Last week was full of surprises, and this week is not much different.  For the first time in a long time, we’ll have to sit back and wait for the next show at Fitzgerald’s, while we make other venues our homes.  There’s plenty of talent rolling through Houston like Earl Sweatshirt pictured above, while our locals play on many of the same nights.  Here’s where you should be hanging this week.

On Wednesday you can kick things off over at MKT Bar, when Second Lovers bassist Sean Spiller drops a DJ set.  This could be a crazy performance, as bassists usually feel unnoticed in their bands.  All kidding aside, Sean’s a good guy and it’s always intriguing to hear someone’s record collection.  It’s an all ages affair that starts at 7:00 and is 100% FREE.

Hank & Cupcakes, Photo: Storey Condo

Walter’s & Houligan Collective will be throwing another $2.00 show, when they bring Brooklyn’s Hank & Cupcakes to town.  The electro pop duo doesn’t use synthesizers, but their infectious sound is definitely catching fire from all over the world.  Their latest album, last year’s “Cash For Gold” is pretty damn good.  Houston indie synth pop trio, Camera Cult will be direct support on the show, while darkwave electronica duo Matsu Mixu will go on prior.  Ex Carnival Talk vocalist Molly Gavin will drop her new project, A Girl Named Tiger as opener on the all ages show with doors at 8:00.  The show has $2.00 Boombox Tacos, $2.00 Lonestar, and a $2.00 cover.

If metalcore is more your style, then you could head to Rudyard’s for NYC’s Mutoid Man.  The three piece is here in support of their recently released album, “Bleeder.”  Toronto’s Indian Handcrafts is there as well, and will bring the sludge rock from their sounds to life.  Like a mix of Big Business & QOTSA, you might want to get there early to see these two.  The 21 & up show has doors at 8:00 and tickets between $10.00 and $12.00.

At Numbers they’ll celebrate DJ Damon Allen’s birthday with a show that should make people get down.  Austin’s Mr Kitty will be on hand to make people dance with his electro pop synth sounds, while Houston’s Josiah Gabriel and DJ Selfy drop jams prior.  DJ 2Felz will open things up with doors at 10:00, a $5.00 cover for under 21, and it’s 100% FREE for 21 & up.

Thursday it would be best to start off over at BBVA Compass Stadium, if you’re an Ed Sheeran fan.  The massively popular English artist will be here in support of last year’s “X,” and should make for a fun show.  Irish performer Jamie Lawson will open things up.  The venue is offering a special ticket called back to school, making tickets $20.00 to $69.50. The gates are at 7:00.

The Nightingale Room will host the hip hop meets R&B flow of Lyric Michelle.  So, I say that because she can rhyme hard while also holding down singing with a pretty amazing set of pipes.  Her latest, a collab with Fat Tony called, “Directions” is pretty dope.  She’ll have the electro pop from duo, Promenade on prior.  The way in which these two featuring John from New York City Queens, drop pop fueled tunes is mesmerizing, and their debut EP; “Promenade” is as pretty as it is fun.  The pop soul vocals of Ashley Toman will open the 21 & up show, and she’s definitely worth getting there early for.  She’s been on my radar for some time now, and I can tell you that she has a great sound. The doors are at 7:00 and it’s 100% FREE.

Improv will have a special evening with Houston comedy four piece, The Whiskey Brothers.  Between the four of these guys, there should be enough laughs to keep anyone who attends, in stitches for a long time to come.  These guys have a successful podcast, they just taped a comedy special, and each one by themselves, John Wessling, Rob Mungle, Sam Demaris, and Slade Ham can pack a room.  This show will either sell out or get close, so I’d suggest grabbing pre-sale tickets.  The doors are at 7:15 and the tickets are $12.00, and the Jack Daniels sponsored show will have some sort of sampling for the adults in attendance.

Adam Bricks, Photo: Courtesy of Artist

The folk rock of Grisbee will be on full display over at Walter’s, when the band releases their full length album.  You should check out their “Demos” from last year to get a feel for their sound that seems to be seriously underrated.  Speaking of underrated, the soulful and powerful sounds of Houston’s Moji will be there to blow minds prior.  I hear a lot about some bands more than others, but I feel like if you don’t like this trio, then you don’t like good music.  Their “Desert Son” EP is a tour de force that’s worth more than a casual listen.  Singer/songwriter Adam Bricks will be on hand to open things up with a full band in tow.  Bricks is finishing up his follow up to his last release, “City Songs,” but you can hear his beautiful “Demos” while we all wait for the album release.  This guy has such an amazing voice, you’re foolish to miss him perform.  The all ages show has doors at 7:00 and tickets between $8.00 and $10.00.

Friday you should start things off over at House of Blues for the suburban Houston hip hop of Travi$ Scott.  Tied to Kanye West, Scott’s heavily auto-tuned vocals and hit making production make him a must  see act while you can still catch him.  This guy is poppin’ off and should be bigger than most in our scene.  His recently released single, “3500” features 2 Chainz &  Future and is off the hook.  There’s no word of an opener, but that will more than likely change.  The all ages show has doors at 7:00 and tickets between $35.00  and $40.00.

