by Harold McMillan

February 19-23 marks the 7th Annual African American History Month Concert Series, one of Austin's finest showcases for local and regional blues, jazz, and gospel artists. The project produces this series each year as a vehicle for recording the musical performances and and collecting interviews for an oral history archive. Documenting the evolution of Austin's African American music community is the primary goal; and at this point Blues Family Tree has the largest collection devoted specifically to local black music, which serves to preserve this historical record and the cultural roots of African American musical traditions.

With the Victory Grill as this season's only venue, the programming is geared to the history of the Grill and its recent rebirth. Showcased performances focus on the connection between generations and genres, such as traditional blues; contemporary and experimental jazz; R&B; and gospel music.

The schedule begins on Wednesday, February 19th: Discovery/Antone's recording artist and R&B diva, Miss Lavelle White. She graced the Grill's stage when it was one of the only places in Austin for black touring acts to perform. On Wednesday evening her special appearance with the East Side Horns will bring home the reach of the Victory Grill's role in Texas blues history. Then later, local percussion giants J.J. Johnson (Billy White Trio, Elias Haslanger Group, etc.) and Brannen Temple (Sheila E., Eric Johnson, etc.) debut their new double rhythm section project Hot Buttered Rhythm.

On Thursday, February 20th, Martin Banks hosts a standard jazz showcase featuring Pam Hart, Carl Settles, Ollie Jones, Efraim Owens, Fred Sanders, Edwin Livingston and others.

Friday, the 21st, features T.D. Bell and the Blues Specialists, Blues Boy Hubbard and the Jets, and the East Side Horns -- all Austin veterans who cut their musical teeth at the Victory Grill during its heyday -- and Jake Andrews, Austin's youngest blues guitar-slinger.

The lineup for Saturday, February 22nd features electric bluesman Long John Hunter of Houston. And the final night of this year's run, Sunday, the 23rd of February, Pam Hart hosts a gospel music showcase, featuring Jacqui Cross and others.

These performances will once again bring the blues home to the East Side, to the Victory Grill. $3-$8 cover charges are at levels to encourage access. Seating is limited, so come early and experience Austin's coziest room for music performance. Call the Grill at 474-4494 for showtimes.