Now that festivals are in full swing, things are heating up as far as the weather and what’s rolling through town this week. Sets from the likes of At The Drive-In, Metallica, and Tripping Daisy will be on deck with performances from locals like Clay Melton, Finger Guns and more filling in the gaps. Houston, here’s how to map out the next seven days.

On Wednesday you could begin over at Discovery Green for their Party on The Plaza series featuring Dallas’ Ishi. There was a night some years back where Wilco bored me, so I went to catch Father John Misty where the venue was too hot, and Ishi saved my night with an electric performance at Nightingale Room. Maybe he can save your night as well, as his latest single “Crocodile Tears” is an electronic jam that’s worth hearing live. The folky sounds of Houston’s Romina Von Mohr will open the all ages show that gets going around 5 pm and is 100% FREE.

We Were Wolves. Photo: Ken Asibor

Later on at The Secret Group, you could catch the Nashville rock goodness of JEFF The Brotherhood. This duo seems to really be all about exploring the genre of rock without taking things too far. Their live shows can be crazed energy bubbles, and last year’s Zone proved they can still mix things up. Houston’s We Were Wolves will bring their beer fueled rock n’ roll party on as direct support and should add new songs from their upcoming album to their set along with songs from 2024’s Ruin Your Weekend. Houston’s Far Out will bring their hook-heavy rock on as openers for the all ages show, and their last album Universe was one everyone should hear. Doors are at 8 pm with a $12 cover.

On Thursday you could kick the evening off over in the ballroom at Warehouse Live when Dallas’ Tripping Daisy reunites for a performance. It’s been eighteen years since the death of founding member Wes Berggren and since the band has performed live, so this is a real treat for fans of the band. While the group’s posthumous B-sides album Tripping Daisy from 2000 and the album before it Jesus Hits Like The Atomic Bomb were both good and well received, the album I Am An Elastic Firecracker with the hit track, “I Got A Girl” was what made the group Texas psych pop legends. I saw the band a lot in the nineties and their live shows were always on point and sometimes bizarre. Dallas’ Motorcade featuring members of War on Drugs, St. Vincent and more will be on hand as direct support while the only Houston band that could open things up, Frog Hair will get things going. If you’ve never seen Frog Hair before, just imagine what Butthole Surfers on LSD would be like and you’ll have their debut album A Long List of Shortcomings figured out. The all ages show has doors at 7 pm and tickets between $25 and $30.

Over at Walter’s you could get the indie meets punk rock of Finger Guns who will be there to drop their new album, Life On The Floor. The new sounds of Houston’s The Daphne Blue were set to perform, but have since had to cancel due to an emergency. There’s also a set from Since Always who should impress with their indie rock sounds while the all ages show will get opened up by the alt rock sounds of Middlechild. Doors are at 8 pm with a $10 cover.

Clark. Photo: Tim Saccenti

Downstairs at White Oak Music Hall, New York born and New Jersey raised Com Truise will return for a set filled with electronica jams. This guy has been making bangers for a good while, but his latest single, “Isotasy,” is definitely something to groove to and his live sets are always a little bonkers. He’ll have one of the best electronica producers going as direct support and opener with U.K. triple threat Clark. Clark is literally fire as a producer and his live sets are a real trip. His latest release Death Peak from this year just keeps him at the top of the electronic game even moreso. The all ages show has doors at 8 pm and tickets between $17 and $22.

Friday you could make it out to House of Blues for the alt country of Old 97’s. While the band has been around a good while and their live shows have always felt like a party made up of friends, their latest release Graveyard Whistling offers up hints of the band in their early days. Shooter Jennings will bring his twangy sound on as direct support and opener for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $25 and $49.

Japanese Breakfast. Photo: Phobymo

Upstairs at White Oak Music Hall will host the always fun lo-fi indie pop of (Sandy) Alex G. While the Philadelphia artist has always been worth catching, his latest record Rocket offers up his most cohesive and catchy sound to date. The indie sci-fi jams of Japanese Breakfast will be on as direct support while Brooklyn-based power pop rock group Cende will open the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $13 and $18.

In the back of Continental Club at the Pachinko Hut, you can get groovy to the sounds of DJ jams from the likes of Darenda Weaver, Zack Dorsey, and Black Slacks at the Citrus Shakedown. While there are rumors of a bubble machine on site, the cheap drinks and cool jams make for a fun time in the hot summer sun. The 21 & up show is free and gets going at 7 pm with more information here.

Vinal Edge will host the indie post rock strangeness of Denton’s Sexual Jeremy. I say post rock, but in reality this band just emulates multiple genres including spoken word, math rock, and early emocore, and their latest Chuck Weekend is a trip. Denton’s Jesus Chris + The Beetles will be on as direct support while the unexplained improvised magic of Houston’s Ak’chamel will open things ups as only they can for the free all ages show with gratis beer for the adults.

Pfaff. Photo: Marshall Forse Walker

The Waughford will host the return of Austin’s Dylan Cameron of Holodeck Records. Cameron has made his name by dropping danceable jams and his latest, Infinite Floor, is full of tracks to groove to. The electro-acoustic sounds of Houston’s Yakul will be on as direct support while Pfaff will bring his modular techno prior. A DJ set from Houston’s KONA FM will get the night started with visuals all night from Sppank. The show has doors at 8 pm and a $10 cover.

Over at Rito’s Bar you could check out the gloss punk of NOLA’s Patsy. Here in support of their snappy new 7” Eat It, they sound like a feverishly fun punk band. Austin’s Sass will be on as well as No Come, while Houston’s The Pose will bring their punk heaviness on hand. Criminal Itch will open the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and a $6 cover.

Rudyard’s will host the new album release from Houston’s Sam Turner & the Cactus Cats. While the band has traveled far down the road of what they call “beach wave,” they’re really closer to psych infused folk in sound and they’re definitely due for a new album. The show will also have Grisbee on as direct support, while the rock of Houston’s Bayou Saints will go on beforehand. The indie pop of Austin’s Golden Solid will also be on hand to perform and Mikey Drag from Flower Graves will get the evening started by spinning records all night, as well as in-between sets and after the show too. The 21 & up show has doors at 8 pm and an $8 cover.

Clay Melton. Photo: Daniel Jackson

In the Bronze Peacock room of House of Blues, the bluesy twang of Houston’s Clay Melton will bring the house to its knees with his guitar prowess. While Melton’s debut record is good, it doesn’t really showcase his strength as songwriter and guitarist and his live shows are the type you don’t want to miss before he gets too big for this city. The energetic blues psych of Vanilla Whale will be on hand as support and openers, and they, too, are a band everyone should check out. The all ages show has doors at 8:45 pm and tickets for $15.

Saturday you could get going over at Silver Street Studios for the Pop Shop Houston Summer Festival. The two day event has tons of local vendors, art, food, and even a fashion show. The fashion show gets going around 7 pm, but the two day event opens at 10 am on Saturday and 11 am on Sunday with tickets for $8.

There’s a good chance you’ll head to Saint Arnold’s Brewery when they celebrate their 23rd year. The show has a headlining set from Houston’s Bun B, but also features a slew of locals to round things out. Performances from The Tontons, 30 Foot Fall, Buxton, John Evans and more will all be there to get feet moving. The 21 & up show has doors at 4 pm and tickets between $10 and $35 with more information here.

Over at Revention Center, El Paso’s At The Drive-In will make their return to our city. While they’re without founding member Jim Ward, the band has since soldiered on and dropped a new album with this year’s in*ter*a*li*a. It’s not confirmed if they still get wild like they did at their shows twenty years ago or not, but if you’re a fan, then you might want to attend based on how volatile they all are. Les Butcherettes will be on board as direct support and opener for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $30 and $40.

Over at Arena Theatre, the internationally renowned sounds of Mexico’s Bronco will perform in the round. You might not know these guys, but seeing as they’ve sold over 12 million records, those who know them realize that they’re worth catching live. If you’re a fan of Norteno music, you should love their latest release Primera Fila from this year. The doors are at 7:30 pm and tickets are between $49.50 and $155.

Ruiners. Photo: Keith Hatch

Over at Rudyard’s, Houston’s Football, etc. will be upstairs to play their album release party for the recently released Corner. One of my favorite records of the year, as well as the strongest from the trio, the album takes the band far outside of their emo past and places them on a larger scale. While their live shows are always fun, they will have one of the strongest live bands on as direct support when Houston’s Ruiners will release their new album as well. Their new record, Plebeian, is pretty epic, like a mix of Mission of Burma and Fugazi. The screamo sounds of Austin’s Yorick will also be on the bill while Houston’s Greg Cote & the Real Life Friends will open the 21 & up show with doors at 8 pm and an $8 cover.

On Sunday you could make your way over to the EaDo Vintage June Fest. The monthly event takes place over on Polk Street and features an eclectic mix of vintage wares and wears, art, music and eats. The all day event is open to all ages, it’s free to attend, and gets going at noon with more information here.

Over at NRG Stadium you can hope that Metallica sticks to their tunes that don’t go past …And Justice For All. While I haven’t been a fan of how these guys act towards anyone not up to pay them for the smallest things, or the fact that I’m really not a fan of most of their work from the past twenty years, I can say that they’re pretty epic to catch live. Their early work on Kill Em’ All and Master of Puppets alone is amazing. The metalcore of Avenged Sevenfold will be on as direct support while the Danish metal of Volbeat will open the all ages show with doors at 6 pm, and tickets between $55 and $155.50. Parking is an extra $20.

Walter’s will host the proggy instrumental sounds of California’s Strawberry Girls. This trio makes groove heavy jams that are great to catch live, and their latest release Italian Ghosts keeps that vibe going. They’ll have the intense sounds of Colorado’s Comrades on as direct support while the post hardcore of Belle Noire will open the all ages show with doors at 6 pm and tickets between $10 and $13.

On Monday you could head over to the new Insomnia Gallery for Night One of Houston Benefit Week for a poster art show. The art of ACK!, House of Eyes, Christopher Oddo, Honeybones, and more will be on display and available for purchase in an ultra limited run of prints, both framed and unframed. DJ sets from some mystery guests, gratis Topo Chico and Lonestar, and all proceeds go to help Christian Kidd of The Hates as he battles cancer. The event is all ages, the doors are at 7 pm, and with art from each artists for sale as well, it’s definitely worth making it our for.

Radkey. Photo: Paradigm Agency

The indie pop of London’s The Joy Formidable will be on hand upstairs at White Oak Music Hall. Here in support of last year’s Sleep Is Day, there’s something remarkable about how this group writes music. The punky garage sounds of Radkey will be on hand as direct support and should melt some faces when they perform at the all ages show with doors at 7:30 pm and tickets between $18 and $22.

