2025 3rd Annual Houston Bluesfest Featured artists!
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
Houston Blues Legend Returns to Rock the Stage with Fire, Soul, and Unforgettable Guest Collaborations
Based out of Houston, Texas, Jonn is an internationally renowned guitarist singer songwriter with two Blues Music Awards for Best New Artist Debut Award for his album Tengo Blues and with Diunna Greenleaf and Blue Mercy. He also played
Houston Blues Legend Returns to Rock the Stage with Fire, Soul, and Unforgettable Guest Collaborations
Based out of Houston, Texas, Jonn is an internationally renowned guitarist singer songwriter with two Blues Music Awards for Best New Artist Debut Award for his album Tengo Blues and with Diunna Greenleaf and Blue Mercy. He also played guitar on Pinetop Perkins Last of the Mississippi Blues Men that garnered a Grammy for Best Tradition Blues Album. The album Time Slips On By which he recorded with Rich DelGrosso was nominated for a Blues Music Award and Blues Blast Award and was in Downbeat Magazines Top 100 Albums of the Year. The recording Drivin' Me Wild that he recorded with Sean Carney received great reviews in the genre. His work with Otis Taylor introduced him to a diverse world of musical possibilities playing alongside many great artists worldwide. He also won the "Albert King" award at the Internal Blues Challenge in 2005. Jonn's style blends Blues, R&B, Country, Latin, and Rock to give its own soulful flare. Jonn continues to tour extensively both in the U.S. and Europe.
Hamilton Loomis
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
Headlining the 3rd Annual Houston Bluesfest
Hamilton Loomis, hailing from Galveston, Texas, grew up immersed in the rich traditions of blues, rock, and soul—thanks to his musician parents and their vast record collection. By his early teens, he was already a multi-instrumentalist, mastering guitar, piano, drums, harmonica, and even trombon
Headlining the 3rd Annual Houston Bluesfest
Hamilton Loomis, hailing from Galveston, Texas, grew up immersed in the rich traditions of blues, rock, and soul—thanks to his musician parents and their vast record collection. By his early teens, he was already a multi-instrumentalist, mastering guitar, piano, drums, harmonica, and even trombone, while performing with his family’s doo-wop group. Guided early on by legends such as Joe "Guitar" Hughes, Johnny Copeland, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, and Albert Collins, Loomis emerged as a bridge between generations, carrying forward the torch of electric blues.
A genuine protégé of Bo Diddley, young Hamilton's first chance to jam with the legend came backstage in Houston at just 16—a moment that blossomed into a lifelong mentorship, collaboration, and even a gift of a red guitar from Diddley himself. Since then, he has forged his own sound, landing in the “center” of the blues-soul-rock triangle, as Guitar Playermagazine once described it. His 2007 album Ain’t Just Temporary climbed to No. 7 on the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart. Loomis has released eight albums to date, showcasing his versatility as a guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer, all while redefining modern blues with soulful riffs and funky grooves.
On stage, Loomis is pure energy—described by Blues Blast Magazine as “a non-stop turbo of power,” he invites the audience into the performance with dynamic showmanship that often becomes interactive and unforgettable. Whether delivering intimate solo moments or high-octane full-band explosions, he connects deeply with fans, turning newcomers into lifelong followers. Beyond the stage, he’s also known for paying it forward—his album Give It Back highlights his commitment to mentoring younger musicians, carrying on the generous spirit of his early mentors.
Trudy Lynn
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
Leonard "Lowdown" Brown
Featured Guest at Houston Bluesfest
Born Lee Audrey Nelms in Houston’s historic Fifth Ward, Trudy Lynn has spent decades shaping the sound of Texas blues and soul. She first sang with legends like Albert Collins and Clarence Green in the 1960s, later opening for Ike & Tina Turner, and went on to release twelve acclaimed albums—including th
Featured Guest at Houston Bluesfest
Born Lee Audrey Nelms in Houston’s historic Fifth Ward, Trudy Lynn has spent decades shaping the sound of Texas blues and soul. She first sang with legends like Albert Collins and Clarence Green in the 1960s, later opening for Ike & Tina Turner, and went on to release twelve acclaimed albums—including the Billboard chart-topping Royal Oaks Blues Café. Her fiery, emotional delivery has earned comparisons to Koko Taylor and Etta James, cementing her place among the great voices of modern blues.
