Carolyn Wonderland at Levy Park

Carolyn Wonderland will headline the Direct Energy concert at Levy Park on Apr. 21 from 6-8 p.m. 

Direct Energy is the presenting sponsor for a free concert at Levy Park on Saturday, Apr. 21, featuring legendary Austin-based blues musician and singer, Carolyn Wonderland, from 6-8 p.m. performing on the Pavilion Stage. Two other blues concerts earlier in the day will precede the headliner, including Ms. Trudy Lynn & The Steve Krase Band and Milton Hopkins & Friends.

Wonderland has been described as a musical force equipped with the soulful vocals of Janis Joplin and the guitar-slinging skills of Stevie Ray Vaughan, who reaches into the depths of the Texas blues tradition with the wit of a poet. She hits the stage with unmatched presence, a true legend in her time.

Kicking things off at Levy Park at 12:30 p.m. is Ms. Trudy Lynn & The Steve Krase Band, while Milton Hopkins & Friends perform from 3-5:30 p.m., both from the Houston Blues Society and sponsored by the Levy Park Conservancy. Lynn and Krase joined forces a few years ago and have deep roots in blues music, with both doing a European music together again this summer.

Lynn grew up in Houston’s Fifth Ward and sang in a vocal ensemble at Wheatley High School. Her first big break came as a teenager when late blues great Albert Collins - playing with Big Tiny and the Thunderbirds - invited her onto the bandstand at Walter's Lounge on Lockwood. She sang "Night Time Is the Right Time.”

Krase is known for his expert harmonica playing and his energetic, bluesy live performances. He joined the Connor Ray record label in 2014 and has received many accolades for his 2017 release “Should Have Seen it Coming.”

Up next at 3 p.m. is Milton Hopkins and Friends, where you can see the legendary 84-year-old musician deliver the goods with his reputation as Houston’s best rhythm guitarist. Also from Houston’s Fifth Ward, Hopkins played with BB King in the 1950s and served for a time as his band leader. He also backed Little Richard, Sam Cooke and many others in a career spanning nearly 70 years. His older cousin, now deceased, is also a music legend, the great Lightnin’ Hopkins.

Texas-based celebrity chef Tim Love (who will open his flagship restaurant Woodshed at Levy Park in late 2018) and his team are providing delectable food offerings and beverages Saturday from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., in addition to Friday from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Some of the items available include elotes, crispy sprouts, chile parm chips, pulled pork sandy, shaved pastrami sandwich, griddled dog, Texas red elk chili dog, along with beer, wine, mixed drinks, sodas and water.