On Tuesday you could make it over to Warehouse Live for the long standing good time also know as The Moth story hour. The true stories told live will use the theme of celebration for this show, and if you’ve never been, then this is a great opportunity to check it out. The all ages event has doors at 6:30 pm and tickets for $10 on the seated show.

The Secret Group will have a set from the always funny Tom Rhodes. Rhodes has been doing stand up for thirty years, he’s been on places like Comedy Central, NBC, and Netflix, and his last album Colossus of Me is pretty hilarious. Two of Houston’s better up and coming comics might serve as host and feature for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $10 and $12.

Los Skarnales. Photo: Ed Villegas

Over at Continental Club, Night Two of Houston Benefit Week will see a headlining set from Houston’s Los Skarnales. These guys have been blowing minds with their energetic shows since I was in high school and their latest release, Another Day, Another Borrachera, is one of the strongest ska records you’ll hear. A reunited set from Houston rockabilly legends The Flamin’ Hellcats will be on hand as direct support while Houston’s energetic Tax The Wolf will go on prior. A Sundae Drive will bring their indie rock goodness on as openers for the 21 & up show with doors at 8 pm. Like the art show at Insomnia, the event will have all proceeds going to Christian Kidd of The Hates as he battles cancer, providing a great way to enjoy music and help out a local legend at the same time.

That’s about it for this week.  No matter what you do, remember that a safe ride home is just a click away.

Well, it’s that time of year again, when downtown becomes the backdrop for FPSF. While the likes of Lorde, Solange, and more will all be in town for the festival, that doesn’t mean that it’s the only game in town. Performances from JMSN, Dressy Bessy, and Deicide will all be here as well while locals like Cool Moon, The Cops and more fill in the gaps. Houston, here’s what you should be doing this week.

On Wednesday you could get started over at Discovery Green for the Party on The Plaza series, this time featuring the music of Nick Gaitan. Gaitan has been the leader of bands like Umbrella Man, as well as bassist for Billy Joe Shaver and most recently Nikki Hill, and he’s a not to be missed act. The jazz infused Latin rock of Nico Diaz will be on hand as opener for the free and all ages show getting started around 5 pm.

The Cops. Photo: Trie Blair Fulco

If that’s not your thing then you could head to Walter’s for VHS Night: Cop Night with The Cops. That’s right, a live set from Houston punks The Cops will take place after two cop movies are shown on a big screen. There’s also a VHS swap meet of sorts, free donuts, and more for the all ages event getting going with doors at 7 pm and more information, here.

Over at Continental Club, the high energy rockabilly of The Delta Bombers will swing by to perform. These guys are known for their crazed live sets, and their latest release The Delta Bombers sounds like a time warped infusion of rock, swing, and rockabilly. The four piece will be playing without a support act for the 21 & up show with doors at 9 pm and a $10 cover.

Nathan Quick. Photo: Sherita Perez

Thursday you could begin at Presidio when Houston singer songwriter Nathan Quick will stop by to play on the big patio. Quick has been changing up his sound as of late, returning to a more intimate and bluesy sound with last year’s The Sound. The show gets going around 6 pm, it’s all ages, and it’s 100% FREE.

There’s something crazy happening at Improv where Val Kilmer will be on hand to introduce his one man play, “Cinema Twain.” I know, that sounds bizarre, but it’s true. Often referred to by many myths, Kilmer has been acting a long time, and this film covering his one man play about Mark Twain should be nothing if not interesting. The one night only event is 18 & up with doors at 6:30 pm and tickets between $30 and $70.

You might rather head to Nightingale Room when Houston’s Hescher swings by to drop his dark electronica. Hescher is definitely different, but not a stranger to the Houston scene, and while I’ve only heard good things about his live shows, his single “Scarlet Shell” is definitely worth checking out. The electro pop jams of Rex Hudson will open the $10 show for 21 & up patrons with doors at 7 pm.

Deicide. Photo: Continental Concerts

Down at Scout Bar, the heavy and brutal death metal of Deicide will be here to play their scary sounds. The controversial band has been blowing ear drums since the early nineties, they’re pretty intense to see live, and their latest release In The Minds of Evil from four years ago still holds up. There’s no word of openers or direct support, but that should change on the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $12 and $17.

Walter’s will have the anti-racist Oi Skinhead punks, Booze & Glory by to drop a set. These guys have been making London shake for a good while, and they’ve become well known for their crazed energy when they play live. Their mix of rock, punk, and Oi music is pretty impressive, and their latest Chapter IV is London through and through. Houston’s The Velostacks will bring their leather punk on as direct support while the Skinhead hardcore of Houston’s Thug Boots will open the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets between $10 and $12.

On Friday if you had planned to get started with the Summer Breeze festival when it gets kicked off over at La Playa, the Friday kick off show has since been cancelled.

Trout Fishing In America. Photo: Don House

Mucky Duck has the funny antics and fun sounds of Trout Fishing In America over to the intimate venue. The acoustic folk rock duo from Houston has been delighting audiences since the late seventies, and their shows are a mix of funny songs and serious licks. Their newest album, The Strangest Times returns the band to their original duo sound. The 21 & up show has doors at 7 pm and tickets between $25 and $28.

Rudyard’s will have Houston’s The Dead Rabbits over to perform their blend of Irish folk meets punk. While the band plays in the vein of bands like Flogging Molly, their Celtic punk sounds are pretty fun and full of energy. The bluesy stoner sounds of Stonework will be on as direct support while the punk of The Unconvicted will go on prior. The insane one man band intensity of D. Kosmo will open the 21 & up show with doors at 7 pm and a TBA cover.

Kimi Kent. Photo: Rachel Lynn Photo

Over in the Foundation Room at House of Blues, you can catch the folky sounds of Houston’s Kimi Kent and Tyler Lucas. With both backed by a full band, each has a sound that’s worth making it out for. Kent has a more blues pop sound full of lush vocals all over her debut, Wayward Child EP, that really showcases her larger than life sound. Lucas has a more singer songwriter sound that’s impressive as well. The 21 & up show has doors at 8 pm and it’s 100% FREE.

The Armadillo Palace will host the birthday party for Houston guitar slinger The Mighty Orq when he headlines a set with his backing band The Unusuals. Orq is definitely an act that every person in this town should check out. While his skills on a six string are fairly unmatched, the good time jams from his latest release To The Bone are hard to deny. Deep voiced singer songwriter John Egan will be on hand as direct support and opener, and he’s a guy you shouldn’t sleep on. His latest album, last year’s Magnolia City sounds like it was recorded on the Delta, complete with some guitar that’d make Muddy Waters proud. The 21 & up show has doors at 8 pm and tickets for $10.

Lil Uzi Vert. Photo: Paradigm Agency

Things on Saturday could begin with an early morning trip to Eleanor Tinsley Park for this year’s FPSF. Opening with sets from Houston’s Camera Cult and Kay Weathers on different stages, the two day festival has a pretty stacked day one. Performances from Deep Cuts, -Us, Rose Ette, and Khruangbin will fill up the early hours of the festival before sets from Hurray for the Riff Raff, Cashmere Cat and Lil Uzi Vert happen later. The first day of the festival is capped off with performances from Grouplove, Post Malone, Cage The Elephant and more for the all ages event that has gates at 11 am and tickets between $148 and $999.

If you’d rather keep things on a more grassroots scale, then the Summer Breeze fest over at Walter’s is probably more your thing. With performances from a slew of punk bands, the technically second day of the fest should be a doozy with a headlining performance from Olympia punks Gag. These guys have been called everything from magnetic to hardcore heroes, and tracks like “Locker Room” should give you an idea of their intensity. Sets from Sexpill, The Secret Prostitutes, The Pose and many more will also be on hand. The whole lineup is available here for the all ages show with a $20 cover or two day pass for $30 and doors at 4:30 pm.

Over at Mucky Duck, the jazz infused Americana of Austin’s Phoebe Hunt will be in town to bring her energy heavy tunes to life. Here to support her newest album which doesn’t get released until the day prior to this show, you can get a feel of her twangy goodness from her last release Walk With Me. The 21 & up show has doors at 7 pm and tickets between $20 and $22.

JMSN. Photo: Orienteer PR

Later on at White Oak Music Hall upstairs, the sexy jams of Detroit’s JMSN will swing by to melt hearts with his sultry tunes. Possibly one of the tightest performers I’ve seen in a good while, this guy dropped It Is last year only to follow it up with Whatever Makes You Happy this year, both of which are full of killer tunes. The soulful jams of Quin will be on as direct support, and she is rumored to be amazing to see in person. The R&B of Canada’s alcordo will open the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets for $15.

Satellite Bar will have the folky electro pop of DC’s Pueblo by to perform. These two make songs that sound like if Dusty Springfield and Air made tracks together. They’ll be here in support of their latest Boring The Camera from this year. Houston’s Alex Riddle will be on as direct support while the folk rock of Grisbee will open the 18 & up show with doors at 8 pm and tickets between $8 and $10.

On William Street, Terraform will return with another unofficial after FPSF party. This edition will feature sets from BRKCHK, gonner, Kunai, and many more. With sound and lights from Lynchpin Audio and an open bar all night, the event should be a banger from start to finish. The doors are at 9 pm, there’s a $10 cover, with address info and lineup here.

Charli XCX. Photo: Paradigm Agency

On Sunday day two of FPSF will get underway with a closing set from New Zealand’s Lorde. The singer songwriter has been turning heads since her dissociative single “Royals” blew up and rocketed her to stardom. Lorde brings a lot to the table, as David Bowie was and the remains of Nirvana are all fans of her work, and with a new album on the horizon, this performance should be full of new songs. That shouldn’t overshadow the fact that Solange will also bring her lovely tunes to the festival, as will The Shins, Portugal The Man, Cheat Codes, and Charli XCX alongside others. The day gets kicked off with early sets from MIEARS, Bang Bangz, The Wheel Workers, Hiram, and Night Drive as well. The all ages event has gates at 11 am and tickets between $148 and $999.

Discovery Green and Wonky Power will team up to bring you a new concert series called Sundays in The Park. This opening edition will feature the indie rock sounds of Houston’s Vodi. Full of lush tones and energy, Vodi is a great way to chill and get excited at the same time in the Summer sun. The all ages show gets going around 4 pm and it’s 100% FREE.