If you’d rather travel back in hip hop time, then you could head to Arena Theatre for the hip hop of Master P.  The No Limit label boss was the bomb about 10 years ago, and he’s making a comeback with a new album later this year.  Known for the hit jam, “Make Em’ Say Ugh,” P Miller is and always has been a great performer.  For the ladies, the R&B of H-Town will open things up, and will more than likely close out with their nineties hit, “Knockin’ Da’ Boots.”  The all ages show has doors at 7:30 and tickets between $10.50 and $29.50.

Of Montreal, Photo: Cortney Armitage

Walter’s will be bringing back the magic and popular sounds of Of Montreal.  So, I’ve seen these guys no less than five times, and that last time they were here at Walter’s was the best time I’ve seen them.  The DIY production had costume changes and visuals that made them feel fresher than they did in the past.  They’re always great live, and their latest album, “Aureate Gloom” is stripped down and still fresh.  They’ll have the guitar heavy and trippy sounds of Florida’s Surface To Air Missive on as direct support.  Two years ago, they dropped the album, “Surface To Air Missive,” that feels like doing acid and having a lucid dream at the same time.  The last time, Of Montreal sold out Walter’s, so you might want to go the presale route.  Tickets are between $17.00 and $20.00, with doors at 8:00 on the all ages show.  

Warehouse Live will be bringing the Southern rock meets seventies swamp jam sounds of Canada’s The Sheepdogs to town.  These guys sound like they time warped out of a Doobie Brothers recording session, and their latest single, “Same Old Feeling” is pretty damn amazing.  The five piece should be pretty awesome to see live as well.  The throwback seventies guitar heavy blues based sounds of Spring’s Vanilla Whale will be on hand to open things up.  This four piece blows me away with their very well crafted and garagey seventies sound, and their 2024 release, “Greatest Hits” is really grand.  The all ages show in the studio has doors at 8:00 and tickets for $15.00.

Continental Club will host the twelve piece MoTown revival of Austin’s The Nightowls.  I say MoTown, but it’s more of a soul revival mixed with big band instrumentation.  They’re a little white, but still grabbing all sorts of praise.  Their latest album, “Good As Gold” from 2024 is pretty good.  The 21 & up show has doors at 9:00 and tickets for $12.00.

If you’d rather make a comic’s day, you could head to MKT Bar for the Beta Bracket Comedy Contest from Beta Theater.  In week four of twelve, the contest has already had some casualties fall off where Houston comics are all attempting to win $3,000.00.  This week the host will be the one man party/laugh generator, Gabe Bravo, and the all ages show is a great way to support all things local.  It all starts at 10:00, and it’s audience vote, meaning you could help make someone’s life better by voting for them.  As always, it’s 100% FREE with free parking in the attached garage.

Over at Union Tavern you can get your electronica on, when the duo electro pop of Houston’s The Radio Broadcast performs.  The synthy pop sounds of these two are enough to make you dance, and their sound is pretty infectious.  Going on  prior, will be the latest addition to the Wonky Power Records family, Rex Hudson.  Rex mixes ambient sounds with heavy instrumentation in a style like you probably haven’t heard before.  Rumor has it that his debut EP will drop before the end of the year, and he’s definitely an artist to keep an eye on.  The techno meets electro pop of Just Boring Zombies will open the 21 & up show with doors at 10:00 and a 100% FREE cover.

On Saturday, you can kick the day off at the parking lot party also known as, First Saturdays Montrose over at Royal Oak.  The daytime affair will feature plenty of vendors selling their wares alongside plenty of rad bites.  There’s also live music from Austin Smith’s one man band, JERK; that I feel like everyone needs to see live to appreciate.  It’s electronic, it’s guitar, it’s trippy vocals and more all rolled into one.  The drone rock of Houston’s United Waves will also be on hand to add their indie goodness, as well as a Children of Pop DJ set, and a Promenade DJ set.  There’s a charity dunk booth and so much more  on the all ages event starting at noon and running until 6:00 pm.

Later on, your mom might want to catch the eighties hair metal of LA’s Motley Crue one last time at Toyota Center.  So, I’m not gonna’ sell this show.  They really only made one great album with their debut, “Too Fast For Love,” and I’m sure they’ll play more of their mediocre stuff that followed anyway.  But, they’re saying this will be their final tour, so you should go if you’ve always wanted to catch them.  Ugh, can you imagine all of the terrible solo projects that could stem from this?  Like worse than that One Direction kid’s pending solo career.  Anyway, the always entertaining sounds of Alice Cooper will go on prior.  Seriously, just go to see Cooper because his live show is pretty intense with less hairspray involved.  The all ages show has doors at 6:00 and tickets between $20.00 and $125.00.

Motorhead, Photo: Courtesy of Artist

House of Blues was bringing one of the most entertaining pioneers of metal/hard rock ever to town, when Motorhead was set to perform.  Lemmy is such a badass that I shouldn’t have to tell you why you should see these guys live, but he’s also in a bad way health wise; which is why he had to cancel.  While we all hope that he gets better and can perform again, you can still catch the seventies British heavy metal of Saxon.  These guys have a ton of hits, and their most recent release, “Battering Ram” from this year is pretty solid.  The all ages show has doors at 7:00 and tickets for $27.58.

