Houston Blues Festival 2024
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Announcing the 4th Annual Houston Bluesfest Lineup!
Mathias Lattin
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
Mathias Lattin
Houston-born guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer Mathias Lattin has emerged as one of the most electrifying young talents in contemporary blues — an award-winning artist whose distinctive Houston sound is gaining recognition on stages at the blues festival in Houston and beyond, alongside some of the genre's biggest names.
At just 20, Mathias claimed victory at the 2023 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, sweeping both the Band Division and Best Guitarist awards — an extraordinary double win that immediately placed this Houston musician on the national blues map.
Since then, Mathias hasn't slowed down. He has shared the stage with legends like Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Eric Gales, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Samantha Fish, and Joe Bonamassa, all while establishing his own national touring career. His debut album, Up Next, showcased another dimension of his artistry: Mathias wrote and produced the project himself, fusing blues with the jazz, soul, funk, and R&B influences that shaped his upbringing in Houston.
Mathias' journey is also closely tied to the narrative that the Houston Bluesfest seeks to celebrate. When he was just 12 years old, fellow Bluesfest artist Jonn Del Toro Richardson welcomed him into Houston's vibrant blues community at the legendary Big Easy. There, amid musicians who lived and breathed blues, Mathias began cultivating the unmistakable voice he is known for today.
Now, he returns to headline the 2026 Houston Bluesfest — not merely as a representative of the next generation of Houston blues, but as one of the defining artists of what that generation sounds like.
Rooted in Houston, recognized nationally, and steering the blues forward on his own terms, Mathias is not just someone to watch; he’s someone to see now. This strengthens the narrative of the Houston Bluesfest: while Trudy Lynn exemplifies an extraordinary living connection to Houston's blues heritage, Mathias is already carrying that heritage onto major stages today. It’s the perfect blend of honoring tradition and embracing evolution — legends and the artists taking blues into the future.
Trudy Lynn
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
Mathias Lattin
Houston Blues Living Legend • The Voice of the Fifth Ward
To tell the story of Houston blues is to tell the story of Trudy Lynn.
Born Lee Audrey Nelms and raised in Houston's historic Fifth Ward, Trudy didn't simply discover the blues—she grew up in the middle of it. Duke and Peacock Records were just blocks from her home, her mother's beauty salon sat near the legendary Club Matinee, and as a girl, Trudy would sneak a look at the artists coming through the neighborhood, including Bobby “Blue” Bland, Big Mama Thornton, and other giants of blues and R&B. Music filled her own home, too, where her father played harmonica, and the family held talent shows on the front porch.
Her own journey to the stage began while she was still a teenager, when legendary Texas guitarist Albert Collins invited her up to sing at Walter's Lounge on Lockwood. That moment helped launch a career that has now spanned more than six decades—from Houston clubs and Texas stages to major blues festivals around the world.
Throughout her journey, Trudy has become one of Houston's most celebrated blues voices. Her Royal Oaks Blues Café reached No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Chart, she was inducted into the Houston Music Hall of Fame, and her career honors include the Houston Blues Society's Living Legend Blues Award and the Jus' Blues Music Foundation's Willie Mitchell Lifetime Artist Award. Her official biography now counts 16 Blues Music Award nominations.
Her importance to Houston's musical history is also captured in the documentary When Houston Had the Blues, where Trudy is featured as part of the story of the women who helped define Houston blues, alongside names including Big Mama Thornton, Jewel Brown, and Katie Webster. This documentary celebrates Houston’s rich and often underappreciated blues heritage.
And she's not finished writing that history. In 2026, work began on Trudy Lynn's autobiography, being co-written with blues journalist David Whiteis for publication by the University of Illinois Press—another fitting recognition of a remarkable life lived in the blues.
Now, Trudy Lynn returns to the Houston Bluesfest stage, bringing the music back to a festival that celebrates the city and community from which it grew. The 4th Annual Houston Bluesfest—October 4 at POST—highlights the powerful impact of blues in Houston, Texas.
Fiery, soulful, and unmistakably her own, Trudy doesn’t simply perform Houston blues; she is part of its living history. On stage, she embodies the soul of Houston blues—delivering raw and emotional performances that captivate audiences. Whether during the blues festival in Houston or other venues, Trudy Lynn stands as a vital cultural link to the city’s musical roots, making her a perfect highlight for the Houston Bluesfest lineup.
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
Award-Winning Guitarist • Vocalist • Houston Blues Ambassador • Houston Bluesfest Artist & Collaborator
Houston-born Jonn Del Toro Richardson is an internationally acclaimed guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter whose music embodies the unmistakable sound of Texas blues while drawing on the diverse influences of Latin, R&B, country, and rock that shaped his upbringing in Houston. Raised in a musical family with deep mariachi roots, Jonn has developed a sound distinctly his own—soulful, fiery, and undeniably Houston.
