Dancing to live music in H-Town...

Alan Haynes @ The Big Easy, 9:30pm-1:30am

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:08:05 -0600

Alan Haynes brings his Austin blues guitar to the Big Easy Social & Pleasure Club, 5731 Kirby Drive (south of Bissonnet, between Firestone and Domino’s Pizza). $10 cover for New Year’s Eve. Watch Alan (with legendary drummer “Uncle John” Turner, and Appa Perry on bass) perform “Houston Blues” live in Denmark:

Tommy Dardar @ The Big Easy, 9:30pm-1:30am

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:48:48 -0600

The incomparable Tommy Dardar, “a harp (harmonica) player and vocalist, who on and off has been around forever, and can still play the blues like a man possessed” (Bob Claypool, Houston Chronicle). Dardar plays a powerful brand of swamp rock steeped in the traditions of Louisiana Zydeco and blues masters such as Bobby Bland and the legendary Jimmy Reed.

The Big Easy Social & Pleasure Club, 5731 Kirby Drive (south of Bissonnet, between Firestone and Domino’s Pizza). A measly $5 cover.

Grateful Geezers @ Capone's, 7-11pm

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:54:06 -0600

The Grateful Geezers band plays faithful renditions of R&B, Funk, Blues, and Classic Rock. Capone’s Bar & Oven, 4304 Westheimer Rd. (at Mid Lane). Google Map. NO COVER!

Yvonne Washington @ Sambuca Jazz Cafe, 7-10pm

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:35:12 -0600

Whether it's a slow ballad, a jazz standard, or heart-pounding rhythm & blues, Yvonne Washington puts her heart into her music. Sambuca Jazz Cafe, 909 Texas (at Travis), in lovely Downtown Houston. There’s NO COVER, and it's a restaurant, so it's appropriate for all ages. The band starts about 7 p.m., and wraps up by 10:30.

Take MetroRail to the Preston Station. Walk south for 2 blocks to Texas, then turn right. There's valet parking and FREE parking on the streets nearby (READ ALL PARKING SIGNS CAREFULLY).

Texas Johnny Brown @ The Big Easy, 9:30pm-1:30am

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:16:40 -0600

Texas Johnny Brown is truly one of the legendary figures of the American blues scene. He began his professional musical career in Houston in the mid- 1940s with Amos Milburn's "Aladdin Chickenshackers." Johnny toured with Bobby "Blue" Bland and Junior Parker in the 1950s and 1960s as guitarist and bandleader and was a studio musician for Houston's Duke/Peacock Records. He recorded a number of his own compositions for Duke/Peacock, including Snakehips and Suspense, and his distinctive guitar style graced the recordings of numerous other Duke/Peacock blues artists, including Bland, Parker and Joe Hinton. Johnny also wrote the beautiful blues classic, Two Steps from the Blues, which was one of Bland's biggest hits. Three of Johnny's original songs from his Atlantic session, There Goes the Blues, Bongo Boogie and Blues Rock, were included on an Atlantic compilation of blues guitarists in 1986. Johnny recut There Goes the Blues for his debut full-length CD, Nothin' But the Truth, which was released in 1998 by Choctaw Creek Records.

Big Easy Social & Pleasure Club, 5731 Kirby Drive (south of Bissonnet, between Firestone and Domino’s Pizza). A measly $5 cover.

Luther & the Healers @ Capone's, 9:30pm-1:30am

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:03:42 -0600

Established in 1991, and continuously performing upwards of 300 shows per year since, Luther & The Healers has been steadfastly dedicated to preserving the beautiful sounds of the blues in all of it's colors in every imaginable venue with the singleminded goal of bringing joy to the people while remaining true to the integrity of the music. Capone’s Bar & Oven, 4304 Westheimer Rd. (at Mid Lane), Houston. (Near Highland Village Shopping Center). Google Map. NO COVER! ALL AGES. A swell place to have dinner too.

Luther & The Healers @ The Big Easy, 9:30pm-1:30am

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:08:39 -0600

Luther & The Healers is of one of Houston's hardest working bands. Established in 1991 and continuously performing upwards of 300 shows per year since, the band has been steadfastly dedicated to preserving the beautiful sounds of the blues in all of it's colors in every imaginable venue with the singleminded goal of bringing joy to the people while remaining true to the integrity of the music.

The Big Easy Social & Pleasure Club, 5731 Kirby Drive (south of Bissonnet, between Firestone and Domino’s Pizza). No cover on Thursdays.

Bobby Mack @ The Big Easy, 9:30pm-1:30am

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:24:57 -0600

Bobby Mack was named Texas Music Ambassador to the World. He delivers on that reputation with the very best Texas Blues has to offer. The band's roots are in the blues but their live shows and CD's include hot rockin' roadhouse music with high energy funk and soul.

