Get Throwed: The Best of The Week
Photo: Kirby Lee
Well, last week felt like one for the ages with Oddball and DJ Shadow/Cut Chemist; but this week is even better if you can believe it. An awards show, some laughs, and some serious legends are just a part of what’s in store. Here’s how your week should be spent.
Your week should get started at Walter’s with the hip hop influenced sounds of producer & DJ Astronomar. Hailing from Alaska via California, this guy is the future of EDM. And, that’s not just me saying that, but the likes of Diplo, Skrillex, and DJ Fresh have all called him “ahead of our time.” He’s never been in Houston before, and when FPH interviewed him, he was more than happy to drop some secrets about his set when asked. He’ll have some of Houston’s heaviest hitters on the show with him as well. Mke will drop some serious beats on everyone while staying ahead of the curve of today’s sounds. I feel like Noah is easily one step ahead of everyone else in the genre,and his live sets are already becoming legendary. The slow jams of Houston’s Yung Slutty will also be on hand to groove things out. Slutty definitely brings a bit of old school to his show, and it’s as smooth as butter. Also utilizing a touch of the past mixed with the sounds of today will be the vibe heavy sounds of DJ Dayta. Dayta brings Latin fused sounds into his jams, and he should make for a great opener. The ever evolving glitch visuals of FLCON FCKER will be dizzying up the room all night. This is a killer lineup with doors at 8:00, and tickets ranging between $10.00 and $20.00, depending when you buy them and how old you are; for the all ages show.
Of course, you might be up for projector based puppetry, and if so then the Boo-Town Projector Philes show at Rudyard’s is for you. The show will feature three new short shadow puppet stories complete with a live original score. The garage rock of Houston’s Kose will close out the show. If you’ve never seen these guys, I’ll just say that you should get ready for high energy garage punk psych, that pretty much never lets down. The doors are at 8:00 and things get rolling thirty minutes after. It’s a pay what you can show that’s 21 & up.
At Warehouse Live, the hijinks of The Aquabats will be performing their intense live show. The California group is almost always attacked by some form of supervillain when they perform, and their live shows have gotten plenty of praise for their theatrics. They’ll be in town in support of their latest effort, 2024’s “Hi-Five Soup!” If the fact that these guys put on a crazy show isn’t enough for you, then maybe the fact that they tend to have almost as much merch as KISS does when they tour will help. The pop punk of California’s Emily’s Army will be getting things started. If you were unaware, the band features the son of Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong. The doors are at 6:00, the show is all ages, and the tickets are between $20.00 and $22.00.
On Thursday you can make it over the Joke Joint Comedy Showcase for the hilarity of Houston’s own Mo Amer. Mo has been racking up credits and appearances all over the world, and he’s easily one of our city’s funniest. He’s been everywhere from the BBC to NPR and CNN and his schedule doesn’t allow for him to be here much anymore. Like with most shows at Joke Joint, two of Houston’s better up and comers should be on board to fill the feature and host spots. There’s an 8:00 show on Thursday, with an 8:00 and a 10:30 on Friday and Saturday; and all carry a $16.00 cover.
No one would blame you though, if you went to Fitzgerald’s for the London based soul music collective, Jungle. The British music magazine, NME spent a year trying to figure out who Jungle was comprised of. Since dropping some seriously great sounds in 2024, they’ve quickly become one of the UK’s best exports. They’ll be here with their funky new release, this year’s “Jungle.” This album is so insanely mixed with sounds of the seventies, eighties, and even a mix of the future. The pop infused and drum heavy sounds of London’s Beaty Heart will be on hand to get things started. Beaty Heart just dropped a pretty trippy & drum infused album this year called, “Mixed Blessings,” and they should make for an epic opener. This should be an entertaining show that won’t come around again. The doors are at 8:00, the show is all ages, and the tickets are between $16.00 and $20.00.
