Age of Consent: The Best of The Week
New Order, Photo: Nick Wilson
Well, the big week that contains Day For Night is upon us and it feels like it’s been a long time coming. While there’s plenty of happenings around town that isn’t the festival, you have to admit that a lineup with acts like Kendrick Lamar, Battles, Holly Herndon and Flying Lotus alongside legends like Philip Glass Ensemble and New Order, pictured above is pretty insane. Houston, here’s how to navigate your week.
Wednesday you can kick things off over at The Nightingale Room for a workshop with Blue Note Records’ own, Mark de Clive-Lowe. So, if you don’t know anything about this composer, performer, producer, DJ, and collaborator, that’s okay. The fact is that he’s collaborated with names like Jody Watley and Jill Scott, he’s considered a modern day Quincy Jones, and his live sets are a mixture of drum machines, keyboards and effects. If anyone is going to teach you about an MPC and how to do anything, then this is the guy to do it. The 21 & up event runs from 7:00 to 10:00 and tickets are between $12.00 and $15.00.
Linear Downfall, Photo: Courtesy of Artist
Walters will host an act that’s been hailed by critics while also being called “the weirdest band in America,” when Nashville’s Linear Downfall performs. This band is insane. Everything I’ve ever heard about them tells you that you have no idea what to expect at their shows, which is seriously beautiful and amazing. Aside from the fact that they’ve performed with Flaming Lips or that they’re one of Wayne Coyne’s favorite bands, their latest album, “Sufferland” is a real trip. Though it just came out, I’d describe it as if you took the red & the blue pill, punched Orpheus, and created your own universal matrix. Another band that I can’t tell you what you’ll get, Houston’s Ak’chamel will be on as direct support. These guys make the kind of tunes that are so insanely creative, that I doubt who actually understands it. They might wear costumes, they might play in the dark, they might chant and freak everyone out…which is rad. Their latest album, “The Man Who Drank God” is one of the strangest things you’ll hear, which is a good thing. The crazy sounds of Gretchen’s Disco Plague (It’s Infectious!) will open things up. Containing members of Erase Errata, Swans, and Two Nice Girls, the band is known for bringing up audience members and making them part of the show. This is an insane lineup that feels like something everyone should make it out for. The all ages show has doors at 8:00 and tickets between $7.00 and $10.00.
Thursday you can get the night going over at The Nightingale Room when Houston’s Second Lovers headline the room. This band seems to continuously go through changes and challenges, yet they keep moving forward. They’re set to drop a new album next year, they’ve performed on plenty of festivals, and they released a new song this year with “Hold On.” They’ll be joined by the indie rock of Houston’s Race To The Moon. This year they released a proper full length with “What A Time To Be Alive.” They kind of sound like a mix of early REM and college indie rock, and they’re also solid to see live. The 21 & up show has doors at 7:00 and it’s 100% FREE.
Los Rakas, Photo: Courtesy of Artist
Over at Fox Hollow, you could get you dance on when Red Bull Music Academy brings the Peligrosa 8 Year Anniversary tour to town. If you don’t know Peligrosa, the Austin based collective has been dropping Latin jams from their mix of producers, DJs, and visual artists for a good while, and they’ve become popular for doing it. They also dropped an album this year, “Bombon X Peligrosa” with Houston’s Bombon, who will also be on the bill. Houston’s Fat Tony will share the hosting duties, while a set from reggaeton pioneer, Puerto Rico’s DJ Playero will occur. Oakland’s Los Rakas will also perform, and they’ll bring their intense live show and crazed mix of Latin infused hip hop to the bill. New York’s Que Bajo?! will also be on board, while Miami’s DJ Happy Colors is also set to perform. This will be a lit show that will more than likely fill up fast. The 18 & up show has doors at 8:00, and it’s FREE with RSVP found here.
You can head over to The Boulevardier to check out a new art concept show with Black & White, a conceptual art showing. The show will feature a ton of artists create a new theme at every show. There’s more information here on the 21 & up show with doors at 9:00 and it’s 100% FREE.
Alley Kat will host another edition of Bootleg Thursdays with Gracie Chavez. The Bombon DJ will drop a mix of R&B, Future, House and more. She’ll have Shawn Jay of the Touch and Feel crew on as her guest. The 21 & up show runs from 9:00 to 1:00, and it’s FREE.
