Houghton Lake Blues Festival

07/25/2025

Please like and share this page and elect to follow us for upcoming news and events!
Last week Friday, the 8th annual Houghton Lake Blues Festival began. The weather was not great, affecting the attendance but the musicians did an outstanding job. The level of performance was amazing with each artist playing and singing its heart out. We would like to thank them all! Lynn Callihan had the tough job of opening the festival. He was marvelous and boy, does he know how to sing the blues. All the way from Detroit, Lester Hambone Brown, really put it out there, showing off his serious guitar chops. He was supported by Duke Kelley (former Coco Taylor's drummer) on drums, Jimmy Jabara on keyboard and harp and "Smokin" Joe Thomas on bass guitar. A surprise visit of Brenda Taylor Ricci really lit up the night.
On Saturday, festival opened with a really fun band, StoneFolk followed by guitar wiz from Mississippi, Brian T. Curran. Then the stage filled with Brenda Taylor Ricci and a very solid supporting band with Karen Brown (vocals), Brian Curran, Jimmy Jabara, Lester Hambone Brown, "Smokin" Joe Thomas. and Duke Kelley. What a show! The evening wrapped up with the long-awaited performance by Larry McCray and his fantastic band consisting of Jim Alverson on key, Steven McCray on drums, and Joe Belose on bass guitar. Brenda sat in with Larry for a few songs. It was again a treat to have the Aaron David Sound company taking care of the sound and lights. Thank you, Aaron Smith and Doug Marra.

This festival would not be possible without the leadership of Deborah Gouin and Jimmy Jabara. A special shout out to the Houghton Lake Chamber for its partnership and the many sponsors of the event. We would also like to mention Q100Michigan and the Houghton Lake Resorter for their media support.

See you next year!!!

07/19/2025

Rain or shine - the show will go on!

07/19/2025

In case you are wondering, the weather is great here. Dry and lightly sunny!

07/19/2025

Brenda Taylor joins Lester Hambone Brown on the stage this evening. She is performing Saturday at 7pm!

07/18/2025

Thank you, Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce, for being our partner in organizing and hosting the Houghton Lake Blues Festival.
Here are the details for the festival:
Location: Festival field (behind the Chamber of Commerce) 1625 W. Houghton Lake Drive, Houghton Lake
Friday, July 18: gates open at 6 p.m. - show starts at 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 19: gates open 3 p.m. - show starts at 4 p.m.
Bring your own chairs (coolers are not allowed).
Rain or Shine, the show goes on.
Food and beverages for sale on the grounds.

Tickets at gate:
Friday: $20
Saturday: $40
Both days: $50
Kids between 12 and 18: $25
11 and under: free.

For more information about the festival: https://www.houghtonlakebluesfest.org/index.html

07/18/2025

A shout out to our local Walmart in Houghton Lake for assisting the festival with the food for the artists. We really appreciate your support!

For information about the artists https://www.houghtonlakebluesfest.org/lineup_page.html
Tickets at the gate:
Friday: $20
Saturday: $40
Both days: $50
Kids 12-18: $25
Kids 11 and under: free.
Friday: gates open at 6 p.m. - show starts at 7 p.m.
Saturday: gates open at 3 p.m. - show starts at 4 p.m.
Bring your own chairs (no coolers).
Food and beverages for sale on the grounds.
Rain or Shine, the show goes on.
See you at the festival!

07/18/2025

The Houghton Lake Blues Festival starts tomorrow. Here are the details:
Location: Festival field (behind the Chamber of Commerce) 1625 W. Houghton Lake Drive, Houghton Lake
Friday: gates open at 6 p.m. - show starts at 7 p.m.
Saturday: gates open 3 p.m. - show starts at 4 p.m.
Bring your own chairs (coolers are not allowed).
Rain or Shine, the show goes on.
Food and beverages for sale on the grounds.

Tickets at gate:
Friday: $20
Saturday: $40
Both days: $50
Kids between 12 and 18: $25
11 and under: free.
Tickets online: https://tinyurl.com/HLBFtickets

07/18/2025

Come on out and enjoy great music with you friends!

Blues guitarist and singer Larry McCray will be returning to Houghton Lake this weekend to headline the Houghton Lake Blues Festival.

The eighth annual outdoor festival July 18 and 19 brings performers and blues enthusiasts from far and wide to Festival Field for two nights of music.

Festival Field is located behind the Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce, 1625 West Houghton Lake Dr. (M-55).

https://www.houghtonlakeresorter.com/articles/mccray-headlining-eighth-annual-houghton-lake-blues-fest/

07/17/2025

The Houghton Lake Blues Festival is grateful for the support from Endo Cannabis.
Endo Cannabis Centers offer various products for medicinal and recreational use.

Its philosophy is to serve as a proactive community partner that educates, uplifts, and makes a difference with positive actions to support and help our neighbors.

Its Houghton Lake branch is located on 9238 W. Lake City Road, Houghton Lake.
Phone: 989-202-2310
https://endovibe.com/about/

07/17/2025

July 17, 2025 Resorter headlines:

Miko sentenced for murder of his mother

McCray headlining eighth annual Houghton Lake Blues Fest

Nearly 350 acres treated for milfoil on Houghton Lake

"Rich in Lore, 100 More" Camp Westminster celebrates 100 years

Plus the AuSable River Canoe Marathon Spectator Guide, on newsstands now!

07/17/2025

A word of thanks to this wonderful physical therapy practice - Solutions Physical Therapy! With offices in Prudenville and West Branch, they are here to help you.
They can be reached at 989-345-0867