Harmonic Technician,” providing both standout lead and lush background vocals for artists ranging from blues legends like Willie Dixon and Billy Branch to R&B stars like Phil Perry and Miki Howard.
Mae toured with Aretha Franklin from 1997–2004 and 2013–2017, appearing on major TV shows and at Aretha’s final Chicago concert. She has also sung on VH1’s “Divas Live” with icons like Mariah Carey and Celine Dion, and was praised by Aretha in her memoir. Today, Mae is a fixture in Chicago’s music scene, performing with groups like Nadima-Chi, the New Spaniels Forever, and Billy Branch & The Sons of Blues.
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![Billy Branch & The S.O.B.s w/ Mae Koen: "Begging For Change" single release party: Rosa's Lounge!, 1 August](https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events2/banners/70511b86a5f02233d92cbaed9868eb7f5dccdc1401196d2ca05ca4d2895480e9-rimg-w600-h600-dc313030-gmir?v=1752752342 "Billy Branch & The S.O.B.s w/ Mae Koen: "Begging For Change" single release party: Rosas Lounge!, 3420 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL, United States, Illinois 60647, 1 August to 2 August | AllEvents | AllEvents")
