The Brown Sugar Band is a family band based in Sealy, Texas. They hail from all over the Lone Star State and are known for a wide range of genres that include country, contemporary, jazz, R&B, and blues.

They are the next act for the Main Street Music Series sponsored by the City of Huntsville, held from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month from May to August. Due to extreme heat, the show will be held at Old Town Theatre.

Recognized by Sealy City Council in 2023 for their love of live music and their contributions to drawing tourists to Sealy, The Brown Sugar Band is a must see that has been 50 years in the making. Originated by Lorraine Audrey Brown in March of 1975, the band has reincarnated many times, beginning with eight members.

As a military wife stationed at Fort Polk in Louisiana, Brown got her start performing in NCO clubs. That grew into frequent gigs around Shreveport and other military bases within driving distance.

Her daughter Sandra “Brown Sugar’’ Lee now serves as bandleader and keyboardist. Fans say the first time her fingers hit the keys, all those around her knew that they were witnessing a gift. Lee grew up in Sealy and spent her summers in California. She graduated from Blinn in 1974 with degrees in music and psychology and has served a total of 35 years at TDCJ.

Lee says they stay busy, playing music every weekend at every kind of venue one could imagine. They will play the Watermelon Festival in Hempstead on July 19, followed by Hot Nights Cool Tunes in downtown Brenham on July 20, and the Sounds of Summer Festival in Navasota this August.

The original lineup of the band included lead vocalist Pernell Caroll, drummer Waymond Mayes, bassist James Mosely and his brother Michael Mosely on saxophone. Along with Gregory Gaines as lead guitarist, they entertained guests from private parties and country clubs in River Oaks to the Peppermint Lounge in East Orange, New Jersey.

Their diverse range of talent was a huge hit on the “Chitlin Circuit” which was an amenable route for black performers traveling through the South, East, and Upper Midwest from the 1930s through the 60s. Admission was fifty cents at the door and performers earned just enough to get to the next location. They toured continuously until Brown passed away in 1990.

Still drawing inspiration from her mother, Lee says they have been blessed to have many well known Houston musicians like Will Thomas and Ed Herndon sit in with them over the years.

“Those guys kept me going, and James Mosely got me back out on the road, along with keyboardist Marshal McDonald. aka “Quick Nik,” said Lee.

Tasha Johnson Bailey has been their lead vocalist for the last 28 years. Gloria Silva has played percussion and keyboard for 18 years. James Mosely is back on bass, marking 49 years since he first joined the band. They are currently joined by Nancy Saenz on saxophone, Fred Lockett on lead guitar, and Ignascio Miller Jr. on drums.

“We do everything from Selena to Travis Tritt, Bruno Mars to Gloria Esteban, and Sade to BB King. This band is a wonderful group of people. With the love we have for the music and each other, you can’t go wrong. We’re all on the same wavelength. These are my brothers and sisters. We do constructive criticism and it only makes us better. We’re family,” said Lee.

She gives high praise to her staff, which includes her assistant of 11 years La Trenda Williams; publicist, sound tech and photographer Patrick Vykoukal, roadie Harold Baugh and their driver Toney Downey.

The band is currently recording their original music at their home studio in Sealy and Fred Lockett’s studio in Brenham. The collection is set for release later this year. Catch the band at Kathy’s Korner in Sealy every spring from March to May and other select dates throughout the year.

Saturday’s show will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Old Town Theatre, located at 1023 12th St. Admission is free. No outside beverages are allowed. Beer, wine, water and soda can be purchased in the lobby. Find info on the next Main Street Music show at https://www.huntsvilletx.gov/810/Main-Street-Music-Series.