Mem Shannon came up through the blues scene via a 15-year career as a New Orleans cab driver, and his 1996 breakthrough album, “A Cabdriver’s Blues,” put the guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter firmly on the musical map. Television and national press gave him a wide buzz, and Shannon, along with his band, the Membership, began a successful full-time career as a musician. Shannon’s blues rely heavily on his own expert songwriting and unique view of life, and are driven by the syncopation and funky rhythms that are endemic to the Crescent City.  His 2002 song “SUV” was nominated for several awards, and a few years later he performed his tune “Who Are They?” on the HBO hit series “Treme.” Speaking of awards, Shannon has a shelf full of local and national blues awards for his recordings and performances over the course of his career.