Experience an evening of great entertainment.

Eric Gales

Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 9 – 10:25 p.m.

The Rustic – Downtown location

1836 Polk St.

As both an African-American left-handed guitarist of extraordinary ability and an expressive vocalist, it is natural for people to compare Eric Gales to Hendrix. But Gales has developed a unique hybrid blues/rock sound that also draws upon influences as diverse as Albert King and Frank Gambale. A unique amalgam of styles, Eric Gales stands head and shoulders among other guitarists in his genre.

Eric Gales grew up in a musical family with four brothers, two of them who learned to play the guitar upside down and left-handed in the same fashion that Eric does. He released his first record at 16 for Elektra records to an amazing response from the media and music fans around the globe. Multiple releases followed. His latest album, Crown, was released January 28, 2022 to rave reviews.

Reviews

Martine Ehrenclou, RockandMuse.com

”Crown by Eric Gales is an exhilarating journey by the blues/rock guitarist, vocalist and songwriter who needs no introduction. Out January 28 via Provogue/Mascot Label Group, Crown is a compelling album of blues, rock, soul and funk with Gales’ masterful guitar, warm vocals and gutsy emotional songs. The record is as moving as it is brilliant…Eric Gales has arrived with Crown.”

Mark Diggins, The Rockpit

“If you haven’t yet heard the name Eric Gales yet shame on you, and if you haven’t checked out his music then you don’t know what you’re missing. Eric’s brand-new album “Crown” was released via Provogue/Mascot Label Group on 28th January this year and it just may be right up there with his very best. If you love your Blues-rock then it’s Eric who now sits at the head of the table.”

Diunna Greenleaf

Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 7:45 – 8:45 p.m.

The Rustic – Downtown location

1836 Polk St.

Diunna Greenleaf, the leader of Blue Mercy, is a native Texan (Houston) who has a background steeped in gospel music. Influenced by the likes of Koko Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Rosetta Thorpe, Sam Cooke, Charles Brown and her own parents Ben & Mary Ella Greenleaf (Gospel) she has developed "Diunna's style of Blues" in the same tradition as so many other great Texas blues men and women. She combines intricate patches of jazz, gospel and heartfelt soul to create a kind blues that takes one on an emotional roller coaster ride.

Diunna and her band Blue Mercy have performed throughout the United States and Internationally. She has performed at the Lugano Blues Festival and the Bern Jazz Festival, both in Switzerland, as well as the Cahors Blues Festival in France.

Diunna's commitment to Blues goes well beyond performing on stage. She served for three years as President of the Houston Blues Society, making history as the first woman ever elected to this position. During her presidency she used her professional guidance and grant writing skills to produce the Willie Mae Thornton Blues Festival, bringing in such talent as “The Queen of Blues” Mrs. Koko Taylor, Mr. Bernard Allison, Texas Johnny Brown, I.J. Gosey, Diane Price, Mel Waiters, Betty Lewis, Gary Clark, Jr., Jeremy and The Hotboys, along with many others.

Diunna’s latest album “I Ain’t Playin’” was released on May 1, 2022.

Reviews

Don Wilcock, American Blues Scene

“If paying your dues to play the blues were still the most important measure of success, Diunna Greenleaf would be a superstar. And if that superstardom rested in an artist’s latest release her crown would be secure.”

Videos (diunna.com)

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