NIU’s Convocation Center has the blues, and it’s not because it’s depressed.

Blues legend B.B. King will perform at the Convo Center Saturday with Bobby “Blue” Bland and NIU alumni Howard & the White Boys.

“It’s going to be an awesome show. It’s not too often that you get to see a musical legend like this in your backyard, so definitely take advantage of it,” said Joe Coots, marketing manager for the Convo Center.

Howard & the White Boys will open the show at 7:30 p.m., followed by Bobby “Blue” Bland and legend B.B. King.

Coots is confident that NIU students will back the blues show.

“Blues appeals to all ages – research has shown that,” he said.

Howard & the White Boys, who are opening for King, have an interesting story, he said.

Coots said that 15 years ago, King played at the Egyptian Theatre and NIU alumni Howard & the White Boys bought tickets. King’s opening band didn’t show, so Howard & the White Boys got pulled from the crowd and ended up opening for King.

“We try to get as many NIU alums involved as possible,” Coots said.

The show is expected to go until 11 p.m., and Howard & the White boys will perform after the concert at Starbusters, 930 Pappas Drive.

Who: B.B. King, Howard & the White Boys and Bobby “Blue” Bland

Where: Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Highway

When: Saturday (doors open at 6:30 p.m., concert starts at 7:30 p.m.)

Tickets: $37.50, $27.50

For ticket and concert information, call the Convo Center at 752-6800, or visit the Convo Center Web site at

www.convocenter.niu.edu.