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July 10, 2010 Elvy recorded some extremely nice vocal tracks this evening. July 7, 2010 Kaylin Anne added some overdubs to our current batch of recordings this evening.
July 2, 2010 Quick update... Chris laid some spectacular guitar tracks in the studio tonight. The excitement over this CD is building... :) June 18, 2010 Happy birthday Elvy! BHBB spent this hot summer evening hard at work on the new CD. click here for more pics of the session...
May 29, 2010 We had a packed house at last night's show at Billy's Lounge! Thanks to all for coming out.
The place was full of energy and we had a blast. Chris Kishman shredded!!!! April 20, 2010
Chris came recommended to us from Vincent Hayes of the Vincent Hayes Project. (If you get a chance, pick up VHP's new CD "Reclamation". It is fantastic!) Vincent Hayes - "...[Chris is a] great guy, and a hell of a player. One of the few cats around here who I think consistently plays with real soul. Yea man!" Fred DeVries (Audio Technician) says of Chris: "...I've seen him play around town. Very tasty player! He'll rock those blues tunes with you guys! Perfect fit as a player!" Chris is from Grand Rapids, MI where he was born and raised on the Westside. He started on guitar after hearing Albert King for the first time. King’s presence remains notable in Chris’s playing as well as many other influences ranging from blues, jazz, funk, gospel, soul, r&b, reggae and rock. Chris’s main job in this band is covering the rhythm and lead guitar duties. He approaches his guitar with a whole lot of soul and taste. He also steps up to front a handful of the bands’ extensive repertoire, singing the lead with a very soulful approach beyond his years. Chris joins The Big House Blues Band after spending time in bands such as Fatt Lapp Blues Band, Mercurial Son aka Urban Blues Union, The Funky Gentlemen, Lynn Thompson Band, Secrets, and The Usual Suspex (co-hosting "Plugged" at Billy's Lounge for over 2 years now), and more. He has played regularly for several years at venues such as Billy’s Lounge, The Radio Tavern (now defunct), Teazer's, Rocky's, The Intersection, River City Slim’s (now defunct), Dreamers, 411 Club (Kalamazoo), Wonderful's (Kalamazoo), B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted (Chicago), Kingston Mines (Chicago), Wisefool's Pub(Chicago), and many others. April 2, 2010 If any of you are wondering, a lot is going on behind the scenes here in the world of BHBB. We've got a full band rehearsal tonight, and we have a lot of new writing going on. Preparations to get more tunes recorded are underway and a brand new MySpace page is in the works. Bear with us! Good things are just around the corner. March 27, 2010 We had a great time at the studio with Chris Kishman last night. Great guitarist and a heck of a singer too! March 22, 2010 Another big change... We are going to miss Doug immensely. The group won't be the same without him.
If you'd like to send well wishes to Big Daddy, you can do so here: http://www.bighousebluesband.com/contactformDoug.shtml Upcoming shows... Studio... Auditions... If you are interested, or know someone that might be, give us a yell here: http://www.bighousebluesband.com/contactformJimi.shtml March 15, 2010 Thank you...
End of the road... Secondly, Nick's going solo! Nick "House" Houseman has decided to leave the group. We aren't sure what his future plans are, but we wish him well and much success.
At this point we are unsure about how this affects current shows we have in the works, however, we will let you know just as soon as we get it nailed down. Something new?... March 5, 2010 Happy birthday Lexi !!!! February 18, 2010 We are officially rolling out our new Merchandise Webstore!
We've got lots of new shirt styles along with cups and mugs and lots-o-goodstuff! Take a look and see if anything tickles your fancy :) February 15, 2010 Happy birthday Tzer! December 6, 2009 Big thanks to the Buster Blues Band and everyone who came out to the Big Bad Blues Bash Saturday night (December 5). It was a packed house, close to a sell-out and a great crowd!
