Blue Dogs

Since 1987, South Carolina’s The Blue Dogs have been blending the genres they grew up with - bluegrass, country, rock & soul - “turning bluegrass on its ear by creating what’s now referred to as ‘Americana’ or ‘alternative country’ before those terms were commonplace” [Charlotte Observer]. More than 30 years later, The Blue Dogs continue to perform unpredictable and upbeat live shows with original songs that capture a country-rock vibe. Acoustic guitarist Bobby Houck and upright bassist Hank Futch, leaders and lead singers of the band, met in Cub Scouts and reconnected musically during their college years. Based in Charleston, their partnership with songwriter Phillip Lammonds in the 1990’s contributed significantly to The Blue Dogs’ four major studio recordings, Blue Dogs (1997), Letters from Round O (1999), Halos and Good Buys (2004), and Big Dreamers (2022), produced respectively by world class producers John Alagia (Dave Matthews, John Mayer)), David Lowery (Cracker, Counting Crows), Don Gehman (John Mellencamp, REM), and Sadler Vaden (Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit). The Blue Dogs have spent over three decades sharing the stage with a range of artists that includes Willie Nelson, Hootie & the Blowfish, Cracker, Bruce Hornsby, and Widespread Panic, and in recent years at their own annual Homecoming with guests such as Jerry Douglas, Drivin n Cryin, Radney Foster, The Connells, and many more. Along with longtime drummer Greg Walker, the band in 2023 consists of Dan Hood (guitar) and Charlie Thompson (pedal steel), often joined by a bigger lineup which includes mandolin, fiddle, keyboards, and a three-piece horn section.