Philly’s eclectic and always entertaining Man Man will be over in the studio at Warehouse Live.  Seriously, these guys put on a great live show, and 2024’s “On Oni Pond” is a pretty amazing record.  Their indie rock pop goodness permeates any room they bring their high energy to.  The unsung greatness of Shilpa Ray will go on prior, and should blow everyone away with her intense vocals.  Her sultry voice is all over  her  2015 album, “Last Year’s Savage,” and she’s an artist you should see live to appreciate.  The all ages show has doors at 8:00 and tickets between $14.00 and $16.00.

At House of Creeps, you  could catch another edition of the Terraform shows.  This edition, headlined by the always popular dance sounds of Goombotic should be a fun one.  Houston’s future bass artist, Josiah Gabriel will go on prior, while the chilled out jams of Austin’s Froggle will be on beforehand.  Houston’s XLO will also be on the bill, and things will get opened up from Austin’s Layer.  The show with FLCON FCKER visuals has doors at 8:00 and a $5.00 cover.

Fox Hollow will have the Peligrosa/Bombon album release party happening.  Austin’s Peligrosa and Houston’s Bombon together on one album sounds great, but together live it should be  something to definitely see.  The album, “Bombon X Peligrosa” features the DJs from both crews, and the show will do the same.  There’s complimentary Topo Chico & Remy while supplies last, as well as BoomBox Taco on hand and more.  The show is FREE with RSVP, or $5.00 day of, with doors at 9:00.

Out at Joke Joint Comedy Showcase, the incredibly hilarious Bryson Brown will headline his “Talkin’ Shit After Dark,” show.  Bryson could be one of the funniest guys you’ll see pick up a mic, and he’s so powerful that he had to leave Austin after blowing all of that city’s comics off the stage.  The show also features Ben Jackson, the hilarious Netra Babin, Mahdee Harris, and Kris Atkins.  The always funny and entertaining Blue Da Comic will host the 18 & up show with doors at 10:00 and a TBA cover.

You can get your rock on, when Houston four piece Brand New Hearts headline their album release party over at Rudyard’s.  The album, “Brand New Hearts” is one of my favorites from this year, where the band brings back the dual guitar and solos that have been vacant from rock music for so very long.  These guys are one of the tightest bands you’ll see take a stage, and their tone and energy level is top notch.  The indie rock of Houston’s A Sundae Drive will go on prior.  This band put out one of my favorite albums last year with “The Senseless & the Sound.”  The fuzzy rock of College Station’s The Ex-Optimists will be on hand to open things up with doors at 10:00 and an $5.00 cover on the 21 & up show.

Andy Huggins, Photo: Magee Miller

Sunday you can start off at Joke Joint Comedy Showcase, the man, the myth, the Houston comedy legend; Andy Huggins will be performing.  For those not in the know, September 6, 2024 is Andy Huggins day, and I can’t think of anyone else who deserves it more.  Andy was one of the original Texas Outlaw Comics, he can kill in any room he performs in, and his album, “Inspired By True Events,” is a laugh riot.  Huggins is set to headline while a slew of local comics will go on prior.  The evening is hosted by The Whiskey Brothers’ own Rob Mungle, and it’s a great way to support a man who’s helped and inspired pretty much every comic in Houston who has come after him.   The show is 18 & up and the doors are at 7:00.

The Vanguard on Harrisburg for the hip hop of The Aspiring Me’s album release.  Somewhere on the bill will be Houston’s Mark Drew. Drew hasn’t played much since he  dropped his full length last year, “Sleepwalking Through Reality,”  due to the fact that he’s been producing so much.  If you’re sad that you missed him with Guilla at House of Blues, then this is your chance to catch him live.  Because they are like, 3 lineups listed on the web, I don’t know the actual show order. Lyric Michelle will also be on hand, Lita Styles will be there as well, while things are opened by Flyger Woods. There’s also a DJ set from Josiah Gabriel.  The doors are at 8:00 with a $10.00 cover.

House of Blues was supposed to host the insanely popular hip hop of Fat Joe, but the show has since been canceled.  

Monday you can make it over to Walter’s to catch the melodic country rock of San Diego’s The Donkeys.  The four piece is like CSNY meets Pavement, and their latest album, “Ride The Black Wave” from last year is pretty beautiful.  The always energetic and crazed garage rock of Houston’s Mikey and The Drags will be there as direct support.  These guys have grown a ton since 2024’s “On The Loose!” and their new album will drop this fall.  The jammed out pop core of the Chase DeMaster offshoot, Get A Life will be on the bill as well.  Straight up, these guys could easily get big, and their stuff is pretty damn strong.  DJ EELANDC will open the all ages show with doors at 8:00 and tickets between $7.00 and $10.00.

Passion Pit, Photo: Joe Papeo

On Tuesday, you have to decide between two great shows starting with Passion Pit at House of Blues.  The Boston based one man production has some serious heat in the music world, and tracks like “Take A Walk,” and “Sleepyhead” are all the rage.  The latest album from him, this year’s “Kindred” is already gaining plenty of steam.  Full of energy and crazy production, this should be a really great show.  There’s no word of an opener, but that may change.  The all ages show has doors at 7:00 and tickets between $46.37 and $57.45.

