Ellington

Michael Burks grew up learning how to play music. His father taught him his first notes on the guitar at the age of 2, and at 5 years old, he could learn an entire song in one day, by the time his father returned home from work.

Despite the lack of a record label, Burks gained attention from regional and, eventually, national music festivals for his energetic and soul-searching performances. After self-producing a critically acclaimed record titled "The Inside Out" in 1997, Burks realized that he had to pursue a full time musical career.

Since then, Burks joined Alligator Records and produced "Make It Rain," "I Smell Smoke" and "Iron Man." "I Smell Smoke" won him three Blues Music Awards nominations.

Listen to Burks' emotional guitar playing and sensual voice along with the music of other blues artists, at the Autumn 'n' Blues Festival Oct. 2 and Oct. 3 outside the 930 Blues Café.

Tickets are $25 for Friday and $15 for Saturday and can be purchased at the 930 Blues Café, Bebop Records and at the festival gate. The festival opens at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 2. Visit http://www.autumnandbluesfestival.com for more information.