I think it’s safe to say that our Summer is filling up with plenty of options of to do’s while we all attempt to beat the heat.  This last week saw plenty of  choice, while this coming week has big name artists like J. Cole pictured above rolling through town.  Here’s how you should spend your free time this week.

Wednesday you can kick things off out at Woodlands Pavilion when a band I forgot existed, Incubus performs.  In the late nineties and early 2024’s, these guys were huge; then, I actually don’t really care.  Something about radio friendly tunes that permeate the musical landscape like a virus, until it’s so crammed down our throats that we end up hating the music.  They kept  making albums and I actually had to sit through one of their shows once with my now ex-wife.  While they are talented, it’s never been my thing, though they have new tunes with “Trust fall (Side A).”  Deftones are also on the bill, and while I’m also not a fan; their FPSF performance in 2024 at least proved that they can still go hard, actually getting  me to watch the bulk of their set.  Their latest was 2024’s “Koi No Yokan,”  and they are entertaining live.  Why mention the show, because the real draw to this show starts with the insanely entertaining sounds of Death From Above 1979 who will also be there to prove how out of date the other two bands are.  Last year the duo dropped the beautiful and thick sounding “The Physical World,” and you need to see them live cause’ they’re really intense.  Another band that should blow you away, is opener The Bots. The two brothers dropped their first album when they were 15 & 12, and they breathe LA with every craed tune they craft.  Their latest was last year’s “Pink Palms” which blends early LA punk, hip hop, and everything inbetween.  The all ages show has gates at 6:15 which seems a little silly.  This is definitely one of those “go for the openers” shows.  The tickets are between $25.00 and $99.50.

Doeman                                                                                                       Photo: Too Dope

Over at House of Blues, you might want to gear up for when Houston’s Doeman brings his H-Town hip hop to life.  This guy is starting to pop off and is proving that the Screw era is long gone.  He drops high energy sets, he goes hard & stays true, and his latest album, this year’s “Stereo Types” is fire.  The all ages show doesn’t mention an opener, but that won’t likely be the case.  The doors are at 7:00 and the tickets are $19.33.

If you’d rather get your punk on, then you should be at Fitzgerald’s when punk legends Reagan Youth come to town.  The NYC punks who formed in 1980 have been dropping their blend of early hardcore meets seventies inspired punk for 35 years.  These guys influenced everyone who’s done punk since they started, and they performed with Beastie Boys and Misfits back in the day.  This isn’t the original lineup, especially due to Dave Insurgent’s suicide in 1993, but this is a show not to miss if you dig punk.  Their 1984 album, “Punk Rock New York” is one of the best punk albums ever.  Austin skate punks, Sober Daze will be there as direct support.  Blending the sounds of NOFX and early era Rancid, their 2024 album, “No Brainz No Headache” is pretty good.  Houston punk band, Commie Hilfiger will also be on the bill, while the high energy of Talk Sick Brats will open the all ages show with doors at 7:00 and tickets between $10.00 and $13.00.

Walters will be having a show that is a mishmash of acts to be closed out by Stephen of Featherface’s solo project, Birthday Club.  I have no idea what this sounds like, and there’s very little info on the band that could be great, but I have no idea.  Joining the show, Kenny from Featherface’s new project, Yay High.  The death funk dream psych of Houston’s Mojave Red will be there to drop jams, while a BLSHS DJ set will open the all ages show.  Extra details are available here with doors at 8:00 and a measly $2.00 cover.

At Midtown Bar & Grill, you can see another edition of The High Bar comedy show.  This time they’ll feature the knockdown and hilarious talent of Houston’s Victor Tran.  At such a young age, Tran is one of Houston’s better comics, with jokes that range from politics to childhood, and a rhythm like you’ve never seen from someone barely old enough to drink.  He’ll have Mycal Dede on prior as well as four funny as hell comics with Kazeem Rahman, Ashton Womack, James Frank & Ryan McGhee.  of course as always, Bob Morrissey and Nick Meriwether will host the entire show.  The 21 & up event has doors at 9:00 and a measly $5.00 cover.  

Thursday, you can start off over at House of Blues, when the country twang of The Broken Spokes will be performing.  Happening over in the crossroads room, you can catch the Houston four piece perform songs from their 2024 album, “Raw Deal,” as well as standards and new tunes as well.  Things start around  6:00, and as far as I know, it’s 100% FREE.

