Beloved Songwriter Venue JP Hops House Severely Damaged in Fire
JP Hops House in far west Houston, TX is known for its incredible selection of beer and wine, and for being one of the most friendly neighborhood bars in the city, no matter what neighborhood of the city you happen to be from.
First opened in 1980, the bar is owned and operated by Jim Fowler and Pam Herndon, and along with being a favored watering hole for the local community, it has become the home for many if Houston’s songwriters, and for many songwriters traveling through H-town—so much so that the venue also serves as the headquarters for the Houston Songwriters Association.
Songwriters and patrons alike have found a home at JP Hops House for years. That’s why the community was heartbroken when fire severely damaged the business on Sunday, July 10th. Located in a strip center, it was the only unit significantly damaged in the blaze. But as can be seen in the pictures, the fire was devastating. Co-owner Jim Fowler also sustained minor burns in the incident, but was treated and released.
The fire started right around when the Sunday night Open Mic was winding down. Though the fire is still under investigation, it is believed to be electrical in nature. A transformer on a pole outside where the fire potentially started was also burned in the incident.
The Houston Songwriters Association has been meeting at JP Hops House every 2nd Sunday of the month for many years. Along with local musicians, national touring acts also frequent the venue. Country duo Side Pony consisting of Alice Wallace and Caitlin Cannon was supposed to play the venue on Wednesday night (7-13), but were forced to cancel due to the fire.
“They have provided a wonderful, welcoming venue for all artists, from those who regularly tour to those just starting out,” songwriter Brian Kalinec tells Saving Country Music. “They are dear friends to so many of us. So many benefits for others have been held at J P Hops House. We are just trying to help them out as best we can now.”
Brian Kalinec started a Go Fund Me campaign for the venue with a goal of $10,000. Over $16,000 has been raised at time of print, speaking to how beloved the venue is to the community. Even though the initial goal has been met, folks are still being asked to pitch in if possible.
July 16, 2022 @ 7:59 am
Heartbreaking news for one of the most welcoming bars in Houston – please donate if you can
July 17, 2022 @ 4:17 pm
I have enjoyed their Gentle Hospitality for years. It never felt like a “Bar” more like a House Visit to a Friends Place, I often left a bit of Cat Food for the Timid Strays that semi stayed on the Patio. Hope they are OK too.
July 17, 2022 @ 5:19 pm
Ohmygosh.
Thank you for leaving cat food for the little stray kitties!
1st time my son was in the Keys, he was 8 years old.
We were dining at Lorelei’s, on Islamorada. The actual restaurant, before hurricane Wilma wiped it out. We were dining al fresco, & a cat was winding itself around his legs.
Watched my son, tear bites off his food, & slip it to the cat. We just smiled.
Was a gorgeous evening in the Keys.
Kitty was happy.
Would be cool if the owners can rebuild the JP Hops House.
July 17, 2022 @ 7:01 pm
The open mic I participate in, at Cork This Tap That, in Dobbin, Tx has stray cats who have found a home there. I’ve posted pictures of them on my face book page- they are regular customers there- LOL- last week a young girl took the last kitten home with her- the owner leaves water for them in their own water bowl and feeds them scraps from the kitchen- I’m a cat lover with a cat, Davey Crockett, and I have a soft spot for strays too-
July 17, 2022 @ 7:42 pm
Awwww!
You guys are killing me, tonight.
This is too sweet!
So Cool, DJ.
“my” cat, Merlin, is with my son.
My husband died of a massive heart attack, that took him instantly, 4 years ago this coming Labor Day Sunday.
My son intuitively knew i would head “home” to Florida, be by the sea, try to find my footing.
Told me to bring him Merlin.
His intention was to find a great home for Merlin, but when it came time, he couldn’t let him go.
Merlin is doing great.
*The night before we picked our little black kitty up at the Steuben County Animal Shelter, my husband & i went into Pet Smart, to pick up a few things. While i was spending an eternity reading ingredient labels on Blue Buffalo, or whichever, bags of kitten chow, my husband was nowhere in sight. Finally tracked him down.
He had that shopping cart loaded. Busted out laughing, looked at him & said, Good Thing both of us are winning at poker this week, huh?
You couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.
Animals are awesome.
And, i didn’t know you did open mic. DJ.