WNY BluesSociety

05/28/2026

Link to tickets for the Blues Cruise is here!
https://www.simpletix.com/e/2026-blues-cruise-featuring-jony-james-ban-tickets-276969

05/27/2026

Reason #3 to make a trip to Rochester this Thursday!

Son House Blues Night Guest Spotlight: Tom Hanney

If you want to understand just how deeply Tom Hanney loves the harmonica, here’s a pretty good clue: he literally teaches college courses about it.

Tom is a longtime Rochester blues harmonica player and a Principal Lecturer at RIT, where he developed and taught the course “The Harmonica and the Blues.” The class explores not only how to play the instrument, but also the history, culture, and social impact of blues harmonica and the music surrounding it. (rit.edu, roccitymag.com)

Tom has been part of Rochester’s music community for years, performing with groups including The White Hots, The Fog, and Open G. But what really stands out is the depth of his connection to the instrument itself. In interviews, Tom has talked about discovering blues through bands like The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, then tracing those sounds backward to artists like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and John Lee Ho**er. (roccitymag.com)

That curiosity turned into decades of study and playing. He has conducted harmonica research at the University of Mississippi Blues Archive, written about the instrument for the Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica, and become one of the local musicians helping keep traditional blues harp culture alive. (modernbluesharmonica.com, rit.edu)

What makes Tom such a great fit for Son House Blues Night is that he approaches the harmonica the same way the old blues players did: as a voice. Sometimes playful, sometimes mournful, sometimes rough around the edges in exactly the right way. He understands that blues harp isn’t about perfection. It’s about feel.

For The Son House Blues Night Harmonica Mayhem, Tom joins fellow harmonica players Big Mike and Richard Storms for a night dedicated to one of the great voices of the blues tradition. Catch them all on Thursday, May 28th at the Record Archive

05/26/2026

https://www.facebook.com/sonhenryband/posts/pfbid09pYrnhdYYG3LavbBhd7e67FT5Rb5GhZbwFuKKh9M15tsEUHwrXF3bRWjpyvx9ETcl

SHBN Guest Spotlight on Richard Storms

If you’ve spent time around the Record Archive over the years, you already know Richard Storms. Music collector, blues supporter, Record Archive co-owner, and all-around champion of Rochester’s live music scene, Richard has quietly helped keep the blues alive in this city for a long time. But beyond all that, he’s also a deeply soulful harmonica player with a real love for the roots of the music.

Richard’s style leans into traditional blues harp playing. Nothing flashy for the sake of it. Just tone, feel, groove, and the kind of phrasing that comes from spending years listening closely to the masters. Whether he’s sitting in at jams, joining local bands, or stepping onto the Son House Blues Night stage, Richard plays with the spirit of someone who genuinely loves the music and the community around it.

As co-owner of the Record Archive, Richard has helped make the space one of Rochester’s true cultural hubs, supporting local musicians, vinyl culture, and live performance in a meaningful way. Son Henry specifically thanked Richard Storms and Alayna Alderman publicly for their support of Son House Blues Night and the local blues community when he took over hosting duties in 2025.

For Harmonica Mayhem, Richard steps out from behind the scenes and into the spotlight alongside some of Rochester’s finest harmonica players. If you love old-school blues harp, deep grooves, and musicians playing for the pure joy of it, you’re gonna love hearing Richard play.

Catch Richard Storms, Along with Tom Hanney and Big Mike D'Aurizio, live at the Harmonica Mayhem Son House Blues Night at the Record Archive on May 28th.

05/26/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D7TpwA4hg/

SHBN Guest Spotlight: Big Mike D'Aurizio

If you’ve spent time around the Rochester blues and roots scene, chances are you’ve seen Mike D’Aurizio working a room with a harmonica in his hands and a grin that says the night’s about to get a whole lot more fun.

As front man of Big Mike & The Motivators, Mike has built a reputation for high-energy live shows rooted in blues, soul, rock, and American roots music. The band has been described as “dedicated to making sure you can’t stand still,” and honestly, that pretty much sums it up. Their performances are built around groove, audience connection, and getting people out of their seats. Mike handles lead vocals and harmonica, bringing a big, expressive playing style shaped by classic blues harp traditions.

What makes Big Mike stand out is that he plays the harmonica the way great front men always have. It’s not just about technique. It’s about energy, personality, and making the audience feel like they’re part of the show. There’s a little old-school blues r***e spirit in what he does, and that’s exactly why he’s such a great fit for Son House Blues Night.

Catch Big Mike live, along with Tom Hanney and Richard Storms, at Harmonica Mayhem Son House Blues Night on May 28th at the Record Archive.

-Son Henry

05/25/2026

Oh, what a lovely week to make a trip to Rochester...

05/12/2026

Great Line-up at Fanatics Pub in May!