Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Mike Wheeler is an integral part of Chicago blues history. Recently known as a solo artist, Wheeler has written music for many Chicago artists, including Nellie Tiger Travis, Peaches Staten, Sam Cockrell, Demetria Taylor, and Big Ray & Cadillac Dave. He was also a key member of the band Big James & The Chicago Playboys for many years, recording five acclaimed albums with the group.
Mike Wheeler has toured the world as an ambassador of Chicago blues and shared the stage with legends such as B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Willie Kent, George Benson, Jimmy Johnson, and Shemekia Copeland. In 2014, Wheeler was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame.
At Augustibluus, Mike Wheeler will perform with Highway, an ensemble of top Finnish musicians: Jonne Kulluvaara – guitar, Jan-Olof “Puppe” Strandberg – bass, Petteri Määttänen – drums, and Good Rockin’ Kempas – vocals and harmonica.
