Love Yourself: The Best of The Week
Justin Bieber, Photo: Courtesy of Calvin Klein
It’s really starting to feel a lot like concert season right now. Last week the NCAA dropped a stellar last minute addition with a set from Kendrick Lamar. This week is no different with a ton of options, including internationally famous pop star, Justin Bieber pictured above. Houston, here’s where to spend your free time over the next seven days.
Wednesday you can kick off the week over at Raven Tower for the country meets soulful sounds of Libby Koch. Koch has been making the rounds for years, but there’s something endearing about when she performs that leaves a mark on anyone who sees her. Her latest release, 2024’s “Tennessee Colony” is closer to a revival than current country music, and her sweetly tuned vocals pepper each track with their Southern charm. The all ages show has doors at 5:00 and it’s 100% FREE.
Guilla will be over at MKT Bar dropping a DJ set. In less than a week his long awaited new album “Children of The Sun” will be out, and maybe those in attendance will get to hear some of the songs from it at this set. The all ages set begins at 7:00 and runs until 10:00 and it’s 100% FREE.
Dr Dog, Photo: Phil A Monjaro
House of Blues will host Philly six piece, Dr Dog. If you’ve never seen these guys do their indie pop thing, then I feel like you haven’t been paying attention, their new album “The Psychedelic Swamp” brings back the sixties sound that these guys were once known for, and their live shows are always mesmerizing. The folky pop of Austin’s Wild Child will be on as direct support and opener for the all ages show with doors at 7:00 and tickets between $25.00 and $27.00.
David Cook, formerly of Def Perception will be over at Nightingale Room with his new group, Marauderz. I haven’t heard them yet but the all live hip hop band should be lit. He’ll have the hip hop of Jay Maze on the bill with him. I haven’t seen Maze live yet, but from the sounds of his rhymes, he could be someone to watch out for. There’s also a set from V-Zilla and more, as well as a couple of DJ sets, one from Joey Flaco of Killem Collective. The show is to also be the release party for Maze’s new album, where the 1st 100 people who come get the CD for Free. The 21 & up show has doors at 7:00 and it’s 100% FREE.
At Walter’s you can catch the queercore emo punk of Austin four piece, Mean Girls. This band has been making waves for a good while, they’ve become known for an intense live show, and their recently dropped album, “Squirm” is a mix of beauty and chaos. Houston art punks, No Love Less will be on as direct support. If you’ve never seen this band before, just take the energy of eighties punk without the rough and tumble skankin’ energy and they’re what you’d get. Now a two piece, Houston’s Since Always will perform their indie meets emo rock jams. Fight Me opens the all ages show with doors at 8:00 and tickets between $7.00 and $10.00.
If that’s not your deal, then you could head to Satellite Bar to catch the no wave punk of LA’s Behavior. These guys will be here in support of their new release, this year’s “375 Images of Angels,” which is one of the more progressive punk albums I’ve heard. Houston punks, The Pose will be on as direct support while Houston’s newest addition, Lace will bring their crazed energy on prior. The S&M synths of Spit Mask will open the all ages show with doors at 8:00 and a $5.00 cover.
You can grab laughs at the Haywire show over at Midtown Bar & Grill. The mix and match comedy show will feature two comics from Austin with the funny and riotous Ella Gale and the humorous Katie Stone. There’s also someone telling NASA stories, Emily Peacock, Brian Zeolla and Bob Morrissey. The 21 & up show might have more in store, things get going around 9:00 and it’s only $5.00.
Into It. Over It., Photo: Tommy Calderon
On Thursday you could get going with the emo goodness of Into It. Over It. in the studio. The Chicago group will be returning to town in support of his gorgeous new album, “Standards.” Seriously, this record is becoming one of my favorites of the year so far. Evan is definitely one of those artists you should see perform live, as his sets are always memory creators. The ensemble sounds of the biggest touring band you can catch currently, The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die will be on as direct support. This Connecticut formed eight piece creates emo jams that are a mix of beauty and fun, and last year’s “Harmlessness” was one of the better albums of the year. Their latest release is a two song EP called “Long Live Happy Birthday” that keeps their pretty sounds intact. Cleveland based indie four piece emo punk act, The Sidekicks will also be on the bill, and by the sounds of their 2024 album, “Runners In The Nerved World,” they’re a band we should all see live. The Americana meets indie rock of New Jersey’s Pinegrove will open the all ages show with doors at 6:00 and tickets between $15.00 and $18.00.
