The Bayou City Brass was formed in mid-1999, for the purpose of performing brass band music of the Civil War era, using authentic instruments and music of the period. In this way, audiences could hear the music exactly as it was heard in the mid-nineteenth century. The band is based in Houston, Texas, and currently restricts its performances to the eastern and northern parts of Texas.

The band started as the brainchild of Roque Haines, who is a Civil War reenactor. He noticed the lack of band music at the Texas reenactments. He had seen one band playing “period” music, but on modern instruments, and poorly at that. This important aspect of life during the Civil War needed to be demonstrated at the reenactments and other 19th century events, not just for the education of the public, but also for the enjoyment of the reenactors. This could be only done properly by a well-organized band with high caliber musicians, to represent the best of the brass bands during the mid-nineteenth century.

Due to the long and rich cultural heritage of the Houston area, there are numerous “period” venues in which to perform around the Houston/Galveston area. Numerous historic homes and landmarks of the 19th century that were left unharmed by the Civil War are still preserved and treasured in the Houston/Galveston area. The Bayou City Brass has performed at many of these historic homes and locations, and has received very positive response from the public and reenactors alike. We have become an annual favorite at the Dickens on the Strand 19th century Christmas festival in Galveston, Texas.