Houston Blues Society

Full-Price Ticket Sales Open July 22 at 12am (Midnight between Sunday and Monday)! Including more but limited seating. IF YOU NEED SEATED TICKETS: STAY UP LATE ON SUNDAY and BE FIRST IN LINE! *There will be no ticket sales at the door.*

https://houstonbluessociety.org/event-5776876

Join us for an afternoon of electrifying blues and festive cheer at the Houston Blues Society's Holiday Bash on December 8, 2024, from 2-5 pm!

We're thrilled to announce that the phenomenal Shemekia Copeland will be headlining this year’s event. With her powerhouse vocals and dynamic stage presence, Shemekia is set to deliver a performance that will leave you spellbound. ✨

The festivities will kick off with a special performance by the TBD Houston Blues Challenge winner, setting the perfect tone for an afternoon of sensational music.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this incredible event! Mark your calendars and get ready to experience an afternoon filled with soulful blues, great company, and holiday joy at the elegant Rockefellers Houston concert venue.

Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable with the magic of blues!

🎷 Step into the soulful world of Evelyn Rubio at The Big Easy Social and Pleasure Club on July 25th! Starting at 9 PM, immerse yourself in an evening where powerful vocals meet masterful saxophone tunes. 🎤

Evelyn, a dynamic force in the Houston music scene, blends her deep-rooted blues sensibility with a captivating stage presence. Since returning to Houston, she's captured hearts with her ability to bridge classic and contemporary blues. Don’t miss your chance to experience her live performance!

🎶 After Evelyn’s set, stick around for an open jam session beginning at 10 PM. Bring your instrument and join in the fun, or simply enjoy the magic of spontaneous musical collaborations.

Ready to spend a night with one of Texas's finest blues artists? Will we see you there, ready to be moved by Evelyn’s stirring performances? 🌟

Join us at The Big Easy, located at 5731 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77005.

Early Bird Tickets Available Now!
https://houstonbluessociety.org/event-5776876
Limited run of Early Bird tickets on sale now at a reduced price! Secure your ticket today. *There will be no ticket sales at the door.*

Join us for an afternoon of electrifying blues and festive cheer at the Houston Blues Society's Holiday Bash on December 8, 2024, from 2-5 pm! We're thrilled to announce that the phenomenal Shemekia Copeland will be headlining this year’s event. With her powerhouse vocals and dynamic stage presence, Shemekia is set to deliver a performance that will leave you spellbound. ✨

The festivities will kick off with a special performance by the TBD Houston Blues Challenge winner, setting the perfect tone for an afternoon of sensational music.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this incredible event! Mark your calendars and get ready to experience an afternoon filled with soulful blues, great company, and holiday joy at the elegant Rockefellers Houston concert venue.

Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable with the magic of blues!

**Free Ticket Giveaway for HBS Members Only: Email [email protected] to enter the drawing for two free tickets to the show! Entries close Monday, July 15th.**

July 18th: Save the date! The Canadian blues ingenue turned Texas axe slinger brings over 35 years of professional talent to the McGonigel's Mucky Duck stage!

Buy Tickets here: https://suefoley.com/

Sue Foley delivers her own brand of high energy, guitar driven Texas blues while premiering her new band, The Pistolas. Foley’s seasoned rhythm section responds to her every move as she sways, rocks, and digs in deep with equal parts ease and intensity.

In May 2024, Foley was awarded the Blues Music Award for Traditional Blues Female Artist (Koko Taylor Award) in Memphis - an award she also won consecutively in 2023, 2022 and 2020. She was also recently honored with Guitarist of the Year and Blues Act of the Year at the 2023 Austin Music Awards, and Guitarist of the Year at the 2023 Maple Blues Awards. Her last album, Pinky’s Blues, took home Best Traditional Blues Album at the 2022 Blues Music Awards.

"Foley continues to cement her place as one of the leading torchbearers of the blues tradition. Male or female." –Nick Cristiano, Rock and Blues Muse

“Sue Foley has a way of making the blues explode from the bandstand, no matter the song or style. She imbues everything she plays with the living truth.”–Bill Bentley, Americana Highways

“Lively it is!...Straight from the hip and from the heart groovaliciousness. Rock on!”–Billy F Gibbons, ZZ TOP

“Canada’s greatest blues guitarist.”–Brad Wheeler, Toronto Globe and Mail

Take Your Blues to the World!

