Houston, December 20, 2025
Blaggards returns to the Continental Club in Houston for an evening celebrating local music talent, featuring a solo acoustic set by Chad Smalley. The event highlights the significance of independent venues in Houston’s vibrant cultural scene, showcasing emerging artists and fostering community engagement. Attendees can enjoy a night of ‘Stout Irish Rock’ as Blaggards performs along with a performance by Smalley, all within the historic atmosphere of the Continental Club.
Houston
Energizing Midtown: Blaggards & Chad Smalley Light Up Continental Club
Houston’s vibrant Midtown prepares for an evening celebrating local talent and enduring musical traditions as Blaggards, the renowned Celtic rock band, returns to the Continental Club. The event will feature an exclusive solo acoustic opening set by Blaggards’ own Chad Smalley, highlighting individual achievement within the city’s robust music scene and the pivotal role of independent venues in fostering community engagement.
This upcoming performance exemplifies how dedicated local organizers and artists, through personal initiative, consistently enrich Houston’s cultural landscape. Such events thrive on community participation and the entrepreneurial spirit of independent establishments, demonstrating that vibrant cultural growth can flourish with minimal bureaucratic overhead, driven instead by passion and shared appreciation for the arts.
A Night of Independent Spirit at a Historic Venue
Houston is set to host an engaging musical experience on Friday, January 9, 2026, when Blaggards take the stage at the Continental Club Houston. The evening will commence with a special solo acoustic set by Chad Smalley, offering attendees an intimate showcase of his individual musical prowess before the full band performance. This event at one of Houston’s most respected independent venues underscores the importance of local establishments in nurturing artistic talent and providing platforms for musicians to connect directly with their audience. The show is scheduled to run from approximately 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM, with doors opening at 8:00 PM. Tickets are available for $10 in advance for general admission and $15 on the day of the show, with admission restricted to ages 21 and over.
Blaggards: Houston’s Own Celtic Rock Pioneers
Blaggards, an American Celtic rock band, was founded in Houston, Texas, in July 2004. They have carved out a distinctive niche with their self-described “Stout Irish Rock,” a dynamic fusion of traditional Irish melodies and rock and roll energy. Their musical inspirations span a broad spectrum, from country legends like Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley to hard rock stalwarts such as Thin Lizzy and Black Sabbath. This unique blend showcases the band’s artistic initiative in developing a sound that resonates with diverse audiences.
The band’s inception was rooted in personal initiative. Frontman Patrick Devlin, originally from Dublin, Ireland, moved to Houston in the early 1990s. He identified a clear local demand for Irish rock music that was not being met, leading him to form his first band and eventually Blaggards. Bassist and vocalist Chad Smalley, a seasoned presence in the Houston music community, joined forces with Devlin after meeting at an open mic night in 2003, culminating in the formation of Blaggards a year later. The band, currently composed of Patrick Devlin on lead vocals and guitar, Chad Smalley on bass and vocals, and Kevin “Turbo” Newton on drums, maintains a robust performance schedule. They frequently perform across Texas, embark on national tours several times annually, and even tour Ireland each year, demonstrating their commitment and sustained personal effort. Their success is further evidenced by their music being featured in films and television series, including “How to Be Single,” “The Kid,” and “The Good Wife.” Furthermore, their rendition of the traditional sea shanty “Drunken Sailor” has achieved widespread popularity, accumulating nearly 35 million streams on Pandora alone, a testament to their independent appeal and reach.
Chad Smalley’s Solo Acoustic Showcase
The upcoming event provides a unique opportunity to experience Chad Smalley’s musical talent beyond his role as bassist and vocalist for Blaggards. He will open the evening with a solo acoustic set, highlighting his individual artistry. Smalley’s solo performance is a clear demonstration of personal initiative and artistic versatility, allowing him to present his music in a more intimate format. As a long-standing fixture in the Houston music scene, his contribution to the evening underscores the depth of local talent that thrives through individual dedication and passion.