November 26, 2009
Blues Bash set for Sherman Bowling Center MUSKEGON — It may be getting cold outside, but things will be heating up 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, during the Big Bad Blues Bash at the Sherman Bowling Center Banquet Room, 1531 W. Sherman. Admission is $5 per person and includes one free drink. Doors open at 8 p.m. Drinks and food will also be available for purchase. Muskegon’s own Buster Blues Band and the nine-piece Big House Blues Band are scheduled to perform. The event is all about having fun, organizers say. “It’s getting close to Christmas time, everyone’s going to start getting tired of all the office parties and Christmas shopping,” said Doug Houseman, vocalist/guitarist/harmonica player for the Big House Blues Band. “The bash is a chance for everyone to let their hair down and have a good time.” Houseman and his bandmate, drummer Jimi Ray, have been playing since high school. The Big House Blues Band officially debuted about five years ago after Doug’s son, guitarist Nick Houseman, joined. The roster soon grew with the addition of Lexi Hamilton-Hart, Jody Addicott, Elvy Mobley, Phil Chester, David Chester and “Tzer” Mike Tabaczka. The band has played shows with several world-renowned performers, including Larry McCray, George Thorogood and Ryan Shaw. Houseman said the event is a rare opportunity to share the stage with his longtime friend Lance Karum, guitarist and one of the founders of the Buster Blues Band. Buster Blues debuted in 1996 and includes Chris Elmore, Terry Westphal and Bart Lucas. E-mail Federico Martinez at fmartinez@muskegonchronicle.com November 22, 2009 Washboard Sam Gets A Headstone...
Homewood, IL Nov. 22, 2009 - Steve Salter of Whitehall, MI with Washboard Sam’s headstone which was purchased in October by Salter thru his Killer Blues Headstone Project. Salter has purchased 3 other markers for blues musicians including, Big Maceo, Walter Vinson and Luther Tucker. He is currently working on several other headstones for musicians buried in unmarked graves. To learn more about Washboard Sam...
November 18, 2009 It might be getting cold outside, but things are heating up in Big House Blues Band Land (that's a mouth-full to say out loud)! We wanted to send out an update on what is going on behind the scenes here, and announce a new show. First of all, we'd like to share these videos we found on YouTube from our Killer Blues show from September. To see the complete list, head over to our video page: Secondly, you may have noticed we only have one show booked right now. We decided to take on less gigs in order to get more work done on songwriting and recording for our new CD. The band has been very creative writing and rehearsing new material over the past few weeks. We may be previewing some of these new songs at our upcoming show at the Sherman Banquet Hall. We want to see you there! Lastly, we want to thank everyone who has joined our fan page on Facebook, become our friend on MySpace, or joined our mailing list here on our website. We love seeing you at our shows and we look forward to finally getting this CD done and into your hands! Have a good day. :)
November 6, 2009 The Big House Blues Band ("The Good Life" from the Live! No Room To Move CD) was aired on the Friday Night Blues (#184) internet broadcast program on this website:
- click here for Friday Night Blues #184 program - If you are unable to get it to work, we've archived a copy of the entire broadcast here: click to Listen to Friday Night Blues #184 - click to View pdf Show Description -
September 29, 2009 Big Daddy was interviewed by phone this morning on WBMI 105.5 FM by DJ Charlie Cobb. The station, which broadcasts in the West Branch area of Michigan, requested the interview for the upcoming - Saturday, October 10 - show at the Standish Depot Days Festival. A recording of the program can be heard here: September 29, 2009 - WBMI - Standish Depot Days Interview September 28, 2009 Happy birthday Phil. September 25, 2009 OK, we thought this was really cool...
This is a photo of Phil's friends, Donna and Alan Vargo with comedian Jeff Foxworthy (center) at Jeff's September 25 show in Kalamazoo, MI at the Miller Auditorium on the campus of Western Michigan University. Alan was proudly sporting his Big House Blues Band T-shirt. September 23, 2009 Thanks to everyone that attended the Killer Blues show this past Friday at the Howmet Playhouse! RB and Company, along with Washboard Jo, were kickin' butt and the Big House Blues Band had a "killer" time themselves!