You might want to swing by Walter’s for day two of the Summer Breeze fest, as the second day is just as stacked as the first. With a headlining set from Austin d-beat punks Impalers, Houston’s Skourge, Dress Code and more, things should be insane from start to finish. The whole lineup is here for the all ages event with doors at 4:30 pm and a $20 cover, or a $30 two day pass.

In the studio at Warehouse Live, the hip hop meets pop sounds of San Antonio’s Austin Mahone will be here to drop a set. Mahone makes the kind of songs that stick in your head, while having a personae that he takes to the stage. His latest, For Me+You from last year has gained plenty of steam, and his live show is worth checking out. The R&B of Atlanta’s The YRS will be on as direct support and openers for the all ages show with doors at 6:30 pm and tickets between $25 and $27.50.

Monday you could head over to The Secret Group to catch a set from Houston rapper Kay Jay. since running through a rough patch that included a little time behind bars, this guy has turned his life around and kind of makes moves that’ll make your head spin. With his latest release Seize The Day, Kay Jay has features with Devin the Dude while his last single with Paul Wall “Live For Today,” hits hard. New Trill will open the all ages show with doors at 7:30 pm and a measly $5 cover.

Walter’s will be bringing the no frills and straight ahead rock of The Split Squad to town. Featuring members like Clem Burke of Blondie, this five piece makes music that’s reminiscent of the past without sounding dated, and their debut Now Her This… is pretty epic. The highly energetic and fun sounds of Denver’s Dressy Bessy will be on as direct support and their latest Kingsized sounds better live. There’s no word of openers for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets between $12 and $15.

Gouge Away. Photo: Zack Rogers

Tuesday you can head to The White Swan to catch Florida’s Gouge Away. Possibly one the most impressive sets I’ve seen from a direct support band before, their last time in Houston opening for Ceremony was amazing. Their newest release, Swallow is hardcore greatness, and their intense show is worth making it out for. Houston’s History Repeats will be on as direct support with Shallow going on beforehand. Things get opened up by DAZE for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and and $8 cover.

Over at Walter’s the sunny bedroom pop of New York’s Adult Mom will swing by to perform. With critical acclaim and a rumored energetic show, this four piece should be worth making it out for. It doesn’t hurt that their latest release, this year’s Soft Spots is catchy and fun. The indie pop of Philadelphia’s Free Cake For Every Creature will be on as direct support while the energetic indie rock of Houston’s Cool Moon will go on beforehand. Things will get opened by the indie folk of Greg Cote & the Real Life Friends for the all ages show with a $10 cover and doors at 8 pm.

That’s about all that’s happening this week. No matter what you decide to do, please be mindful of others and remember that a safe ride home is just an app away.

This week the legendary band U2 will be here as well as Mike Watt, The Mountain Goats, and Erykah Badu while local acts keep us entertained in between. Houston, here’s how to plan the following week.

On Wednesday you could get started over at NRG Stadium when Ireland’s U2 will swing by to perform their classic album The Joshua Tree in its entirety. While the band was just starting to pop thirty years ago, I don’t think anyone saw the global scale in which these guys would blow up on. Of course, in just a matter of years, they’d be one of the biggest acts on earth, where they still hold that reign today. Possibly one of the best live acts going, if you’re a fan and you want to steer from their latest records live, then this is your show. The Lumineers will be on as direct support and openers for the all ages show with doors at 6:30 pm and tickets between $102 and $157.

Downstairs at White Oak Music Hall, The Orbiting Human Circus Featuring The Music Tapes will be in town. The show, an immersive podcast that features magic, live music, and more will be making its stop, and should be pretty magical. Featuring the music of The Music Tapes, the group is part of the Elephant 6 collective, which features acts like Neutral Milk Hotel, Apples in Stereo, and the Olivia Tremor Control. No matter what happens at this show, it should be memorable. The all ages evening has doors at 7 pm and tickets between $15 and $17.

Mark Normand. Photo: Avalon Management

Over at The Secret Group, you could get your laugh on when Mark Normand swings by to perform. Normand has been making audiences all over laugh out loud for a good while, he’s toured the globe, and with sets on places like Showtime, Comedy Central, and NBC’s Last Comic Standing, he’s definitely on the rise. His latest release, this year’s Don’t Be Yourself is pretty hilarious as well. There’s no word on feature act or host, but that may change on the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $12 and $15.

At Walter’s you could get freaky when Chicago’s Crown Larks stop by to play. This band is a mix of post punk and experimental sounds, reminding me of what would happen if David Yow sang for Of Montreal, or maybe a lot like the band Cave. Their latest, this year’s Population is impressive to say the least, and they’re rumored to be one of the best acts touring today. New Houston band Laktating Yak, featuring Charlie Bryan of Dead Time, will be on as direct support, while the always engaging and intriguing sounds of Houston’s most interesting band, Ak’chamel will open things up. The all ages show has doors at 8 pm and tickets for $10.

On Thursday, many of you had planned make it out to Revention Center for the alt rock goodness of Soundgarden. However, with last week’s sudden and tragic passing of frontman Chris Cornell, the show and tour has since been cancelled. Refunds will be made available at the point of purchase.

Hiram. Photo: Nancy Hernandez

Walter’s will host a pretty tight show when the Urban Circus 5th Anniversary Party occurs. Featuring a headlining set from Houston rapper Tim Woods, the show promises everything from live graffiti to photography and so much music. Sets from DASHR, Hiram, TheGr8Thinkaz, Rajesh and many many more will all be set to perform. The all ages event gets going with doors at 7 pm and has tickets between $5 and $15.

If you had planned to attend the greenroom show at Warehouse Live, featuring Houston’s HogLeg, the show has since been cancelled. 

Meat Puppets. Photo: Mary Boukouvalas

Upstairs at White Oak Music Hall, the legendary sounds of the Meat Puppets will be here to perform. Chris and Kurt have been making great songs together for a really long time, and if you remove their more alt sound from the nineties on albums like Too High To Die, you’re left with some pretty songs and some more punkish tunes. They’ll be here in support of their last release Lollipop, while dropping some career spanning favorites.  The king of DIY and “jamming econo,” Mike Watt will be on as direct support, and should bring some of your favorite Watt jams to life. The Tom + Jerry show will be on as openers for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $18 and $22.

Over at Continental Club, the country rock twang of Houston’s Grand Old Grizzly will bring plenty of good times to all who attend. While the band is set to release something new sooner than later, their last release Cosmonada is a record you should check out, as the honk honks and the tonk tonks all over it. The 21 & up show gets going around 10 pm and it’s 100% Free.

Friday you might want to make the drive out to Joke Joint Comedy Showcase for a weekend with the best joke writer in Houston, John Wessling of The Whiskey Brothers. Wessling doesn’t perform in town much anymore but that just means he has all sorts of new ways to make you laugh until it hurts. There are four shows, two on Friday and two on Saturday with doors at 7 and 9:30 with tickets between $14 and $19 for the 18 & up shows.

At Mucky Duck you could get your singer songwriter fix when Jeremy O’Bannon headlines a set. O’Bannon makes tunes that are hard to shake, his sets are peppered with tales and tone, and his latest release Letter Home from last year is one you need to hear in person. The rootsy acoustic sounds of Graham Wilkinson will be on as opener for the 21 & up show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $20 and $22.

Tifa Tittlywinks of Dem Damn Dames. Photo: Penland Pin Ups

Numbers will host another sexy show from the ladies of Dem Damn Dames, this time called Cirque du So Weird. While the Houston burlesque troupe is a talented and alluring bunch, this show will feature a set from burlesque legend, Judith Stein from Canada. Of course, the Dames themselves will all be on hand alongside performances from Dallas’ Olive Avira, Lucy Furr of Louisiana, Lita Deadly of San Antonio, and so many more including Ms Yet of Houston. Opening things up will be Skabz the Clown and Nick The Vegan for the 18 & up show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $15 and $30, the latter being a seated VIP option.

Of course you can get all of your R&B feels when Trey Songz brings his infectious jams to all when he headlines the ballroom at Warehouse Live. While he’s been going strong since 2024, his latest release Tremaine The Album is possibly his strongest to date complete with pop laden tunes you can’t help but like. Virginia’s Mike Angel will be on as direct support and opener for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets for $55.

If you’ve never caught the rooftop show at The Secret Group called Bad Idea, then this is the one you need to catch. Hosted by Zahid Dewji, the show makes the most of the very small patio of the venue and offers FREE pizza and a ton of funny comics. This edition will be taped, it has a secret lineup, and rumor has it that there’s a big time name set to perform on it. The show is all ages, the doors are at 7:45 pm, and it’s 100% FREE.

Londale. Photo: Daniel Jackson

Upstairs at White Oak Music Hall you could make it out for the melodic indie rock of Houston’s Vodi.  There’s something hard to deny about a band that sounds like The War on Drugs, and their latest single “Talk” is just as hard to deny as their crazed performances.  New Houston band, Londale will be on as direct support as well as to drop their debut album full of good time rock jams.  Adam Bricks will bring his folk troubadour sounds on as opener for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and a $10 cover.

Rudyard’s will take care of your doom needs when the stoner doom of Houston’s Dirty Seeds swing by to play their swampy metal.  Alongside a pretty epic live show, their last release King Kush remains one of my favorite doom albums.  Louisiana’s Forming The Void will be on as direct support with the slowcore doom of Houston’s Pyreship on as openers.  The 21 & up show has doors at 9 pm and a measly $8 cover.

Flosstradamus. Photo: Paradigm Agency

Stereo Live will host the return of trap DJ Flosstradamus.  I don’t need to oversell this show right, as this Chicago native never disappoints in a live setting. His latest drop, HDYNATION RADIO from 2024 still sounds legit, and his live sets are always amazing. The 18 & up show has doors at 9 pm and tickets between $24 and $33.

On Saturday you can get going at Raven Tower for the Shop Local pop up event. Featuring a ton of local vendors, a DJ set from Gracie Chavez, and plenty of food truck eats, the event should be worth showing up for and supporting local vendors. The all ages event is free to attend, it gets going around 4 pm, and there’s more information here.

Warehouse Live will host the return of another edition of Kiki Maroon’s Burly Q Lounge. The vaudeville based show that features side show talent, comedy, music, and burlesque will inhabit the insides of the studio and delight all who attend. The 18 & up show has doors at 7 pm and tickets for $25.

