‘Gigs Are Starting to Come Back,’ Says Live Music Stalwart McNeely

‘Gigs Are Starting to Come Back,’ Says Live Music Stalwart McNeely

Anyone familiar with Houston's live-music scene over the last few decades has likely heard of Bubba McNeely. He's been in the biz for nearly his whole life, having gotten his start in gospel music at the age of 12.

McNeely's star rose during Houston's heyday in the '80s, and he gigged around L.A. and Vegas before returning to H-Town nearly 20 years ago. "The thing that makes me different is I do '70s and '80s R&B, jazz and disco, which no one else does," says the lively crooner, noting he still inflects everything with a tinge of gospel. "You know, 'play that funky music white boy,' 'turn the beat around,' all that stuff."


His fan base is strong — and widespread, thanks to his range of gigs. McNeely plays monthly at Napoli's Wine Cafe on Washington, Hearsay in Galveston, Cat Scratch Kitchen in Kemah and Casa Do Brasil near the Galleria, and twice a month at Saks Fifth Avenue's 51fifteen gospel brunch. "The gigs are coming back," McNeely says, reflecting on the past year. "It was a devastating three or four months when things first shut down." His livestream shows were popular; folks would tip virtually via Venmo or PayPal, offering much-needed encouragement and motivation during a trying time.

"Music is my life, honey. I've done it since I was 12, and I'm so grateful to be where I am."

Art + Entertainment
Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less

Photo by Lynn Lane

HOUSTON GRAND OPERA’S second fall repertoire production is Gioachino Rossini’s Cinderella. The colorful, commedia dell'arte-inspired production opens Friday, Oct. 25, and stars Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard — a breathtaking brunette beauty, even when doused in soot — in bel canto role of Angelina, known to her mean step-sisters as “Cenerentola.”

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

BRETT MILLER WAS just 10 years old when his parents took him to a screening of the 1925 silent film, The Phantom of the Opera, starring Lon Chaney as “The Phantom” of the Paris Opera House, with an accompanying soundtrack played live by an organist. The film contains one of the most famous “reveals” on celluloid (We won’t give it away!) and is all the more shocking when accompanied by live music played on the Phantom’s favorite instrument.

Keep Reading Show less