House of Blues
House of Blues Entertainment, LLC. is an American chain of live music concert halls and restaurants. It was founded by Isaac Tigrett, the co-founder of Hard Rock Cafe, and Dan Aykroyd, co-star of the 1980 film The Blues Brothers.[1] The first location opened at Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts on November 26, 1992 (Thanksgiving Day).[2] The chain has been a division of Live Nation Entertainment since July 2006,[3] and there are 11 locations throughout the United States as of July 2020.
Not to be confused with Blue House (disambiguation).Company type
- Live music
- dining
November 26, 1992 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.
11
Overview[edit]
The first House of Blues opened on November 26, 1992, in the Harvard Square commercial district and retail area of Cambridge, Massachusetts, as a live music concert hall and restaurant.[4] The company was financed by Dan Aykroyd, Aerosmith, Paul Shaffer, River Phoenix, Jim Belushi, and Harvard University, among others.[5] This location closed in 2003 as the company sought a larger Boston venue.[6] However, the hands-in-concrete driveway where members of the Blues Brothers and others left their mark, remains. Aykroyd is still associated with the brand and attends most openings, performing as one half of The Blues Brothers.[7]
In 1993 House of Blues launched a 501(c)(3) non-profit called International House of Blues Foundation which provided arts programs, resources and musical instruments for youths. The Music Forward Foundation continues to provide services for youth and has generated more than $20 million of support for these programs over its 20+ year existence.[8] Also in 1993, the syndicated program The House of Blues Radio Hour launched in partnership with CBS Radio Hour. The show is hosted by Aykroyd, in character as Elwood Blues, and focuses on the history of blues music and the contemporary artists honoring the art form. Its final episode aired in July 2017.[9]
In 1999, House of Blues acquired Universal Concerts from Seagram.[10] On July 5, 2006, Live Nation acquired House of Blues Entertainment and created the Live Nation Club and Theater Division.[11] As a division of Live Nation, the company operates 11 clubs throughout North America.
San Diego House of Blues in San Diego, California near Petco Park, the Gaslamp Quarter and the ocean.
American rock band Drive Thru Society from Dallas, Texas performing at the House of Blues.
American rock band Like Bridges We Burn from Dallas, Texas performing at the House of Blues.
