We’ve played at many venues that are household names, but I was very excited when we were approached about playing a party at The House of Blues in downtown Chicago. We were hired to entertain for a corporate party who had rented out the entire restaurant. Loading on to that stage and seeing “House of Blues” in big letters behind us was definitely a highlight in this musician’s performance career! 
The House of Blues Brothers
They should use that heading as a Wheel of Fortune “Before and After” category. Pat Sajak can thank me later.
I didn’t actually realize Dan Ackroyd had been one of the original founders of the first House of Blues in Boston. It was financed by other big names as well, including Aerosmith, Paul Schaffer, River Phoenix, and Jim Belushi of course. Harvard University even wanted in on the investment. It was a smaller venue, and could allow 180 people to enjoy the show. It unfortunately closed in 2003, after 11 years.
There are currently 10 House of Blues locations around the country, with plans for an eleventh in the works. House of Blues calls, many cities home, including Cleveland (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame…Duh), New Orleans, Las Vegas (seems obvious), and of course Chicago, which has a capacity of 1,300. A new House of Blues location opened in Boston in 2009, and has the largest capacity, at 2,425.
I’m a Soul Man
This was a great show at House of Blues. As I mentioned, a company had rented out the entire restaurant. We started out with some lighter music while everyone ate, as we usually do. We then started taking requests and soon had the whole place dancing and singing a lot. We even had a line of four (totally sober….) ladies dance to “Joy to the World” with me. Not the Christmas song. You know… “Jeremiah was a bullfrog!” We also brought our saxophone player Andy Schlinder with us, so that added a nice element to the music.
Always time for a selfie in the middle of the show!
There were a bunch of great prizes that were given out, and we helped out with them as well. It’s always fun playing at the corporate parties, because they are all so different, and it’s always fun to see what a bunch of similarly career oriented folks act like together. You’d be surprised that some of the most boring sounding job (i.ie accountants) sometimes party the hardest. I’d also give teachers an award for their partying abilities. They are always ready to let loose!
Until Next Time House of Blues
Yeah. We’re a big deal.
Everyone had a great time, as they always do with Felix and Fingers, but as usual, the night had to end. We actually had one of our quickest load outs ever, since the House of Blues was opening to public 30 minutes after we ended. If you ever have a party at the House of Blues, or anywhere, make sure you get in touch with us today, and we promise you’ll have the most fun you can possibly imagine!
