February 1, 2006 - Wednesday
Bob & Jeff @ 7:00 pm

February 2, 2006 - Thursday
Bunches O' Bubbles Beer Bonanza
Join us for a pint of Saint Arnold special Cask Conditioned Christmas Ale and welcome our special guest this evening, James Cunningham from Saint Arnold. Bring your friends ... the more the merrier!
Keg tapping @ 5:00 pm

February 3, 2006 - Friday
The Jeff and Ben Experience
Jeff and Ben have stayed true to the slogan they use to describe their music: "Grassroots Music With A Punch!". Their music has as much driving big city feel as it does laid-back down home aura. It has been described as being akin to an "outhouse with electricity" or "the Big Apple, but still attached to the big tree." While many have used various contradictory remarks to describe their sound, few have argued with the fact that Jeff and Ben know how to put on a show. Come see for yourself as they return to where it all began, JP Hops House. Jeff and Ben got their start at the Hops House open mics about three years ago and are looking to show just how far they have progressed. And, they'll be doing it with a full band in tow! It is sure to be an eventful night!
Showtime @ 9:30 pm
$5.00 Cover

February 4, 2006 - Saturday
Songwriters in the Round
Mild-mannered, Austin-based Steve Brooks is a folksinger/humorist with the energy of a Texas twister and eclectic songs that range from the sublime to the ridiculous and back. He never loses his sense of fun, even when touching the most serious subjects. If there's a common thread to Steve's songs, it's about looking at the world from a slightly different angle than the one you're used to, or from several angles at once. Steve puts it a bit more poetically, "A single new star rearranges a whole constellation." Mark Zeus is a veteran songwriter, live performer and recording artist whose music features an eclectic mix of folk, country, rock and blues often intertwined with various ethnic and indigenous rhythms. His lyrics tend to reflect experiences within the human condition, while often addressing social and political issues and concerns with humor as well as urgency. East Texas born writer of songs, poetry and short stories, Saylor White has written over two thousand songs in his thirty years of word crafting, including "Dress of Lace" recorded and performed by Nanci Griffith and Lyle Lovett.
Showtime @ 9:00 pm
$5.00 Cover

February 5, 2006 - Sunday SUPER BOWL SUNDAY OPEN MIC So you're not a die-hard football fan, but still want to party on Super Bowl Sunday. Well, this is your ticket to a good time! This is an official open mic. Don't fumble around and be late ... the game plan is set and the roster of musicians takes to the field (stage) at kick-off time. The ref calling the shots tonight is TC Smythe; and your hot dog and beer referees are Pam and Jim. Let the countdown begin to Super Bowl Sunday Open Mic! Music Kick-Off @ 6:00 pm No Cover!

February 7, 2006 - Tuesday
Lava Lamp Tuesday Open Mic @ 8:00 pm
Hosted by Pam Herndon

February 8, 2006 - Wednesday
Bob & Jeff @ 7:00 pm

February 10, 2006 - Friday
Texas Songwriter Showcase
Some of the best singer songwriters from around the state of Texas grace the JPHH stage on the second Friday of each month. The featured artists for this evening's showcase are Lena Shammas, Jen Rathbun and Dan Ennis. Lena Shammas: Pop rock composer, lyricist, singer and poet, Lena has all the abilities required in a consummate performer. She began by writing poetry at a very young age, then added classical piano and guitar to her music repertoire. Her unique self-style is attributed to her diverse background. As a Christian Kuwaiti and an ambassador's daughter she was exposed from an early age to music from around the world. Jen Rathbun: A Platinum Plus Universal recording artist with 2 CDs to her credit, Jen sings and writes multi-faceted compositions loaded with personality. She's a pro at tickling the ivories, and she'll tickle your fancy as well. Dan Ennis: The music of Dan Ennis could be generally categorized as acoustic folk with remnants of classic country, acoustic pop, and even rock and roll. Dan is very accomplished as a musician and a unique singer-songwriter whose lyrics are profound and refreshing. His music not only entertains, but often carries a message derived from political or sociological influences. He has recorded two albums to date.
Michael Pope: Co-founder and co-host of this showcase, Michael has been writing songs for a couple years now. Many of his original's are open tuned, 5 finger picking, folk jazz instrumentals, but his lyrics are strong and reflect his life's experiences. Michael recently released his debut album.
The Texas Songwriters' Showcase always fills the stage with vast musical experience, guaranteeing that the show will be an exhilarating musical phenomenon! Come experience the phenom!
Hosting solo this month is Michael Pope
Showtime @ 9:30 pm
$6.00 Cover