If you’re like me though, you’re super excited about Earl Sweatshirt over at Warehouse Live.  The rescheduled show should be a real doozy, as one of the few of my favorite non-Houston rappers is known for a dope live show.  His 2024 album “Doris” was one of my favorites from that year, and his latest, “I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside,” is pretty strong as well.  Queens’ rapper Remy Banks will be there as direct support, while LA’s NxWorries will open things up.  This is a tight billing and will more than likely sell out.  The doors are at 8:00, it’s all ages, and the tickets are $25.00.

That’s about it that’s worth checking out around town.  Please remember that it’s a holiday weekend, and that there will be more idiocy than usual.  No matter what you decide to do, please drink like an adult, and do things in the safest way possible.

I wish I could tell you everything I know about the live music world, but that’s a story for another time.  What I can tell you that the cost of operating a live music venue is nothing short of painful.  The costs associated with the task are immense, aside from utilities and general operations costs.  For anyone who thinks they’re going to become wealthy overnight from opening a live music spot, I feel it should be noted that there’s really no way in hell that’s going to happen.  Essentially, a music venue is a bar with twenty extra costs added to the already crowded market of bars and eateries.  Our city has a crazy past when it comes to live music venues, where I’m sure most of us can tell a mean spirited tale about one venue or the other without hesitation.  However, I don’t think any one of us can say something bad about Walter’s.  When the venue was on Washington, it nurtured a revival in our city’s music history, all at the helm of its fearless leader, Pam Robinson.  When the venue moved over by University of Houston’s downtown campus, I saw it as a rebirth and another brilliant move from Pam who was always years ahead of everyone else.  Sadly, when Pam passed recently, we all thought that the Walter’s we all knew would go with her.  But, how dumb we would all feel when we forgot that the values of paying bands correctly and cheap drinks were at the heart of everything Pam stood for, and that she would have passed all of those values on to her son, Zack.  Now, there’s a chance that Walters could truly go away with a massive bill and an untimely window in which it’s to be paid; unless we all step up and help keep the venue around.

The Walter’s that now stands on Naylor is probably my favorite spot to see music in this town.  Sure, the parking is a bitch, but where else could you see a show like Sir Richard Bishop of Sun City Girls; or a super intimate night with Of Montreal?  For as long as I can remember, there’s always been corporate sharks in the live music world, and then the local businesses that actually nurture live music.  I’m not going to tell you what the venue charges for a “rental,” but I will tell you that it’s insanely inexpensive.  Like, what a waiter makes on a slow Tuesday night shift kind of pricing.  No matter where you go see live music, you should know that without a room like Walter’s; your options for great shows diminish quickly.  To my knowledge, the venue is the only 500 capacity sized room in town.  Couple that with the fact that it’s independently owned and operated, that they have the best sound guy in Houston with Terry Nunn, and what you have is a home for many bands who wouldn’t have one.  And, I mean it when I say that it’s like a home.  I’ve never been treated poorly by anyone there, I’ve never heard someone complain about the price of a drink there, I’ve never witnessed a band get treated like anything other than royalty there….so to me, securing that the venue will be here tomorrow is like saving a family member’s home.  The kind and open way in which Walter’s operates is what we should all aspire to be like in this world.  To be those who welcome everyone and don’t put price or importance before the goal at hand; being a home and a friend to everyone we encounter.  And, that’s what Walter’s is for Houston, the Houston music scene, and Houstonians alike.
That massive bill, can get paid.  We, as Houstonians will pay it.  You can help pay that bill, and keep the legacy Pam started when she opened Walter’s on Washington alive.  You can help save live music and keep it in the hands of those who have always nurtured it.  The best way to help is to donate to the venue’s indiegogo campaign, found here.  Give what you can, and help keep this much needed venue around.  This bill has to be paid on or before April 30th, so let’s show everyone how “next level” we are as a city by helping it to be paid in full early.  The Houston music scene would look a lot different if Walter’s wasn’t a part of it, and hopefully you’ll help insure that it’ll be around to give bands a place to play on tour, to give local acts a spot for their first show; and to keep everything that’s good about live music going for years to come.

This week, we’re seeing the after effects of the nearby happenings of SXSW.  Last week this all began on the downlow, but this week it’s crammed full of artists in the spillover.  Acts like Of Montreal pictured above will fill our city for the next seven days.  Here’s how to make the most of this coming week.

Wednesday, Walters will have the fun and free spirited antics of Of Montreal on hand.  So, I think it’s fair to say that you’re already a fan of a good portion of this band’s material.  Songs like “Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games,” “Gronlandic Edit,” and even last year’s “Jigsaw Puzzle” are just a few of the songs most fans have been known to love.  This time, the Georgia band, lead by longtime member Kevin Barnes is back in support of the recently released, “Aureate Gloom.”  A little more of a stripped down sound, the band has more of a funky psych vibe this go around; but that just means less costume changes.  San Francisco’s Deerhoof will also be there as direct support with their distinctive sound.  Sometimes sugary and poppy tunes that intertwine with melodic experimentation work, and this band easily proves that.  Their last album, last year’s “La Isla Bonita” is a great example of that.  They’ll have to really bring their “A game” as former Monotonix member, Yonatan Gat will be there to open the show.  I think it’s best to describe this guy’s sound by saying that he sounds like he’s performing outside of a gypsy camp through one of Jon Spencer’s blown amplifiers.  His album, 2024’s “Iberian Passage” has not only been hailed by critics as amazing; but it’s a chaotic guitar driven jam after another that’s as inspiring as it is awesome.  The show is all ages, the doors are at 8:00, and this one is SOLD OUT!

