Live At Tee Roy’s Desk: Hamilton Loomis [VIDEO]

Over the last few years, Casper's music scene has really taken off. Due to a huge influx of local bands, it's now harder to find a day when you can't catch a live show somewhere in our city.

One of the side benefits of this is the fact that we now host bands from all over the world. Because of our penchant for live club shows - as well as being perfectly located for routing purposes - promoters have made it a regular stop on band's itineraries.

Today, we had the pleasure of hosting Hamilton Loomis - a Texan who's been lucky (and talented) enough to study with some of the greats, including his mentor and friend, the late Bo Diddley. Hamilton's been through Casper repeatedly because he puts on a great show, and we love having him around. I joked with Mr. Loomis about Casper being his second home, and said - very seriously - "Casper has some of the best fans around...I love playing here!"

Now, you may be asking yourself “Why in the hell would you have him play at your desk when you’re surrounded by studios?”

We thought it would be a pretty cool concept. Bring in a musician, sit them in an office setting, and let them do their thing. Check out the video, visit Hamilton's webpage and Facebook, and support the artists!

Hamilton Loomis

Born and raised in Galveston, Texas, Loomis is the son of musician parents who listened to blues, rock and soul. Music ran in his veins and, with instruments readily available around the house, he picked up drums, piano, guitar and harmonica, honing his multi-instrumental talent in addition to performing regularly as part of his family’s doo-wop group.

“My parents had a fantastic record collection and, when I started writing, I gravitated towards what I’d been listening to all my life. I have a huge reverence for the blues and all it encompasses, but I’ve always been fond of R&B and funky music.”

A protégé of Bo Diddley, Loomis met the icon backstage at the age of 16 at Houston’s famed venue Rockefeller’s. Before the night was over, Loomis was onstage playing guitar with the legend. Diddley quickly became friend, mentor, collaborator and supporter, appearing on two of Loomis’ albums and presenting a cherished red guitar that he still plays.

“That one night began my education and I spent a lot of time with Bo over the years listening to him tell so many stories,” said Loomis. “He was so generous and most people don’t know that he was really philanthropic. He played free concerts around his hometown for homeless shelters, schools and anyone that just needed help. He was always giving! That’s another thing that planted the GIVE IT BACK seed in my mind. It’s all coming full circle.”