Ancient Cat Society. Photo: Lauren Marek

The Heights Theater will have a barn burner when Houston’s Ancient Cat Society headlines their album release party. These three by themselves are respected artists from bands like Buxton, Guess Genes, Dollie Barnes, and Vodi, but together they make charming tunes that would make any hardened music fan melt. Their sophomore release, Ancient Cat Society is one of the prettiest albums you can hear, and they’ll perform it in its entirety at this show. Say Girl Say and some special guests are on as support and openers for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $20 and $160, the latter being a seated table for four people.

Arena Theatre will bring back the legendary sounds of R&B soulstress, Erykah Badu. Badu was born in Dallas but her sound has always been outer worldly, and while her latest is just a mixtape, But You Caint Use My Phone is still pretty epic. The all ages show mentions nothing about direct support or openers, but that may change. Doors are at 7:30 pm and tickets are between $69.50 and $99.50.

The Mountain Goats. Photo: Billions Agency

Downstairs at White Oak Music Hall, the folky good times jams of The Mountain Goats will be on full display. These guys have been making fun and grand songs for a good while, their live shows are always fun, and their new album Goths changes things up without steering from their core sound. The lo-fi experimental tunes of Brooklyn’s Holy Sons will be on as direct support and openers for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets fo $23.50.

Satellite Bar will have the psych rock of Austin’s The Cuckoos.  These guys make tunes that sound like Jim Morrison sang fro Brian Jonestown Massacre. Their latest, The Cuckoos from this year is definitely a trip. The guitar heavy sounds of Howard & the Nosebleeds will be on as direct support while the bluesy jams of Vanilla Whale will go on prior. The 18 & up show will get opened up by the psych blues of Austin’s The Mammoths with doors at 8 pm and cover between $5 and $7.

Continental Club will have the return of Austin’s Buenos Diaz. Okay, so he’s actually from Houston, but that shouldn’t matter as his tunes are pretty guitar heavy and full of life. His latest, Buenos Diaz is an album you can’t shake after one listen. Chris Berardo & The Desberardos will open the 21 & up show with doors at 10 pm and a $12 cover.

LIMB. Photo: Ismael Quintanilla

Sunday you can get groovy at White Oak Music Hall for the 4th annual Madness on Main festival. The day through night event will feature a headlining set from Austin’s Black Pistol Fire alongside performances from Lyric Michelle. Sailor Poon, Columbia’s Kiko Villamizar, LIMB, Perseph One, Flower Graves, Flyger Woods, and so many many more. The event will take place upstairs, downstairs and even at Raven Tower. The full lineup is available here for the all ages event with doors at 4 pm and tickets between $20 and $27.

There are times when comics say they’re leaving town and then they have a ceremonious leaving show, only to usually come back to town less than a year later. That probably won’t be the case for Tim Mathis, who’s having a going away show at Joke Joint Comedy Showcase. Mathis hasn’t made as many friends in comedy here as enemies, but he also has TV credits and he knows what crowds he does best in front of, which is more than what some comics leave town with. Hosting the show, Mathis will present the likes of Theo Taylor, Andy Huggins, Bryson Brown, Alan Adams, and the headliner Keisha Hunt.  The 18 & up show has doors at 6 pm and tickets are a measly $10.

Over at Rudyard’s you can catch the bluesy doom of Seattle’s Samothrace. Mixing blues rock overtones with a sludge heavy sound, these guys have been going pretty strong since 2024 and their latest Reverence To Stone is pretty intense. Seattle’s He Whose Ox Is Gored will be on as direct support while the heavy and loud doom of Houston’s Omotai will open the 21 & up show with doors at 8 pm and a $12 cover.

Tigers Jaw. Photo: Ground Control Touring

On Monday the emo meets pop punk of Pennsylvania’s Tigers Jaw will be downstairs at White Oak Music Hall.  After a basic break apart three years ago, two founding members have returned from the near dead with an album that’s more indie rock than their previous releases, on this year’s spin. The band always has a pretty fun live show, so the new songs should hit well in a live setting. The folk rock of Ohio’s Saintseneca will be on hand as direct support while the indie pop of Missouri’s Smidley will open things up. The all ages show has doors at 7 pm and tickets between $16 and $20.

That’s about all that’s happening around town. No matter what you decide to do, remember that a safe ride home is just an app away.

Lynch recounts his life from early childhood up to Eraserhead. David Lynch – The Art Life illustrates how he became the person who is now adulated worldwide for his uncanny and uncompromising films.

Most of the film shows Lynch working on a painting, adding layer after layer of paint, and then buffing it with a sander even after he’s added a glob of gelatinous antimatter that looks like a squishy embryo.

Lynch’s narration rides over the images. There are also several shots of Lynch sitting in a chair in his workshop smoking a lot of cigarettes. This ties into a specific incident in his life where he sat in a chair for a couple of weeks only getting up to pee or eat.

Lynch appears to be an artist first and a filmmaker second.

Lynch reflects on his parents and sitting in a mud hole under a tree as a young lad with a friend. His mother was religious but never preachy, his grade school friends were of questionable ethics.

Eventually Lynch grows up and moves to Boston and then Philadelphia. In Boston, Lynch rooms with Peter Wolf who would go on to become the lead singer of The J. Geils Band only to find their friendship comes to a crashing halt one night after a Bob Dylan concert.

In Philadelphia, Lynch and his first wife Peggy Lentz make a meager living and raise his firstborn Jennifer, who herself would go on to make bizarre films like Boxing Helena.

Eventually Lynch discovers motion and his short films The Alphabet (1968) and The Grandmother (1970) get him a scholarship to the American Film Institute. The rest is history and my cursory description pales in comparison to hearing the same story as told by Lynch.

David Lynch – The Art Life unwinds this weekend at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston on Saturday, May 20 at 7 pm. and Sunday, May 21 at 5 pm.

The unlikely story of an underdog who gained his fifteen-minutes of fame is told in Chuck.

Heavyweight boxer Chuck Wepner went one-on-one with Muhammad Ali. Wepner was known as the Bayonne (New Jersey) Bleeder, yet you can’t knock success even at the street level that Wepner excelled at. Liev Schreiber stars in the titular role with more than superlative support from Elisabeth Moss as his first wife and an unrecognizable Naomi Watts as the object of his affection. Ron Pearlman, Pooch Hall, Jim Gaffigan, Morgan Spector and Michael Rappaport also co-star.

Wepner was the basis for Sylvester Stallone’s screenplay for Rocky although he never saw a dime from that massive Hollywood hit. The bit in the movie where Wepner finally meets Stallone is tinged with bitterness.

Wepner hits rock bottom before his life finds a purpose. The evocation of the 1970s and ‘80s rocks with great color schemes, props, cars and occasional real footage of the actual events.

Chuck opens exclusively this weekend at the River Oaks Three.

This week we’ll be visited by the likes of legendary punks The Damned, soulful favorite John Legend, and one of Japan’s best exports, Shonen Knife, while locals like Devin The Dude, Giant Kitty, and So Soon The Truth fill in the gaps. Houston, here’s your roadmap for the following week.

Wednesday you can begin with a free show at Discovery Green featuring Mango Punch. Going strong since the early nineties, this band is like going to South America and chilling by the beach. Their latest release Mi sombrero y yo is pretty diverse with hints of reggae, Latin, and tropical fusion. The highly energetic digital cumbia sounds of Gio Chamba will be on hand as opener, and should get the show going right. The free show gets going around 7 pm and it’s all ages.

The Damned. Photo: Dod Morrison

Of course, it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary to catch the legendary punk rock of The Damned over at House of Blues. Here in support of their 40th Anniversary tour, these British punks have done it all and seen it all, and their album Damned Damned Damned is considered by many as one of the greatest punk albums of all time. The swag heavy rock of LA’s The Bellrays will provide direct support while the pop punk of Houston’s Turnaways will open the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets for $20.

Downstairs at White Oak Music Hall, the young folk rock British sensation also known as Barns Courtney will be on hand for a headlining performance. You might not know this guy depending on your age, but he’s being hailed as the next big thing. And with a sound that’s close to the likes of Ed Sheeran, it’s no wonder why his EP The Dull Drums is so popular. The pop rock of Foxtrax will open the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $13 and $17.

Giant Kitty. Photo: Daniel Jackson

Walter’s will host the always fun time sounds of Japan’s Shonen Knife. While the three piece was made famous for touring with Nirvana, it shouldn’t go without note that they’ve always been ahead of the game. In fact, alongside a fun and energetic live show, their latest release Adventure from last year is pretty solid, and in line with their best work. Houston’s Giant Kitty will energetically provide direct support while Hearts of Animals will be on the all ages show with doors at 8 pm as openers, with tickets between $10 and $12.

Thursday you might find yourself over at House of Blues to catch the alt rock of The Cult. Known for hits like “Fire Woman” and “Rain” to name a few, these guys have always been a bit mysterious while their live shows are always fun. They’re here in support of their latest release Hidden City, the album is a true return to form for a band that’s been around since the eighties. LA based industrial duo VOWWS will be on hand as direct support and openers for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $32.50 and $59.50.

A Place To Bury Strangers. Photo: Dusdin Condren

Downstairs at White Oak Music Hall, Austin psych purveyors, The Black Angels will return to headline a set.  These guys opened the venue up and they’ll be here in support of their latest, this year’s Death Song. The loudest band you’ll possibly ever see, A Place To Bury Strangers will bring their intense atmospheric rock on as direct support and openers for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets between $20 and $24.

Walter’s will host the reunited grindcore of Houston’s Insect Warfare. If for some bizarre reason you’ve never heard these guys before, just know that their metal is insane and intense, and their latest release World Extermination might bring nightmares. LA’s Excruciating Terror will be on as direct support while the crust metal of Australia’s Captain Cleanoff will go on beforehand.  The thrash meet grindcore of Australia’s PLF (Pretty Little Flower) will also be on the bill, with the power violence of Houston’s Holy Money on prior. The stacked lineup will see California’s Vulva Essers opening up the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and $15 tickets.

Upstairs at White Oak Music Hall, the indie electro pop of Indiana’s Hoops will swing by to perform. This trio has been getting plenty of steam since they started and their 2024 album Routines is catchy enough to get down to. The darkpop of Michigan duo Parts will open the all ages show with doors at 8 pm with tickets between $10 and $13.

Continental Club will have the blues of LA’s The Reverend Shawn Amos. Amos has had quite the storied career of pain and loss, but his latest release Live at Bear’s from last year is definitely a tour de force. He’s an act you should make it out for with doors at 10 pm and a TBA cover for the 21 & up show.