You could get your local fix over at Nightingale Room, when Catch Fever stops by to perform. The now two piece is gearing up to release their new EP, “You Have All You Need,” and their new set up is pretty electrifying to see live. The hip hop meets R&B sounds of Rosewood Thievz will drop a set at the Main street venue. I say hip hop, but these guys are really a mix of rap, jazz, R&B, and so much more. Their latest release, “Rosewood Thievz Holiday Cheer” EP showcases the mix these guys have together, and will change your mind about Xmas releases. An opener hasn’t been named yet, but the 21 & up show has doors at 7:00 and it’s 100% FREE.
Biz Markie, Photo: Courtesy of Artist
House of Blues will have a DJ set from eighties hip hop legend, Biz Markie. The Biz has been reppin’ NYC for as long as we can all remember, and I caught him when he toured for his hit jam “Just A Friend,” and he dropped some DJ goodness at that show with skill and ease. Houston based eighties cover band, Thunderpants will be on to round out the bill for the all ages show with doors at 7:00 and tickets for $15.00.
Satellite Bar will have Austin Irish folk punks, Black Irish Texas. The band is eerily similar to Flogging Molly, but that doesn’t mean you should hate of them. Their latest release “An Ode To Saint Cecilia” from 2024 is pretty impressive. The punk grass sounds of Alvin’s Blackgrass Gospel will be on as direct support, while the gravelly acoustic punk of Jason Bancroft and the Wealthy Beggars will go on beforehand. These guys play a blend of Americana and punk in the vein of Chuck Ragan, and last year’s “Home” is an album everyone should own. JD Grande will open the all ages show with doors at 8:00 and a TBA cover.
Rudyard’s will host the folky sounds of The Cave Singers. Lead by the former bassist of Pretty Girls Make Graves, this four piece makes indie folk that’s hard to ignore. Their latest album, this year’s “Banshee” takes the band in a new direction while holding on to the core of those folky tunes. Seattle four piece, Draemhouse will bring their dream pop sounds to those who attend as openers. In fact, the rumor is that this band is worth making it out for, as their live shows are supposed to be a real trip. Their new release, “Only Friends” is a mix of psych and dreary day pop. The all ages show has doors at 8:00 and tickets for $13.00.
Stone’s Throw will have another edition of the Thursday Tease show from Houston’s Tifa Tittlywinks. The show is a burlesque event where dancers are on the upper balcony while you enjoy drinks below. It’s definitely a great excuse for getting a crick in your neck. This edition will feature Charlotte Treuse from NOLA, as well as music by DJ Brown Coat. The 21 & up show gets going around 8:00 and it’s 100% FREE.
Friday you can get going at I & II Allen Center for The Legendary Art Car Ball. This Orange Show powered event just grows and grows each year, this year feeling closer to home with the slew of local artists performing. Sets from Gio Chamba, DJ Gracie Chavez, The Suspects, Shake Anderson and more will entertain guests. Hosted by Mills McCoin and Antoine Culbreath, there’s also plenty of entertainment from Kiki Maroon, YE Torres, and so much more. Dress to impress or wear a wild costume for this event with doors at 6:00 and tickets between $30.00 and $35.00.
Mucky Duck will host the intimate and folky tunes of Austin duo Dawn and Hawkes. Though these two have been around since the mid 2024’s, their appearance two years ago on “The Voice” made them household names. Their most recent album, last year’s “Yours and Mine” is pretty beautiful, and full of Southern twang. The 21 & up show has doors at 7:00 and tickets between $20.00 and $22.00.
The Southern rock sounds of Texas’ Whiskey Myers will be over at House of Blues. These guys are being sold like a new Lynyrd Skynyrd, but they’re really closer to Black Crows. They’ll be here in support of 2024’s “Early Morning Shakes,” though rumor has it they have something new coming soon. The Southern boogie rock of Fort Worth’s Quaker City Nighthawks will be on as direct support and opener. The all ages show has doors at 7:00 and tickets between $12.50 and $15.00.
Funeral Horse, Photo: Courtesy of Artist/Facebook
Satellite Bar will have some fuzz rock from Bellringer, featuring ex-members of Melvins. The stoner garage psych of Houston’s Jody Seabody & the Whirls will be on as direct support, and should be trippy to see. Their latest release, last year’s “Holographic Slammer” is one of those albums that’s filled with multiple genres, almost like Jim Morrison fronted a garage psych band with members of Eagles. The stoned doom metal of Houston’s Funeral Horse will be on the bill as opener, and should bleed ears when they perform. Though they’re loud, they’re also one of the tightest bands in Houston, and last year’s “Divinity For The Wicked” is like if JRR Tolkien wrote a doom album. The all ages show has doors at 8:00 and $6.00 cover.
