Keeping Art in the arthouse
Arthouse Houston
A community-based nonprofit enriching and preserving Houston’s artistic film culture and arthouse spaces.
Arthouse Houston, Houston Blues Society and KTSU, proudly co-present, WHEN HOUSTON HAD THE BLUES: Celebrating Bayou City’s Blues Music and Culture, taking place at the historic DeLUXE Theater on Feb. 18th, 2026.
WHEN HOUSTON HAD THE BLUES is a documentary film focused on the rich, but sadly unheralded, spawning ground of great Black music. No other city can claim giants such as Lightnin' Hopkins, Big Mama Thornton, Clifton Chenier, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Albert King, Freddie King, and Albert Collins, plus great (pre-Motown) Black-owned labels like Duke and Peacock. With new interviews featuring Billy Gibbons, CJ Chenier, Marcia Ball, Augie Meyers, Grady Gaines, and many others.
The night starts with live music by local Blues and Zydeco musician, Brandon Cole, followed by the film WHEN HOUSTON HAD THE BLUES, and ending with a Q&A panel with Houston Blues experts Roger Wood, Rod Evans, Nuri Nuri, and musician Larry Fulcher. There will be drinks, popcorn and concessions available in the lobby and beer courtesy of Saint Arnold Brewery.
Screening Info
When: Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Where: The DeLUXE Theater
Directed by: Alan Swyer
Year: 2024
Length: 114 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English
2026 visiting members program by Art House Convergence
Your Arthouse Houston Cinephile Membership now offers even more benefits!
Thanks to the Art House Convergence Visiting Members Program (VMP), your Arthouse Houston Cinephile Membership now allows you to purchase tickets at the member discount at participating independent cinemas, like the historic Texas Theatre in Dallas, and many more across the country!
How does it work?
Look for the VMP window sticker at the box office the next time you visit an indie exhibitor.
When you see it, show proof of your current Arthouse Houston Cinephile Membership to receive ticket discounts. It’s that easy! You can also find a full list of participating cinemas by state here.
Some of the perks you can claim:
- Member-priced tickets at participating art houses nationwide
- Access to other basic-level membership perks (like discounted concessions or parking) at select locations
Find additional program information, as well as full terms and conditions here.
2026 VMD Program
Active Arthouse Houston Cinephile Members can enjoy ticket discounts at more than 70 participating cinemas across 30 states—including Washington D.C.!
One of the things in this world you genuinely and definitely cannot construct is an old building. Add to that: the rarity of an actual existing and operational movie palace. This one has a history literally like no other left in Houston.
Wes Anderson
Sponsors & Community Partners
Will you support our documentary?
We are now in post-production and need to fundraise $65,000 to complete the project. No amount is too small!