Are you ready to elevate your music and share your passion for the Blues with a wider audience?

Compete in the Houston Blues Challenge this Aug/Sept for a shot at advancing to the prestigious International Blues Challenge in 2025. This is your moment to shine and make your mark on the blues scene!

Who Can Enter?

*Adult and Youth Blues Bands
*Duo/Solo Acts

Why Enter?

*Refine Your Skills: Perform in front of seasoned judges and receive valuable feedback to enhance your craft.
*Grow and Improve: Gain insights that will help you take your music to the next level.
*Boost Your Visibility: Get your name out there, attract new fans, and open doors to exciting new performance and collaboration opportunities.
*Have Fun: Experience the joy of performing and connecting with fellow blues enthusiasts.
*Support the Blues: Contribute to keeping this iconic genre alive and thriving.

Important Dates:
Application Deadline: July 31st, 2024

Competition Dates at The Big Easy Social and Pleasure Club:
*August 25th at 3:00 PM
*September 8th at 3:00 PM
*September 22nd at 3:00 PM

Don't miss this chance to take your blues to the next level.

Register Today!
https://houstonbluessociety.org/Houston-Blues-Challenge

Get ready for an incredible night of blues on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at The Big Easy Social & Pleasure Club! 🎸✨ The Houston Blues Society is excited to present a special Blues Jam featuring the dynamic EZ3, with Andrew Saad and Myron "Big Jack" Jackson. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with the show starting at 9:00 PM.

Experience the soul-stirring magic of EZ3 as they bring their unique blend of traditional and contemporary blues to the stage, promising a night of captivating performances and unforgettable music. 🎤🎶

Following their set, join our open jam session. Musicians of all kinds are welcome to showcase their talent and join the blues fun! 🎷🎸🥁

Don't miss this electrifying event! Join us at The Big Easy, located at 5731 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77005.

Join us for an afternoon of electrifying blues and festive cheer at the Houston Blues Society's Holiday Bash on December 8, 2024, from 2-5 pm! 🎉 We're thrilled to announce that the phenomenal Shemekia Copeland will be headlining this year’s event. With her powerhouse vocals and dynamic stage presence, Shemekia is set to deliver a performance that will leave you spellbound. 🎤✨

The festivities will kick off with a special performance by the TBD Houston Blues Challenge winner, setting the perfect tone for an afternoon of sensational music. 🎶🎸

Don't miss your chance to be part of this incredible event! Tickets go on sale July 15th. 📅 Mark your calendars and get ready to experience an afternoon filled with soulful blues, great company, and holiday joy at the elegant Rockefellers Houston concert venue.

Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable with the magic of blues! 🌟

Hello, HBS members and all interested parties.

The Houston Blues Society is in the process of soliciting and interviewing potential candidates for the upcoming 2024 Board of Directors election.

There are five Officer Positions and two Board of Director positions that will be placed on the ballot for a total of seven (7) elected candidates. The elected positions that will be on the ballot are as follows:

Officers (1-year term):

President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Parliamentarian
Directors (2-year term):

Two (2) Board of Director positions

Your participation on the Board of Directors is essential to the longevity and continued success of the organization. Without a board, this organization will cease to exist. This is a working Board, and Directors are required to be actively engaged in the planning and implementation of all events. Monthly Board meetings are held on the third Monday of each month and attendance is required.

Time is short, so please send an email to the HBS Nominations Committee at [email protected] and indicate the following. The deadline for declaring interest in being nominated is June 20, 2024.

(1) Your desire to serve as as an Officer or Director.

(2) Your experience as a an Officer or Director, or participation as a volunteer in a non-profit organization.

(3) Your ideas about how you can contribute as a Board member of the Houston Blues Society.

(4) If you know someone who would be a great candidate, or who has expressed an interest, please let us know and we will reach out to them.

