In the rich tapestry of Chicago’s blues history, there are few names as synonymous with the genre as Al “Hurricane” Spears. Born and raised on the westside of Chicago, Hurricane has dedicated his life to keeping the blues alive through his remarkable talent and tireless efforts. As a skilled guitarist and passionate performer, he has graced some of the most iconic Blues venues in Chicago, including Buddy Guy’s Legends, the House of Blues, Kingston Mines, and Rosa’s Lounge.
For Hurricane, the blues is more than just music—it’s a way of life. His deep-rooted connection to the genre can be traced back to his early childhood when he would listen to old 78s, absorbing the raw emotions and soulful melodies that defined the blues. It was in the early 90s that he first picked up a guitar and discovered his true calling. From that moment on, Hurricane never stopped playing, honing his skills and developing a unique style that blends elements of jazz and blues with an edgy twist.
While working a full-time job, Hurricane found solice and inspiration in the local blues scene. He began participating in blues jams at Carter’s Place in Lockport and the Harlem Avenue Lounge in Berwyn, immersing himself in the vibrant community of musicians who shared his passion. These experiences fueled his determination to bring the blues to the forefront, and Hurricane took it upon himself to organize and operate three of the longest-running blues jams in the western suburbs.
Al Hurricane has shared the stage alongside Toronzo Cannon, Lurrie Bell, Mike Wheeler, Billy Branch, Johnnie Drummer, Aron Burton, Jimmy Dawkins, and the father-son combo of Lonnie and Ronnie Baker-Brooks, and Lucky Peterson. These collaborations not only enriched Hurricane’s musical journey but also cemented his status as an esteemed member of Chicago’s blues community.
Hurricane wants to give special thanks to his wonderful wife Donna, Michael Wheeler, Toronzo Cannon, Chico Banks (RIP), Twist Ferguson (RIP), Dave Riley, Lindsey Alexander, Billy Branch, Carl Weathersby, Carlos Johnson, Third Coast Guitars, Glen Gerini, Music Solutions, Doug Horan, Jeff Ruffin, Gibson Custom Guitars, Herman Hines original vocalist and Jeff Ruffin the original drummer for THP may you both rest in peace, and hosts of friends who helped make our music possible.
Tony ” Mississippi Sax ” Medina – Harmonica & Vocals
Tony Medina – Harmonica and Vocals for The Hurricane Project
Tony’s passion for the blues started early on, enjoying the instrumental sounds of the bass guitar and saxophone. At the age of 15 Tony began working his first job as a bagger at a local grocery store, and with his first pay check he bought his 1st harmonica. Tony then met Mr. Renfro Wallace jr. while bagging groceries and they quickly became friends. Mr. Wallace proceeded to teach Tony the fundamentals of playing the harmonica and he quickly developed a passion for blues music. Shortly after that he met Terry “Pops” Williams who was a multi-talented instrumentalist and was introduced to Everett ( Uncle Skeez ) Williams who helped Tony expand his skills and introduced to the blues scene.
Tony’s inspiration comes from listening to Sonny Boy Williamson, Lil Walter, Billy Branch, Rod Piazza amongst many others. Tony fronted two bands shortly thereafter with the 4th Street Blues Band and Maxwell Mojo as well as being a side man in other bands and is currently one of the original members of The Hurricane Project.
Tony has shared the stage with Clement Brashir, Doug Lee, Mike Wheeler, Toronzo Cannon, L.V. Banks, Twist and The Groove Machine, J.B. Ritchie, Billy Branch and many others over the years.
Alfred Shorter Jr. Bassist
BIO COMING SOON
Jeff Choate – Keyboard and Horns
Jeff Choate – Keyboard and Horns Player for The Hurricane Project
Jeff is a lifelong musician who hails from the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago. Having played both trumpet and piano from an early age he thrives on the variety that playing multiple instruments provides. This musical curiosity is still the driving force behind his endeavors today. Having stepped away from serious musical pursuits for almost a decade Jeff has now been back at it for almost five years. He credits Al Spears, Herman Hines, Mike Brown, Mike Metoyer and others in the suburban music scene for giving him the opportunity to share his musical contributions. Jeff is passionate about Blues music and the ability to infuse it with elements of all genres. Playing with The Hurricane Project has given him an outlet for unbridled creative expression. Jeff’s musical journey has brought him to some of Chicago’s best stages and events including the House of Blues mainstage, Buddy Guy’s Legends, Rosa’s, and the Chicago Blues Fest.
For Hurricane, the blues is more than just music—it’s a way of life. His deep-rooted connection to the genre can be traced back to his early childhood when he would listen to old 78s, absorbing the raw emotions and soulful melodies that defined the blues. It was in the early 90s that he first picked up a guitar and discovered his true calling. From that moment on, Hurricane never stopped playing, honing his skills and developing a unique style that blends elements of jazz and blues with an edgy twist.
While working a full-time job, Hurricane found solice and inspiration in the local blues scene. He began participating in blues jams at Carter’s Place in Lockport and the Harlem Avenue Lounge in Berwyn, immersing himself in the vibrant community of musicians who shared his passion. These experiences fueled his determination to bring the blues to the forefront, and Hurricane took it upon himself to organize and operate three of the longest-running blues jams in the western suburbs.
Al Hurricane has shared the stage alongside Toronzo Cannon, Lurrie Bell, Mike Wheeler, Billy Branch, Johnnie Drummer, Aron Burton, Jimmy Dawkins, and the father-son combo of Lonnie and Ronnie Baker-Brooks, and Lucky Peterson. These collaborations not only enriched Hurricane’s musical journey but also cemented his status as an esteemed member of Chicago’s blues community.
Hurricane wants to give special thanks to his wonderful wife Donna, Michael Wheeler, Toronzo Cannon, Chico Banks (RIP), Twist Ferguson (RIP), Dave Riley, Lindsey Alexander, Billy Branch, Carl Weathersby, Carlos Johnson, Third Coast Guitars, Glen Gerini, Music Solutions, Doug Horan, Jeff Ruffin, Gibson Custom Guitars, Herman Hines original vocalist and Jeff Ruffin the original drummer for THP may you both rest in peace, and hosts of friends who helped make our music possible.