If you like awards shows, then over at Silver Street Studios, the inaugural Free Press Sammy Awards will be going on. The awards show will be hosted by Bun B, and will feature awards for everything from music to eateries. There’s also a ton of freebies to be given away, a competition for a signature drink by some of Houston’s best bartenders, and a boatload of great performances. My fellow Jersey Village alum, Paul Wall will be on hand to drop dope rhymes from his back catalog as well as from his latest, “Check Season.” The house based electro funk of The New Mercies will also be on hand to get people groovin’. The New Mercies bring that seventies funk mixed with talkbox, that are just too infectious to ignore. Josiah Gabriel will also be there to drop some of the best end house sounds that Houston will get to hear. I’ve heard some of Noah’s “secret” tracks, and all I can say is that the crowd might get a glimpse into what he has in store for the future of his sad bass meets future bass sound. Bun B. will also drop a performance, that should blow some minds as well. His latest drop, last year’s “Trill OG The Epilogue” might be his strongest release to date. And his back catalog is as vast as the Sahara desert. The night promises to get a little more synthy, when the electro pop of BLSHS hits the stage. If this trio can turn down one of the many appearances they’re constantly offered, then they might just get to finish their follow up to their “Abstract Desires” from earlier this year. The night promises to get a little more bluesy, when the deeply soulful voice of Annika Chambers performs. Chambers, usually backed by the Houston All-Stars, dropped an insanely strong album this year with her, “Making My Mark.” There will also be a special performance from Houston’s Free Radicals featuring Harry Shephard. The Free Radicals are like jazz on drugs, and having Shephard on board will only intensify things with his crazy vibraphone playing. Also, a performance by Houston’s own rollerblading impresario, Juan Carlos will go down while bringing everyone’s spirits up. The doors are at 6:00, things will get rolling around 7:00, and the tickets run $45.00.
Warehouse Live will be hosting some metalcore from the likes of Michigan’s We Came As Romans. The six piece will be here in support of their loud and scream fueled sounding “Tracing Back Roots” from last year. These guys have a pretty energetic live show, and they tend to incorporate the audience in interesting ways at their shows. The screamcore metal of Iowa’s For Today will also be on the bill, and will bring plenty of energy from their recently released “Fight The Silence.” Illinois’ The Color Morale should bring plenty of guitar solos when they perform songs from their 2024 album, “Hold On Pain Ends.” If that just wasn’t enough show for you, then the post hardcore of New Jersey’s Palisades will also be on hand. Houston’s Last Ones Left will get things started while giving the headliners a run for their money. I’m not kidding on that, as they have an intense live show that should force everyone after them to up their game. The doors are at 6:30, the show is all ages, and the tickets are $17.00 to $20.00.
Over at Toyota Center, you can have the rock n’ roll prowess of Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers entertain you. What can you say about Petty that hasn’t been uttered over the past thirty eight years? Petty makes great records, he pretty much lands on his feet with every release, and as someone who’s seen him perform before; I can attest to the fact that he’s a badass live. The hits aside, Petty’s 1979 album, “Damn The Torpedos” might be one of the best rock records ever made. He and The Heartbreakers are in town in support of their latest, this year’s “Hypnotic Eye.” Opening things up is another rock legend, Steve Winwood. Please forget the fact that he made that crappy “Higher Love” song, as he was in freakin’ Blind Faith & Traffic too. The man is a serious legend and an amazing guitarist. The show gets going around 7:30, with doors at 6:30, and tickets between 31.50 and $101.50.
Over at Voodoo Queen, they’ve got the rock of London’s Turbogeist. You wouldn’t know to look at them, but this band is lead by Mick Jagger’s son. Attempting to steer clear of that fact, Turbogeist has the sound of punk meets sludge rock. Kind of like Kyuss with more sing along vocals, they’re here in Houston for the first time ever in support of last year’s “Ancient Secrets” EP. They’ll have the crowd ready for rock, when Houston’s We Were Wolves perform prior to them. Lately, the Wolves have been dropping new songs that are more breakneck than those from their 2024 release, “Wolf House.” The Trimms will do their best to get things started with their sleaze rock sound. I think if you’re a fan of loud and heavy rock music, then The Trimms are the best route to get things started on this lineup. The doors are at 7:00, it’s all ages, and it’s 100% FREE.