Raven Tower will host what will more than likely be a memorable performance, from Houston’s Craig Kinsey. Somewhere in time, this gypsy soul was placed on earth to craft a blend of soulful and bluesy tunes. I mean, Kinsey has always sounded like a road weary traveller who plays songs for gas money while also being a songwriting powerhouse who embodies a sound that feels like a party where everyone is in on the performance. His live shows are always a party to behold, and 2024’s “American Roots and Machines” was a hell of an album. The all ages show has doors at 8:00 and it’s 100% FREE.
Downtown venue, The Red Light at Springbok will host a set from Houston’s Mantra Love. The psych rockers should throw down before they leave to play a series of shows outta’ town afterwards. If for some strange reason you’ve never seen this three piece, this is your chance to catch their crazed performance while they jam songs from last year’s “Mantra Love” EP. The psych sounds of Conroe’s Cosmic Bug Loaf will be on as direct support, while the shoegaze electro pop of Austin’s Shmu will play beforehand. The pedal heavy electro jams of Mockingbird Brother will open the 18 & up show with doors at 9:00 and a $5.00 cover for adults, and an $8.00 cover for 18-20 year olds.
Jadakiss, Photo: Billboard
In the ballroom at Warehouse Live, you can get your hip hop on with a set from Jadakiss. The New York rapper has made quite the name for himself since the late nineties, and he’s dropped tunes with Kanye, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon and more. Last year he dropped “Top 5 Dead Or Alive,” and he’s known for lit live shows. Houston DJ and personality, DJ Supastar will be on hand to drop fire as she opens things up. The all ages show has doors at 9:00 and tickets $32.00 and $50.00, the latter being a VIP option.
Continental Club will host the rockabilly sounds of Austin’s Flametrick Subs. It seems that for a time, these guys were all you could hear about. However a lack of releases and what feels like an extended break had them go the way of the buffalo. Their last album, 1998’s “Undead At The Black Cat Lounge” was their last release to my knowledge, but they’ve always been entertaining to catch live. The weed induced country twang of Sean Reefer and the Resin Valley Boys will be on as openers for the 21 & up show with doors at 9:00 and a $12.00 cover.
Big Top will feature a set from the collective known as Mind Shrine.This group is usually pretty electric to catch live. They’ll have two engaging solo sets on prior, the first being Nicolas Morales from Second Lovers. Expect to hear some solo stuff and some Second Lovers tracks as well as unreleased tunes. The always entertaining Dollie Barnes will play a solo set as opener for the 21 & up show with doors at 10:00. It’s 100% FREE but donations are welcomed.
You can close out the evening over at Beta Theater for their Vice Squad show. The improv competition is head to head with three teams that have chosen their vice of favor before partaking in the show. This edition will be hosted by the funny Hoja Lopez, and the show is definitely different than anything else you’ve experienced before. The 18 & up show gets going around 11:00 and it’s a pay what you can price.
Saturday you can get started at the Texas Wine and Art Festival in Old Town Spring. The two day event is full of art, wine, and music, and should be a good way to check out a slew of wineries. The event gets going at 10:00 on Saturday and 11:00 on Sunday, and runs between FREE and $20.00.
You can get your punk on at Fitzgerald’s for the 25th Anniversary show from Houston’s Poor Dumb Bastards, as well as a benefit for David Ganz. The all day event will feature a ton of bands that include sets from Donkey Punch, The Guilloteens, Hickoids, and my favorite new band, The Satanic Overlords of Rock N’ Roll. Of course PDB will close out the night. There’s also BBQ and raffles throughout the day for the all ages show with more information here. The doors are at 1:00 and tickets are $10.00.
Over at The Hive you can get some video game action in at the RE: Play Monthly show. Alongside card games will be a retro gaming experience and live music from Houston’s Ten Pixels Tall. This guy makes tunes with Gameboys that to be honest, might be one of the coolest things you’ve heard in a long time. The show will also have sets from Broken Satellite, Float, who also makes Gameboy based jams, and a DJ set from Squincy Jones. They’re inviting you to bring your favorite cartridge to play as well for the all ages show with doors at 3:00 that’s 100% FREE.