On Friday you have plenty of options that start off with The Black Christmas show from The Generators Playground over at Houston Food Park. The all ages event will have live graffiti, live music, food trucks and more. The live music will see Empty Shells amongst a slew of other bands, and the food truck list means that you have plenty of options. All of the details are available here, it gets going at 6:00, and it carries a measly $6.00 cover.
You could head to Beta Theater for a night of improv, comedy, teaching, and more for the In Space They Hear You Laugh show. There’s a recreation of your favorite sci fi shows with the Trek Wars performance, an improv set from Teachable Moments, followed by a stand up set from 2024 Beta Bracket Comedy Contest winner, Michael Paras. The show has doors at 6:30, and it’s a $6.00 suggested cover for the BYOB show.
Honey MoonPie/Dem Damn Dames, Photo: Penland Pinups
If you’d rather get your Star Wars fix before the film drops, you could make it over to Numbers for the Get Leia’d show from Dem Damn Dames. The houston burlesque troupe is pulling out all of the stops for this intergalactic show. Expect plenty of costume changes amidst sultry performances on this performance. Alongside the Dames troupe they’ve brought in Red Snapper & Mr Snapper from Los Angeles, Vivienne Vermuth and Rocky Reckless from Dallas, and Claira Bell of Milwaukee. Rumor has it that a special guest will also appear at the 18 & up show with doors at 7:00, and tickets between $15.00 and $30.00. Of course, the force is with you as your ticket includes entry into the massively popular Classic Numbers dance night to follow the performance, that will more than likely sell out.
Notsuoh will have the alt funk of Houston’s Carpet and the Drapes. On prior, will be a special acoustic set from King Finn. I’d hope that you would have heard of them by now as their sets are high energy and this year’s “As Part of Me” is pretty solid. Pretty N’ Punk will open the 21 & up show with doors at 8:00 and a $5.00 cover unless you have a Star Wars ticket, in which it’s FREE.
Fitzgerald’s will have the alt country meets Americana of Austin’s The Band of Heathens. These guys mix a sound that’s like The Black Crowes with more soul and spirit. Their latest album, 2024’s “Sunday Morning Record” is a damn fine release, and their shows are engaging as well as entertaining. They’ll have Houston’s Jason Bancroft & the Wealthy Beggars on as direct support and openers. If you’ve never seen these guys, they have a sound that’s similar to Chuck Ragan, and their new album “Home” is definitely worth checking out. The all ages show has doors at 8:00 and tickets between $20.00 and $22.00.
If you had planned to catch Bryson Tiller at Warehouse Live, the show has since sold out.
CHVRCHES, Photo: Daniel Cavazos
Revention Center will have a scorching set from Scottish electronic trio, CHVRCHES. If you were considering sitting this show out, I’ll tell you that their set of these new songs at Fun Fun Fun Fest this year blew me away. Their new album, “Every Open Eye” is as amazing as their last release, and they always impress when they perform. The popular electronic jams of LA’s Robert DeLong will open the show up, and drop jams from his latest “In The Cards.” The all ages show has doors at 9:00 and tickets between $30.00 and $35.00.
Walters will have a barn burner when they host a show headlined by Houston’s Fat Tony. This could be one of the last times you can see the underground rapper before he spends much more time on the West coast. He’s been dropping plenty of jams this year, recently with “MacGregor Park,” and he’s one of the most energetic rappers you’ll see in a long time. Hot own Tony’s heels, Guilla will go on prior and prove that he’s ready to make his name more household than he did in the bulk of this year. A week ago, the rapper/producer dropped a new jam called “Fannie Pack” that proved that he’s ready to take on 2024, and his live shows are always entertaining. A set from Nikkhoo+P.L.X.T.X. will also take place, while Genesis Blu will open things up with her hip hop energy as only she can. The all ages show has doors at 9:00 with tickets at $15.00 for 21 & up, and $25.00 for under 21.
In the studio at Warehouse Live you can catch the Chicago pop electronica duo, Autograf. These two have made quite the name for themselves while dropping plenty of jams along the way. Their latest, a single called “Metaphysical” is almost as infectious as another single they dropped this year, “Dream.” The all ages show doesn’t mention an opener with doors at 10:00 and tickets between $10.00 and $20.00.