His career has garnered recognition at the highest echelons of the blues world. In 2005, Jonn played a pivotal role in helping Diunna Greenleaf & Blue Mercy secure victory at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, where he was honored with the prestigious Albert King Award for Most Promising Guitarist. His solo album, Tengo Blues, produced by Anson Funderburgh, won the 2017 Blues Music Award for Best Emerging Artist Album.
Jonn's guitar work is featured on Pinetop Perkins' Grammy-winning Last of the Mississippi Blues Men, and throughout his career, he has collaborated with renowned blues artists including Diunna Greenleaf, Otis Taylor, Bob Margolin, Hubert Sumlin, James Cotton, Bob Stroger, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, and Anson Funderburgh. His music has taken him from Houston stages to blues festivals and venues around the globe.
Jonn's influence on Houston blues goes beyond his performances. He has long served as a connector, collaborator, and mentor within the vibrant blues community of the city. A notable example is fellow 2026 Houston Bluesfest artist Mathias Lattin, who recalls meeting Jonn as a 12-year-old guitarist. Jonn invited him to participate in a jam session and encouraged him to take part in the weekly blues jam he hosted at The Big Easy, marking an important chapter in the development of a future International Blues Challenge winner.
At the 2026 Houston Bluesfest, Jonn will step into a role that encompasses more than just his own set. As both a featured artist and a vital part of the team that brings the festival to life, Jonn bridges Houston's rich blues legacy with the artists who are carrying it forward. His extensive relationships, collaborative spirit, and deep knowledge of the genre ensure that Houston Bluesfest is not merely a concert, but a true celebration of the people and stories that define Houston blues.
This October, look forward to more than just a Jonn Del Toro Richardson performance at the blues festival in Houston. Expect special collaborations, surprise guests, and the spontaneous musical moments that arise when some of the city’s finest blues artists share the stage.
Join us at the 4th Annual Houston Bluesfest on October 4, where two-time Blues Music Award winner Jonn Del Toro Richardson will showcase his talents. His accolades also include the Best New Artist Debut Award for his album Tengo Blues. Jonn's contributions extend to his guitar work on Pinetop Perkins' Last of the Mississippi Blues Men, which won a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album. His dynamic performances have captivated audiences at stages worldwide, including the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, where he led the J2M Allstars—a collective of top-tier blues musicians.
At the Houston Bluesfest, Jonn Del Toro Richardson will not only perform but also host, uniting a diverse array of musical talents for an extraordinary collaborative experience. His sets are celebrated for their spontaneous energy and seamless incorporation of various influences, making each performance a highlight of the blues festival in Houston. Experience the excitement as Jonn curates an unforgettable evening, transforming the stage into a true celebration of blues and beyond.
Leonard "Lowdown" Brown
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
Houston’s own Leonard “Lowdown” Brown is a master of soul-blues guitar and vocals, celebrated for his effortless fingerpicking and commanding stage presence. Over four decades, he has 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 blends deep blues with 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 blues festivals, including the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival and the Baton Rouge Blues Festival.
As a featured guest at the Houston Bluesfest, one of the premier blues festivals in Houston, Leonard “Lowdown” Brown brings decades of musical mastery and soulful storytelling to the stage. His performance at the blues festival in Houston is a testament to the enduring spirit of blues and its power to unite and uplift audiences.
Cris Crochemore Band
Cris Crochemore Band
Brazilian-born. Houston-based. Blues forged across two continents.
Cris Crochemore is a powerhouse guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader whose high-energy sound blends the raw traditions of blues with the intensity of blues-rock. A veteran performer with over three decades on stage, Cris began his journey in Brazil, performing hundreds of shows and major festivals before making Houston his home in 2018.
Now firmly established in the local blues community, Cris has performed and collaborated with acclaimed artists such as Diunna Greenleaf, Keeshea Pratt, and Tweed Smith, and is a proud member of Greenleaf's Blue Mercy band. His impressive career has taken him from major Brazilian blues festivals to Memphis and various stages across the United States, showcasing his talent at the forefront of the blues festival in Houston.
In 2026, the Cris Crochemore Band emerged victorious at the Houston Blues Challenge, earning the honour of representing Houston at the 2027 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. This achievement marks the latest chapter in Cris's long relationship with the competition; he previously represented Houston in Memphis with Tweed Smith & The Internationals and again in 2025 with Marcelo Naves.
At the Houston Bluesfest 2026, Cris will deliver precisely what the festival celebrates: authentic blues, international influence, blistering guitar work, and the ongoing evolution of the blues sound in Houston, Texas.