Arthur Yoria. Photo: Jay Dryden Photography

On Friday you might want to swing by Nightingale Room to catch a set from singer songwriter Arthur Yoria. Yoria gets plenty of names tossed on him, but essentially he’s a singer songwriter who can mix it up in pretty much any room he performs in. His last release, a single “Shake” showcases his diverse talent. The show doesn’t have an opener listed yet, but that could change for the 21 & up FREE show with doors at 7 pm.

Over at Anderson Fair, you can catch the album release party for Hayden Jones. Jones has been truckin’ along at a strong pace for the last couple of years, and this being his second release should make for a fun show. The all ages event has doors at 7:30 pm and tickets for $15.

At Discovery Green, the Cirque la Vie event will bring aerial acrobats from Italy to town, the show will also have a performance from Houston’s Two Star Symphony. The all ages and free event gets going at 7:30 pm.

Satellite Bar will have a set from Brooklyn’s Imaginary Tricks. Playing eclectic pop rock, these guys have a sound that’s hard to deny all over their debut, Skommel from this year. There’s no word of openers, though that could change for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and a TBA cover.

Abuse of Power. Photo: Triple B Records

At Rito’s Bar you can show up for Planned Parenthood and get some hardcore as well when Boston’s Glory swings by to play the benefit show. These guys have that kind of sweaty Boston punk meets Cro Mags feel, and their latest release The 12” is pretty solid. Atlanta’s Abuse of Power will also be on the bill while the hardcore of Houston’s Skourge will go on beforehand. The straight edge hardcore of History Repeats will also be on and things will get started off by Matter of Trust at the pay what you want show with doors at 8 pm.

Walter’s has the NOLA punk of Heavy Lids over to drop a set. Here in support of their latest, last year’s We Believe In The Night, this four piece is known for their energetic shows. Sean Spits Ltd. featuring Sean Spits of the Michigan skate punk band The Spits will go on prior, while Houston’s Snooty Garbagemen will bring their punk on prior. Austin’s Landshark will also perform, as will Criminal Itch with an opening DJ set from Houston’s Last Wave DJ Eliseo for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and a $10 to $12 ticket.

D&W Lounge will host Houston’s Young Mammals for what should be a pretty impressive show. On the heels of their latest release, last year’s Jaguar, these guys never disappoint when they perform. Clare will also play a set while Houston’s Milk Leg will open the free all ages show with doors at 9 pm.

Rosewood Thievz. Photo: Unique James

Rosewood Thievz will bring their R&B infused alt hip hop jams to the Foundation Room at House of Blues. I can’t describe these guys any better than to say that they have a ton of energy and moves that are on a whole other level, which translates best to “you need to experience” them for yourself. Their latest, a compilation called Stalin features a mix of tracks that bump and thump like you want. The 21 & up show gets going around 9 pm and it’s 100% FREE.

At Boondocks, the ongoing dance party known as BLACKOUT returns, this month featuring a headlining performance from DC Moombathon Godfather, Dave Nada. Nada has made quite the name as one of the strongest Latin producers and DJs, and his latest Fania Mixtape is a trip that sounds like it gets feet movin’, Resident DJs Hyro, Act Badd, and Leckie will be on hand to get the house bumpin’ for the 21 & up show with doors at 10 pm and a $5 cover, while Ladies are Free until 11 pm.

On Saturday you could head to Nightingale Room the electro indie sounds of Kay Weathers.  Weathers is making this her last set before her appearance at FPSF, so it should be a doozy. The synth pop of Tee Vee will go on prior, and should mesmerize all who attend, as her sets have been on point as of late.  The 21 & up show has doors at 7 pm and it’s Free.

Later on at House of Blues, you can go for the good times ride of The B-52’s when they swing by to perform. I hope I don’t have to oversell this Athens group too hard. Their live shows are fun, they seriously never disappoint, and with hits like “Love Shack,” “Rock Lobster,” and “Roam,” this should be another epic set from the enigmatic group.  The garage soul of Florida’s The Sh-Booms will open the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $40 and $90.

Catfish and the Bottlemen. Photo: Jill Furmanovsky

Warehouse Live will host the Brit pop rock of Catfish and the Bottlemen. Don’t worry if you aren’t familiar with this popular British four piece, just know that this will more than likely be your last chance to see them in a room as small as the ballroom. They’re here in support of their pretty strong 2024 release The Ride. The blues jams of Canada’s July Talk will be on as direct support and openers for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $22 and $25.

Satellite Bar will host the prog rock sounds of Houston’s Valeluna. The five piece makes music that’s a mix of psych and alt progression, and their latest Affinity has them sounding like they’ll close the night strong. The alt rock of Save The Fire will be on as direct support while the math heavy indie rock of So Soon, The Truth will go on prior. Bearlios will open the 21 & up show with doors at 8 pm and a $10 cover.

Scout Bar will have the hip hop of Houston’s Devin The Dude in full display. Devin has been on fire as of late, dropping releases pretty feverishly and getting praise for his recent sets. His latest, Acoustic Levitation is pretty on point as well. Galveston’s Tex T will be on as direct support while GT will go on prior. Things will get opened by Houston’s Analyst on the 18 & up show with doors at 8 pm and tickets between $20 and $65.

Rudyard’s will help you get your doom metal fix when San Antonio’s Cursus swings by for their album release party. While this band hasn’t been to Houston much, they’re rumored to be pretty epic to catch live, and this album Cursus is definitely worth catching in person. The riff heavy doom of Vulgurnaut will be on as direct support with Houston’s Sleeping Ancient on beforehand. The proggy doom of Crimson Void will open the 21 & up show with doors at 9 pm and a $10 cover.

Gio Chamba. Photo: Coed Photography

Sunday at Karbach Brewery, you can get down to the sounds of Saint Motel at the first ever Love Street Music Fest. The all day affair will have the California indie pop foursome here in support of their latest release, last year’s saintmotelevision. The electro pop sounds of Detroit’s JR JR will also be on the bill while the acoustic indie pop of Lewis Del Mar and the indie pop of California’s Run River North will also be on hand.  There’s also sets from Cobi, Foreign Air, and Charley Crockett, while the two locals that are getting the fest started will give them all a run for their money. Gio Chamba will bring his crazed and energy heavy digital cumbia sounds to the fest. With his right hand percussionist Coffee Guzman, these two have such a raging set that you should attempt to match their energy when you see them perform. Their latest single, “High Rider” keeps that energy high while offering up a newer version of their infectious sound. Opening the fest up will be singer songwriter Adam Bricks, whose last album Relations is easily one of the best things you can put in your ears. Of course, the fest will also have plenty of Karbach beer on hand, as well as tons of food offerings.  The 21 & up fest has doors at 1 pm, and tickets between $42 and $129, the latter being a VIP option full of goodies.

Of course, you should be over at Rudyard’s for the benefit show for Christian Kidd of The Hates. Kidd was recently diagnosed with Cancer, and this benefit show is just a small part of what the Houston music scene owes this legend. Sets from Hallowbody, No Love Less, and UYUS, as well as an all star cast of Houstonians singing classics by The Hates. Members of Mell Hell & The Texas Mod Crushers, Homopolice, The Guilloteens, Stinkerbell and more will be on hand to perform. The 21 & up show has doors at 6 pm and $10 tickets as well as auction items on hand.

On Tuesday you can head out to Woodlands Pavilion to catch the enigmatic sounds of John Legend. Legend is pretty much just that or at least in the making.  His live shows are always worth making it out for and his latest drop, Dankness and Light from last year is easily his strongest release to date. Maryland’s Gallant will bring his sexy jams on as direct support and opener for the all ages show with tickets between $42.50 and $102.50 for the seated performance with gates at 6:30 pm.

Mouthing. Photo: Andrew Dominguez

Walter’s will host the scream heavy intensity of Toronto’s La Luna. The four piece makes essentially emo core with screamy vocals creating a sound that’s hard to deny. Their latest, last year’s Always Ready sounds pretty amazing, and has me excited for their set. Things will just get crazier when B L A C K I E performs as direct support, while Houston’s Mouthing will bring the math rock with terrifying vocal screams on as well while Narrow Head will open things up. The all ages show has doors at 8 pm and tickets for a measly $5.

That’s about all that’s happening this week. No matter what you do, please remember that drinking like an adult means that you find a safe way home.

Get ready for some stellar acts that’ll find their way here making each night a little difficult to decide on where you’ll spend the evening. This week acts like Japan’s MONO, comic legend Chris Rock, and electronica group Tycho will all be here while locals like B L A C K I E, Astragal and more will all round out the edges. Houston, here’s how to map out the next seven days.

On Wednesday you can get going over at the Avenida at Discovery Green for a set from the celebrated sounds of The Allen Oldies Band. Mentions in The New York Times alongside performances all over the state should prove that these guys know how to bring it when they perform live, and their album Ride The Wild Surf is pretty strong. The hook heavy pop of Austin’s Ruby & The Reckless will open the all ages show that gets going around 7 pm and is 100% FREE.

Thursday you could head over to the studio at Warehouse Live for the doom metal of Arkansas’ Pallbearer. Here in support of their latest album Heartless, these guys have a pretty epic presence that’s worth making it out for. Arizona’s Gatecreeper will bring their old school death metal on as direct support while the experimental new wave doom of Fort Worth’s Pinkish Black will open the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $15 and $17.

Revention Music Center will host the crazed hip hop of Houston’s Travis Scott. If you missed Scott’s set at last year’s Day for Night, then you need to see him before you can’t get in to see him anymore, and his latest Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight, is pretty legit. El Paso’s Khalid will be on as direct support and opener for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm. The show has since Sold Out.

Walker Lukens. Photo: Daniel Jackson

If you’re a fan of The Walkmen, then you might find yourself over at The Heights Theater for a solo set from Hamilton Leithauser. With catchy songs and a voice that’s hard to walk away from, his latest release I Had A Dream That You Were Mine is pretty impressive. Speaking of impressive, the indie rock good times of Austin’s Walker Lukens will be on as direct support and opener for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $22 and $32.

Over at Walter’s the Canadian indie rock of The Besnard Lakes will be on hand for all to enjoy. Often compared to Arcade Fire, this five-piece has a more of a psych feel with folk pop elements. Their latest, last year’s A Coliseum Complex Museum was an album that I can’t believe wasn’t as epic on the charts as it sounds. The vastly underrated indie rock of Chicago three-piece The Life and Times will be on as direct support and opener for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets for $12.