Battles, Photo: Sachyn Mital
Saturday I’d guess that you’d be over at Day for Night. The first day of the two day visual and sound festival will have gates open at 11:00 am, and will have music begin at noon. You should get there early to catch Philip Glass Ensemble at 1:30 on the green stage. I would hope I wouldn’t have to explain how important Glass is to modern electronic music, so make sure to get there in time to catch that set. At 3:15, visual and sound artist Julien Bayle will perform on the green stage, while the R&B pop of Las Vegas’ Shamir will take the red stage at 3:30, and will bring his latest “Ratchet” to life. The loud and crazed sounds of Indian Jewelry will perform on the blue stage at 5:30, and should impress with new songs from their groove heavy album, “Doing Easy.” The psych dance jams of Brooklyn duo Prince Rama will perform on the green stage at 6:30 before the R&B goodness of Janelle Monae, who’ll be on the red stage at 7:00. Make sure that you soak up plenty of visual elements before making it over to the green stage to catch a set from Battles at 8:15. I’m sure you’ll get the slew of tunes from their impressive catalog while they mix in tunes from this year’s “La Di Da Di.” After their set, the legendary and enigmatic songs of New Order will grace the red stage at 9:00. You don’t have to know that this British group pioneered modern electronic music, nor do you need to know that they’re in their 35th year as a band. Just know that their latest album, this year’s “Music Complete” will have you feet moving. 21 year old French nu-disco/dubstep producer, Madeon will take the green stage at 9:50, and will bring his massively popular album “Adventure” to life, and will more than likely make everyone in attendance dance until it hurts. There’s plenty more music and visual art on the first day of the festival. The all ages event will have day passes for $97.50 per day, two day passes for $185.00, or a two day VIP option for $750.00 taking place at Silver Street Studios.
If you want to catch some hip hop for Free, then you should head over to Cactus to see an in-store performance from Def Perception’s Raymond A & DJ Baby Roo. In celebration of their sick mixtape, “(The Unexpected)…” the duo will perform with other Roologic labelmates. I know that Kyle Hubbard will make a guest appearance on the all ages set. There should be some form of gratis adult beverage on tap on the all ages event starting at 1:00.
Walters will bring the punk in full force for the Punxmas Fest X. Headlined by Houston punk legends The Hates, this lineup is one you’ll definitely get your money’s worth on. Believe it or not, The Hates have been around close to forty years and they don’t seem to be slowing down. Their latest, 2024’s “Shank” keeps the punk fires burning. Austin punks Sniper 66 will also be on the bill. There’s a ton of other bands including Houston’s Some Nerve. These guys are pretty damn amazing, they have a new EP sooner than later, and last year’s “Some Nerve” was really epic. The full lineup is available here, the doors are at 5:00, and the all ages show has a paltry $7.00 cover.
The studio at Warehouse Live will bring the metal when they host the End of The World Fest. Headlined by Houston metal legends, Deadhorse, this should be a show to remember. Though this is not the original lineup, this latest Deadhorse track, “Army Surplus” reminds me of their early days. There’s also a set from Helstar, a set from Krvshr, and a set from Blues Funeral. There’s more music than just these as tunes from more bands will occur, while the stoner metal of Houston’s Funeral Horse will open things up. You have to get there early and catch this band. Their latest album, “Divinity for the Wicked” is like blazing a fattie down the highway at 90 mph while running from the cops. The all ages evening has doors at 7:00 and tickets between $15.00 and $17.00.
Over at Satellite Bar they’ll have the pop rock of Houston three piece Drop Out Vegas. This band makes catchy tunes with plenty of pop hooks, and their most recent release, a single called “Summertime Sadness” is impressive. The indie soul of Leybon will be joining them, while a set from Austin’s Alyssa Jourgensen will go on prior. Chris Gloom will also be on the show and things will be opened up by indie pop of Houston’s Dillon Biggs will open the all ages show with doors at 7:00 and a $10.00 cover.
You could head over to Rudyard’s for the searing sleaze rock set from Houston’s The Killer Hearts. These guys are pretty impressive live, and they have the rock n’ roll power to steal your girlfriend. The loud and proud rock of Houston’s Donkey Punch will be on prior, while a set from Houston psychobilly legends The Flamin’ Hellcats will go on beforehand. The first band I saw at Rudyard’s was these guys when you could stroll in as a 6’4” teenager with beer on your breath. They are always entertaining and a hell of a time live. The eclectic bluesy doom metal of Austin’s Oddfellows will open things up. The 21 & up show has doors at 9:00 and a measly $8.00 cover.
Fox Hollow will host the last Grande show of the year. Residents DJ BigReeks and DJ Candlestick will be on hand to bring you plenty of old school hip hop jams alongside new tunes, R&B, and reggae. The 21 & up event has doors at 9:00, it runs until 2:00 am, and it’s 100% FREE.
