Billy Byrnes the Blues
Billy Byrnes the Blues has become a fan favorite at Tunes @ Noon, bringing a rich blend of blues, rock, soul, and decades of hard-earned musicianship to The Church Studio.
Guitarist Billy Byrnes has spent his career playing between Long Island and the West Coast as a bandleader, session guitarist, and working musician. Growing up on Long Island, he came of age in an extraordinary musical era, watching legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Rory Gallagher, Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, Freddie King, and B.B. King perform live.
One of Billy’s favorite stories comes from Freddie King himself. During a show, Freddie motioned Billy to the stage, handed him his guitar, and after hearing him play, laughed and declared, “Billy burns the house down.” The nickname stuck.
Vocalist Laura Garrison brings a beautiful, soulful powerhouse voice shaped by years of performing blues, country, Tejano, and rock and roll. She discovered the blues while attending graduate school near Chicago before immersing herself in Austin’s legendary music scene.
Backed by bassist Russ Walz and drummer Evan Elsberry, Billy Byrnes the Blues delivers performances rooted in authenticity rather than imitation. Every show reflects a lifetime spent listening to, learning from, and living the blues. Whether tearing through an electric shuffle or settling into a soulful ballad, Billy’s masterful guitar work, Laura Garrison’s expressive vocals and elegant stage presence, and the band’s exceptional musicianship make every Tunes @ Noon performance memorable.