Tycho. Photo: Lauren Crew

In the downstairs of White Oak Music Hall you can get your dance on when Tycho returns to get some feet moving. Here in support of last year’s Epoch, the three piece is known for live sets that can make you get down to their catchy pop dance jams. Houston’s Khruangbin will be on as direct support and opener for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets between $29.50 and $37.

Friday you can head to Smart Financial Centre in Sugarland to catch the first of two dates from the always hilarious Chris Rock. Rock is back doing what he does best, stand up. As young comic he wowed everyone with his in your face style and not much has changed for one of the most respected comics to ever take the stage. The all ages show has doors at 7 pm and tickets between $69.50 and $125, and it should be noted that there is a VERY strict no pictures, video or cell phone use policy at this show. Your cell phone will be locked in a Yondr pouch and anyone caught taking video will be ejected immediately.

The Heights Theater will host the return of Hayes Carll. The Woodlands native has made quite the name for himself with stellar performances all over, and his latest release Lovers and Leavers from last year is his best to date with a sweetness that can’t be unheard. The Southern rock meets Americana of Scott Miller will be on hand as direct support and opener for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets for $24.

Brian Wilson. Photo: APA Agency

At Revention Center, Brian Wilson will play Pet Sounds from start to finish. Literally one of the greatest albums ever made, Wilson will prove that he doesn’t need the drama that currently surrounds The Beach Boys to perform the songs he wrote and spent years in seclusion crafting. I don’t need to oversell this show, as this is more than likely the last time you’ll hear these songs live from the genius who created them. The all ages show has doors at 7 pm and tickets between $43 and $93.

The Secret Group will host the Houston born and New York transplanted comedy of Sheng Wang. A true threat on the mic, Wang has appeared on Comedy Central, NBC’s Last Comic Standing, and even a John Oliver Comedy Special. Last year he dropped the hilarious album Cornucopias Are Actually Horrible Containers, and he never disappoints. Two of Houston’s better up and coming comics should serve as host and feature for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $8 and $10.

Over at Warehouse Live in the studio, the first all female comedy fest in Houston, Yellow Rose Comedy Festival will take place. With a headlining set from world renowned comic Olivia Arrington on the first night of the two day fest, the show that also features sets from Tressa Eleby, Kiki Maroon, Tiffany King, and Liz Padjen as well as many more. The all ages show has doors at 7 pm and tickets between $20 and $55, the latter being a two day seated pass.

Over at Walter’s, one of the most intensely gorgeous bands to ever take a stage, Japan’s MONO, will return for what should be an enigmatic performance. Here behind their ninth album Requiem For Hell, the four-piece makes the kind of music that can stir your soul while bombastically exploding at the same time. Brooklyn’s Holy Sons will bring their lo-fi experimental goodness on as direct support and openers for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm with tickets between $13 and $15.

Astragal. Photo: Disha Khakheria

Satellite Bar will have the lo-fi indie dream pop of Rhode Island’s Holy Golden. Crafting tunes that have been called amazing by pretty much everyone who has heard them, their latest release Wax Castle sounds pretty beautiful. Houston Galveston hybrid shoegaze indie rockers El Lago will bring their lush sound on as direct support while the energetic sounds of Astragal will open the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets for $10.

You can get your doom metal fix over at Rudyard’s when Houston’s Doomstress kick off their latest tour with a send off show. Supporting the stoner heavy sounds of a killer 7” from last year called Supernatural Kvlt Sounds, you should check them out before they get too big to perform in their home anymore, as they’re gaining plenty of steam everywhere they play. The ambient drone doom of Italy’s Messa will be on as direct support while the retro doom of Austin’s Witchcryer will go on as openers for the 21 & up show with doors at 9 pm and a measly $8 cover.

TEE VEE. Photo: Andi Valentine

On Saturday you can kick off over at Cactus for an in-store performance from Houston’s TEE VEE. Creating beautiful electro pop, her debut EP Soft Spot is pretty amazing, and with sets at Day for Night and a following that grows with every show, she’s an act you should catch sooner than later. The all ages event gets going around 1 pm and should have gratis beer for the adults.

Night two of the Yellow Rose Comedy Festival will take place in the studio at Warehouse Live. The second day will have a headlining set from Sara Schaefer, whose critically acclaimed comedy has been on John Oliver’s New York Comedy Show, as well as part of the MTV show Nikki & Sara Live. Houston favorites Slim Bloodworth and Kristin Lindner will also be on hand to perform as well as Maggie Maye and many more for the all ages event. The doors are at 7 pm and tickets are between $20 and $55, the latter being a two day seated VIP ticket.

The second night of Chris Rock at Smart Financial Centre will take place as scheduled as well. Because Rock doesn’t do his stand up down here often, the second show should be just as exciting as the first. The all ages event has doors at 7 pm and has only single seat tickets between $49.50 and $69.50 left. It should be noted that there is a VERY strict no pictures, video or cell phone use policy at this show. Your cell phone will be locked in a Yondr pouch and anyone caught taking video will be ejected immediately.

Emily Bell. Photo: Juice Consulting

Upstairs at White Oak Music Hall, the swagger heavy rock of Austin’s Emily Bell will be on in full force. Bell has been making waves for a good while alongside stellar sets all over including at last year’s Sound On Sound Festival. Now with her new EP Kali with her backing band The Talkbacks, Bell should delight pretty much anyone within earshot with her hook heavy rock n’ roll energy. Houston’s Second Lovers will bring their country tinged rock on as direct support and openers for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm with an $8 cover.

At Khon’s you could get a little mind blown when Houston’s Pitter Patter swings by to drop a set. There’s something so immense about how this guy mixes electronica and drums, that even his newest album Realms is almost as crazed as his energetic live sets. The electronic doom sounds of Denton’s Felt & Fur will be on hand as well, while Denton’s MOWOW will go on prior. The last show for Houston’s Funeral Parlor will open the all ages and 100% FREE show with doors at 8 pm.

B L A C K I E. Photo: Mark Furi

At Civic TV, the never disappointing sounds of B L A C K I E will be on full display for his album release party. That album, Remains, is B L A C K I E at his best, reinventing his sound while keeping the elements intact. Austin’s Illustrations will bring their grindcore on as direct support while Baby Horse will open the all ages and BYOB show that’s 100% FREE and gets going around 9 pm.

Rudyard’s will host the psych sounds of Houston’s GENERATION: Landslide!. I say psych but they’re closer to avant garde meets punk with psych rock tendencies. The legendary punk of Houston’s MyDolls will emphatically perform prior, with the Texas Mod Crushers opening things up. The 21 & up show has doors at 9 pm with an $8 cover.

Pitter Patter. Photo: Ronald L. Jones

Sunday over at Insomnia, the very last party at the shop will take place before they pack up and start making the East side their new home. A headlining set from sonic trail blazers, Trillblazers will will be on hand for all to enjoy. Featuring famed Walter’s soundman Terry Nunn on vocals, this three piece sounds like a mix of nightmares and sonic landscapes that are hard not to love. The intense one man electronica or human drum machine sounds of Pitter Patter will be on as direct support, while the synth pop good times of Houston’s TEE VEE will be there to open the all ages event with doors at 9 pm. It’s 100% FREE with more information available here.

In the studio at Warehouse Live, LA’s King Lil G will bring his old school hip hop sound to all in attendance. Formerly known as Lil Gangster, G has been making waves since his 2024 debut. His latest, last year’s Lost In Smoke 2 falls in line with his strong mic spitting skills. The all ages show has doors at 8 pm and tickets between $20 and $25, with no word of openers, though that should change.

Get A Life. Photo: Daniel Jackson

On Tuesday over at Walter’s you can get mystified by the electro psych pop of Philadelphia’s Laser Background. Mixing electronic sounds with dreamy psych guitar, their latest release Dark Nuclear Bogs is a trip. The unaffected tongue in cheek indie rock of Houston’s Get A Life will be on as direct support while the electronic sounds of JERK will open the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and a $10 cover.

At Rudyard’s another edition of the long running BooTown series, Grownup Storytime will take place. The always funny show that features readings of actual stories is something every Houstonian should experience. Now that the first show usually sells out and there’s a second show, you have pretty much no reason to miss this show.  Both are 21 & up with a $5 cover each, one at 8 pm and one at 10 pm.

That’s about all that’s happening this week. No matter what you decide to do, be mindful of others and remember that a safe ride home is just an app away.

This week acts like Chance The Rapper, The New Pornographers, Mitski, and The Weeknd will all be here while local acts like Los Skarnales and Rough Sleepers fill in the gaps. Houston, here’s how to map out the next week.

Wednesday you can begin at Discovery Green for the Party on the Plaza with the always amazing energy of Los Skarnales. These guys have been playing with intensity for long enough to have reached legendary status, and their latest release, Another Day, Another Borrachera, is like a party for your ears. The funky blues mixture of Houston’s Muddy Belle will open things up for the 100% FREE all ages affair that gets going at 7 pm. 

San Fermin. Photo: Denny Renshaw

You might not think that a seven-piece orchestral electro pop band would be intriguing, but you’d be wrong, which is why you should head upstairs to White Oak Music Hall to see Brooklyn’s San Fermin. I would say that any band this committed to a sound should be commended and they’re seriously getting bigger by the day. Their album from last year, Belong, is a mix of catchy pop and gorgeous undertones. The immense and deep electronica of Iceland’s Low Roar will be on as direct support and opener for the all ages show with doors at 7:30 pm with $15 tickets.

On Thursday the iconic sixties British rock of The Zombies will be over at Heights Theater. These guys have hits like “Time of The Season,” “She’s Not There,” and “This Will Be Our Year,” amongst so many more. I shouldn’t have to oversell this show, as these guys are pretty amazing, and scientifically, this could be your last chance to see them if you’re a fan. There’s no support or openers because they’ll play a lengthy time for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $44 and $336, the latter being a VIP seated option with four tickets total.

Waxahatchee. Photo: Jesse Riggins

Downstairs at White Oak Music Hall, the indie rock meets pop sensibility of Canada’s The New Pornographers will perform. Aside from the fact that Neko Case is in this band, they’re one of the strongest live acts you can see today. Their latest, Whiteout Conditions, is their best to date, and since they don’t tour much, you might want to make it out. The indie folk rock of Waxahatchee will be on as direct support and opener, and with a new album coming up, you should hear some of her new material. The all ages show has doors at 7 pm and tickets between $29 and $33.

Over at Walter’s, the indie pop rock of Chicago five piece The Walters will swing by to play. That’s right, a band with the same name of the club they’re playing at is actually happening. Aside from that, these guys make catchy tunes and their new track “She’s Gonna’ Leave You” is as hook heavy as their last album Young Men. The beach pop of Austin’s Summer Salt will be on hand as direct support while the lush and gorgeous indie rock of Galveston’s El Lago will open the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and an $8 cover.

