3rd annual houston bluesfest tickets now on sale!

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.

Jonn Del Toro Richardson is a Houston-born blues guitarist and vocalist whose music embodies the rich tapestry of his cultural heritage. Raised in a family steeped in Latin music traditions, with relatives performing in touring mariachi bands, Jonn was immersed in a diverse musical environment from a young age. His early exposure to country, Motown, R&B, and the blues that resonated from neighboring homes shaped his unique sound—a fusion of Tex-Mex rhythms and soulful blues.

A two-time Blues Music Award winner, Jonn's accolades include the Best New Artist Debut Award for his album Tengo Blues. He also contributed guitar work to Pinetop Perkins' Last of the Mississippi Blues Men, which earned a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album. His dynamic performances have graced stages worldwide, including the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, where he led the J2M Allstars, a collective of top-tier blues musicians.

At Houston Bluesfest, Jonn Del Toro Richardson serves as both performer and host, bringing together an array of musical talents for a one-of-a-kind collaborative experience. His sets are renowned for their spontaneous energy and seamless blending of diverse influences, making each performance a festival highlight. Witness the magic as Jonn curates an unforgettable evening, turning the stage into a celebration of blues and beyond.

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.

Born Lee Audrey Nelms in Houston’s Fifth Ward in 1947, Trudy Lynn is a powerhouse of electric blues and soul. She began her musical journey in the mid-1960s singing with blues icons like Albert Collins and Clarence Green, and later opened for legendary acts such as Ike & Tina Turner. Over her enduring career, she has released twelve studio albums, one live recording, and four compilations, earning acclaim for her raw and emotional vocal style, often likened to blues greats like Koko Taylor and Etta James. Her 2014 album Royal Oaks Blues Caféreached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart, marking a highlight in her illustrious discography.

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.

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.

Allison Fischer — Rising Voice & Featured Guest at Houston Bluesfest 2025

From the heart of Houston’s vibrant music scene, Allison Fischer emerges as a commanding new voice in blues, swing, and roots music. A singer-guitarist gifted with raw soul and elegant technique, she brings an authenticity that resonates with longtime blues fans and newcomers alike. Her sets combine smooth vocals with driving guitar lines, enriched by a fearless stage presence and deeply felt storytelling.

Allison’s artistry reflects her respect for tradition, while pushing boundaries. She draws inspiration from classic swing, jazz, and the blues matriarchs, yet adds her own voice—vulnerable, bold, and modern. In performance, you’ll hear ripples of past legends, but also something fresh: thoughtful lyrics, nuanced tone, and a connection to Houston’s musical heritage that she carries forward with passion.

As a featured guest at Houston Bluesfest 2025, Allison Fischer will share the stage with some of the city’s legends and special‐guests—her presence promises to enrich the festival experience. Her performances are the kind that invite people to lean in, to listen close, and to discover that the blues are not just history, but alive and evolving. Don’t miss her set—it’s bound to be one of those “I was there” moments.

No outside alcohol or food can be brought to the venue.  There is food and drink available at the restaurant to East River 9 called Riverhouse Houston.   See menu here.

There is plenty of free parking at East River 9, however, since are near capacity for a close to sell-out crowd, we ask that you consider ride-share!  In addition, there will be Valet parking available on property.  

If you haven't been to East River 9 we are thrilled to introduce you to this beautiful multi-use property (check out the 9 hold golf course, the Pickleball courts and of course the restaurant and stage overlooking downtown Houston!).

Houston Bluesfest was born at a beautiful venue that sits in Fifth Ward, where so many Blues greats in Houston were themselves born.  Inspired by the musical talent in Houston, live music and a passion for bringing together community, HoustonLive put together a team to produce what is Houston Bluesfest today (our 2nd annual event in 2024!).  Let us know how we can make it even better and we'll see you November 9th at East River 9!