Over the years, the full breadth of the House of Blues Radio Hour shows revealed a tapestry of American roots music and stories. I’m proud to have been part of that team. Shout out to Ben Manilla’s office and Lauren, the engaging talent booker from St. Louis. Her phone calls were a delight. One time she called to set up the interview with Gene Simmons of KISS, who asked who does he have to blow to get on the HoB Radio Hour. Geez, so rock ‘n’ roll. She gave me his number and we had a session in HoB’s Green Room. I wondered if his question was meant to be the other way around. He is Gene Simmons.

Dear Friends,
Thursday, June 13 was the 1996 New York Festival Award ceremony at Au Bar in New York City. This year there were 1,398 entries from 31 countries. The event attracted attendees from US, Germany, Japan, Australia, England and Canada.

We knew in advance that “The House of Blues Radio Hour” was the Gold Medal (first place) winner in the competition’s most difficult category: “Best Regularly Scheduled Music Program.”

Each year a panel of judges picks five “Grand Award” winners in the broad categories of Entertainment, News, Promotion, Information and Public Service. The Entertainment category is the most crowded and the most diverse.

1996’s Grand Award (Best of Show) went to the “House of Blues Radio Hour” In simple terms, this means our program has been judged THE FINEST ENTERTAINMENT RADIO PROGRAM IN THE WORLD.

This award is the culmination of three years of hard work and determination. I am extremely proud of our accomplishment. As a member of the team that works so hard to bring all the phases of this program together, allow me to express heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved.

Onward and upward with the Blues!