Catch the Cris Crochemore Band live at the 4th Annual Houston Bluesfest on October 4 at POST. A genuine protégé of Bo Diddley, young Hamilton's chance to jam with the legend came backstage in Houston at just 16—an encounter that blossomed into a lifelong mentorship, collaboration, and even a gift of a red guitar from Diddley himself. Since that pivotal moment, he has forged his own sound, landing in the “center” of the blues-soul-rock triangle, as Guitar Player magazine aptly described. 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 radiates pure energy—Blues Blast Magazine describes him as “a non-stop turbo of power,” inviting the audience into an interactive and unforgettable performance. Whether delivering intimate solo moments or high-octane full-band explosions, he forges a deep connection with fans, transforming newcomers into lifelong followers. Beyond the stage, his commitment to mentoring younger musicians is evident in his album Give It Back, which highlights the generous spirit he carries from his early mentors.
Our Houston Bluesfest 2026 Emcees!
Brad Bowman, Co-Emcee
Brad Bowman, Co-Emcee
Brad Bowman, Co-Emcee
Born and raised in Texas, Brad Bowman is a singer-songwriter, host and voice-over talent whose musical roots span country, rock and blues. An engineer by day and entertainer by nature, Brad has built a second career around songwriting, live music and connecting with audiences from the stage.
A longtime Texas Country Music Association Ambas
Born and raised in Texas, Brad Bowman is a singer-songwriter, host and voice-over talent whose musical roots span country, rock and blues. An engineer by day and entertainer by nature, Brad has built a second career around songwriting, live music and connecting with audiences from the stage.
A longtime Texas Country Music Association Ambassador and Special Event Host, Brad regularly serves as host of the Texas Country Music Awards Pre-Show at the legendary Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth, as well as the Texas Country Music Showdown during Texas Country Music Weekend. Texas Country Music Association His original songs have also earned recognition from TCMA, including Rewind, a 3rd Runner-Up in the Country Songwriter competition, and Do Ya, which received an Honorable Mention. Texas Country Music Association. Houston audiences may also recognize Brad from the many live music events he has hosted alongside Tracy DeJarnett and HoustonLive. Whether behind a microphone, introducing an artist or writing a song, Brad brings an easy Texas authenticity, a genuine love of music and a natural ability to make the audience feel like part of the show.
Houston Bluesfest is thrilled to welcome Brad Bowman back as co-emcee, alongside Houston music historian and author Roger Wood.
Roger Wood, Co-Emcee
Brad Bowman, Co-Emcee
Brad Bowman, Co-Emcee
Roger Wood, Ph.D. is an author, historian, educator and one of Houston’s foremost chroniclers of the city’s blues and roots-music history. For decades, his research, interviews and writing have helped document the artists, neighborhoods, clubs, recording studios and cultural traditions that made Houston an important chapter in the story o
Roger Wood, Ph.D. is an author, historian, educator and one of Houston’s foremost chroniclers of the city’s blues and roots-music history. For decades, his research, interviews and writing have helped document the artists, neighborhoods, clubs, recording studios and cultural traditions that made Houston an important chapter in the story of American music. Houston Institute for Culture
He is the author of the acclaimed Down in Houston: Bayou City Blues (2003), an extensive history of Houston's African American blues culture built in part from years of interviews with musicians, club owners, producers and members of the community. He followed it with Texas Zydeco (2006), documenting Houston's important role in the development of modern zydeco and the musical connections stretching across the upper Gulf Coast. Both books were collaborations with photographer James Fraher and were published by the University of Texas Press. Google Books
Roger also co-authored House of Hits: The Story of Houston’s Gold Star/SugarHill Recording Studios (2010) with longtime SugarHill engineer Andy Bradley. The book chronicles the remarkable history of the Houston studio whose recording legacy stretches from Lightnin’ Hopkins, George Jones and Clifton Chenier to the 13th Floor Elevators, Freddy Fender, Lucinda Williams, Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child. University of Texas Press
His work extends well beyond those three books. Roger has been a longtime contributing writer for Living Bluesmagazine and has contributed to The Roots of Texas Music, The Handbook of Texas Music, Encyclopedia of the Blues, The Journal of Texas Music History, Houston Press and other publications. He also spent decades teaching literature and writing at Houston Community College Central in Houston's historic Third Ward and has presented and curated programs documenting Houston's blues, jazz, zydeco and gospel traditions. Houston Institute for Culture
In 2011, Houston Press named Roger Best Local Author, recognizing his body of work documenting Houston and Texas music history. Houston Press
Houston Bluesfest is honored to welcome Roger Wood as co-emcee alongside Brad Bowman — bringing the stories behind Houston's blues to the stage and helping connect the artists who built the legacy with the generations carrying it forward today.