February 11, 2006 - Saturday
andi and i
Funked-up folk from Chicago. Andi and Al Tauber create an unusual variety of textures with two voices, a guitar, and occasional percussion, infusing their songs with the folk elements of storytelling, human experience, faith, and humor. They have recorded two CDs, Days Like This (1996) and Harder (2003), taken part in a benefit CD Redemption and are featured on the compilation CD So Far. This duo was voted "Second Best Gas Station Band" by Fuel and Fun magazine. Their music may cause mild periodontal inflammation in pregnant women 65 or older.
Showtime @ 9:00 pm
$5.00 Cover

February 12, 2006 - Sunday
HFBSA Meeting @ 1:30 pm, Showcase @ 4:00 pm
NSAI Open Mic @ 6:00 pm
Hosted by TC Smythe

February 14, 2006 - Tuesday
Lava Lamp Tuesday Open Mic @ 8:00 pm
Hosted by Pam Herndon

February 15, 2006 - Wednesday
Bob & Jeff @ 7:00 pm

February 17, 2006 - Friday
The Hudsons
The Hudsons are an original acoustic trio from Austin, TX. Their genuine love of performing brought them together in 2002. They started out as a talented and quirky songwriter duo, Hudson Mueller and Brian Hudson play the guitars and write the songs. In time, Phoebe Hunt joined to complete the trio with her graceful fiddle playing and adding a feminine touch to the group.. The Hudsons shine in their intimate lyrics, thoughtful arrangements and charming stage presence. Their excellent songs and warm vocal harmonies make the Hudsons a must hear. Check it.
Showtime @ 9:30 pm
$6.00 Cover

February 18, 2006 - Saturday
Avenue Elle EP Release Party
Avenue Elle is a duo that performs multi-genre original music. Their acoustic-based sound features mandolin and guitar and is rooted in strong lyrics and vocal harmonies. Alison Lumley and Chrissie Engle first started jamming after meeting at acupuncture school in the fall of 2002. The group is based in Austin and has expanded to include Anthony Juneau on lead guitar. Tonight we want to welcome Avenue Elle to JPHH for the first time and to help the group celebrate the release of their debut recording, a four-song EP called hors d'oeuvres.
Showtime @ 9:00 pm
$5.00 Cover

February 19, 2006 - Sunday
NSAI Open Mic @ 6:00 pm
Host: TC Smythe

February 21, 2006 - Tuesday
Lava Lamp Tuesday Open Mic @ 8:00 pm
Hosted by Pam Herndon

February 22, 2006 - Wednesday
Bob & Jeff @ 7:00 pm

February 24, 2006 - Friday
Otis Futhermucker
Born in England in the age of dinosaurs The Reverend Otis Futhermucker began singing and playing guitar and harmonica at age 14. Through the early 1960s he opened for some of the big names on the British Blues circuit including the Graham Bond Organization with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, John Mayall in his Eric Clapton and Peter Green period, Alexis Korner, and also Little Walter, Lightnin' Slim, and Champion Jack Dupree during their European tours. First single released in 1964 "Buzz with the Fuzz" with King Cobra and the Rattlesnakes was the only record ever banned by Radio Caroline, the first of the British offshore pirate radio stations. A six-year stint in Australia found him playing in various jazz bands in both the New Orleans and "Lounge-Lizard" styles until lack of money, greed and lust drove him to move to the USA in 1981. Otis has musical influences going back to Mose Allison, J.B. Lenoir, Ray Charles, Lightning Hopkins, Brownie McGee and Sonny Terry, Duster Bennett, and the Bonzo Dog Doodah Band. Recently he has been getting more stage time around Houston, especially due to the kindness of Pam and Jim at the Hops House and the encouragement of T.C. Smythe and Josal at their excellent open stage events. His playing and singing styles have been respectively described as "primitive" and "Nina Simone on helium after a ground-glass sandwich". His repertoire centers on old jazz of the 1920s and '30s and the blues classics after the Robert Johnson period. The Reverend has one CD recorded at Rabid Ape Studios in Houston, and plans a second release in 2006.
Showtime @ 9:30 pm
$3.00 Cover