House of Blues will be hosting the indie rock sounds of LA’s The Airborne Toxic Event as well. This five piece has become critical darlings within the span of just over six years. They’re in town to support last year’s “Such Hot Blood.” These guys have a unique and eclectic pop sound that isn’t really being done by anyone else, and they’re supposed to have a crazy live show. They’ll have the power electro pop of California’s In The Valley Below on board as openers as well. This four piece has simplistic approach to music, that’s very catchy and hook filled. They’re in the midst of blowing up, and their newest offering, “The Belt” is quickly becoming the next big thing. The doors are at 7:00 and the tickets are between $28.00 and $41.00.
On Friday you can make your way over to Fitzgerald’s for the garage rock of Orange County’s The Growlers. These guys are seriously getting bigger and bigger as the days go by, and being a part of the Fitz Four Year Re-Opening Anniversary makes sense. They’ll be here in support of their 2024 release, “Gilded Pleasures.” I’ve caught them live and I can say that they don’t disappoint. They’ll have the trippy electro garage of The Gardens on the bill as well. The Gardens are a duo comprised of twin brothers Wyatt and Fletcher Shears, and they should be interesting to see live. The doors are at 8:00, the show is all ages, and the cover is between $15.00 and $17.00.
Warehouse Live will be hosting the piano melodies of Nick Greer & The G’s. Earlier this year, Greer dropped his masterpiece, “Heart On Fire,” and within it, sat some true piano rock gems. Throughout the course of the album, you can hear the party vibe happening as parts get called out and Greer keeps the pace with soulful vocals and the strength of the G’s backing sounds. He’ll have Houston native and now Austin transplant Walker Lukens and The Side Arms on board as well. Lukens made one of my favorite albums of last year, “Devoted.” Lukens could easily be a big deal, and his heartfelt vocals mixed with his piano and acoustic guitar could easily put him atop of the singer songwriter genre. The show is over in the Greenroom, it’s all ages, the cover is $12.00, and there are FREE popsicles from GoodPop!
There’s burlesque happening over at Numbers, when the Dem Damn Dames return for another show in their series at the historic night club. This show, Things That Go Hump In The Night, will feature the interpretations of dreams, and feature something for everyone with boylesque as well. Rumor has it that sheep, unicorns, and even dominatrixes will be a part of the performance, as well as featured guest performers. Everyone’s favorite Kiki Maroon will be making a guest spot, while Queertini Time, Lala LeRoux, and JD Hickock will also be joining in. If you’ve never been to one of these shows, I’ll just say that it’s so much more than pretty girls. The aerial acrobatics alone are worth making it out for, while the performances are top notch. The doors are at 7:00, and the tickets are between $15.00 and $30.00 and include FREE entry into the Classic Numbers dance night happening later after the show.
The fighting is getting more intense over at Phoenicia MKT Bar, as comics contend for the glorious $2,000.00 grand prize in the Beta Bracket Comedy Competition. There’s also another $600.00 up for grabs and a live recording from Heights Vinyl. The fact that it’s audience vote just means that you’ll have to get there early for a ballot to help the comic who begged you to attend on his or her behalf. Those at Beta Theater are pretty strict on the times for getting a ballot, and I’ve seen those who show up at 9:20 get denied a ballot, so plan accordingly. You should also get there early as these shows have been standing room only lately, as the comics can feel their wallets getting fatter. Things get started at 9:00 sharp, it’s all ages, and it’s 100% FREE.
Walter’s will play host to the emo pop punk sounds of California’s Joyce Manor. These guys have a Jawbreaker meets Jets To Brazil kind of sound. Sometimes they play three minute songs and sometimes they play longer songs. They’re here in support of their recently released album, “Never Hungover Again.” Seattle’s The Exquisites will also be on hand to add some of their melodic indie emo rock. This three piece is full of energy and their 2024 album, “Self Titled” had more energy than a live set from Fugazi. The indie noise of NOLA’s Donovan Wolfington will also be on the bill, and will add some amazing sounds to the show. These guys have this almost June Of 44 meets Seaweed type of sound, and their newest drop, “Scary Stories You Tell In The Dark” is pretty epic. Houston’s Hoofprints will get things started with their emo core sounds. Hoofprints should be way bigger than they are, and their Rainer Maria meets Knapsack sound might be one of the best things you’ll hear in a long time. The doors are at 7:00, the show is all ages, and the tickets are between $12.00 and $14.00.