As seen in the recent documentary When Houston Had the Blues, Trudy Lynn represents the proud lineage of Houston’s female blues trailblazers, standing shoulder to shoulder with icons like Big Mama Thornton and Jewel Brown. The film highlights how her music connects Houston’s blues past with its vibrant present.
On stage, Trudy Lynn is pure electricity—shouts, whispers, and soulful storytelling rolled into one unforgettable performance. She doesn’t just sing the blues, she lives it, making every show an experience of Houston’s musical heartbeat. At Houston Bluesfest, her appearance as a featured guest promises to be one of the festival’s most soulful and inspiring moments.The new documentary When Houston Had the Blues celebrates Houston’s rich and often underappreciated blues heritage—and it features a segment highlighting “The Ladies of Houston Blues,” including Trudy Lynn alongside Big Mama Thornton, Jewel Brown, and Katie Webster. This film sheds light on how Houston's vibrant Third and Fifth Wards became hotbeds for musical innovation, combining blues with influences from Tejano, Zydeco, R&B, and jazz.
On stage, Trudy Lynn embodies the soul of Houston blues—fiery, soulful, and deeply compelling. In her performances, she doesn’t just sing; she embodies the music’s history, emotion, and grit. Whether delivering shouts, warbles, or tender testimony, she brings the blues to life, captivating audiences with every note. As featured in When Houston Had the Blues, she stands as both a vital cultural link to the city’s musical roots and an unforgettable live performer—making her a perfect, resonant highlight for the Houston Bluesfest lineup.
Leonard "Lowdown" Brown
Leonard "Lowdown" Brown
Leonard "Lowdown" Brown
Featured Guest at Houston Bluesfest
Houston’s own Leonard “Lowdown” Brown is a master of soul-blues guitar and vocals, known for his effortless fingerpicking and commanding stage presence. Over four decades, he’s become a cornerstone of the Houston music scene, captivating audiences with his raw talent and dedication to the craft. Influenc
Featured Guest at Houston Bluesfest
Houston’s own Leonard “Lowdown” Brown is a master of soul-blues guitar and vocals, known for his effortless fingerpicking and commanding stage presence. Over four decades, he’s become a cornerstone of the Houston music scene, captivating audiences with his raw talent and dedication to the craft. Influenced by legends like B.B. King, R.L. Burnside, and T-Bone Walker, Brown's sound is a blend of deep blues and soulful grooves.
In 2023, at the age of 70, Brown released his debut album, Blues Is Calling Me, through the Music Maker Foundation.The album showcases his rich vocals and masterful guitar work, earning praise for its smooth grooves and heartfelt lyrics.Tracks like “Find a Bridge” and “Juke Joint” reflect his life experiences and musical journey.
Brown's music has garnered attention beyond the local scene; his performance of “America Hymn” was featured in the Disney+ / National Geographic series America The Beautiful, narrated by Michael B. Jordan. He has also graced stages at renowned festivals such as the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival and the Baton Rouge Blues Festival.
As a featured guest at the Houston Bluesfest, Leonard “Lowdown” Brown brings decades of musical mastery and soulful storytelling to the stage. His performance is a testament to the enduring spirit of blues and its power to unite and uplift audiences.
Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff
Leonard "Lowdown" Brown
Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff
Soulful Hornlines and Heartfelt Blues from Austin
Hailing from the vibrant blues scene of Austin, Texas, Mark “Kaz” Kazanoff is a towering figure in contemporary blues and roots music. As a masterful tenor saxophonist, arranger, and record producer, Kaz has forged a legacy through decades of deeply soulful performances and inspired collabo
Soulful Hornlines and Heartfelt Blues from Austin
Hailing from the vibrant blues scene of Austin, Texas, Mark “Kaz” Kazanoff is a towering figure in contemporary blues and roots music. As a masterful tenor saxophonist, arranger, and record producer, Kaz has forged a legacy through decades of deeply soulful performances and inspired collaborations. A founding member of The Texas Horns, Kaz has brought his horn arrangements and scorching solos to countless recordings and stages, backing artists like Jimmie Vaughan, Marcia Ball, WC Clark, and Red Young—while also leading his own powerhouse ensembles .