Later in the day, you could head to Toyota Center for the pop tunes of teen heartthrob, Justin Bieber. I’m sure most of you wouldn’t believe it, but Bieber has been steering away from his poppier leanings as of late. Last year he dropped the fire track, “Where Are You Now?” with Jack U, and he followed up with his own jam, “What Do You Mean?” I was shocked to find myself digging his latest album, this year’s “Purpose,” but it’s pretty good. The hip hop of Dallas’ Post Malone will be on as direct support, while the popular pop tunes of New Jersey’s Moxie Raia will open things up. The all ages show has doors at 6:00 and tickets between $50.50 and $126.00.
M83, Photo: Courtesy of Artist
If you were lucky enough to grab tickets, then you’ll be heading to catch M83 at the inaugural show for the White Oak Music Hall lawn. The French electronica duo has been going since 2024, but it wasn’t until 2024’s hit, “Midnight City” that they really took off. Their latest release, a single that was just dropped called “Solitude” shows they should bring fire to this set. The electronica duo, YACHT will be on hand as openers. The all ages show is SOLD OUT, but if you’re attending, the doors are at 7:00.
Insomnia Video Game Culture will host their Second Annual Sticky Fingers Art show. The sticker art show and market should be a blast complete with food truck eats from Yaki Snack Attack, gratis PBR for the adults, and so much more. There’s plenty of extra information here for the all ages event that gets going around 7:00 and is 100% FREE.
Revention Center will host two shows for the Blue Collar comedy member, and downright hilarious Ron White. White is far ahead of the rest of that group in that he was a household name before they ever got together. His latest album was 2024’s “A Little Unprofessional” still holds up, and the Texas native is an act everyone should catch live. The “mature audiences” shows are at 7:30 and at 10:00, with tickets between $49.75 and $69.75.
Satellite Bar will host the ethereal sounds and inherent beauty of Glass The Sky. The five piece makes these spacey jams that feel like a mix of daydreaming and space travel. They’ll be joined by the always energetic sounds of Houston three piece Only Beast. This three piece is like watching a kid full of sugar, they sound closer to an ensemble, and last year’s “Live at Notsuoh” should give you a glimpse into their energetic sound. The indie rock fuzz of Houston’s A Sundae Drive will bring their explosive sound to life when they play as well. Their last album, 2024’s “The Senseless and The Sound” was and still is one of my favorite local albums. San Antonio rock four piece, Levees will be on hand to open the all ages show with doors at 7:00 and a $7.00 cover.
Numbers will have a set from Illinois folk pop darling, Lissie. Touring in support of her latest, this year’s “My Wild West,” she’s always been a popular fixture in music and entertaining to catch live. New Jersey’s alt pop singer, Skrizzly Adams will be on the bill as direct support and opener. The all ages show has doors at 8:00 and tickets between $19.00 and $22.00.
The studio at Warehouse Live will have a set from folky Tennessee four piece, Judah & The Lion. Though the band has only been together a little over five years, they’ve quickly become a fan favorite at live shows. Their latest release, this year’s “Folk Hop N’ Roll” mixes things up and takes the band closer to pop music than ever before. The guitar pop sounds of Nashville duo, The Saint Johns will open things up for the all ages show with doors at 8:00 and tickets between $14.00 and $16.00.
Children of Pop, Photo: Daniel Jackson
The hypnotic pop of San Diego duo, TV Girl will grace the stage over at Walters. These two have been making quite the name for themselves since getting together in 2024. They blend sixties beats and spacey tunes that are all over their latest, “Who Really Cares.” Children of Pop will be on hand to rock jams from their upcoming album, “What Does 69 Mean?” Out on May 6th, the group has dropped the trippy dance jam “Manic” ahead of schedule and should be on point when they play live. The psych rock of Austin’s High Church will also be on the bill to open the all ages show with doors at 8:00 and cover between $7.00 and $10.00.
Scout Bar will have the hip hop of the “Mo City Don,” Z-RO down to drop a set. The member of Screwed Up Click will be around to drop tunes from one of his many recent releases, and will hopefully play the bulk of last year’s “Melting The Crown.” The show will have Hitchcock’s K.O. on as direct support, while BandGang will go on prior. Things will get opened by Da Reallionaires. The all ages show has doors at 8:00 and tickets between $26.00 and $30.00.