Kinky Friedman                                                                            Photo: Brian Kanoff

Of course everyone’s favorite Jewish cowboy, Kinky Friedman will be appearing over at Mucky Duck.  I’m not really sure what Friedman has planned other than tales of his travels, but I’d hope that some of his tunes like “We Reserve The Right To refuse Service To You,” and “They Ain’t Makin Jews Like Jesus Anymore.”  The doors are at 7:00 and tickets are between $30.00 and $33.00.

Improv will be bringing the always funny antics of John Witherspoon in for the weekend.  You would remember him from movies like “Friday,” but you might not know that he’s a very strong comic.  Making the show even better will be Houston comedy legend, Andy Huggins as the feature act.  Huggins recently dropped his debut album called, “Inspired By True Events” that feels like it’s been a long time coming.  As always, one of Houston’s better comics will serve as host  on the weekend with one show Thursday with 7:15 doors, two Friday with 7:15 doors and 9:30 doors, two Saturday with 6:15 and 8:30 doors, as well as one Sunday with 6:45 doors.  All have tickets between $22.00 to $35.00.

Over at Joke Joint Comedy Showcase, the hilarious jokes of Austin’s JR Brow will be in town.  Brow has opened for a slew of heavy hitting comics, he’s had appearances on Comedy Central and the Late Late show.  His latest album, “Dumber By The Decade” from 2024, is a good gauge of what you’re in for when he appears.  He’ll have Craig Bush as his feature act, as well as one of Houston’s better up and comers as the show’s host.  There’s one show Thursday at 8:00, and two on Friday and Saturday at 8:00 and 10:30, all with $16.00 tickets.

Big Top will host the Americana meets Tex Mex sounds of Nick Gaitan & The Umbrella Man.  There’s something magical about the way these guys mix originals and standards together to drop that Gulf Coast flava’ we’ve all grown up on.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bad performance from these guys as they sashay through Spanish and English tunes with ease, while keeping the slow songs romantic and the quicker tunes rockin’.  The 21 & up show has doors at 10:00 & it’s 100% FREE.

On Friday, you have more options than usual  starting off over at Woodlands Pavilion when the massively popular sounds of J Cole performs.  Cole has been blowing up since he dropped 2024’s “Cole World: The Sideline Story.”  Since then he’s kept things coming hard, and last year he gave the world the masterful album, “2014 Forest Hills Drive.”  Known for a high energy live set, Cole should bring fire to the outdoor venue.  He has the immensely popular jams of Detroit’s Big Sean on as direct support.  Though his 2024 album “Finally Famous” had pop, his latest release “Dark Sky Paradise” from this year has all the hits.  Climbing the charts like a young Kanye, this guy is supposed to be a force to catch live.  On prior, LA’s YG will be there to bring his latest jam, “Twist My Fingaz” to life, as well as tunes from last year’s “Blame It On The Streets.”  The different hip hop of Queens’ Bas will also be on the bill, as well as west coast rapper Cozz.  Bigger name producer Omen opens the all ages show with gates at 6:00, and tickets between $34.75 and $70.75.  This show will more than likely  sell out with this stacked lineup, FYI.

You could check out art from a ton of local talent at Catacomb HTX, for the Food Doodz show.  The food and junk based show will feature a slew of local talents like Eric Castorena, Blake Jones, Michael C. Rodriguez, Darcy Rosenberger, Shelby Hohl, and many many more.  There’s free eats and drinks while they last on the all ages show that gets going around 7:00, and is 100% FREE.

At Walter’s you can catch the Gulf Coast swag of Houston’s Deep Cuts.  These guys have been on a feverish pace of releases since dropping last year’s EP, “Love Grows.”  They dropped a holiday release, then this year they gave us the single, “While The House Fills Up.”  They always have a great live show, and this should be no different.  Austin blues rock four piece Lowin will be there as direct support.  These guys sound like a mix of the Nashville garage scene with a female singer.  NOLA three piece, Bantam Foxes will also be on hand to bring their indie rock to life.  This year they put out the single/EP “Give Us A Raise,” that sounds like they’re a fun band live.  The bluesy rock of Houston’s Fox Parlor will be there to open the all ages show with doors at 8:00 and tickets for $7.00.

