James Howard Band//Doug Rusk
Doors: 6pm
Tickets: $20 advance, $25 doors
Advance tickets can only be purchased online-we do not sell advance tickets at the venue. Refunds are not available within 48 hours of the event. Tickets do not guarantee seating during shows at the Royal Room.
We are now accepting reservations for diners! After purchasing tickets, please visit the Reservations page to book a table. Table reservations require advance tickets, and are only for guests who plan to dine at the Royal Room. We do not take reservations over the phone.
Seating for non-diners is first come, first served. Please arrive early to guarantee a seat!
The Royal Room is All Ages until 10pm.
Known for his award-winning eclectic blend of Blues-Rock and singer-songwriter music (inspired by Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan, BB King, Jeff Beck and Pat Travers), James Howard’s live show is a satisfying mix of virtuoso guitar, soulful vocals, originals, instrumentals, and select covers.
James Howard won the Washington Blues Society Finals in 2016 and 2023, and competed in this year’s International Blues Challenge, in Memphis Tennessee.
James has been lighting up the stage for over 40 years, delivering a unique blend of traditional blues and psychedelic progressive roots rock with a pinch of Latin and Jazz.
“What Howard can do with a guitar is remarkable in a word …will have veteran guitar players wondering where the licks are coming from … Howard’s guitar is sweet and brilliant and laced with Spanish overtones and a fluid approach that is chilling. He knows his craft. .. deep in the well when it comes to guitar wizardry & creativity.” ─ Craig Ruskey of Delta Snake Daily Blues Online Magazine
“… a Jimi Hendrix on guitar with John Lennon’s voice and vision … a songwriter with great depth.” ─ Lee Cotton of Rock and Blues News Magazine
“Guitarist extraordinaire…animated, energetic and intense performance… a breathtaking exhibition… pushed the crowd to the edges of their seats…simply awesome” -and – “…he mixes the intensity of Stevie Ray with the passion of Hendrix and plays some of the meanest blues this side of the Mississippi. He takes his phenomenal blues to places others have not, making the music his own. He has what it takes to bring the blues up to the next level.” ─ Bernard Bauer of Music Connection Magazine
Doug Rusk opens the evening.