Houstonians have access to the best live blues performances in Texas. The city is home to many venues that have select nights that spotlight this musical genre and there also nightclubs that feature blues every night of the week. From upscale jazzy blues to down home dirty blues, these are the top five spots for live blues music in Houston.

The Blues Show at Mr. Gino’s Lounge
7306 Cullen
Houston, TX 77051
(713) 738-0555
www.facebook.com/Mr-Ginos-Lounge

Hours: Sunday 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Price: $5 Cover

This Houston staple has been serving the area with down home blues for 37 years at its little spot on Cullen. If you are looking for the guttural old traditional blues sound, you have come to the right place. Remember to BYOB to Mr. Gino’s Lounge to keep your whistle wet as you enjoy the amazing atmosphere. The crowd is a collection of regulars that welcome newcomers with friendly nods, acknowledging a shared appreciation of the blues music.

Blue Monday’s at The Richmond Chill Bar & Grill
4704 Richmond Ave.
Houston, Texas 77027
(713) 622-0775
www.ridethechill.com

Hours: Monday’s 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Price: No Cover

Spare Time Murray and Little Terry perform in the quaint, restaurant-style club at the Richmond Chill Bar & Grill every Monday. Guests can choose from a variety of appetizers under $8 and drink specials while enjoying the live entertainment. On a nice night, take your spirits out on the patio with friends. Most nights the bar features a select liquor flavor for tasting, and be sure to sign up for the bar’s email listing to keep privy on upcoming concerts and special events.

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Blues Jam at Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar
1031 E 24^th St.
Houston, Texas 77009
(713) 862-8707
www.danelectrosguitarbar.com

Hours: Thursday’s 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Showtime 8:30 p.m.
Price: No Cover

Well-known guitar maestro Teri Greene hosts the Thursday night Blues Jam at Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar, and the club welcomes local players to jump on stage and join in. This little juke joint located in the historic Heights district is steeped in history. When you pull up, you know there is something special going on with the wild exterior painting reminiscent of the early sixties and seventies décor. Vintage electric guitars double as art and the funky cool décor will delight the eyes as the smooth blues sounds pleasure the ears.

The Shakespeare Pub
14129 Memorial Drive
Houston, Texas 77079
(281) 497-4625
www.shakespearepub.net

Hours: Sunday’s 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Price: No cover most nights, call ahead for pricing.

The Shakespeare Pub is the home of the Blues & Zydeco Jam. Every Sunday there is a straight blues jam hosted by blues legend Spare Time Murray, and the tagline for the popular evening is “Sundays ain’t just for church anymore.” Fans gather together as a weekly ritual to catch the show. Throughout the week, there are also a few blues performances and each day offers up unique drink specials. Check out the site to learn about a new featured blues artists every week.

Blues Jam at The Big Easy
5731 Kirby Drive
Houston, Texas 77005
(713) 523-9999
http://www.thebigeasyblues.com/

Hours: Sun to Thurs, Sat – 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., Fri 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Price: No Cover most nights, $5 on occasion.

Blues music is the feature six nights a week at The Big Easy, as the venue showcases local and national talents in the industry. Drop in for the Houston Blues Society’s special jam on the last Thursday of each month. Swing dancers, grab your partners and head over to enjoy the party. Those who prefer to just sit back and enjoy the mood can feel free to cozy up in a nice spot and settle in for an evening of fun.

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Nicole Sonnier is a freelance writer living in Houston and covers Nightlife & Music. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.