If hip hop is more your style, then Warehouse Live will host hip hop duo PRhyme.  The collaboration between Royce da 5’9” and DJ Premier is kind of a match made in rap heaven.  They’ve been blowing up since dropping last year’s “PRhyme;” and they’ve just released the same album under the moniker of “PRhyme Instrumentals,” without the vocals.  DJ Premier himself will be there to open the show.  Premier has worked with DR Dre, RZA, and more, and his style is one that emanated the bulk of nineties hip hop.  It doesn’t hurt, that he attended Prairie View A&M right up the road from Houston.  The show is all ages, the doors are at 8:00, and tickets are between $20.00 and $25.00.

Rudyard’s will be having some melodic punk from The Sharp Lads of Brooklyn.  The four piece will be bringing their fast and hook fueled sound to town in support of last year’s “Death By Misadventure.”  The punk/ska of Refinery Coast will be there as well, with the horror rock of Houston three piece Haksaw Man opening things up.  The 21 & up show has doors at 9:00 and a $5.00 cover.

Thursday you can get things started over at The Nightingale Room when Houston’s Fat Tony drops by for what will more than likely be an electrifying set.  You know, the beauty of Fat Tony’s style of hip hop, is that his Houston roots are strong, but he doesn’t have that older Houston sound.  Pretty much everything he releases, sounds like it came from somewhere else, which is probably why he’s such a great rapper.  If you’ve never seen him perform, then you’re doing Houston hip hop wrong; as he’s a performer from start to finish, and he props up the city everytime he takes the mic.  He’ll have the soulful electronic sounds of Houston’s Josian Gabriel on the bill with him.  I think most people in the know, would tell you that Noah could easily be the biggest thing out of Houston in a long time; and sooner than later he will drop his latest full length masterpiece for all of us to be in awe of.  This will all get started with a set and more than likely, visuals from Houston’s elusive FLCON FCKER.  Part of the Red Bull Music academy, this guy has been doing things his own way from the start, and his sets are the kind that feel like you just heard something next level.  The show has doors at 7:30, and the tickets are between $5.00 and $10.00, or $50.00 for a four person booth.

Walters will have one of the best guitarists in the business that you’ve possibly never heard of, when Steve Gunn stops by.  Gunn has done work with acts like GHQ, as well as a guitarist in Kurt Vile’s band The Violators.  Gunn might be one of the most diverse guys to pick up the six stringed instrument, and his style ranges all over.  His latest solo work, is last year’s “Way Out Weather” that finds the artist experimenting with jammed out tunes that almost feel like Southern blues mixed with Eastern overtones.  Chicago’s Ryley Walker will also be there to drop his singer/songwriter vibes.  Walker is a fingerstyle player, which is to say that he could come off as the Hendrix of an acoustic.  Last year’s “All Kinds of You” reminded me of what would happen if George Harrison had gone a less structured route, post-Beatles.  Houston’s The Guice Orchestra will open the show.  Before you think, I’ll skip the opener; just know that this is a drone act with members from several notable Houston acts.  The kick here is that they only play in G tuning.  The all ages show will have doors at 8:00 and tickets between $8.00 and $10.00.

Over at Improv, a one night only performance from Dallas’ Paul Varghese.  Varghese is a pretty funny guy, and his humor covers everything from being Indian, to everyday life in a funny manner.  He’s won first place in NBC’s Stand Up For Diversity, he’s performed all over, and he’s been on big shows like the Montreal Comedy Festival.  His 2024 album, “Paul & Oates” is one of the funniest comedy album you can hear.  As per all of these shows, two of Houston’s better comics will perform the duties of host and feature act.  There’s just one show at 8:00 and the tickets are $17.00.

Alley Kat will have a show to get your feet moving, when Gracie Chavez drops by to DJ on the Bootleg Thursdays show.  I feel like if you haven’t seen her perform, you might be doing yourself a huge disservice, as she drops R&B, House, and future sounds with ease.  The Waxaholics, DJ Big Reeks, & DJ Good Grief will all be there as well in the backroom.  The show is 21 & up, things get going around 8:00, and it’s 100% FREE.

Eastdown Warehouse will have a pretty cool show, when MUHAMMADALi returns.  I would guess that you’ve caught these guys drop their energetic and punk tunes before; but if you haven’t then this is a good time to start.  They released a self titled album in 2024 that was pretty damn great.  Portland’s Ape Machine will also be on hand, to drop their stoner rock tunes.  Their 2024 album, “Mangled By The Machine” is a good way to figure what you’ll be in for, as they’re known to be beastly live.  San Diego’s Ghetto Blaster will also be there, and will bring their blend of math rock and punk.  Houston’s Sunrise and Ammunition will also be on the bill, and will more than likely blow minds with their proggy and math rock sounds.  Magnolia’s Carter will be there to give everyone some pop punk when they open the show.  The doors are at 6:00, I think it’s all ages, and the cover is $5.00.