Beyond his instrumental prowess, Kaz is a sought-after producer and creative visionary. He’s been honored with multiple nominations, including an Austin Music Award (1988), a Grammy for Delbert McClinton’s Live from Austin (1989), and accolades from both the Blues Foundation and Blues Music Awards . His work with The Texas Horns, particularly their albums Blues Gotta Holda Me and Get Here Quick, have turned heads for their evocative horn-driven blues, rich storytelling, and compelling collaborations—with guests ranging from Carolyn Wonderland to Guy Forsyth .
Now, Kaz brings that same fiery spirit and deep musical history to the Houston Bluesfest. Audiences can expect a performance that blends soulful saxophone, blues-infused horn arrangements, and electrifying groove—with a rare authenticity that only decades of real-world musical immersion can deliver. From intimate riffs to full-horn immersion, Kaz doesn’t just play the music—he embodies it. Make sure your seats are filled—it’s one performance festival-goers won’t forget.
Van Wilks
Leonard "Lowdown" Brown
Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff
Electrifying Texas Blues to Light Up Houston Bluesfest
Born in Galveston and raised amidst the musical landscapes of Lubbock and Brownwood, Van Wilks made his mark in the Austin scene beginning in the early 1970s. His band, Fools, quickly established his reputation for heavy, guitar-driven blues-rock that resonated with fans hungry for raw
Electrifying Texas Blues to Light Up Houston Bluesfest
Born in Galveston and raised amidst the musical landscapes of Lubbock and Brownwood, Van Wilks made his mark in the Austin scene beginning in the early 1970s. His band, Fools, quickly established his reputation for heavy, guitar-driven blues-rock that resonated with fans hungry for raw Texas grit. In 1979, Wilks struck his first major chord by signing with Mercury Records and releasing his debut album Bombay Tears in 1980. Since then, he's released multiple solo records, delivered globe-spanning tours, and carved a legacy that remains rooted in Texas-blues authenticity.
Wilks’ career has intertwined with rock and blues royalty. Sharing stages with bounding acts like ZZ Top, Heart, Van Halen, Journey, and Aerosmith, he's electrified audiences from Texas to Moscow and beyond. Notably, he appears on ZZ Top's Live at Montreux Jazz Festival DVD and co-wrote “Drive By Lover” with Billy Gibbons—a tune featured on ZZ Top’s La Futura and later reimagined on Wilks’ album 21st Century Blues. This album, his first in a decade, pulses with Texas-sized guitar riffs and storytelling, and includes guest performances from Christopher Cross and Malford Milligan.
Beyond his blazing guitar chops, Van Wilks is a legend of Austin’s music awards circuit—he’s been repeatedly named Best Electric and Acoustic Guitarist and Best Blues-Rock Band in the Austin Chronicle Readers’ Poll, inducted into the Texas Music Hall of Fame, and recognized by the Austin Music Awards. His blazing live shows blend soulful storytelling, blistering fretwork, and a magnetic stage presence that turns casual listeners into fans. At Houston Bluesfest, Van Wilks promises a performance that captures Texas blues’ fiery spirit and unbridled energy—an experience you won't want to miss.
Barry Seelen
Barry Seelen
Barry Seelen
Our Partners
2024 2nd Annual Houston Bluesfest Featured artists!
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
Based out of Houston, Texas, Jonn is an internationally renowned guitarist singer songwriter with two Blues Music Awards for Best New Artist Debut Award for his album Tengo Blues and with Diunna Greenleaf and Blue Mercy. He also played guitar on Pinetop Perkins Last of the Mississippi Blues Men that garnered a Grammy for Best Tradition B
Based out of Houston, Texas, Jonn is an internationally renowned guitarist singer songwriter with two Blues Music Awards for Best New Artist Debut Award for his album Tengo Blues and with Diunna Greenleaf and Blue Mercy. He also played guitar on Pinetop Perkins Last of the Mississippi Blues Men that garnered a Grammy for Best Tradition Blues Album. The album Time Slips On By which he recorded with Rich DelGrosso was nominated for a Blues Music Award and Blues Blast Award and was in Downbeat Magazines Top 100 Albums of the Year. The recording Drivin' Me Wild that he recorded with Sean Carney received great reviews in the genre. His work with Otis Taylor introduced him to a diverse world of musical possibilities playing alongside many great artists worldwide. He also won the "Albert King" award at the Internal Blues Challenge in 2005. Jonn's style blends Blues, R&B, Country, Latin, and Rock to give its own soulful flare. Jonn continues to tour extensively both in the U.S. and Europe.