Be part of the Live Webcast. The Big Easy Social & Pleasure Club, 5731 Kirby Drive (south of Bissonnet, between Firestone and Domino’s Pizza). A measly $5 cover.

Luther & The Healers @ The Big Easy, 9:30pm-1:30am

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:54:53 -0600

Yvonne Washington @ Sambuca Jazz Cafe, 7-10pm

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 10:34:19 -0600

Whether it's heart-pounding Rhythm & Blues, a jazz standard, or a slow ballad, Yvonne Washington puts her heart into her music. Sambuca Jazz Cafe, 909 Texas (at Travis), in lovely Downtown Houston. NO COVER. ALL AGES. A good place to have dinner. The band starts about 7 p.m., and may wrap up by 10:30 or so.

Take MetroRail to the Preston Station. Walk south for 2 blocks to Texas, then turn right. There's valet parking and FREE parking on the streets nearby (READ ALL PARKING SIGNS CAREFULLY).

Steve Krase & The In Crowd @ Capone's, 9pm-1am

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 20:31:38 -0600

Ring in the New Year with Steve Krase & The In Crowd, winners of the 2004 and 2005 Houston International Blues Challenge. Capone’s Bar & Oven, 4304 Westheimer Rd. (at Mid Lane). ALL AGES.

Sherman Robertson @ The Big Easy, 9:30pm-1:30am

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:27:24 -0600

“When I saw him... he was on fire. He ruled the stage, had the audience in the palm of his hand, and his just plain physical showmanship reminded me of Albert Collins... He's got that Texas energy, great guitar chops, and is a wonderful, soulful singer.” - Bruce Iglauer, President, Alligator Records, describing Sherman Robertson.
At the Big Easy Social & Pleasure Club, 5731 Kirby Drive (south of Bissonnet, between Firestone and Domino’s Pizza). A measly $5 cover.

Sherman Robertson was born in Beaux Bridge, Louisiana and raised in Houston, Texas. In high school, his music teacher, Conrad Johnson, recruited him to play in Connie's Combo. Robertson quickly earned a reputation as a very good guitarist. While still a teenager, he was blessed to spend six weeks on the road as lead guitarist for the legendary Bobby "Blue" Bland. That experience gave Robertson the confidence to form his own band.

Pee Wee Bowen @ Capone's, 9pm-1am

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 23:37:26 -0600

The Pee Wee Bowen Band plays classic R&B, Motown, and Blues. Capone’s Bar & Oven, 4304 Westheimer Rd. (at Mid Lane). Google Map. NO COVER! Band members are Pee Wee Bowen - vocals, harmonica; Clem Saha - saxophone, percussion; Sylvester Muratta - trombone, vocals; Hank Wadkins - trumpet, keyboards, vocals; John Bockelman - guitar, vocals; Ronnie McLauchlin - drums, vocals.

Lavelle White @ The Big Easy, 9:30pm-1:30am

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 14:44:33 -0600

Miss Lavelle White has Houston's rich rhythm & blues scene of the 1950s to thank for her start. The Eisenhower era of big-band blues found most local and touring outfits featuring a female vocalist. White had no trouble getting work and her soul-filled vocals – rich and powerful in the tradition of Dinah Washington – came to the attention of music magnate Don Robey. She recorded several singles for Robey and was regularly featured in local revues until the late 1960s, when times and musical trends changed. For the next couple of decades, White bounced between Austin and Houston before settling back in the capital city in the early 1990s, where she recorded three highly acclaimed CDs, Miss Lavelle, It Haven't Been Easy, and Into the Mystic.
At the Big Easy Social & Pleasure Club, 5731 Kirby Drive (south of Bissonnet, between Firestone and Domino’s Pizza). A measly $5 cover. Ages 21 and over.

Steve Krase & The In Crowd @ Capone's, 7pm-11pm

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 22:50:50 -0600

Steve Krase spent 10 years as the harp man for the legendary Houston band Jerry Lightfoot and The Essentials. With the In Crowd, Steve has blended his high energy style with the soulful vibe that runs through the great city of Houston. Steve Krase & The In Crowd were winners of the 2004 and 2005 International Blues Challenge. Capone’s Bar & Oven, 4304 Westheimer Rd. (at Mid Lane). NO COVER! ALL AGES.

Sonny Boy Terry @ Central Market, 12-4pm

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Dancing on the patio of Houston's best grocery store with FREE LIVE MUSIC! Go for lunch, dance it off, then get groceries! Free Wi-Fi! Central Market, 3815 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027. Sit in the shade (or inside)!

Sonny Boy Terry is now being recognized as one of Texas' - if not one of America's - top harmonica players and devoted blues recording artists. Watch him below.

