Popovic blazes trails for female blues guitarists

Musician Ana Popovic knew what she was getting into when she entered the male-dominated world of guitar playing.

But she doesn’t feel like an outsider.

“You really have to be strong to get your ideas out there,” Popovic said. “There is so much [room] for everybody and everybody’s style. I just play my music and hope to be different.”

Her gender isn’t all that sets her apart. She was born in the war-torn town of Belgrade, in the former Yugoslavia, in 1976.

Popovic blends rock with blues and other genres of music.

“I really don’t want to play one style,” Popovic said. “I grew up on blues and studied jazz. All of these styles are really part of me.”

These days, Popovic is juggling being a new mom with her music career. Her son was born six weeks ago.

“He is out on tour with us,” she said. “It is children- friendly type of work.”

Popovic is touring in support of her latest album, “Still Making History,” which was co-produced by Grammy Award-winning producer John Porter.

Porter has worked with such acts as Los Lonely Boys, Bonnie Raitt and Buddy Guy.

“I was really excited that there was a possibility he would produce the album,” Popovic said. “I liked his way of producing. He loved the variety. I knew he was into jazz and blues.”

Producer David Z., who has worked with Prince. Fine Young Cannibals and Etta James, produced the other half of the record.

“He was into funk more,” Popovic said.

Popovic prefers touring across the United States rather than overseas.

“The people here understand the language and lyrics,” Popovic said. “France has wonderful festivals, but they are missing 50 percent of it because they don’t understand.”

Ana Popovic

When: 9:30 p.m. today

Where: Buddy Guy’s Legends, 754 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago

Admission: $15

Information: 312-427-0333