Satellite Bar will have the intensity of Finland’s Foreseen over to probably break some things. These guys make thrash that sounds like what DRI always wanted to sound like, and their latest album Grave Danger is pretty epic. San Antonio’s Bloodhound will be on as direct support while the death metal of Houston’s Skourge will go on beforehand. The hardcore punk of Houston’s United Races will go on prior, and Erupt will open the all ages show with a $10 cover and doors at 8 pm.

The Secret Group will have the Draughts and Laughs show hosted by Stephen Brandau. While Stephen is a funny guy, this inventive comedy show has a new beer every month for you to take on a test drink, as well as plenty of funny comics. The 21 & up show has a $12 cover that includes a souvenir pint glass and two drafts of 11 Below Brewery beer for this month’s show.  

Webb Wilder. Photo: David McClister

Continental Club will host the entertaining mud rock of Nashville’s Webb Wilder. Wilder plays country-tinged and blues-minded throwback rock, he’s known to be a force to be reckoned with live, and his latest album Mississippi Moderne is like if Hank Thompson made an early Beatles album. The 21 & up show has doors at 8 pm and a $20 cover.  

Chicago’s NE-HI will bring their indie rock to life upstairs at White Oak Music Hall. These guys make pop-influenced indie rock that’s all over their new album Offers and they’re rumored to put on an impressive live show. Houston’s Young Girls will bring their energy heavy indie rock on as direct support and Since Always will open things up with their new wave indie rock for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets between $10 and $13.

Friday, you can get started at Nightingale Room for the Cinco de Mayo celebration hosted by Marco Torres. If you don’t know this guy, you’ve at least seen his photos of bands, or maybe he’s in front of you at a taco stand right now. That’s not a slight on him as he was involved in the stellar book Tacos of Texas and he can tell you the best tacos in every Texas city. He’ll host DJ sets from Gio Chamba, Gracie Chavez, and Felipe Galvan of Los Skarnales. The 21 & up event gets going around 5 pm and it’s 100% FREE.

Tanya Tucker. Photo: Jeremy West

Out in the Woodlands at Dosey Doe, one of the Queens of Country, Tanya Tucker, will be at the Big Barn to perform. Tucker had her first hit when she was 13, she’s a legend in all aspects, and with hits like “Delta Dawn,” “Love Me Like You Used To,” and “Texas (When I Die),” you shouldn’t miss this set. Sonia Langham will open things up for the all ages show with doors at 6 pm. Tickets range between $108 and $178 and include dinner, served from 6 pm to 7:30 pm.

Rockefeller’s will host the EP release for Genesis Blu‘s latest album, Bluming Season. Blu is one of the best new rappers in Houston and she’ll be on fire at this show with a live band backing her. The show also has surprise guests with doors at 7 pm for the all ages and 100% FREE show.

Civic TV will have the album release party for Rough Sleepers while the show will get headlined by LA’s Behavior. Behavior is one of those bands that’s a mix of no wave, post punk and traditional punk that’s hard to ignore, while their album 375 images of Angels is something you need to hear for yourself. Rough Sleepers will be on as direct support for the release party of their album Savage Dream, which should blow the minds of everyone in attendance. Blue Dolphin opens the all ages BYOB show with doors at 8 pm with a $7 cover.

White Oak Music Hall upstairs will host the album release for funk of Houston’s Brothers Grymn. Their album, Summer Sessions, is pretty tight and funky and should sound impressive live. Houston’s Kyle Hubbard serves as direct support with his intense mic skills. Doors are at 8 pm with tickets between $8 and $10.

Out at Redneck Country Club, Los Lonely Boys will be on hand to help you celebrate Cinco de Mayo. These guys are pretty amazing live, they definitely don’t come here enough, and their last album Revelation still holds up. The poetic tunes of Lisa Morales will be on as direct support while the country twang of Gilmer, Texas’ Curtis Grimes will open the all ages show with tickets between $30 and $70 with doors at 8 pm.

John Evans. Photo: Brandon Holley

Rudyard’s will have a barn burner when the never disappointing twangy rock of Houston turned Austin transplant, John Evans will be on hand to perform. Evans’ last album, Polyester, was one of my favorites from last year, his live shows are incredibly fun, and he’s one of Houston’s best acts. The classic country fun of Opie Hendrix will be on as direct support and opener for the 21 & up show with doors at 9 pm and an $8 cover,

On Saturday over at Toyota Center you could stop by to catch R&B jams of The Weeknd. This guy is so impressive that I’ll just say that his latest Starboy is like Michael Jackson without sounding lifted, and his live shows are just as impressive. There’s no word of support or openers for the all ages show with doors at 6:30 pm and tickets between $39.50 and $150.

Charlie Faye & The Fayettes. Photo: Eryn Brooke

Mucky Duck will host the return of Austin’s Charlie Faye and the Fayettes. Complete with doo wop overtones, this group brings you back to the ’60s, as if Carole King made a Motown album. They’re known for intimate performances and their latest release, Charlie Faye & The Fayettes from last year, is one you shouldn’t miss. The 21 & up show has doors at 7 pm and tickets between $20 and $22.

Downstairs at White Oak Music Hall, you could get your doom fix when Austin’s The Sword make their return to town. Here in support of their latest two releases, High Country from 2024 and Low Country from last year, these guys have always swung the doom hammer harder than most. The roots sounds of Austin’s Croy and The Boys will be on as direct support and openers for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets between $19 and $23.

Holy Wave. Photo: Allison Scarpulla

Over at Walter’s you could get groovy with the psych rock sounds of Austin’s Holy Wave. These guys are always a trip to catch live and their latest release, Freaks of Nurture from last year, is their strongest so far. The psych sounds and beats of San Francisco’s Al Lover will be on hand as direct support while Houston’s Mojave Red will bring their bluesy chillwave psych sounds on as openers for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets for $10.

Satellite Bar will host the legendary metal goodness of The Obsessed. With Wino on vocals, this reunited version of the Maryland-based band feels like they should be in a much bigger room while their new album Sacred is a nice return to form. The stoner rock of Karma To Burn will be on hand as direct support while the stoner doom of Ohio’s Lo Pan will go on prior. The doom metal insanity of Houston’s Doomstress will open the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets for $20.

Nikki Hill. Photo: Intrepid Artists

I’d recommend swinging by Continental Club however to catch the soulful sounds of North Carolina’s Nikki Hill. Backed by musicians from all over, including Houston, Hill toured across the globe in support of her raucous album Heavy Hearts Hard Fists while earning a reputation as a force to be reckoned with in a live setting. Austin’s Tomar & the FCs will open the 21 & up show with doors at 9 pm with a $15 ticket price.

On Sunday, you could make the trek to the Woodlands Pavilion to catch the enigmatic sounds of Chicago’s Chance The Rapper. This guy has seriously blown up all without the support of a label, his live shows are intense, and his latest Coloring Book is really amazing. Rumor has it that the show is sold out, but if there are tickets available, they’ll be between $30 and $139.95 with gates at 7 pm.

Tuesday you could make it over to House of Blues to catch the hip hop of DC’s Wale. Known for being one of the strongest rappers in the country, this guy sells out most of his shows while his latest drop, The Album About Nothing from 2024, is about as immense as it is catchy. There’s no word of openers or support though that may change before the show itself with doors at 7 pm and tickets for $30.

Mitski. Photo: Ebru Yildiz

You could also head over to Walter’s for the massively popular sounds of Mitski. Defying the rules of the music industry, Mitski does her own thing with an almost DIY ethic while selling out shows across the globe. Her latest release, Puberty 2 from last year, proves that truly independent based indie rock can still strive. The intriguing electro experimental music of Helado Negro will be on hand as direct support while the bedroom garage pop of Edinburgh, Texas’ Jesika will open the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets between $12 and $15.

That’s about all happening around town this week. No matter what you do, please remember that drinking like an adult is best for everyone, so choose the safest way home, please.

Well, we certainly have a ton of options to choose from this week. Alongside a ton of offerings from local acts, legends like PJ Harvey and Pixies will be here as well as the likes of Little Dragon, A Perfect Circle and Xavier Wulf. Houston, here’s where to spend your time this week.

On Wednesday you can get started with LA punk pop cult rock heroes, Redd Kross upstairs at White Oak Music Hall.  While these guys were never commercially huge, that doesn’t mean that their entertaining style and subversive act shouldn’t go unnoticed.  They’re here in support of their latest album, 2024’s Researching The Blues, and they’re a trip to see play live.  Houston’s The Satanic Overlords of Rock N Roll will bring their beer fueled punk energy on as direct support while the tongue in cheek punk of The Cops will open things up for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and has tickets between $12 and $17.

Little Simz. Photo: Wired PR

In the studio at Warehouse Live, California’s Ab-Soul will bring his hip hop jams to life. This guy is kind of the king of the slow boil with tracks that seem to drip like honey.  His latest, Do What Thou Wilt from last year has critical acclaim, with hints of grime that change up his game. England’s hottest new MC, Little Simz will bring her mic skills on as direct support and opener for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and with tickets between $23 and $28.

River Oaks Theatre will host a screening of the feature documentary, “I Am Battle Comic” alongside a Q&A session.  The film, covers comics like Houston’s Slade Ham who perform for the troops in war torn countries, and features sets and interviews with comics George Lopez, George Wallace, Tammy Pescatelli and Slade Ham.  The event will be hosted by Outlaw Dave, and he will moderate the Q&A as well.  The one night only event will donate the proceeds to Militaryfamilies.org.  The doors are at 7 pm with tickets for $15.

Oddisee. Photo: Shore Fire Media

Over at Walter’s, the hip hop of Brooklyn’s Oddisee will be on full display, backed by the live band Good Company.  Oddisee has been gaining traction in the hip hop world with albums that hit deep within like they should, alongside crazed live sets.  His latest release, this year’s The Iceberg is a mix of jazz, hard beats, gospel and R&B soul that’s pretty amazing.  The rock and soul of DC born and UK transplant, Oliver St. Louis will be on as direct support and opener for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and with tickets between $15 and $17.

Thursday you could head to House of Blues for the popular prog fusion of New York’s Coheed and Cambria.  Here in support of last year’s celebrated The Color Before The Sun, these guys bring their game when they play live.  Massachusetts’ The Dear Hunter will be on as direct support and opener for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $35 and $59.

