We all know House of Blues (HOB) is the place to see and hear breaking, current and legendary musical talent — but did you know when and where they got started and what their International House of Blues Foundation (IHOBF) is all about? I would guess not …
So here’s the scoop – it’s more than music that makes HOB a destination – it’s the celebration of diversity, racial and spiritual harmony through love, peace, truth, righteousness and non-violence that makes the House a home!
The original House of Blues at Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts opened its doors to the public after first serving a group of homeless people on Thanksgiving Day, 1992. While the Cambridge HOB has since closed, the tradition of serving a home cooked Thanksgiving meal to the surrounding community’s less fortunate has continued on some level in most HOB locations*. Over the last 13 years the Sunset Strip HOB in Los Angeles, CA has served an average of 1,000 meals annually. In addition to enjoying a live, world famous HOB Gospel Brunch performance, a traditional turkey dinner with apple sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, mashed sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls with butter and fresh baked pumpkin pie is served to each guest.
These special Thanksgiving Day events are completely financed by HOB and through generous donations from its vendors, partners, and Foundation Room members. If you are interested in supporting this cause, HOB is accepting any of the above mentioned food products, disposable dinnerware, silverware, napkins and cups for that day.
* All locations participate with the exception of Anaheim, Dallas and Orlando – Please call your local HOB for more information.
As a current IHOBF member – I’d like to introduce the Foundation’s Mission below:
The International House of Blues Foundation (IHOBF) is dedicated to bringing the arts to schools and communities through programs that increase public awareness of African American contributions to American culture. Foundation programs explore the history, art and music of the blues and demonstrate the vast influence of the blues on contemporary music and culture. Programs draw upon the universal language of music and art to encourage creative expression and cultural understanding.
