S.T.E.P.

Join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to S.T.E.P. President Brooks Kendall, Jr.! Between leading STEP, guiding Afallon Productions, and his leadership with Hear Fort Worth, Brooks remains a steadfast champion for our music and entertainment community. Thank you for your vision, leadership, and drive. Have an awesome birthday, Brooks!

Happy Birthday to Bill Antonisse of First Call Bands! Thank you for your passion, dedication to live entertainment, and all you bring to our industry. We hope you take time to sit back, celebrate, and enjoy a fantastic day surrounded by great music and good friends!

Today we’re celebrating the wonderful Carol Marks! A STEP Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Carol continues to inspire us all with her artistic passion and lifelong love for music and the arts. Her creativity and heart leave a lasting mark on everyone around her. Wishing you a birthday full of beauty, art, and happiness, Carol!

🎸 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑺𝑶𝑼𝑳 𝑶𝑭 𝑯𝑶𝑼𝑺𝑻𝑶𝑵 𝑩𝑳𝑼𝑬𝑺: Leonard "Lowdown" Brown! 🎸

Houston’s own Leonard “Lowdown” Brown is a master of soul-blues guitar and vocals, known for his effortless fingerpicking, powerful voice, and commanding stage presence.

For more than four decades, Brown has been a cornerstone of the Houston music scene, captivating audiences with a sound rooted in the blues and filled with soulful grooves. Influenced by legends like B.B. King, R.L. Burnside, and T-Bone Walker, his music carries the grit, emotion, and spirit of the blues. 🎶

In 2023, at the age of 70, Brown released his debut album, Blues Is Calling Me, through the Music Maker Foundation. The album showcases his rich vocals and masterful guitar work, with heartfelt songs like “Find a Bridge” and “Juke Joint” reflecting the life experiences behind his music.

But Brown’s story extends far beyond Houston.

His performance of “America Hymn” was featured in the Disney+ / National Geographic series America The Beautiful, narrated by Michael B. Jordan. He has also taken his soulful sound to renowned blues festivals, including the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival and the Baton Rouge Blues Festival.

Now, Leonard “Lowdown” Brown brings that decades-long musical journey to the Houston Bluesfest stage!

🎶 LEONARD “LOWDOWN” BROWN
📍 POST Houston - Houston Bluesfest 2026
📅 Sunday, October 4, 2026
🎟️ Early Bird Tickets On Sale NOW!

Get your tickets at POSTHTX.COM or HOUSTONBLUESFEST.COM

Have you started your TMIR application?
There's still plenty of time, but September 30 will be here before you know it. Completing your application early gives you time to review your materials and avoid a last-minute rush.

Applications remain open through September 30 at 5:00 p.m. CT.
Learn more and apply: gov.texas.gov/music/tmir

Help us celebrate Glenn Hillin today! 🎈 Glenn is a cornerstone of the Sparks Agency and a STEP Past President who always brings sharp insight, great conversation, and a great sense of humor to our community. Wishing you an incredible birthday and a fantastic year ahead, Glenn!

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to our amazing S.T.E.P. Treasurer and Past President, MaryEllen Miller! From stepping into her role as Chief Executive Officer (and ultimate TEXpert) at the Sparks Agency, to her endless dedication to STEP, MaryEllen leads with vision, warmth, and steady dedication. We hope your day is filled with joy, celebration, and well-deserved appreciation!

Happy Birthday to the man who knows how to keep it classic—Mark Pederson (aka DJ OldSkool)! 💿

From his work with Bravo! Entertainment to spinning the tracks that get everyone on their feet, Mark has been a dedicated STEP member and a vital part of the event scene for a long time.

Wishing you a day filled with your favorite records and a celebration that’s nothing short of "Bravo!" 👏
DJ/MC Mark Pederson