House of Blues will be bringing the hilarious comedy of Jim Norton to town.  Norton has made quite the name for himself between acting, co-hosting the Opie and Anthony show, and bringing an abrasive humor  to audiences all over.  He’s here in support of his latest, an EP from this year called, “American Degenerate.”  There’s no word of an opener or host, but that will probably change.  The doors are at 7:00, the show is all ages, and tickets are $48.62.

Tera Melos                                                        Photo: Courtesy of Artist

Warehouse Live will have the prog meets mathy goodness of Tera Melos over in the studio.  So, these guys are like watching a band have a heart attack on stage with their disjointed rhythm changes and intense energy.  Aside from the fact that they made a split album once with Alvin’s By The End of Tonight, they’ve always brought their entertaining sound to town.  They’re here in support of 2024’s “X’ed Out,” which was more direct yet still just as engaging.  The always fun sounds of Houston two piece, Lisa’s Sons will be there as direct support.  Last year they put out their album, “Bummed Out,”  that’s one of the most fun sounding things you might ever hear.  Houston bass and drum duo, Mannequin Mishap will be there to bring their math rock sounds to life as openers.  Their 2024 release “Hypnic Jerk II” is insane, and better to see live.  The all ages show has doors at 8:00 and tickets between $13.00 and $17.00.

Fitzgerald’s will host the Houston formed and now Austin based psych sounds of The Human Circuit.  The band will be downstairs in support  of their latest, the trippy and eclectic sounding “Frequent Seas” from earlier in this year.  There are pop undertones to this band, that make me think they’ll be pretty entertaining to catch live.  To me they sound like a mix of Modest Mouse & Hector’s Pets.  Austin synth pop duo, Technicolor Hearts will be there as direct support.  This year they dropped their pop heavy and synthy  debut with “Now We’re Here.”  The Austin based harp duo of Seven Pedals will also be on hand, while Casinos opens the all ages show with doors at 8:00 and tickets between $6.00 and $8.00.

Beta Theater will host another hilarious edition of the Stalk Show.  The first time I met Hoja Lopez, I thought she was pretty funny; but when I heard the concept behind this show; I realized she could be a genius.  Taking the attributes of a stalker to ask creepy questions to a guest, this time comic Zahid Dewji; is brilliant.  These shows are always a little awkward in the fun way, while also hilarious.  The all ages show is BYOB, it starts at 9:00, and the cover is a measly $6.00.

Black Barbie will be celebrating their one year anniversary, on the 1 Year Show. It’s hard to believe that this little DIY venue is already one year older.  To celebrate, they’ll have a bunch of bands come by and perform.  The show, which will feature sets from The Cutters(Members of Talk Sick Brats), Street Sects, Ak’ chamel, Auto-Felatio Dreams, Millenial Grave, Funeral Parlor, and Pleather(featuring members of Cop Warmth & Stress 33) should be a whole bunch of fun.  There’s also a DJ set from Franki Franki & DJ Lazerdust.  There’s a bunch more in store with doors at 9:00 and a $5.00 cover.

Rudyard’s will host the post punk sounds of Houston’s 500 Megatons of Boogie.  These guys sound like what would happen if Lux Interior of The Cramps sang for the Melvins.  You can check out their music here before seeing them do their thing live. The indie rock of Houston’s Jealous Creatures will be on prior as direct support.  If for some strange reason you missed their rockin’ new album, “The Night Goes On For Days,” then this is your chance to pick up a physical copy & to hear the songs from it live.  The psyched out sounds of Houston’s Silver Blueberry will be there to open things up.  Like a mix of seventies Brit punk and eighties new wave, these guys are worth checking out.  The21 & up show has doors at 9:00 and tickets for $8.00.

You could find yourself wanting to know,who’s gonna’ win the $3,000.00 that Beta Theater is giving away at this year’s Beta Bracket Comedy Competition at MKT Bar.  This week Brian Zeolla will host as another group of comics battle it out in an attempt to win the largest amount of money ever given away in a comedy contest in Texas.  Of course, there’s FREE parking in the garage, it’s audience vote so you could decide someone’s fate, and the all ages event that gets started at 10:00 is 100% FREE.