The video for the concert is in post production now so those of you in the Mt. Pleasant area, keep an eye on the Public Access channel (I think it is Mac Channel 3, is that right Justine?) for the broadcast of the show coming in a few weeks. Additionally, the audio was professionally recorded. if you'd like a copy of the CD or DVD video, contact Jimi Ray jimi (at) bighousebluesband.com and he'll hook you up. Felix Ybarra, from the West Michigan Blues Society, was the emcee for the show! It was great to finally meet Felix along with Tim DeGryse (the President of the WMBS wmbs.org). Local artists Melissa B. Morrow and Lee S. Brown also attended the event and spoke about their entry in Art Prize. (click here for more info: artprize.org). Thanks also to D.J. Eric Longstreet from WGVU-FM for being there! We really appreciate your support and airing our music. :)
The show was a success and Washboard Sam will receive his headstone! Thank you to host Steve Salter. :) On Saturday the band played the Lexicon Club in Grand Rapids at the "Birthday Blues" bash. Big Daddy was in top form and although the crowd was small, they were VERY exuberant and the band fed off of their energy. Thanks very much to our hosts Steve and Lee Ann Creager! You guys are the best! Some good news for our friends on the East side of Michigan... we've added a show on October 10 in Standish, Michigan! The Big House Blues Band will headline the Saturday music event at the "5th Annual Depot Days Festival 2009" in downtown Standish. Some of the most popular parts of the Depot Days Festival have been the historic depot with its railroad artifacts, the vintage rail car display, a carnival hosted by Schmidts Amusements, a variety of vendors and musical performances by various artists and groups. This event is going to be a BLAST and we hope to see those of you who haven't been able to see us on the other side of the state (uh-hum not to name names ... Lisa S., Woody W. - hahahaha). Hey, maybe someone could get Minard Shattuck to come down!?!? Listen to Charlie Cobb on WBMI 105.5 FM for information and promo spots about the show. Click here for more info: Standish Historical Depot Welcome Center September 12, 2009
Big Daddy, Blackberry Jackson, Tzer and Jimi Ray appeared on Eric Longstreet's "Saturday Night Blues" show on WGVU-FM in West Michigan this evening promoting the upcoming Killer Blues and Birthday Blues shows. A recording of the program can be heard here: September 12, 2009 - WGVU - Killer Blues Promotional Show
We also posted photos from the brodcast here: BHBB on WGVU
A couple articles featuring the Big House Blues Band appeared in today's print edition of the Muskegon Chronicle newspaper. Online versions can also be viewed here: Meet a Muskegon band: Big House Blues Band Event will raise funds to honor deceased musician September 9, 2009 The Big House Blues Band will be appearing LIVE on Eric Longstreet's "Saturday Night Blues" radio program this Saturday - September 12 at 9:00 PM - on WGVU 98.5 and 95.3 FM in the West Michigan area. The band, along with Killer Blues promoter Steve Salter, will be chatting about the upcoming Killer Blues show and we are going to try to talk Eric into spinning some of the tracks we've been working on for the new CD!!!! Should be a great time. Speaking of the Killer Blues show on September 18, have you gotten your tickets yet? Seating is limited and we don't want you to miss out on this show which will be broadcast on television in the Mt. Pleasant, MI area. (We are hoping to also get some airtime in West Michigan with this video.) Give Big Daddy Doug a call to make arrangements your tickets before they are sold out - (231) 736-2243. And don't forget that the following day we will be performing for the second year in a row at the now annual "Birthday Blues" bash to be held at the Lexicon Club in Grand Rapids, MI. This show will be Saturday, September 19 and begins at 8:00 PM. We had a fabulous time at the event last year and, if you were there, you remember the fun time all the dancers from the audience had! Please make it a point to come out and join the fun! August 20, 2009 Jimi Ray accomplished one of his longest standing goals today... living longer than Elvis Presley! Happy Birthday Jimi Ray. July 1, 2009 We've added two shows and updated another!!!! First the update: The August 11 show at the McGraft Park Summer Concert Series will be VIDEOTAPED by a video crew from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Make sure you come out and get your mug on video!!!! Second: We've added a Beer Tent show Labor Day Weekend - more details to follow. And the big news: The Big House Blues Band will HEADLINE the "Killer Blues" show at the Howmet Playouse Theater on September 18! This show is held by Killer Blues who is dedicated to preserving the legacies of the great blues men and women by raising funds to purchase headstones for those artists who through circumstance, or poverty, were buried in unmarked graves. All proceeds from the September 18 show will be used to purchase a headstone for Washboard Sam, a.k.a.: Robert Brown. The opening acts for the show will be special guests RB & Company (another West Michigan Favorite), and Washboard Jo. June 18, 2009 Happy birthday Elvy! Also, congratulations to Big Daddy's daughter Katie on her graduation from High School.
Katie is a VERY talented performer and BHBB is confident she will have a bright and successful future. Congrats Kate! June 3, 2009
Koko has long been an inspiration to the Big House Blues Band and we feature her song "Voodoo Woman" in our show. The head of The Blues Foundation, Jay Sieleman, has been quoted as saying, "...even at her age, Taylor was still the best female blues singer in the world, just as she was when she started back in the 1950s."
