This year, the Chicago Blues Festival will host a number of events that go beyond musical performance.

These events, which will take place throughout the weekend on the Route 66 Roadhouse Stage, are intended to educate and inspire audiences while discussing the past, present and future of the blues genre. Here's a rundown of what's in store for all you aficionados.

Thursday, June 8: "First Time I Met the Blues"

11:30-1:00 pm: Blues In the Schools Roundup: practitioners, teachers and students discuss their programs, curriculums and experiences in teaching the featured songs of this year-Vicksburg Blues, St. James Infirmary, and John Henry.

2:00-3:30 pm: Centennial Celebrations: Barrelhouse Chuck, Don Washington and Julien Brunetaud come together to tell stories and pay tribute to blues legends Little Brother Montgomery, Roosevelt Sykes, Blind Arvella Grey.

Friday, June 9: "Drivin' Wheel"

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Songwriting: Johnnie Mae Dunson Smith in conversation and demonstration with Larry Hoffman and Jimi Prime Time Smith.

1:30-3:00 p.m.: The Spirit of Route 66: tales of the road with Dave Hoekstra and Bob Merlis.

Saturday, June 10: "Wang Dang Doodle"

11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: The Blues Congress: a Vision for the Future. Voice your opinion with Blues Heaven, the Chicago Blues Foundation, Koko Taylor’s Celebrity Fund, The Blues Foundation, Record Labels, Club Owners, Performers and interested fans.

2:00-3:30 p.m.: Howlin' Wolf Birthday Party: Celebrate the blues legend's 96th Birthday with his daughters and friends.

Sunday, June 11: "St. James Infirmary"

11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: Blues Literature: the biographers’ take on the blues tradition with Nadine Cohodas, Jim O’Neal, and Robert Reisman.

2:00-3:30 p.m.: Chicago Blues, Today: David Whiteis introduces his book and special guests Wallace Davis, Delores Scott, and Cicero Blake.