blues, roots, tribute, and
special-event programming
A new music series is coming to Gulfport as BarrelHouse Talent / Music On The Couch launch a season of nationally touring artists at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater.
The inaugural season will bring contemporary blues, roots music, blues-rock, tribute performances, and specialty productions by nationally touring artists and regional favorites to one of Pinellas County's most intimate listening rooms.
Friday, September 25, 2026
Eliza Neals
Local Opener: Vince Converse & Mike Beck
Eliza Neals, a Detroit blues-rock singer, songwriter, pianist and bandleader, brings a potent blend of blues, rock and soul backed by a career that has earned national radio play, awards and appearances on stages across the country. Her breakthrough album Breaking and Entering helped establish her nationally, with her music receiving continuing airplay on SiriusXM's B.B. King's Bluesville. Sixteen of her songs have been played on the channel, while her recordings have also reached the Billboard blues charts and the upper levels of blues radio and digital sales charts.
Neals was named Blues Artist of the Year at the 2018 Detroit Black Music Awards and has received five Detroit Music Awards, including recognition for blues recording and songwriting. Over the years she has opened for or performed with artists including Walter Trout, Mike Zito, Tommy Castro, Poppa Chubby, Albert Castiglia, George Clinton and The Four Tops. Her performances draw heavily on her Detroit roots while combining blues-rock guitar, soul, original songwriting and her classically trained voice.
Opening the evening are Vince Converse & Mike Beck. Houston-born guitarist, singer and songwriter Vince Converse began performing professionally while still in high school and built his early reputation with the Texas blues-rock band Sunset Heights. The group toured internationally and shared bills with artists including Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Johnny Winter, Peter Green and Fats Domino. Converse later pursued a solo career centered on blues, rock, funk and slide guitar.
Following an extended break from touring, Converse returned to active performing and recording, reaching the semifinals of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in both 2024 and 2025. His recent work includes Vince Converse and Friends, featuring Nathaniel Peterson, Buddy Whittington, Jim Suhler and Jeff Simon, along with an appearance on the 2023 Texas Scratch project. His career has taken him to venues including Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Antone's in Austin and numerous blues festivals and concert stages around the country.
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Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind
Local Opener: Hot Tonic Duo
Multiple Blues Music Award winner Jason Ricci is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential harmonica players in contemporary blues, known for his virtuoso musicianship and electrifying live performances.
TICKETS
Friday, December 11, 2026
Damon Fowler Holiday Celebration
Local Openers: TC Carr, Josh Nelms & Lenny Austin
A longtime Florida favorite, Damon Fowler combines blues, roots, Americana and Southern influences into a distinctive sound that has made him one of the state's most respected touring artists.
TICKETS
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Friday, January 29, 2027
Tom Holland & The Shuffle Kings
Local Opener: Trey Wanvig & Detroit Mike
Chicago blues veteran Tom Holland leads one of today's premier traditional blues bands, carrying forward the sounds and traditions of classic Chicago blues.
TICKETS
Saturday, February 13, 2027
Valentine's Day Love – Hot Tonic Orchestra Reimagines the Music of Burt Bacharach
Hot Tonic Orchestra presents fresh interpretations of the timeless songs of Burt Bacharach, celebrating one of America's most successful and influential songwriters.
TICKETS
Saturday, April 17, 2027
Vince Converse & Hot Tonic Band Reimagine the Music of Jeff Beck
Local Opener: Cassie Jean & The Fireflies
This special tribute performance celebrates the music and legacy of legendary guitarist Jeff Beck, whose innovative style influenced generations of rock, blues and jazz musicians.
TICKETS
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Saturday, April 24, 2027
J.P. Soars & The Red Hots
Local Opener: Frank Bang (Solo)
International Blues Challenge winner J.P. Soars is one of Florida's most accomplished blues artists, known for blending blues, roots and Americana influences with exceptional guitar work.
TICKETS
Friday, May 14, 2027
Kat Riggins & Her Blues Revival
Local Opener: Will Johns & "Ice" Quilitz
Florida-based vocalist Kat Riggins has earned national recognition for her powerful performances, original songwriting and growing presence on blues festival stages across the United States and Europe.
TICKETS
Saturday, June 26, 2027
"We May Be Right" – The Music of Billy Joel
This tribute production celebrates the music of Billy Joel, performing many of the songs that helped make him one of the most successful singer-songwriters in popular music history.
TICKETS
About BarrelHouse Talent and Vinny Marini
BarrelHouse Talent is a nationally recognized artist representation, promotion and consulting company serving the blues, roots and Americana music communities. Working with artists, festivals, venues and industry professionals across North America, the company helps develop performance opportunities, audience engagement and promotional visibility for both established and emerging performers.
The company is led by Vinny Marini, a well-known and respected blues advocate, interviewer, promoter and talent representative whose influence extends throughout the national and international blues community. Marini is best known as the creator and host of Music On The Couch, a long-running 15-year interview program that has featured thousands of conversations with blues, roots and Americana artists from around the world. Through these in-depth interviews, musicians share their stories, discuss new projects and connect directly with audiences, making the program a trusted platform for artists and fans alike.
Through BarrelHouse Talent and Music On The Couch, Marini has built a reputation for supporting artists, strengthening connections within the blues community and helping bring exceptional music to audiences across the United States and beyond.
Licensed by the State of Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation – Talent Agent License # TA1498.
About the Catherine A. Hickman Theater
Located in the heart of Gulfport's waterfront arts district, the Catherine A. Hickman Theater is one of Pinellas County's most intimate performing arts venues. The theater is known for its excellent acoustics, comfortable seating and close connection between performers and audiences, making it particularly well suited for live music, theatrical productions, recitals, film screenings and community arts events. The venue is operated by the City of Gulfport as part of its Cultural Facilities Division and serves as a year-round home for concerts, plays and special events.
The theater features 173 fixed seats plus 8 wheelchair-accessible spaces, for a total audience capacity of 181. Its intimate size creates a listening-room atmosphere that allows audiences to experience performances up close in a comfortable, professionally equipped setting. Concession service, including beer and wine, is available for many events.
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