Red House. Photo: Dinolion

The opening night of Red House will take place from the team at Dinolion at an undisclosed location.  The ultra secretive and immersive performance, should be nothing if not intriguing and engaging, as it’s being put on by a small group of very talented people.  Principal dance from Houston Ballet, music from Black Kite and LIMB, and lots of mystery surround these shows. There’s more information here for the 17 & up show with doors at 7:45 pm or 10:45 pm and tickets for $35. The show runs through the weekend with a super limited amount of tickets available.

LA’s Dengue Fever will bring their blend of psych and Cambodian rock to Walter’s.  Known for a crazy live show, this six piece makes groovy tunes, and their newest album The Deepest Lake from 2024 is a trip.  The gorgeous pedal steel of Will Van Horn will be on as direct support and opener on the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets between $15 and $17.

Little Dragon. Photo: IB Kamara

Downstairs at White Oak Music Hall, Swedish electro pop four piece Little Dragon will make their return to town.  Always full of fun and life when they play live, their set was pretty refreshing last year at Day For Night.  They usually sell out wherever they play, and their latest Season High is pretty hard to resist.  The hip hop of DC’s Goldlink will be on as direct support while LA’s Kronika will open things up at the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets for $35.

If you’re a fan of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, then you might want to check out Whitney at The Secret Group.  The folk pop duo made up of Julien Ehrlich and Max Kakacek will bring their chill vibes from last year’s Light Upon The Lake to life.  The alt pop of LA’s Golden Daze will go on beforehand and Houston’s Deep Cuts will bring their indie rock sounds on as openers for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets for $15.

Tifa Tittlywinks of Dem Damn Dames. Photo: Penland Pinups

On Friday you could start off at Numbers with the ladies of Dem Damn Dames for their Naked Nerds VS. Dirty Dorks show.  The theme show is where this Houston burlesque troupe shines, and this Nerdlesque show is a great example of that.  The battle of the ages will feature the Dames themselves alongside performances from San Antonio’s Kristi Waters, Austin’s Layna D’Luna, Houston’s Honey Moonpie and many more.  Judged by a crew that includes Houston comic Ryan Thauburn and radio personality Kyle King, the show should be worth making it out for.  The show has doors at 7 pm, it’s 18 & up, and there are tickets between $15 and $30, and they include entry into Classic Numbers which follows the show.  

The final show over at Insomnia before they move to the East side, will see a solo art exhibition from Honeybones called Dizzy Spells in Dreamland.  If you’ve never seen the art of Honeybones, you’ve been missing out.  One of the most exciting new artists in Houston, this show should be pretty awesome.  There’s also beer from Eureka Heights Brewing and a food truck from Muiishi Makaritos.  The all ages show gets going around 7 pm and it’s 100% FREE.

You can get your laugh on at the Improv when Deon Cole brings his hilarious brand of humor to the club.  Cole is best known for his role on the hit TV show Black-Ish, though his time on CONAN was pretty hilarious, and he’s a seasoned comic as well.  The 18 & up shows don’t mention which two Houston comics will be feature act and host, but the tickets are between $25 and $37, with shows through the weekend with varying door times.  This show has doors at 7 pm and 9 pm.

A Perfect Circle. Photo: Speakeasy PR

If you were planning to catch A Perfect Circle out at Smart Financial Center, the show has since sold out.  If you’re already attending, the doors are at 8 pm.

Over at Walter’s, the first of several Wonky Power curated shows will take place with a headlining set from Tax The Wolf.  The Houston band that melding together psych and prog with ease is back and should drop something at some point this year, while their live shows are still as mesmerizing as when they released Hold The Sun.  The indie pop of Mind Shrine will go on prior while the bluesy psych of Mantra Love will go on beforehand.  The intriguing electro rock of JERK will open the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and a $10 cover.

Jealous Creatures. Photo: Daniel Jackson

You can get all of the loud rock motors running at Satellite Bar when Bryan’s The Ex-Optimists swing by to perform. There’s something about this band that’s hard not to love. Complete with one of the loudest live sets you can see, their latest 7” release Bee Corpse Thousand features a killer new song and covers of the Guided By Voices classics, “Drinker’s Peace,” and “14 Cheerleader Coldfront.”  The new wave tinged indie rock of Houston’s Jealous Creatures will go on beforehand while the tight straightforward rock of Brand New Hearts will perform prior.  Slow Future will get things going for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and a TBA cover.

Over at Rudyard’s you can catch Houston’s The Guillotines for their album release party.  While it’s been a long time coming, the band has as rich of a history as any leather punk band could have, and their sets are always full of plenty of antics.  The glitter punk of Dallas’ Scary Cherry & the Bang Bangs will be on as direct support while the punk metal mixture of Houston’s The Unconvicted will open the 21 & up show with doors at 9 pm with a $6 cover.

Saturday you could start off at Walter’s for Bushfest.  No, it’s not an homage to that crappy British nineties alt rock band, but rather a collection of artists under one roof.  Sets from GRRRL Parts, Dillon Trimm, Brumes, Devil Killing Moth and more will perform alongside comedy sets from Britt Vasicek, Katie McGee and more.  The all ages festival gets going with doors at 6 pm and tickets for $10.  There’s much more happening there with all of the information here.

Twin Peaks. Photo: Red Light Management

The Secret Group will host Chicago garage indie rockers, Twin Peaks.  These guys have made quite the name for themselves as an act worth making it out for with crazy live shows.  Their latest release, Down in Heaven from last year mixes multiple rock genres, and should sound amazing live.  The indie grunge of Nashville’s Chrome Pony will be on as direct support while things get opened by the psych pop of Chicago’s Post Animal.  The all ages show has doors at 7 pm and tickets between $15 and $17.

Down at Scout Bar you could get all of your industrial rock fix when the industrial pop of Chicago’s Stabbing Westward performs.  You know you’ve made an impression when Wesley Willis writes a song about you, and at one time, these guys were huge with their song “Save Yourself.”  They’ll be here supporting it appears nothing, as their last album was over fifteen years ago.  Houston industrial mainstays, The Hunger will be on as direct support with Hindsight on beforehand.  The female fronted hard rock of Black Market Tragedy will open the 18 & up show with doors at 7 pm and tickets for $13.

Revention Music Center will have a special performance from England’s PJ Harvey.  While the nineties had plenty of female performers worth seeing, few have stood the test of time like Harvey, and with a stellar live show and her new album The Hope Six Demolition Project, this is one of those sets you don’t want to miss.  There’s no word of support or openers, but that could change.  The doors are at 7:30 pm and tickets are between $35 and $79.50.

Tee Vee. Photo: John Allen Stephens

Civic TV will host the album release from Houston’s Tee Vee.  Armed with only demos until now, Tee Vee has played Day For Night while getting on some killer shows in between.  The dark electronica of MIEARS will be on hand as direct support while a solo set from Andrew Lee will get the night going.  The all ages event has doors at 8 pm and the all ages show is BYOB with a $5 cover.

D&W Lounge will have the album release from Houston’s Bernie Pink.  I’m not sure if I conveyed this when I debuted their album Fiesta Elementary, but this band makes psych music that sounds like it was recorded in an insane asylum.  Seriously, they’re one of the most intriguing new Houston bands going, and their live shows are a trip.  popeNQM will be on as direct support while the experimental punk of Houston’s Black Lodge will go on prior.  The experimental sounds of Austin’s Ballerino will also be on the bill and Houston’s Lagmind will open the 100% FREE show with doors at 8 pm.

On Sunday you could head to 8th Wonder Brewery for the Crawfish & Brews show.  Honestly, I hate crawfish and the sight and sound of others eating them, so it says a lot about this show, as it’s headlined by NOLA’s DJ Mannie Fresh.  Possibly one of the greatest to step behind the decks, Fresh is an act everyone should see at least once.  The indie rock of The Bright Light Social Hour will also be on the bill, as will Bombon and Havoc Wagon.  DAYTA will get things going as only he can for the all ages event with doors at noon and tickets between $15 and $40.

Pixies. Photo: Travis Shinn

Of course, I’d guess many over you will be on the lawn at White Oak Music Hall to enjoy a set from Boston indie rockers, Pixies.  It occurs to me that most Pixies “fans” really just want the band to remake Surfer Rosa, which is asking a lot.  The fact is, their last two albums Indie Cindy and last year’s Head Carrier are both pretty solid, and their live shows are always on point.  The indie pop of New York’s Public Access TV will be on as direct support and openers for the all ages show with gates at 6 pm and with tickets between $42.50 and $49.

Revention Music Center will host the return of the massively popular rapper, Lil’ Wayne.  I shouldn’t have to sell this show, or Wayne, as you know his resume and catalog.  His latest release, “No Frauds” with Drake and Nicki Minaj is as lit as his other works, and his live shows are always intense.  There’s no word of support or openers, which should change for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $60 and $65.

In the studio at Warehouse Live, Tennessee’s Xavier Wulf will bring his hype and crazed rap to life.  Wulf has been popping off over the past year, his live shows are intense, and his latest drop Project X from 2024 is pretty legit.  Houston’s TheRealFlexGod will be on as direct support while Riven, RichBrokeDudez, Blvackempiiire will all go on prior.  High Elements will open the all ages show with doors at 6 pm with tickets between $29 and $33.

Trey Anastasio. Photo: Red Light Management

If you’d rather marvel in some great guitar work, you could head to House of Blues to catch a solo set from Trey Anastasio.  Known as leader of the group Phish, Anastasio is a pretty strong player, and his latest release Paper Wheels from two years ago is pretty chill while still being groovy.  There’s no word of support or openers, though that could change.  The all ages show has doors at 7 pm and tickets for $42.

Tuesday out at the Woodlands Pavilion, you could catch the return of Kings of Leon.  Boy, these guys have really blown up.  I caught them once at a now defunct club here in town, and they were pretty amazing, plus their new album Walls is sonic and lush.  The noise rock of Atlanta’s Deerhunter will be on hand as direct support and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats will open the all ages show with gates at 6 pm and tickets between $32.50 and $89.50.

You could swing by The Secret Group for Neo Benshi 31.  Presented by Bootown, this show that’s like a miniature Mystery Science Theater 3000, is pretty hilarious.  Featuring comics and the like reading monologues over video clips, it’s a show you need to check out if you want to get your laugh on.  The all ages show has doors at 7 pm and a measly $5 cover.  

That’s about all that’s happening this week.  No matter what you decide to do, please be mindful of everyone else and remember that a safe way home is what’s best for everyone.