Boondocks will have another edition of Blackout, this time featuring the intense sounds of Ape Drums.  So, if you’ve never seen this guy before, you’re missing out.  He goes off, he goes hard, and he’s getting bigger by the minute outside of Houston.  He’ll have the residents of the Blackout crew on prior with sets from Hyro, Act Badd, and Leckie; and it should make for a dope evening.  The 21 & up show has doors at 10:00 that’s FREE with RSVP before 11:00, and $3.00 after.

The Suffers                                                                                      Photo: Daniel Jackson

Saturday, over at House of Blues, the ever popular Gulf Coast soul revue swag of The Suffers will be back in town.  It’s not hard to believe that everyone’s favorite band has performed on a ton of festivals, performed on Letterman, and is gaining traction so fast across the country.  The amount of energy this group puts into one liveshow is more than that of about ten, and their latest EP, “Make Some Room” is just a prelude of what’s to come from them.  The high powered and old school dancehall ska of Austin’s The Bandulus will be there as direct support.  Their most recent release, “The Times We Had,” from 2024 is insanely good, even if you don’t like ska.  The intense energy and ever popular sounds of Houston’s Gio Chamba will hit the stage prior, and make it hard for everyone else to follow him.  Though his latest EP is available through this show, his songs on a recording are only a part of the magic to this guy’s digital cumbia universe.  Houston’s Guilla will open the all ages show as only he can.  Guilla gave Houston the “Rap, Trap, & Drums” EP last year, and has been delighting fans since with his high energy performances.  The doors are at 7:00 and the show is SOLD OUT.

Of course, since that one is sold out, you could head over to Fitzgerald’s to catch a bunch of your favorite local bands drop coversets for Gender Infinity.  Pegstar hopes to raise $10,000.00 or more for the cause, and will utilize both the upstairs and downstairs of the venue to do so.  The show will feature Another Run as Foo Fighters, Get A Life as David Bazan/Pedro The Lion, King Finn as Daft Punk, thelastplaceyoulook as Taylor Swift, The Wheel Workers as REM; and many many more.  The all ages affair has doors at 7:00 and a $10.00 cover, with more details here.

Wyatt Cenac                                                                                  Photo: Bryan Bedder

Warehouse Live was supposed to have the hilarious comedy of The Daily Show’s Wyatt Cenac, after rescheduling from an earlier date.  However, the show has again been cancelled by Cenac alongside the rest of his Southern dates.  Since he can’t seem to catch a break at the NYC airports, I suggest looking at his pic above while listening to his Netflix special, “Brooklyn,”and dream of a day where he isn’t hampered by air travel. 

If comedy isn’t your  deal, then you could make it over to the greenroom at Warehouse Live, for an intimate acoustic show from Houston black metal band, Oceans of Slumber.  Earlier this year, the five piece dropped a five song EP called “Blue” that really showcases their talent, while seeing them acoustically should only magnify it.  Opening things up will be the prog rock of Houston’s Anova Skyway.  The all ages show has doors at 8:00 and tickets for $15.00.

Rudyard’s will be hosting the hard edged rock of Houston three piece, Project Grimm.  These guys have been around right at 20 years, and as I recall, they go hard when they perform.  To my knowledge, their last record was 2024’s “Huge Beings.”  They’ll have one of Houston’s tightest bands on prior, when Brand New Hearts performs.  It’s not hard to believe that these guys are as tight as they are when you consider the time each has in the music industry.  But, time in doesn’t mean that they’re stale, and their recently dropped album, “Brand New Hearts” is a tour de force.  Complete with squealing guitars, solos, and all that makes your heart beat faster when a band brings half stacks to play live, it’s one of my favorite releases so far this year.  Opening things up, will be the alt indie rock of Houston’s My Twilight Pilot.  The five piece crafts songs that are as beautiful as something from Owen, yet as melodic as something from REM.  The 21 & up show has doors at 9:00 and an $8.00 cover.