Koko was hospitalized for gastrointestinal surgery on May 19. Complications arose from the surgery and she passed away this afternoon. Koko's final album "Old School" was released April 2007 and has received many awards and we highly recommend it to all of our fans. Koko brings it all back home in this collection of foot-stomping barn burners to powerful slow blues. Please read more about the legendary Koko Taylor here: Wikipedia or at her official website here: Koko Taylor Website
BHBB would like to thank everyone for coming out to the season opener of the (26th annual) Parties In The Park event this past Friday in Hackley Park, Muskegon. We had an absolute blast!
Special thanks to Tim Lipan and the American Red Cross Muskegon Oceana Chapter for sponsoring the evening's event! Our thanks also go out to sound technician Zachary Russick for doing a fantastic job with the live sound.
(click on the paper to the right for a larger version) The Muskegon Chronicle featured a front page photo of our very own Elvy Mobley and Nick Houseman taken at the show! You can also read more from the Chronicle's online edition here: Parties In The Park 26th Year. Big House Blues Band appeared at the season opener due to a last minute cancellation by the band Pegasus. Their lead vocalist and lead guitarist Jimmy Hunter was involved in a very serious motorcycle/car accident. Jimmy's daughter made it to the show and said that he is still in a chemically induced coma at Spectrum, however the doctors are quite positive about his progress so far. Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with Jimmy. May 27, 2009 The Big House Blues Band will be appearing this Friday for the season opener to the Parties In The Park events at Hackley Park due to an extremely unfortunate and serious accident a member of the band Pegasus (who were to be the openers) was involved in. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and we wish him a speedy recovery. May 1, 2009 The band held a mini photo session at Vinyl Wall Studio with photographer Rachel Chester.
April 20, 2009
Thanks SO much for packing the house at the Old World Pub "Blues and BBQ" show yesterday! You were definitely one of the BEST audiences we have ever played for. The band had an absolute BLAST and hopes to make a return engagement soon! We'd also like to send kudos to our new singer Elvy. She really blew their socks off! Fantastic job Elvy and we can't wait for the next show! We've posted photos of the show in here: SCRAPBOOK And speaking of which, we've added a couple of Barn Underground shows to the Live Show schedule. March 23, 2009 Happy birthday Nick!
Please welcome our new vocalist, Elvy Mobley! Originally from New Jersey, Elvy brings her commanding vocal stylings to the group. Her strong beautiful and soulful vocals are a welcome addition to the melting pot that is the Big House Blues Band. You can read more about Elvy here: CLICK March 10, 2009 Thanks to everyone who came to the Harbour Towne Yacht Club show this past Friday. We had a large and exciting crowd and lots of fantastic dancers! You guys looked great out there and you certainly kept the bartenders on their toes! We also want to thank Jane Bassett for singing with us at this show. Jane you did a fantastic job, as always, and we had a blast playing with you again! March 5, 2009 Happy birthday Lexi! February 16, 2009 The Big House Blues Band has confirmed a March 6 show at the Harbour Towne Yacht Club! And Jane Bassett has graciously accepted an invitation to sing with the band for the event! See our Live Shows page for more details! February 15, 2009 Happy birthday Tzer! January 21, 2009
Kelly has chosen to leave the Big House Blues Band. The group supports her decision and wishes her nothing but success in her future endeavors. If you'd like to keep up on what she's doing you may want to watch this webpage: Kelly's webpage January 12, 2009 BHBB has been invited to sitdown for a LIVE radio broadcast on WGVU / WGVS 88.5 & 95.3 FM. We'll post the details as they unfold. January 5, 2009 We would like to express a sincere and heartfelt “thank you” to those of you who attended our New Year’s Steak N Blues show last week in Muskegon. The show was a complete sell-out and the place was definitely packed! The band was pleased to find out that WGVU-FM’s Greg Bluben was in attendance and was thrilled to have him announce the band. BHBB, again, wants to express their appreciation for the support Greg Bluben has given us on WGVU radio (88.5 FM & 95.3 FM) during his weekend blues programs. Please catch his radio show. There is some fantastic blues music out there now and Greg not only spins the legends, but regional bands as well during his show. Speaking of WGVU-FM, the Big House Blues Band was asked to record the New Year’s show for Greg Bluben to play on the air. Listen to WGVU within the next couple of weeks (as soon as post production mixing is complete) to hear tracks from the show on WGVU. Hey, you never know, you might hear yourself on the radio! We've posted photos from the evening in our Scrapbook. CLICK HERE!
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We'd like to officially announce the addition of our new guitarist, Chris Kishman!
We are saddened to hear of today's passing of Koko Taylor, 80, "Queen of the Blues".
Koko has been a solid performer right up until her final performance on May 7 singing her 