Arthur Yoria, Photo: Courtesy of Artist
Continental Club will have a barn burner when the American sounds of Austin’s Altamesa perform. In town to support their latest release, “The Long Ride Home,” from this year, they sound like they’re worth checking out. Nomadic musician and currently Houston performer, Arthur Yoria will be on as direct support. Yoria is a hell of an artist that everyone needs to see sooner than later, and this year’s single “Ruff Life” is an amazing tune. Buxton and Guess Genes frontman, Sergio Trevino will be on hand to open the 21 & up show with doors at 9:00 and a $10.00 cover.
Rudyard’s will have a rocking show when Houston’s Golden Cities stop by to perform. The psych meets shoegaze band will be jamming their latest, “Pleasure Shapes.” They’ll have to play extra hard, as the tightest band in Houston, Brand New Hearts will play before them. Two part harmonies, catchy hooks, and squealing solos are all over this four piece’s last album, “Brand New Hearts” from last year. Austin’s Honey and Salt will also be on the bill, while the engaging rock of Houston’s Jealous Creatures will get things going. If you’ve never seen them before, get there early to hear tunes from last year’s “The Night Goes On For Days,” where the band mixes eighties rock and indie rock structures with ease. The 21 & up show has doors at 9:00 and an $8.00 cover.
Sunday if you were lucky enough to grab tickets, then you’ll be catching the rescheduled Melanie Martinez show in the ballroom at Warehouse Live. The show is SOLD OUT, but if you were wondering, the all ages show has doors at 6:30.
Jarren Benton, Photo: FSAS
Over in the studio at Warehouse Live, you can catch the hip hop of Georgia’s Jarren Benton. The young MC has gained quite the following, and will be here in support of his latest couple of singles, including this year’s “Anarchy (Feat. Earthgang).” There’s no word of support or openers, but that should change by show time. The all ages show has doors at 9:00 and tickets between $20.00 and $60.00.
Monday you can stop off at Raven Tower for a set from Georgia’s Mothers. The four piece blends folky overtones with atmospheric guitar to blend a whole new sound. Their latest release, this year’s “When You Walk A Long Distance You Are Tired,” is full of pop hooks and has plenty of popularity. Utah electro pop duo, Sego will be on as direct support. These guys have a new album that’s pretty damn catchy called “Once Was Lost Now Just Hanging Around,” and they’ve become known for a fun live show. The all ages show has doors at 7:00 and it’s 100% FREE for adults and $5.00 for minors.
Revention Center will have a set from the popular contemporary gospel artist, Kirk Franklin. Franklin has become known for an intense live show, and he’s here in support of his latest release, “Losing My Religion” from last year. There’s no word of openers yet, but the all ages show has doors at 7:30 and tickets between $30.00 and $50.00.
Dressy Bessy, Photo: Courtesy of Yep Roc
The ultra catchy indie pop sounds of Denver’s Dressy Bessy will be in town to perform at Walters. This is one of the best indie pop bands you can catch, kind of like a female fronted Of Montreal with Apples In Stereo structure. Their new album, “Kingsized” mixes a more guitar focused sound, but is still as catchy as their earlier releases. Houston’s Giant Kitty will perform the duties of direct support, and will play tunes from their debut release, “This Stupid Stuff.” Houston’s Slow Future will open the all ages show with doors at 8:00 and tickets between $8.00 and $10.00.
On Tuesday you can get your story ready for another edition of The Moth at Warehouse Live. This edition is all about Jokers and class clowns. The always popular show sells out fast, so make sure to get there early. The all ages show has doors at 6:30 and tickets for $10.00.
Little Green Cars, Photo: Kevin McIntosh
Walters will have a set from Ireland five piece, Little Green Cars. These guys play a blend of fuzz rock with Americana overtones, and their latest release “Ephemera” is as diverse as it is catchy. They add harmonized vocals with pop hooks to create a sound that’s closest to a softer version of Manchester Orchestra. Minnesota singer songwriter, John Mark Nelson will serve as direct support and opener for the all ages show with doors at 7:00 and tickets between $12.00 and $16.00.
One of the most intense live shows you’ll ever see will be over at Rudyard’s when the trippy psych rock of Japan’s Acid Mothers Temple performs. Like gods screaming at the sky, this band is intense and sometimes frightening. Their albums only tell half of the story, as their live show is what you need to catch. I’ve never left a show from them where I wasn’t left mesmerized and freaked out. The synthy sounds of Michigan’s Mounds will open the all ages show with doors at 8:00 and tickets between $10.00 and $13.00.
That’s about all that’s worth lending your time to this week. No matter what you do and where you go, please drink like an adult and choose the safest route home for everyone’s sake.