Kicking off Sunday, you could head to The Summit for a fundraiser for the venue called Paradise Lost At Sea.  Hopefully they’ll hire someone to organize their stuff better, as it feels like I only hear about half of their shows  two days prior.   The all day affair will host a slew of Houston talent like Get A Life, FLCON FCKER, Children of Pop, Biz Vicious, Matsu Mixu, and a whole bunch more.  As far as I know it’s an all ages show that includes a DJ set from Here Come The Girls, and the cover is TBA…hence, suggesting an organizer.

Screaming Females                                                                  Photo: Jacqueline Bonn

Later on, Fitzgerald’s will have New Jersey three piece, Screaming Females in town.  Their bio calls them punk, but at almost a decade I’d say they’re closer to a more melodic Dinosaur JR with a crazier lead guitarist.  Their latest, this year’s “Rose Mountain” is pretty stellar, and if you missed them when they were here earlier in the year, then I suggest attending this show.  Ohio’s Vacation will go on prior, and bring their high energy to things.  Get there early for this four piece, as their latest release, “Non-Person” is punk, and it’s great.  Like if Red Aunts and Ramones had a baby good.  Houston’s Since Always will be there to win over new fans with their shoegaze meets first wave emo sound.  Their debut, “Consequences” is still my jam, and they pull it off effortlessly live.  The all ages show has doors at 7:00 and tickets between $11.00 and $15.00.

Austin’s Alpha Rev will be performing an acoustic set over in the studio at Warehouse Live.  The alt rock seven piece will be bringing fan favorites to life, with newer tunes including their recently released single, “Names.”  Arizona based six piece folk act, Jared & The Mill will be there as support.  These guys are pretty magical, and their latest, “Life We Chose” is really impressive.  Magnolia’s Americana meets country twang of Folk Family Revival will open  things up.  They dropped a new album this year with, “Water Walker” that  proves  that Texas can do folk music better.  The all ages show has doors at 7:00 and tickets are between $13.00 & $15.00.

Dosey Doe Big Barn will be bringing in the country twang of Shooter Jennings backed by the infamous Waymore’s Outlaws.  Shooter has always done his own thing, and 2024’s “The Other Life” cemented that.  I’ve seen him before and he’s pretty damn great.  The doors are at 5:00 for dinner served until 6:30, while Jennings goes on at 7:30.  Tickets include dinner between $68.00 & $108.00.

Tuesday, you can drop acid and go to the Woodlands Pavilion to see Yes.  The band that pretty much put Roger Dean on the map while defining progressive rock will be here to play their hits.  I say that because that’s what they’ve been doing lately.  “I’ve Seen All Good People,” “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” and “Roundabout” will all be played, while someone’s parents explain why this music is important to someone’s kids.  Joining them will be hit makers Toto.  They have a new album, but no one cares.  I’m sure they’ll drop hits like “Hold The Line,” “Africa,” and “Rosanna.”  Scientifically speaking, this could be your last chance to  see either act live.  The gates are at 6:30 and tickets are between $39.50 and $79.50.

At Mucky Duck, you could go catch the gorgeous voice of Spring’s Bettysoo.  Her latest album, last year’s “When We’re Gone” is pretty amazing, and she’s supposed to be ten times better live.  The singer songwriter tunes of Curtis McMurtry will also be on the bill.  McMurtry is pretty strong for being so young, and last year’s “Respectable Enemy” proves it.  The double billed show has doors at 7:30, and cover between $20.00 & $22.00.

That’s about it this week, yet still quite strong.  No matter what you do or where you go, please do so in the most responsible way possible.

As if SXSW wasn’t enough for all the folks that that either visited Austin or reside there, the city is also hosting a pretty fantastic comedy festival! This is Moontower’s 2nd Annual Festival and it is proving to be an even bigger spectacle than their inaugural event. Last year, the fest brought you  Steven Wright, Aziz Ansari, Johnathan the Magician, just to name a few.Well, this  year comedy-lovers will get the opportunity to catch the likes of Dana Carvey, Bill Burr, Jim Gaffigan, Chelsea Peretti, Bill Hader, and a ton more. The festival will take place within 11 venues throughout the city including The Velveeta Room, The Paramount, Cap City Comedy Club.  Similar to the setup at SXSW,  the Moontower Comedy Festival also offers badges as well as the opportunity to purchase single event tickets at a reasonable cost. The Moontower Comedy Festival will take place from April 24 – 27, 2024. To learn more, visit their website here.