Joke Joint Comedy Showcase will have a funny weekend, when the first of several show with likeable and drop dead funny comic Ray Harrington.  Harrington has been wowing audiences from LA to London with his infectious and irreverent material.  His 2024 album, “The Worst is Over” is a laugh a minute release, and he should be just as great live.  One of Houston’s better comics will serve as feature for the show, while Houston’s up and coming comic Zahid Dewji will serve as host.  Zahid has shown more improvement as a comic in the past six months than pretty much anyone else in town, and his brand of comedy is self deprecating and down right hilarious.  The Thursday show has doors at 8:00, while there’s two shows Friday and two on Saturday; both with doors at either 8:00 or 10:00.  All of these carry a $16.00 cover and are worth making it out for.

Friday, you can start things over at MKT Bar, when DNCSxWLVS drops a DJ set.  If you haven’t heard this guy yet, then his Soundcloud should give you an idea of the kind of tunes he’s capable of utilizing.  Part of the Prints NotPrince crew, I’ve seen this guy DJ a private party where he mixed Eddie Murphy’s “Party All The Time” in with ease, on a set other producers ended up calling, “Casual Heat.”  This is an all ages affair that starts at 6:00, and runs until 9:00, and is 100% FREE.

Stevie Wonder                                                                                         Photo: Michael Kovac

I think I know that most of you will be at Toyota Center for the magic that is a Stevie Wonder performance.  Stevie is seriously one of the most amazing performers I’ve ever had the pleasure to see live.  He’s here to perform the entirety off of his landmark double album, “Songs In The Key of Life.”  That’s the universe’s way of telling you not to miss it with hits like, “Sir Duke,” “Knocks Me Off My Feet,” and “Isn’t She Lovely;” you’re foolish to miss this one.  The doors are at 8:00, and the tickets are between $39.50 and $149.50.

So, if you know me, then I’m sure you’ve heard me talk about Wonky Power Records, Wonky Power Live Sessions, or anything this duo is up to.  They’ll be hosting a show with a multitude of great acts headlined by Houston’s “Best Latin act” La Sien.  The Spanish pop rock act has the ability to evoke laughter and emotional solace on their electrifying live sets, and their album, “La Sien” is pretty amazing.  They’ll be joined by one of Houston’s best pop rock bands going, Catch Fever.  Not only has this three piece been making all of the right moves to succeed, but songs on local radio and a slot on this year’s Free Press Summer Fest have them cemented as one of our city’s better up and coming acts.  Their 2024 album “Shiny Eyes” will soon get followed up by a new EP produced by TheLastPlaceYouLook’s Justin Nava.  This will have one of our city’s best performers, Gio Chamba on prior dropping a DJ set.  The thing about Gio is, that even a DJ set is like watching Carlos Santana in an LSD induced freak out.  His birthday party show last week was easily the best performance I’ve seen in a long time; and you’re an idiot if you miss him here or at Free Press Summer Fest this year.  The three piece space psych sounds of Space Villains will be there to open the show as only they can.  In December the Houston natives dropped “Asterism” that channels Hendrix, Clapton, and Brian Jonestown Massacre while still sounding inventive and fresh.  All of this takes place at the Wonky Power Live facility at 7:00, it’s all ages, and the tickets are a measly $10.00.

Notsuoh will have a fun night when they have San Francisco’s Couches in town.  Couches have a fun party like sound that’s mixed with a hint of garage pop, and little bits of alt grunge as well.  Their 2024 EP, “Slackin’ Since The 80’s” is as fun as it sounds.  The alt indie pop of London’s H. Grimace will also be on hand.  These guys kind of have that sound that’s like if those dreamy guitars off of Cocteau Twins albums performed second wave emo.  Last year they dropped the “H. Grimace” EP that’s as eclectic and sweet as anything you will hear out there today.  The lo-fi indie garage sounds of Houston’s Ruiners will be there as well, and hopefully their energetic sound doesn’t burn down the venue.  These guys are I guess signed to a UK label, but they’re from here?  I dunno, but their “Sun Beats Down” EP from last year is pretty damn good.  The new wave indie rock of Houston’s Mother Ghost will be there to get things started on the show with doors at 7:00 and a $5.00 cover.

If you’re up for an interesting night, then you could head to The Alley Kat for the crazy and instrumental psych sounds of Houston’s Disfrutalo!.  I don’t know how to put this other than to just say it, but this band is like doing acid in the desert with Jim Morrison.  There’s so much happening on just one song by them, that you can’t help but wonder how they pull off a live set; but they do so with ease and professionalism.  They’re set to drop their debut EP that was produced by the late Ikey Owens, and they are an amazing band to see more than once.  They’ll have Kansas City’s After Nations on the bill with them.  This band is super proggy, and pretty epic sounding, so it should make for an interesting performance.  The indie groove sounds of Houston three piece, Silk Mule will be there to open things up.  The show is a 21 & up event, the doors are at 8:30, and the cover is $5.00.