Dave Nevling & The Blues Kats @ The Big Easy, 9:30pm-1:30am

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 17:51:19 -0600

Dave Nevling brings his Blues Kats to the Big Easy Social & Pleasure Club, 5731 Kirby Drive (south of Bissonnet, between Firestone and Domino’s Pizza). A measly $5 cover for Houston’s best live music and social dance venue. Ages 21 and over.

Trudy Lynn @ The Big Easy, 9:30pm-1:30am

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 20:59:26 -0600

Trudy Lynn began her career in the late '60s as a Stax-style R&B singer opening shows for Ike & Tina Turner and others passing through town. She began recording in late eighties for the Georgia-based British Ichiban label, cutting a fine mix of southern soul and Delta blues albums produced by Buzz Amato. Lynn currently appears on several blues festival bills, primarily abroad.

The Big Easy Social & Pleasure Club, 5731 Kirby Drive (south of Bissonnet, between Firestone and Domino’s Pizza). $5 cover.

Ezra Charles @ The Big Easy, 9:30pm-1:30am

Sat, 6 Aug 2011 16:03:08 -0500

Famous for having girls in the horn section and flashy piano antics, Ezra Charles lays down a rockin' groove that defies simple descriptions, but is firmly rooted in every type of music that ever came out of this part of Texas: Boogie-Woogie, Swing, Rockabilly and Blues. Ezra Charles plays songs from their six albums, Design For Living (1989), Modern Years (1994), Drive Time (1996), Texas-Style (1998), Beaumont Boy (2001), and King of Texas Blues (2010), along with original arrangements of standards.

Make it a special night of dancing to the “King of Texas Blues” Ezra Charles and his big band horns at the Big Easy Social & Pleasure Club, 5731 Kirby Drive (south of Bissonnet, between Firestone and Domino’s Pizza). A measly $5 cover.

Steve Krase & The In Crowd @ The Big Easy, 9:30pm-1:30am

Fri, 5 Aug 2011 00:37:11 -0500

Steve Krase spent 10 years as the harp man for the legendary Houston band Jerry Lightfoot and The Essentials. With the In Crowd, Steve has blended his high energy style with the soulful vibe that runs through the great city of Houston. Steve Krase & The In Crowd were winners of the 2004 and 2005 International Blues Challenge. The Big Easy Social & Pleasure Club, 5731 Kirby Drive (south of Bissonnet, between Firestone and Domino’s Pizza). $5 cover. See them in action below.

Eugene Moody @ The Big Easy, 9:30pm-1:30am 2

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:03:11 -0500

Of a recent Thursday night jam night at the Big Easy, the Houston Press said Eugene Moody was “the star of the evening... The singer/guitarist and his band were slow-roasting a set of Southern R&B like a rotisserie chicken at a Memorial Day barbecue. Overall it smacked strongly of Al Green and Otis Redding, and time didn't quite stand still when they hit Lowell Fulsom's ‘Things That I Used To Do’ and Sly & the Family Stone's ‘If You Want Me To Stay,’ but it came pretty close.”

The Big Easy Social & Pleasure Club, 5731 Kirby Drive (south of Bissonnet, between Firestone and Domino’s Pizza). $5 cover.

James Reese @ The Big Easy, 9:30pm

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:12:35 -0500

James Reese might be the best guitar player in Texas that you've never heard of. And now he has a stellar band backing him as well. Richard Cholaikian (drums) has just returned from a European tour; Frank Zweback (bass) is also a member of popular groups skyblue72, D.R.U.M. and Zwee; and Randy Wall has played keys with almost everyone in town.

The Big Easy Social & Pleasure Club, 5731 Kirby Drive (south of Bissonnet, between Firestone and Domino’s Pizza). No cover on Mondays!

Grady Gaines & The Texas Upsetters @ The Big Easy, 9:30pm-1:30am

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 22:37:51 -0500

Grady Gaines was saxophonist and bandleader for Don Robey's Peacock Records when he met Little Richard and became leader of Richard’s Upsetters. They recorded classics like "Long Tall Sally" and "Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On". When Richard (temporarily) retired, Grady was hired by Sam Cooke to lead his band. After Cooke's untimely death, Grady continued to play all the great houses such as The Apollo and the Palladium, backing up Bo Diddley, Etta James, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, and Jackie Wilson.

Houston’s preeminent party band plays a very special gig at the Big Easy Social & Pleasure Club, 5731 Kirby Drive (south of Bissonnet, between Firestone and Domino’s Pizza). A measly $5 cover. Watch the band below.

Grateful Geezers @ Capone's, 9pm-1am

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 23:41:24 -0500

The Grateful Geezers band plays faithful renditions of R&B, Funk, Blues, and Classic Rock. Capone’s Bar & Oven, 4304 Westheimer Rd. (at Mid Lane). NO COVER!