The House Of Blues Feeds Mind, Body, and Soul, Art, Music, and Southern Food Sublime

–

Michael Hepworth

HOUSE OF BLUES

The House Of Blues Feeds Mind, Body, and Soul

Art, Music, and Southern Food Sublime

House of Blues Garden Walk 25^th Anniversary Celebration and House of Blues Pre-Opening Tour

By Kay Schroeder

Anaheim, CA (Perfect Music Today)1/25/17/–This tour required some upfront planning and preparation owing to several somewhat unusual circumstances. Media, staff, and guests were advised that the weather was a bit uncertain and that the tour would take place in a building that was still under construction. Wearing closed-toe shoes and a hardhat were mandatory.

This was not a flaw in timing; the date was selected to coincide with the installation of the massive four-ton steel water tower as it was being carefully maneuvered and placed on top of the new Anaheim House of Blues. The water tower is the iconic logo used at every House of Blues Restaurant location. The West Hollywood, CA House of Blues closed in 2015. Though that location was quite popular, it was limited in space with only 1,100 sq. ft. floor space.

After several days of heavy rain, as if on cue, Wednesday morning the sun came out in brilliance to be a part of the 25^th Anniversary Celebration and Major Media Tour of the new Anaheim, California House of Blues.

“No House of Blues would be complete without a water tower,” said Ron Bension, president of House of Blues Entertainment.

Just a few minutes past 10:00 a.m. HOB Entertainment President, Ron Bension opened the celebration saying “This new venue marks the debut of what we believe will be the most beautiful music hall and dining experience in the country.” Just as the huge crane holding the water tower started to move, rousing music permeated the air and multi-colored confetti in the shape of music notes were propelled high above the crowd as they joyously cheered the lowering of the water tower into place. Mission accomplished!

House Of Blues Media Look On wearing their issued Hardhats

Appropriately shod in closed-toe shoes and a glossy HOB special logo hardhat in place, we were led by several guides and safety personnel to the main concert hall that has a capacity of 2,200 guests. This hall was designed to allow everyone (regardless of where they are seated) to have a great view of the stage. The Parish has a capacity of 400, the signature Restaurant & Bar, and the legendary Foundation Room and VIP Club.

The next stop on the tour was the restaurant and bar area where art curators were on hand to speak about the artifacts, original sculptures and legendary American Folk Art pieces on display. Two young, engaging southern California artists Johnny Rodriguez and Audrey Kawasaki very generously shared back and forth discussion and questions about their art with everyone on the tour. Johnny and Audrey have been commissioned to create two large-format murals for this facility.

In the bar area, the vivacious wait staff kept the food coming. Inspired by southern cuisine, the awesome menu consisted of Fried Chicken Sliders, Voodoo Shrimp, Spicy-Hot Fried Chicken Salad, BBQ Smoked Ribs (to die for), and Bread Pudding. Two Mixologists entertained the onlookers with elaborate concoctions of multiple liqueurs and other spirits.

Judging by the happy crowd, the tour and the party were a resounding success. We can’t wait to visit the club when it opens with its jaw dropping line up of stars. Check out www.houseofblues/anaheim website for the schedule of entertainers and the dates they will be performing. Ticket purchase information is also detailed on the website.

Today’s House of Blues menu samples included:

SMOKEHOUSE ST. LOUIS RIBS – Dry rubbed and house-smoked

NASHVILLE HOT FRIED CHICKEN SALAD – Spicy fried chicken, romaine hearts, grilled corn, blue cheese, diced tomato, red onion, avocado and tortilla chip with cilantro ranch dressing