On Sunday, May 4, the House of Blues in Houston hosted a memorable evening of blues music, featuring the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band with special guest Bobby Rush. The event was part of their 24-city U.S. tour promoting their collaborative album, Young Fashioned Ways, which blends traditional blues with contemporary flair.  The show was a masterclass in blues fusion — raw, electric, and fiercely alive. If you came expecting a tame nostalgia act, this performance crushed that expectation within the first five minutes.

Bobby Rush's Opening Performance

    The night commenced with a captivating performance by Bobby Rush, a three-time Grammy Award-winning blues legend. At 91, Rush demonstrated that age is no barrier to delivering an energetic and engaging show. His set featured a mix of soulful vocals, harmonica prowess and storytelling that had the audience enthralled. Rush's ability to connect with the crowd was evident, as he seamlessly blended humor with heartfelt blues, setting a vibrant tone for the evening. Backing Bobby Rush was a stripped-down  version of the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band. With Kenny fingering the guitar licks on a red Gibson ES-335, Chris Layton on a very simple drum kit, Kevin McCormick playing bass while seated and Joe Krown on the keys. With dimmed Edison light bulb fixtures around the stage, this really gave Bobby’s performance an intimate old time New Orleans blues club feel.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band's Headlining Set

    Following Rush's dynamic opener, the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band took the stage, delivering a powerful performance that showcased their blues-rock mastery. Shepherd's guitar work was nothing short of electrifying, with solos that captivated the audience. His tone sliced through the room like a razor, balancing technical ferocity with soulful restraint.

    Shepherd was, as always, a guitar powerhouse. Tracks like  “Deja Voodoo” and “Blue on Black” weren’t just crowd-pleasers — they felt volcanic, erupting with energy and passion. Backed by a tight band, his set blended old-school grit with modern polish.
The unity between Shepherd and his band mates, particularly vocalist Noah Hunt, added depth to the performance, creating an immersive musical experience. For Kenny Wayne’s set, Kenny, Chris, Kevin, Noah and Joe used the full stage for their performance, even adding a brass section to enhance the sound.

Collaborative Highlights

    The highlight of the night came when Shepherd and Rush teamed up on stage, performing tracks from their recent collaborative album Young Fashioned Ways. The chemistry between them was undeniable — Rush’s deep, lived-in vocals complemented Shepherd’s fiery fretwork perfectly. Their duet on the title track was a masterclass in blues storytelling, drawing cheers and a standing ovation.

Audience Reception

    The audience's response was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising the musicianship and energy of both performers. The intimate setting of the House of Blues Houston allowed for a close connection between the artists and the audience, enhancing the overall concert experience.

    In conclusion, the concert was a testament to the enduring appeal of blues music and the talents of both Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Bobby Rush. Their performances not only honored the genre's rich history but also introduced it to new audiences, ensuring its continued relevance in today's music scene.

Kenny Wayne Sheppard Setlist:

Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Bobby Rush (Set 1)
Hey Baby (What Are We Gonna Do)
Long Way From Home
40 Acres (How Long)
Make Love to You
G-String
You So Fine

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band (Set 2)
Woman Like You
She Loves My Automobile (ZZ Top cover)
Dirt on My Diamonds
I Got a Woman
Watch You Go
Deja Voodoo
Shame, Shame, Shame
I've Got to Use My Imagination (The Rides song)
The Middle
I Want You
While We Cry
Encore:
Blue On Black
Uncle Esau (with Bobby Rush)
Who Was That (with Bobby Rush)