A questionnaire will be sent to all interested individuals, including sitting board members. Completion of the questionnaire is required for consideration for election to the Board.

Thank you,

Kathryn Terry
Chairperson, HBS Nominations Committee
HBS Nominations Committee Email:
[email protected]

📣HBS Annual Music Scholarship Applications are OPEN!🎓

The Houston Blues Society scholarships support the education of music students who demonstrate promise and creativity in music composition or performing.

Two scholarships are available:

The T-99 Scholarship for school-age (pre-college) music students. Download the application: https://houstonbluessociety.org/T-99-Scholarship

The Charlie White Scholarship for students of accredited college-level music programs. Download the application: https://houstonbluessociety.org/Charlie-White-Scholarship

All music students are encouraged to apply.

Applications are open through June 10th, 2024.

Please EMAIL your application to [email protected]

HBS members and blues fans: Donate to keep the annual scholarship program alive and funded at https://houstonbluessociety.org/Donate.

Best,

Your HBS Board

**Event Sponsors Needed for Houston Blues Legends Gala**

The Houston Blues Society is extending a special invitation to join us as a corporate sponsor for an upcoming event that promises to enrich our community and celebrate the legacy of blues music in Houston.

This October, we are hosting a Formal Legends Concert, Awarding, and Dinner at Emancipation Park — an event that will entertain, inspire, and connect music lovers from all walks of life.

As part of our commitment to inclusivity, we aim to make this event accessible to everyone by offering free ticketing. However, to achieve this, we require the generous support of our local business community.

We must secure $9,000 in sponsorships to cover the costs of producing and hosting such a prestigious event, to cover expenses including:

•Awards and Performance Reimbursement for Three Legends
•Venue Rental
•Peace Officers
•Food Service
•Administration, Marketing, and Ticketing Services
•Decor and Photography/Video
•Sound and Backline

We have flexible sponsorship options available for any size business. Sponsorship includes prominent branding opportunities, recognition during the award ceremony, and VIP seating at the dinner.

Sponsorship is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your company's commitment to Houston's cultural enrichment while enjoying an exceptional evening of music and community spirit.

We aim to finalize our sponsorship roster by June, aligning with the election month, to ensure ample time for event preparations and collaborative marketing efforts.

Your support will help make this event possible and contribute to the Houston Blues Society's ongoing initiatives to revitalize legends' homes, fund student scholarships, and keep the Blues alive and thriving in our schools and neighborhoods.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to impact our community significantly through Blues music and heritage.
We look forward to partnering with you!

Please email us at [email protected] or call (832) 995-8925 to learn more and become a sponsor.

*Your sponsorship pledge may be tax deductible. Please consult your accountant and/or tax professional to confirm.

🎸 Mark your calendars for May 30th and join us at The Big Easy Social and Pleasure Club for an electrifying evening of blues with Devon Rismay! Starting at 9 PM, prepare for a performance that weaves together the soul of traditional blues with innovative new rhythms.

Devon, a standout guitarist and vocalist from Texas, has rapidly gained acclaim for his ability to blend classic blues influences with modern flair. Experience a night where Devon honors blues legends while propelling the genre forward into exciting new realms.

🎶 After Devon’s inspiring set, grab your instrument and take part in our open jam starting at 10 PM.

For more information:

https://houstonbluessociety.org/sponsor

Houston Musicians and Music Lovers: Help bring the music to patients!
https://www.musiciansoncall.org/
Musicians On Call

This weekend! Attn: Potential Blues Challengers of all ages, this is an opportunity to learn what it takes to succeed in the Houston Blues Challenge and the International Blues Challenge.

Register now for the Workshop: https://houstonbluessociety.org/Houston-Blues-Challenge

*Showcase is already fully booked.

Don't miss this opportunity to sharpen your knowledge and skills to succeed in the Houston Blues Challenge and move on to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge!
Know a musician or band who would do well? Share this with them and encourage them to participate. It's a free workshop!

Register today at: https://houstonbluessociety.org/Houston-Blues-Challenge

The goal of the *Workshop* is to demystify the HBC and IBC process and provide insights into how to be successful in the competition and your music career. The *Showcase* will provide the opportunity to perform in front of qualified judges and an audience to receive valuable feedback, according to IBC guidelines, to help you prepare for the competition this fall.

