On Sunday, July 17^th, the blues community came together for one of their own. The great Joe Houston has been struggling with some health issues so the Southern California blues family stepped in to help out. Musicians gave their valuable time and talent on a precious off day. Blues fans came from all over the southland to what is becoming the region’s newest, hippest blues venue, the El Dorado in Long Beach.

Mad props go to Sam and Dave at Line 9 Blues Review for their work on this concert as they came up with the idea, pulled together the raffle and hit up former Joe Houston band member Mike Malone, who rallied the musical troops to make this event a success. Big thanks to also Lisa and the El Dorado for being such great hosts.

Here are just some of the musicians that either played or were just there hanging out with Joe. Big Jay McNeely, Barry G, Stanley T Sichel, Bigrockindaddy Randy, Robert, Smokehouse, Jerry Lee Luithle, Buzzy James, Steve Derryberry, Johnny Mastro, Lisa Cee, Mickey Hatchet, Trish Burke, LA Jones, Adrianna Marie, Amanda Chun, Dennis Herrera, Barry Levenson, Blake Watson, Ron Felton, Glen Patrick, Jason James, Jill Sharpe, White Boy James, Mark St. John, Bonnie Tibbits, Ken Frizzelle, Hollywood Hank Deluxe, Max Bangwell, Michael Fell, Brophy Dale, Bernie Pearl, Curtis Gannon, Jimmy Lee, Mike Alverez, Eddie Estillo and Tommy Ellif. Also in attendance were super fans Al Factorman, Alisa Viejo Slim, Galley Wench and J.R. Blues empresarios Scott Abeyta, President of Rip Cat Records, Cadillac Zack, President of the Southern California Blues Society, Alex Gardner, photographer extraordinaire and David Mac, President of BLUES JUNCTION Productions also came out to show their support of this worthy cause.

Editor's note: Thanks to all who contributed to this piece.