House of Blues
The House of Blues is a highly respected concert venue throughout the United States that strives to introduce the world to the music of the rural South. Blues, rhythm and blues, gospel, jazz, and roots-based rock and roll are all the types of music that Isaac Tigrett, the founder of the House of Blues, wanted to spread about the world. The purpose of these unique concert halls is to celebrate and educate Southern culture as well as African American artistic contributions to music and art. The interior of these locations are filled with an art collection often referred to as the "visual blues" throughout. Folk artists are often featured as well as works that highlight the roots of rock.
Your group will be able to walk around this Cleveland location and observe artifacts and historical items/ memorabilia locally collected in the honor of the unique art form called the blues!
The stage is one of the biggest points of interest, often times for reasons outside of the amazing music played here! Every location features a Crazy Quilt stage curtain, a series of patched together fabric paying homage to the souls who took part in the Underground Railroad. These curtains took over 1000 hours of work to complete! There is also a metal box welded to each underneath the stage, full of Mississippi Delta mud. This is to ensure that the "roots of the spirit of the South are beneath each performer’s feet." The House of Blues also takes pride in their community service, feeding the homeless often around the holidays and providing the Music Forward program for children in local schools. Your group will love the opportunity to see this piece of entertainment and cultural history, and you may even get the chance to see one of your favorite blues or jazz performers while you are here!