Workshop instructors and showcase judges will be esteemed musicians from the Houston Blues community.

Open to all Adult and Youth Blues-focused acts. This is a free event.

Musicians must already know how to play their instruments and be able to perform at an intermediate level.

April 28th, 3-7pm. 1020 W NASA Pkwy Suite 146, Webster, TX 77598. School of Rock Clear Lake.

Backline is provided, including guitar/bass amplifiers and drum kit. Bring your instrument only.

Workshops will include:

“How to Nail a Winning Solo”
“How to Conduct your Band and Provide Powerful Dynamics”
“How to Create an Interactive Experience with the Audience”
“School: What is it Good for?”
“Learn the Logistics of the ‘Challenge’”
“You Won! What’s Next? Discover the Business behind the Artist”

**Attention: HBS MEMBERS ONLY: Free Ticket Raffle!**

Reply on this post no later than 3pm today to enter for a good chance to win 2 free tickets.

Show is tomorrow night!

BTW, Sue’s album, One Guitar Woman, came out last Friday and debuted at number one on the iTunes and Amazon blues charts!!

Join triple Blues Music Award Winner Sue Foley for this album release show “One Guitar Woman”, April 6 at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck. Celebrating the pioneering women of guitar, Foley pays acoustic homage to a musical heritage populated by blues and finger picking guitar heroines like Memphis Minnie and Elizabeth Cotten, and other female prodigies such as the French classical guitarist Ida Presti and the multi-talented Andrés Segovia–trained guitarist known as Charo.

“Most impressive is Foley’s compelling voice, always expressive even with the amps turned up to 10, but even more so here. She finds empathy with these women writers in her soulful interpretations of their lyrics” Rock & Blues Muse

Tickets on sale now at mcgonigels.com

***HBS MEMBERS ONLY: Enter the free ticket raffle for 2 Tickets to the show. Email us at [email protected] by end of day on Thursday, April 4th.

Join triple Blues Music Award Winner Sue Foley for this album release show “One Guitar Woman”, April 6 at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck. Celebrating the pioneering women of guitar, Foley pays acoustic homage to a musical heritage populated by blues and finger picking guitar heroines like Memphis Minnie and Elizabeth Cotten, and other female prodigies such as the French classical guitarist Ida Presti and the multi-talented Andrés Segovia–trained guitarist known as Charo.

“Most impressive is Foley’s compelling voice, always expressive even with the amps turned up to 10, but even more so here. She finds empathy with these women writers in her soulful interpretations of their lyrics” Rock & Blues Muse

Tickets on sale now at mcgonigels.com

***HBS MEMBERS ONLY: Enter the free ticket raffle for 2 Tickets to the show. Email us at [email protected] by end of day on Thursday, April 4th.

Register today at: https://houstonbluessociety.org/Houston-Blues-Challenge

The goal of the *Workshop* is to demystify the HBC and IBC process and provide insights into how to be successful in the competition and your music career. The *Showcase* will provide the opportunity to perform in front of qualified judges and an audience to receive valuable feedback, according to IBC guidelines, to help you prepare for the competition this fall.

Workshop instructors and showcase judges will be esteemed musicians from the Houston Blues community.

Open to all Adult and Youth Blues-focused acts. This is a free event.

Musicians must already know how to play their instruments and be able to perform at an intermediate level.

April 28th, 3-7pm. 1020 W NASA Pkwy Suite 146, Webster, TX 77598. School of Rock Clear Lake.

Backline is provided, including guitar/bass amplifiers and drum kit. Bring your instrument only.

Workshops will include:

“How to Nail a Winning Solo”
“How to Conduct your Band and Provide Powerful Dynamics”
“How to Create an Interactive Experience with the Audience”
“School: What is it Good for?”
“Learn the Logistics of the ‘Challenge’”
“You Won! What’s Next? Discover the Business behind the Artist”

Keeshea Pratt Scott Gertner’s Rhythm Room

Alastair Greene hosts HBS Jam