Houston Blues Society presents two great acts, while Chef Tim Love will host food pop ups
HOUSTON, March 28, 2018 – Direct Energy is the presenting sponsor for a free concert at Levy Park on Saturday, Apr. 21, featuring legendary Austin-based blues musician and singer, Carolyn Wonderland, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. performing on the Pavilion Stage. Two other blues concerts earlier in the day will precede the headliner, including Ms. Trudy Lynn & The Steve Krase Band and Milton Hopkins & Friends.
Wonderland has been described as a musical force equipped with the soulful vocals of Janis Joplin and the guitar-slinging skills of Stevie Ray Vaughan, who reaches into the depths of the Texas blues tradition with the wit of a poet. She hits the stage with unmatched presence, a true legend in her time.
Growing up in Houston as the child of a singer in a band, Wonderland began playing her mother’s vintage Martin guitar when other girls were dressing dolls. Along with the guitar and the multitude of other instruments she learned to play – trumpet, accordion, piano, mandolin, lap steel – Wonderland’s ability to whistle remains notable. Her vocal proficiency was well-established in her mid-teens, landing her gigs at Fitzgerald’s by age 15. She absorbed Houston influences like Little Screamin’ Kenny, Albert Collins, Lavelle White, Jerry Lightfoot, Joe “Guitar” Hughes and Little Joe Washington.
Kicking things off at Levy Park at 12:30 p.m. is Ms. Trudy Lynn & The Steve Krase Band, while Milton Hopkins & Friends perform from 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., both from the Houston Blues Society and sponsored by the Levy Park Conservancy. Lynn and Krase joined forces a few years ago and have deep roots in blues music, with both doing a European music together again this summer.
Lynn grew up in Houston’s Fifth Ward and sang in a vocal ensemble at Wheatley High School. Her first big break came as a teenager when late blues great Albert Collins – playing with Big Tiny and the Thunderbirds – invited her onto the bandstand at Walter’s Lounge on Lockwood. She sang “Night Time Is the Right Time.”
Krase is known for his expert harmonica playing and his energetic, bluesy live performances. He joined the Connor Ray record label in 2014 and has received many accolades for his 2017 release “Should Have Seen it Coming.”
Up next at 3 p.m. is Milton Hopkins and Friends, where you can see the legendary 84-year-old musician deliver the goods with his reputation as Houston’s best rhythm guitarist. Also from Houston’s Fifth Ward, Hopkins played with BB King in the 1950s and served for a time as his band leader. He also backed Little Richard, Sam Cooke and many others in a career spanning nearly 70 years. His older cousin, now deceased, is also a music legend, the great Lightnin’ Hopkins.
Texas-based celebrity chef Tim Love (who will open his flagship restaurant Woodshed at Levy Park in late 2018) and his team are providing delectable food offerings and beverages Saturday from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., in addition to Friday from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Some of the items available include elotes, crispy sprouts, chile parm chips, pulled pork sandy, shaved pastrami sandwich, griddled dog, Texas red elk chili dog, along with beer, wine, mixed drinks, sodas and water.
Guests are invited to come out earlier in the day to enjoy a good workout with Bootcamp at 8:30 a.m. and Joy Yoga at 10 a.m. People can always enjoy other park amenities, including imagination playground blocks, arts and games carts, corn hole, children’s play area, dog parks, ping pong and much more.
Levy Park is located in the heart of the Upper Kirby District at 3801 Eastside St., between Buffalo Speedway and Kirby Drive and Richmond Avenue and U.S. 59. Parking is available on Wakeforest and Eastside streets and in the parking garage for a fee.
For more information about the Direct Energy concerts and other Levy Park events, visit our website at levyparkhouston.org or call 713-522-7275.
About the Levy Park Conservancy
The Levy Park Conservancy is an affiliate of the Upper Kirby District Foundation, a private, nonprofit organization managing Levy Park, a six-acre City of Houston park in the Upper Kirby District of Houston. The Conservancy oversees maintenance, operations, long-term stewardship, programs and events, and partnerships and visitor services and concessions at Levy Park. Learn more about the Conservancy and Levy Park at levyparkhouston.org. Levy Park Conservancy can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @levyparkhouston.
Photo Caption: Carolyn Wonderland will headline the Direct Energy concert at Levy Park on Apr. 21 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Check out Houston Blues Society concerts at 12:30 and 3 p.m. All are free to the public.