February 26, 2006 - Sunday
NSAI Monthly Meeting @ 4:00 pm
Nashville Songwriters Association International
Houston Chapter

HOUSTON OPEN MIC AWARDS
The Houston Open Mic Awards are getting near. This night is honoring our Open Mic Family...all the performers (musically minded and spoken word) and non-performers (faithful clientele) who have supported our open mics and made each night so special at JP Hops House in 2005. This will be a Sunday-night extravaganza with decorations, food, music and presentation of the trophies. Eighteen awards will be handed out by the end of the night.
These awards are not competitive but instead are meant to be fun (see the categories below)! If you

played at our open mics in 2005, your name has been written on a star and placed on the stage. There are over 200 stars on the wall! We love you guys!
We are looking forward to having a ball and sincerely hope you will make plans to join us for our 1st Annual Houston Open Mic Awards!
Open Mic Award Nominees
"Golden Ear Award" - (biggest all around music fan)
Larry Englebretson * Chris Schmidt * Cyd Wright
"He Thinks He Lives Here Award"
(most faithful open mic bar regular, non performer)
Terry Clarke * Bob Davis * Rob & Judy Mood
JD Idaho
"Pied Piper Award" - (their own audience in tow)
Jeff and Ben * Stan & Paul
"Can You Hear Me Now Award" - (poet award)
AJ Grammar * Chris Schmidt * Beverly Shirkey
Chris Stiteler * Alan Young
"Most Supportive Organization"
Houston Association of Acoustic Musicians (HAAM)
Houston Fort Bend Songwriters Association (HFBSA)
Nashville Songwriters Association International - Houston Chapter (NSAI)
"Most Intriguing Thingamajig" - (most unusual/interesting instrument)
Mike Darnell - Liberty Tree Guitar * Jim Kam - Chapman Stick
Danny Jones - Dulcimer * Gary Taylor - Ukulele
"Supportive Back-Up Musician Award"
(most supportive back-up musician, instrument or vocal)
Otis Futhermucker * AJ Grammer * Tony Rose * TC Smythe * Roni Todd
John Williams * Willie B
"Everybody Knows My Song Award" - (original or cover songs)
Dan Ennis - "Herbie The Herbivore"
Otis Futhermucker - "One leg to the east....."
Bobby Mitchell - "Rump Wrangler"
Larry Sepulvado - "I Must Have Been Drunk When I Said I'd Stop Drinking"
Gary Taylor - "You Can’t Be A Wimp And Live In Texas"
"Rib-Tickling Award" - (humorous songs)
Russell Dodge * Stan Hatch & Paul McCann * Bobby Mitchell
"More Than A Hobby Award"
(started with open mic to CD Released in 2005)
Big Lizard Boys - "Pick Yourself Up"
Mike Pope - "The Reason for Our Time"
Kat Rose - "Power and Passion"
Tom Tranchilla - "Sketches Of Life"
"The Good Hair Award"
Danny Jones * Otis Futhermucker * TC Smythe
"Buzz Award" - (talk of the town)
Ken Gaines * Ericka Luckett * Jen Rathbun * Smythe & Taylor * Mark Zeus
"Seldom Seen Award" - (only played once, leaving us wanting more)
Dodd Eastham * The Fowler Brothers * Robert Frith * Ken Gaines * Brian Kalinec Recipients of the following Awards will be announced at the Ceremony:
"Open Mic Is My Life Award" - (most times attended)
"Longest Journey Award" - (longest distance traveled)
"Open Mic Magic Award" - (most interesting combination of musicians) There are 2 more awards which are not listed above that will be announced
and presented at the party.
Showtime @ 6:00 pm
No Cover

February 28, 2006 - Tuesday
Lava Lamp Tuesday Open Mic @ 8:00 pm
Hosted by Pam Herndon