Saturday, you can get things going over at the 8th Wonder Brewery for their 2nd Anniversary show.  This is one of those shows, where you come for the brews, you get down to the music, then you gorge on the Eatsie Boys food truck.  Houston’s The Suffers will headline the event, hot on the heels of a tour, an EP release, and an announce that they’ll be on “The Late Show with David Letterman.”  That EP, “Make Some Room” is four songs of soulful bliss, and should make for a great performance if you’ve never seen the group play live.  They’ll have New Orleans’ Earphunk on the bill with them.  The progressive funk band sounds like they’ll be a jammed out good time.  The Stooges Brass Band will bring their funky hip hop vibe from NOLA as well.  The seven piece act combines funk, hip hop, soul, and R&B to create something unique that should be cool to see live.  Wild Moccasins will be on hand as well to drop some of their indie pop sounds.  I feel like you don’t get Houston if you miss this amazing quartet live, and you’re almost hard of hearing if you don’t like their latest album, “88 92.”  The guy who curates all of the MFAH Mixed Media shows, and who also happens to be a hell of a DJ, DJ SUN will also be there to mix it up and get things bumping.  Getting things started, the former duo, now trio, Fox & Cats will be getting things started.  After dropping a new single last week, “Black Hole,” the band is in the midst of touring and gearing up for a new album drop.  If you’ve never seen these guys, I’ll just say that you won’t see that much energy from three people again.  There’s a VERY Limited amount of VIP tickets available, so if you want some; grab them here.  Things kick off at 3:00, it’s 21 & up, and the tickets are between $35.00 and $125.00.  VIP includes a private bar, free food from Eatsie Boys, a meet & greet with The Suffers and a private viewing area with private bathrooms.  The G/A ticket includes 4 beverage tickets, 4 beers on tap, a special release beer, and a 16 oz. cup.

Kevin Devine                                                                                              Photo: Sean O’Kane

I feel like I’d be a fool not to mention that Kevin Devine will also be here in town at Fitzgerald’s.  Kevin dropped two albums, “Bulldozer” and “Bubblegum” on the same day in late 2024; and both charted.  Since then he’s toured with Manchester Orchestra, he attempted a small Bad Books tour that was rained out here in Houston, and he’s been recently dropping singles again.  This is a full band set, so it should be just as tender as it is rockin’.  New Jersey’s Dads will also be there as direct support.  The emo punk duo might be one of the best two pieces going, and their 2024 release, “I’ll Be The Tornado” is pretty great as well.  Indie pop four piece, Field Mouse will open things up.  Last year they dropped the loud, pop hooked, and sonic album, “Hold Still Life” that’s like a beacon that tell you to get there early.  The downstairs show is all ages, it has doors at 7:00, and tickets are between $12.00 and $17.00.

If you were planning on seeing Milky Chance at Warehouse Live, it’s since sold out.  You can roll the dice on there being tickets at the door, but I seriously doubt that’ll happen.  For those who do have tickets, the doors are at 7:00.

Over at Black Barbie, they’re hosting a benefit show with the Arrestee Benefit Show.  DC area rapper, Elle Maxwell aka, J E M N will headline the event.  Her latest single, “Vibrate HGHR” is pretty epic, and she attacks the mic with style & grace.  The metal progressive sounds of Houston’s EndIsNow will also be there performing an acoustic set.  Houston’s Space Villains will also be there to drop their psych sounds, as will Houston’s Biz Vicious.  So, you may or may not know, but Biz is a pretty strong rapper who kind of came out of nowhere.  The only guy I’ve seen turn tragedy into triumph that well, his latest “We Lurk Among You” from last year is as great as it is groundbreaking.  Being I think, Houston’s only “queer positive” rapper, Vicious could easily get big real quick.  Houston’s vOoDoO will also be there to drop some R&B jams.  There’s also art for auction by Clear & Izzy Jarvis.  The cover is between $1.00 and $20.00, it’s all ages, and it starts at 9:00.

Continental Club will host the bluesy sounds of Austin’s The Bluebonnets.  This four piece girl group will definitely bring out your inner feminist, as they can rock better than most men you’ll meet.  Their latest, last year’s “Play Loud” is like what would happen if SRV had been female.  The NYC five piece, Jane Lee Hooker will also be on hand to drop hard blues sound.  I’m not kidding when I say that their recently released album, “No B!” is like if Janis Joplin was backed by Hendrix and Clapton, but female.  The 21 & up show has doors at around 9:00ish, and the cover is $10.00.

Mangos, yes they’re still open; will host the Black Metal Doom of NOLA’s Solid Giant.  If you like sludgy metal that sounds like a slow soundtrack to a nightmare, then this is your band.  They’ll be joined by the post metal sludge of Houston’s Defending The Kingdom.  These guys released a three song album also called “Defending The Kingdom” that should give you a reason to get there early.  Houston’s Alone On The Moon will be there to either open up or headline the show.  The three piece plays a stoner rock style that sounds pretty good, and their recently released “Alone On The Moon” four song EP is pretty great.  The all ages show has doors at 9:00 and a $5.00 cover.

On Sunday, you could head to Walters for a day filled with music, when the Burger Records Caravan Tour happens.  So, there’s 15 plus bands on this thing, and I’m not listing them all.  But, highlights include Corners, Vision, and Gal Pals.  It’s all ages, there’s food, and it gets going around 2:00 in the afternoon.  The cover is like $10.00, which means you can totally afford to make it out.