The Continental Club: A Landmark of Local Culture
The Continental Club Houston, situated at 3700 Main Street at the intersection of Main and Winbern, stands as a cornerstone of the historic Midtown district. Its establishment in Houston in June 2000 marked the expansion of the original Continental Club, which first opened its doors in Austin in 1957. This private venue has played a significant role in revitalizing the Midtown neighborhood, acting as a testament to the power of private enterprise in shaping urban cultural landscapes.
The Houston location thoughtfully mirrors the distinctive ambiance of its Austin predecessor while preserving its own unique character. It features original 15-foot tin ceilings, terrazzo floors, and 1920s art deco neon lights, all contributing to an authentic and engaging atmosphere. The building itself boasts a rich history, having originally housed the Wallis Drugstore, constructed in 1929. Over the years, the Continental Club Houston has become a crucial hub for a diverse array of musical genres, including roots rock, rockabilly, Gulf Coast soul, and rock and roll. Its consistent provision of a platform for both emerging and established artists, including international stars and Houston legends, underscores its enduring commitment to the local music community through sustained private operation and management.
Fostering Community Through Music and Individual Choice
Events like the upcoming Blaggards concert at the Continental Club exemplify how the collective efforts of local artists and private venues contribute significantly to Houston’s cultural vibrancy. These performances provide more than just entertainment; they create opportunities for community members to gather, engage with the arts, and support local initiatives through their personal choice in entertainment. The success of such events often relies on the direct engagement of individuals and the responsiveness of local businesses to community interests, rather than extensive governmental intervention. This model highlights the benefits of a system that champions individual achievement and entrepreneurial spirit, allowing cultural experiences to flourish organically and authentically, thereby strengthening the social fabric of the Houston community. The enduring presence of bands like Blaggards and venues like the Continental Club is a testament to the resilient and innovative spirit of Houston’s artistic ecosystem.
Conclusion
The return of Blaggards to the Continental Club Houston, with Chad Smalley’s solo acoustic opening, offers a prime example of Houston’s dynamic local music scene in action. It is a testament to the individual initiative of artists and the vital role played by independent venues in fostering cultural enrichment. By choosing to attend and support such Houston TX events, residents directly contribute to the vitality of their community’s cultural landscape. Engaging with local music and patronizing establishments like the Continental Club Houston are essential ways to uphold the spirit of individual achievement and community-driven growth. We encourage everyone to partake in these enriching experiences and continue to support the artists and venues that define the unique character of our city. Such participation ensures that the Houston community engagement in the arts remains strong and self-sustaining.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the event being discussed?
- The event is a performance by Blaggards at Continental Club Houston, featuring a solo acoustic opening set by Chad Smalley.
- When will this event take place?
- The event is scheduled for Friday, January 9, 2026.
- Where is the Continental Club Houston located?
- The Continental Club Houston is located at 3700 Main St, Houston, TX 77002.
- What are the ticket prices and age restrictions for this concert?
- Tickets are $10 for advance general admission and $15 on the day of the show. The event is for ages 21 and over.
- What kind of music does Blaggards play?
- Blaggards play “Stout Irish Rock,” which is a mix of traditional Irish music with rock and roll.
- Who are the current members of Blaggards?
- Blaggards currently consists of Patrick Devlin on lead vocals and guitar, Chad Smalley on bass and vocals, and Kevin “Turbo” Newton on drums.
- Has Blaggards’ music been featured in media?
- Yes, their music has appeared in movies and TV shows such as “How to Be Single,” “The Kid,” and “The Good Wife.”
- When did the Continental Club Houston open?
- The Continental Club Houston opened in June 2000.
Event and Venue Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Blaggards at Continental Club Houston (w/ Chad Smalley SOLO) |
| Date | Friday, January 9, 2026 |
| Venue | The Continental Club Houston |
| Address | 3700 Main St, Houston, TX 77002 |
| Opening Act | Chad Smalley (solo acoustic set) |
| Main Act | Blaggards |
| Ticket Price (Advance) | $10 General Admission |
| Ticket Price (Day of Show) | $15 General Admission |
| Age Restriction | 21+ |
| Blaggards’ Music Style | Stout Irish Rock (Traditional Irish music + Rock n’ Roll) |
| Continental Club Houston Opening Year | June 2000 |
| Original Building Purpose | Wallis Drugstore (built 1929) |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