If that’s not your jam then you can head to Boondocks for another edition of Les Femmes. The all female DJ show will have a headlining set from Gracie Chavez, with a set from GRRRL Parts, and a set from Angiesliste. Things kick off at 10:00, it’s 21 & up, and 100% FREE.
Flying Lotus, Photo: Dan Medhurst
Sunday you can make your way over to Silver Street for day two of Day for Night. You can start off with a set from DJ Fredster at noon on the red stage and then follow that up with a set from Josiah Gabriel on the green stage at 12:45. You can follow that with the visual madness that is a set from Houston’s FLCON FCKER on the blue stage at 1:00. Don’t miss the high energy of Elliphant on the red stage at 3:00 followed by a set from electronica innovator, composer, and producer Holly Herndon on the green stage at 3:15. The way in which Herndon uses forms of technology you’ve never heard of to craft a song is insane, and this year’s “Platform” proves it. Make sure you do your ears a favor and check out Houston’s Hearts of Animals on the blue stage at 3:40 before catching HEALTH on the red stage at 4:30. Feel free to check out the pop prowess of Houston’s Children of Pop on the blue stage at 4:45. You can get down while Nicolas Jaar drops magic on the green stage at 5:00 with a following dance heavy set from Houston’s Wrestlers on the blue stage at 6:00. If you’re a Death Grips fan, then you’ll want to catch them on the red stage at 6:00. You’ll hate yourself if you don’t see the next level sounds of Houston’s B L A C K I E in person on the blue stage at 6:00 before you make it over to the red stage to see the crazy live show from Flying Lotus. Be honest, you can’t tell everyone you experienced his latest release, “You’re Dead!” without seeing it performed live in person. You definitely won’t want to miss the intensity of a set from Com Truise over on the blue stage at 8:15 before you get down at the Dillon Francis set on the green stage at 8:45. However, if you attend and you somehow miss the hip hop of Kendrick Lamar on the red stage at 9:30, you’re insane. The world is calling his latest, “To Pimp A Butterfly” on of the most important hip hop albums of all time, and this might be your last chance to see him in our city. There’s plenty more artists at day two, and the gates open at 11:00. Tickets are still available with one day passes for $97.50, two day passes for $185.00, or a two day VIP option for $750.00.
Later in the day, Fitzgerald’s will have the energetic San Antonio trio Girl In A Coma. I caught them when they were 15 and I’d be lying if I said they were amazing back then. Their latest album, 2024’s “Exits & All The Rest” is their strongest to date, and their live shows are always high energy. The downtempo prog rock goodness of Houston’s Glass The Sky will be on as direct support, while the chamber rock of Houston’s Mystery Loves Company will go on prior. The rock four piece power of Giant Kitty will also be on the bill, and the alt pop of Houston’s Brenna Haffey will open the all ages show. The doors are at 6:00 and the tickets are between $10.00 and $12.00, or $15.00 for under 21.
Over at MKT Bar you could catch a local artist luck out and walk away with something to hang from their walls at the first ever White Elephant Canvas Exchange. The event is all ages, it gets going at 7:00 and it’s 100% FREE.
Improv will host the 34th annual The Whiskey Brothers Christmas Ball. All four of the The Whiskey Brothers will be on stage, all four will have new material, and all four will make you laugh harder than you will at any other Christmas party. Slade Ham, John Wessling, Sam Demaris, and Rob Mungle will all drops individual sets with special guests on the bill as well. This show will sell out, the tickets are between $12.00 and $22.00, and the doors are at 8:00.
Young Girls, Photo: Courtesy of Artist/Facebook
Alley Kat will have a set from Austin’s Ramesh. The alt indie tunes from ex-Voxtrot members is catchy and interesting, and their debut album, “The King” from last year is a good one. The indie pop rock meets new wave jams of Houston’s Young Girls will be on the bill as direct support. I feel bad for you if you’ve never seen these guys live as last year’s EP “Young Girls” is pretty damn amazing. The all female three piece dream gaze sounds of Austin’s Moving Panoramas will open the 21 & up show with doors at 9:00 and a ZERO cover charge.
Monday if you had planned to catch the entertaining sounds of Grammy award winner Josh Groban at The Hobby Center, the show has since been rescheduled. More details are available here.
That’s about all that’s happening while still a stacked week. No matter what you do, remember that it’s the holidays and things are crazier than usual, so be on the lookout for your fellow Houstonians.