Since Always                                                                                     Photo: Richard Ramirez

Fitzgerald’s will have the rockin’ good times of Olivia Jean.  Jean is like a sixties sexy housewife who can also play a boatload of instruments and look great while doing so.  A member of the Third Man Records family, she played with Karen Elson, Wanda jackson, and even Jack White III himself.  Her debut, last year’s “Bathtub Love Killings” is a mix of rock, beauty, and excellent vocals.  The Clean Teens will be there as well, and they’ll bring their lo-fi swingin’ sounds with them.  Houston’s Since Always will be there to open things up.  I would hope that you would have heard this band yet, but if you haven’t; you’ve been missing out.  They just dropped a full length called “Consequences” that reminds me of a mix of Mineral and Christie Front Drive, if Juliana Hatfield sang for either.  The all ages show has doors at 7:00, and it’s a FREEBIE if you’re 21 & up.  It’s a measly $5.00 for everyone else.

If you don’t mind trekking out to the Woodlands, and you’re feeling nostalgic; then you should head to the Dosey Doe Big Barn for Bill Medley.  One half of The Righteous Brothers, this guy can belt out more hits than most guys his age.  I shouldn’t have to sell you on this show if you’re a fan.  Songs like “Unchained Melody,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” and “(You’re My) Soul And Inspiration” should be enough to convince you to attend.  That coupled with the scientific fact that he’s not getting any younger, this might be one of your last chances to see the legend.  He’s here in support of his latest, last year’s “Damn Near Righteous.”  Your ticket price includes dinner, and dinner is served between 6:00 and 7:30.  The tickets are between $98.00 and $158.00.

Monday, though I don’t usually plug such events; the Third Man Rolling Record Store will be over at Cactus Records.  There promises to be all types of crazy Third Man goodies like vinyls, sunglasses, frisbees, and even some exclusive Texas themed items that make it worth checking out.  It’s there from 3:00 to 7:00 ONLY, and anyone can come check it out.

Walters has the lo-fi garage rock of Tennessee’s Pujol.  These guys seem to drop records at an alarming rate, but that shouldn’t stop you from seeing them live.  I caught them a couple of years ago, and I was blown away by how much energy they possess.  Their latest, “Reunited States Of Being” is pretty damn good.  The power pop garage rock of Houston’s Spare Bones will be on hand to give them a run for their money.  This band is just as energetically charged, and their two song release, “Demo” from last year is really rad.  The indie emo sounds of three piece, Middle Child will get the all ages show started with doors at 8:00 and an $8.00 cover.

The chillwave sounds of Brooklyn’s Twin Shadow will mix things up over at Fitzgerald’s.  Since making records in his bedroom, this guy has just gotten bigger and bigger.  His latest, “Eclipse” from this year is already getting high praise from industry insiders.  The trippy R&B vibes of Lolawolf will be there to open things up.  Though we have similar stuff here, Lolawolf mixes trap and electronica with her R&B, and it’s pretty amazing.  The 2024 Lolawolf album, “Calm Down” should be enough to convince you to get there early.  The all ages show has doors at 8:00 and tickets are between $16.00 and $21.00.

Tuesday, Rudyard’s will have Nashville’s Thelma And The Sleaze on hand.  The hard rocking three piece has this really great throwback sound that feels like Runaways, but with less pop and more rock.  Last year, they dropped the “Heart Like A Fist” EP that felt a little crazy and still amazing.  They’re known for a raucous live show, so you should see them while you can.  Houston’s Giant Kitty will be there as direct support to show them how girls do rock in The bayou City.  I’ve said this like 30 times now, but if you think you can miss this band much longer, you’re way off.  Sure they’re loud and sure they’re like getting an L-7-like punch to the face.  But they’re also taking the steps to get big so you should catch them before that occurs.   The loud rock of Houston’s The Bad Drugs will be there to make it an all female affair, when they open things up.  The 21 & up show has doors at 8:00 and tickets for a paltry $10.00.

That’s really about all there is that isn’t the last week of that drunken event we call the rodeo.  No matter what you do, be mindful of everyone else, be safe, and drink like an adult.

Thursday night’s Of Montreal show is going to be a pretty hard act to follow and so is last weekend’s Ghoul Fest. However there’s still a ton of shows to see this weekend even if you’re not attending Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin.

Punk veterans Bad Religion will be at Warehouse Live tonight with Off With Their Heads while Kansan post-rock group Appleseed Cast will be visiting Fitzgerald’s. If you’re in the mood for a laugh and heaping helping of heavy metal GWAR will be getting down with their weird selves at House of Blues tonight

Talented hipsters from Brooklyn (where else, right?) The Hold Steady have a show on Saturday night at Warehouse Live. Masterful arranger of samples and all-around amazing musician DJ Shadow will be doing a gig at House of Blues. Best Coast will be at Fitz Saturday night and Wild Moccasins will be playing at Walter’s.

Once popular but now silent for many years, early 2024s alt. rock band Alien Ant Farm will play Sunday night at Scout Bar. And for the most exciting show of the weekend, Brazilian 60s psych rock and experimental group Os Mutantes will be sharing a bill with lo-fi, freak folk, artist Ariel Pink.

–Jack Daniel Betz