Legendary Bluesman Professor Harp Returns To The Shepherd Center

Professor Harp, born and raised as Hugh Holmes of Boston, specializes in what he calls roots music— “whatever makes me feel good and moves me, so to speak,” especially the blues of Texas and the Mississippi Delta, which come alive in his extraordinary harmonica and vocals.

He was a rock ‘n’ roll drummer until 1969, when the Boston blues revival and a sterling performance he caught of blues harmonica great George Allen “Harmonica’ Smith,” combined to lure him away from drums and to the blues harp.

He has performed with bands throughout the Northeast, including legends Solomon Burke and Luther “Guitar Jr.”Johnson and played live on NBC’s Today Show, and has jammed with the great Delta bluesman Muddy Waters, who helped dubbed him as Professor Harp.

His return to The Shepherd Center for the Performing Arts, 34 Center St. (William Street entrance) starts at 7 p.m., with the doors opening at 6:30.

Tickets, which are $20 in advance, can be purchased online at https://theshepherdcenter.ticketspice.com/the-undaunted-professor-harp-2026 or at the door for $25.