Carolyn Wonderland
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
Born Carolyn Bradford in Houston in 1972, Carolyn Wonderland began her musical journey at an early age—reportedly playing guitar by six and even fingerpicking by eight due to an early pick mishap that shaped her signature style. By 15 she was already performing at Houston’s Fitzgerald’s, eventually leading her own band, The Imperial Monke
Born Carolyn Bradford in Houston in 1972, Carolyn Wonderland began her musical journey at an early age—reportedly playing guitar by six and even fingerpicking by eight due to an early pick mishap that shaped her signature style. By 15 she was already performing at Houston’s Fitzgerald’s, eventually leading her own band, The Imperial Monkeys, and earning multiple local music awards as her reputation grew. Over decades, she has developed a vivid musical style that blends blues, Tex-Mex, cosmic soul, country, swing, zydeco, gospel, cumbia, and rock ’n’ roll—delivered through her fearless guitar work, multidimensional vocals, and formidable songwriting.
A veteran performer, Wonderland has been on the road virtually nonstop since adolescence, sharing stages with icons such as Townes Van Zandt, Levon Helm, Buddy Guy, Hubert Sumlin, Bob Dylan, and John Mayall. In 2018, she made history as the first—and only—female lead guitarist in John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, a lineage that traces back to legends like Eric Clapton and Peter Green. Her solo career has flourished under Alligator Records: Tempting Fate (2021), produced by Dave Alvin, earned her critical acclaim, multiple Blues Music Award nods, and induction into the Austin Music Hall of Fame; her latest release, Truth Is (2025), continues that momentum with emotionally potent originals and commanding performances.
Carolyn Wonderland delivers electrifying live shows—featuring searing guitar, soulful vocals, and razor-sharp songwriting—that connect deeply with audiences. Beyond her music, she embodies grit and compassion: after a period living in her van during tough times, she co-founded H.O.M.E. (HomeAustin.org) to support older musicians facing housing insecurity, alongside peers like Marcia Ball. Her artistry and activism make her both a formidable performer and a heartfelt community leader—an ideal and inspiring highlight for the 2024 Houston Bluesfest lineup.A genuine protégé of Bo Diddley, young Hamilton's first chance to jam with the legend came backstage in Houston at just 16—a moment that blossomed into a lifelong mentorship, collaboration, and even a gift of a red guitar from Diddley himself. Since then, he has forged his own sound, landing in the “center” of the blues-soul-rock triangle, as Guitar Playermagazine once described it. His 2007 album Ain’t Just Temporary climbed to No. 7 on the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart. Loomis has released eight albums to date, showcasing his versatility as a guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer, all while redefining modern blues with soulful riffs and funky grooves.
On stage, Loomis is pure energy—described by Blues Blast Magazine as “a non-stop turbo of power,” he invites the audience into the performance with dynamic showmanship that often becomes interactive and unforgettable. Whether delivering intimate solo moments or high-octane full-band explosions, he connects deeply with fans, turning newcomers into lifelong followers. Beyond the stage, he’s also known for paying it forward—his album Give It Back highlights his commitment to mentoring younger musicians, carrying on the generous spirit of his early mentors.
