Natchitoches Blues Jam

A page for news and other information about the monthly Blues Jam held in Natchitoches, Louisiana for the past 19 years.

In 1994, Hardrick Rivers and Pop Hymes were part of the B.B. Majors Blues Band, featuring the "Natchitoches Blues Man" BB Major (Major Helaire). They often played at Roque's Grocery, Pool Hall and House of Blues, located at 235 Carver Street in Natchitoches, Louisiana - one of the longest continuously operating juke joints in the southern United States (and therefore, the world).

Stanley Roque (pronounced "Rock") inherited Roque's Blues Hall from his father, who opened it in 1938. With the exception of a short period in the 1960s, Roque's Blues Hall has operated continuously and in the same building at the same location for almost 60 years. Since many of those who played with BB Majors and other local blues acts got their start at Roque's, Hardrick hosted a Blues Reunion there in 1996. This reunion soon became a monthly jam session occurring on the last Friday of every month and has been a happening occasion in Natchitoches parish ever since.

A couple of years ago, Stanley and Teresa Roque retired from managing the venue. At that time, local TV station KNTS (Channel 17) began working with Hardrick to record and broadcast a monthly jam from their TV studios. In addition, each year in May the band plays live at the original Roque's location to celebrate the anniversary of the blues jam.

The Natchitoches Blues Jams are open to all ages, colors, creeds, classes and persuasions - with the only requirement being a love for the blues, an interest in hanging out with other blues lovers, and enjoying live music as it was meant to be heard: among friends, in an atmosphere of joy, happiness and mutual respect.

Follow or like this page to get updates on broadcast dates, live blues jams and other gigs by members of the Roque's Blues Band. We hope to see you soon. Long live the blues, and laissez les bon temp roulez, y'all!

Tags: Bands & Musicians,Jazz Club