April 18: Minnesota State Mankato’s Music Performance Series Hosts Blues Artists Reverend Raven & the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys

Saturday, April 18, 2026
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Hooligans, 1400 Madison Ave., Suite 210, Mankato

Minnesota State University, Mankato Department of Performing Arts News Release

MANKATO, Minnesota – With the Chicago Blues Guide deeming them “excellent” and Emmy-nominated actor Hugh Laurie upping the praise by calling them “bloody excellent,” blues artists Reverend Raven & the Chain Smokin' Altar Boys featuring Westside Andy return to Mankato on April 18 for a night of deep grooves, soulful vocals and blistering harmonica at Hooligans in the Madison East Center. The show starts at 7 p.m.

Led by guitarist and vocalist Reverend Raven, the band performs classic Chicago blues, replicating the spirit of blues legends like Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters and Little Walter with a sound that is both authentic and unmistakably their own. A fixture of the Midwest blues scene, Reverend Raven has spent decades honing a style rooted in tradition – tight rhythms, driving guitar, and a voice steeped in grit and soul.

Joining him is harmonica powerhouse Westside Andy, whose fiery playing and dynamic stage presence have made him one of the most respected blues harp players in the Midwest. Together, they create a musical chemistry that is raw, engaging and impossible to ignore.

Since 1990, the blues artist has opened for the likes of B.B King, Gatemouth Brown, Pinetop Perkins, Koko Taylor Band, Junior Wells, Magic Slim, Jeff Healy, Mike Zito, Tommy Castro and numerous others at festivals. The Reverend can also frequently be seen at Chicago’s Buddy Guy’s Legends, where he has been on rotation as a headliner for 20-plus years.

Backed by a rock-solid rhythm section, the band delivers a set that moves seamlessly from slow-burning blues to high-energy shuffles, keeping audiences locked in from the first note to the final encore. Whether you’re a lifelong blues fan or discovering the genre for the first time, this is a night that promises authenticity, musicianship and pure, foot-stomping fun.

Tickets are available at Hooligans. Those who wish to purchase tickets online should go to hss.mnsu.edu/music-events. For more information, call the Performance Series office (507) 389-5549.