Leonard "Lowdown" Brown
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
Leonard "Lowdown" Brown
At the age of 70, Houston’s master soul-bluesman Leonard “Lowdown” Brown will release his debut record, Blues is Calling Me, via Music Maker Foundation. Leonard “Lowdown” Brown is a songwriter and electric guitar-slinging blues legend in the Houston music scene. His virtuosic fingerwork and formidable voice seem effortless, evidence of hi
At the age of 70, Houston’s master soul-bluesman Leonard “Lowdown” Brown will release his debut record, Blues is Calling Me, via Music Maker Foundation. Leonard “Lowdown” Brown is a songwriter and electric guitar-slinging blues legend in the Houston music scene. His virtuosic fingerwork and formidable voice seem effortless, evidence of his raw talent and over four decades of dedication to his craft. In 2003, Brown was included in Roger's Wood's book Down in Houston: Bayou City Blues and as such is one of Houston's living blues legends. Leonard Brown grew up in the Chicago area singing with his siblings in traveling gospel choirs . Around the age of six, Leonard’s father gave him his first guitar and he hasn’t stopped playing since. By his early twenties, Brown was playing in the Chicago music scene in gospel and quartet groups but had a thirst to try out other styles of music. He took inspiration from the artistry of Wes Montgomery, B.B. King, R.L. Burnside and T-Bone Walker’s fingerpicking to create his own style. His path changed directions in 1980, when he graduated from a two-year training program at General Electric and was assigned to work in Houston. A stranger to the city, Brown found his community through music. Leonard quickly became a mainstay of Houston’s music culture and was dubbed as the “Lowdown” by the organizers of Benson and Hedges Houston Blues Festival in 1988–and the catchy name has stuck for a reason. Brown was a founding member of Houston Blues Society and served on the first board of directors. Brown has opened for acts including Sister Sledge, ZZ Hill, Johnny Taylor and Bobby Bland. As he continues his journey, Leonard “Lowdown” Brown is grateful to be included in the Music Maker Foundation community, which supports & promotes traditional American musical artists. Through Music Maker, Leonard played at the Telluride Blues Festival and Baton Rouge Blues Festival. Brown had a cover story in the May 2024 issue of Living Blues Magazine. Brown is now a member of the Music Maker Blues Review, recently performing at the Music Maker 30th Anniversary Celebration in Durham, NC. His first album with Music Maker was Blues is Calling Me, released in 2023. His next album Big Blues Show was recorded at Music Makers new studio, and is due for release in early 2025.
Eric Demmer
Cris Crochemore
Leonard "Lowdown" Brown
Eric Demmer won the 2021 and 2022 Blues Music Awards for their participation in the category of Best Blues Rock Album. Eric Demmer a Gulf Coast Records label artist, received an invitation to play with the legendary guitarist Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown in 1993. He remained a member of his band until he passed away in 2005. Eric has won
Eric Demmer won the 2021 and 2022 Blues Music Awards for their participation in the category of Best Blues Rock Album. Eric Demmer a Gulf Coast Records label artist, received an invitation to play with the legendary guitarist Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown in 1993. He remained a member of his band until he passed away in 2005. Eric has won the 2021 and 2022 Blues Music Awards for his participation in the category of Best Blues Rock Album. The albums are “Rock N Roll: A Tribute to Chuck Berry” and “Resurrection” by Mike Zito. He was nominated for the 2023 Blues Blast Magazine Award in two categories: Best New Artist Album Debut and Best Horn Player. Eric’s sound is a blend of high-energy blues, funk, and rock-n-roll. Eric’s music is a fusion of various musical styles and influences. In November of 2022, his album "So Fine" debuted at number five on the Billboard Blues charts. "So Fine” is a personal and professional expression of his relationships.
Cris Crochemore
Cris Crochemore
Cris Crochemore
Cris Crochemore honed his guitar skills in his native Brazil. The Rock and Blues styling quickly secured him a place in the Houston Blues scene and providing an opportunity to perform with Blues legend Diunna Greenleaf, The Keeshea Pratt Band and James Boogaloo among many others blues artists. He represented Houston in the 2020 w Tweed Sm
Cris Crochemore honed his guitar skills in his native Brazil. The Rock and Blues styling quickly secured him a place in the Houston Blues scene and providing an opportunity to perform with Blues legend Diunna Greenleaf, The Keeshea Pratt Band and James Boogaloo among many others blues artists. He represented Houston in the 2020 w Tweed Smith, in the semifinals IBC . He adds to his credit 5 CDs (3 studio, 2 live) and 1 DVD. In 2021 he won the Houston Blues Society Challenge, being the 2022 Houston representative on Blues Foundation International Blues Challenge. In 2024 he won Houston Blues Society as well as a duo/solo artist. Cris Crochemore “The Brazilian Bluesman”