In the Green Room: House of Blues

 

House of Blues is a series of shows that track the wide and wild genre of Blues ‘n’ Roots music. Show curator Dennis Kipridis chats with The Note about music and the magic of mad jam sessions.

Image by Matt Carty

You’re midway through the House of Blues season – tell us more about the series of gigs.

The House of Blues is a platform for musicians to spread out and do any style within the blues roots umbrella, with each show tailored to a particular instrument. This year, we’ve expanded, and we’re in a great new outdoor space at The Gov. Artists and bands are collaborating with people they’ve always wanted [to jam with] – there’s lots of jamming on stage.

Your band, The Streamliners, is in the House of Blues Guitar Special alongside Mojo Webb and the Ray Beadle Band. What can we expect from your set?

We pride ourselves on our songwriting ability. The Guitar Special showcases that while allowing us to inject some of our influences back into the set and pay homage to blues music. Each band overflows and borrows musicians from the other bands, which enriches their performance. It’s pretty open for anything to happen. There’ll be a jam session, too.

How is it jamming on stage with the other musicians?

It’s like going out with some friends and enjoying a party. It just happens – that’s the magic of it. It’s that sense of adventure. Some of the most amazing things happen when you allow the opportunity to occur. It’s a very comfortable feeling – like sitting on a really old couch you love. You just want to enjoy the moment.

What other House of Blues shows are you keen to see?

The House of Blues Women Special with Ursula White, Kate Lewis and Persia. When those artists are back on stage, you see them light up, and you realise why they’re such incredible performers. All this energy explodes. It’s like a switch gets flicked on only when these artists are thrown into that environment. That’s what I love about all these artists that we put on the House of Blues bills.

March 11 | House of Blues Guitar Special March 16 | House of Blues Women Special The Gov


 
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In the Green Room: Soul II Soul