Over at Midtown Arts Center, Beta Theater will have another show featuring the improv of Austin’s The Hideout Theater. They’ll be performing their show “F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Save The World.” They’ll have Houston’s Feelings getting things started with their hilarious premises. They’ll also be debuting a short film and new sketches as well. Things get rolling at 7:00 for the pay what you can show.
I’m not sure if I can convey through words how important Lee Fields is to the music world, but he’ll be performing at the House Of Blues on Friday night. Fields has kind of done it all in music. He’s made everything from traditional R&B albums, to soul and funk albums, and he’s even done collaborations with DJs. His backing band, The Expressions, are cats made up from the likes of those who’ve performed with Jay Z, Aloe Blacc, Ghostface Killah, and Adele to name a few. Fields is back with his epic and soulful 2024 release, “Emma Jean.” On the album, you quickly forget that this is a guy with forty plus years in the business, as he’s as strong as ever. Fields sounds like it’s 1969, with a soulful gruff added to his smooth soul sound. He will have one of Houston’s best soul and funk acts, Electric Attitude opening things up for him as well. Electric Attitude dropped an album last year that everyone should own called “Skintight & Solid Gold.” It’s literally a funky explosion of the senses complete with uptempo tunes and sultry slow jams. The doors for the show are at 8:30 and the tickets are $25.00.
Saturday, you can venture over to Notsuoh to catch the in your face rock n’ roll haze of Houston’s Giant Kitty. Giant Kitty pretty much lives up to their name, as if a giant cat in your house wouldn’t make it’s presence known. That’s how this all female three piece rolls, they’re loud and in your face. It’s brash, unapologetic, and fierce rock that whips your neck back and forth with its intensity. They’ll have the industrial swagger of Vendetta Diabolique on the show as well. Doomstress coupled with metal guitar and nothing else comes off like if Blondie had fronted Ministry, in the best and most entertaining way possible. Oh, there’s also go-go dancers performing behind the duo, and that’s just win win for anyone who attends. Fresh off the heels of unified nuptials, the three piece tour de force known as Only Beast will bring their energy driven sound when they get things started. This is a band that everyone in Houston needs to see. If not for John’s drums or Danielle’s hauntingly fierce vocals, than to at least watch their guitarist Peter play bass the same time he plays guitar. It’s seriously a trip to see coupled with high energy. The doors are at 9:00 and the tickets are a measly $5.00, which is the universe’s way of saying you have no reason not to go.
Over at Continental Club, the bluesy sounds of Houston’s Runaway Sun will be performing. These guys kind of sound like ZZ Top with a little more fuzz if you can believe that. Sometimes they have moments of melodic pop, but generally it’s a bluesy affair, that’s best found on their 2024 release, “Let’s Run.” Matt Mejia from Come See My Dead Person will be performing as well. If you’ve never seen Matt perform solo, you’re definitely missing out. Mejia has the same growl as he does with CSMDP, but a little more soulful and swampier. The unconventional blues pop of Houston’s Pilot will get things started with doors at 8:00 and tickets shouldn’t be more than $15.00 for the 21 & up show.
If you weren’t like me, then you probably didn’t catch Drake when he performed earlier this year for his HAW event at Warehouse Live. Well, for those of you who didn’t, October’s Very Own will be out at The Woodlands Pavillion on Saturday night. Drake will be here in support of last year’s “Nothing Was The Same,” while performing his latest single, “0-100/The Catch Up.” I won’t lie, I wasn’t the biggest Drake fan until I saw him perform for free with the intensity of a guy getting paid afterwards. He’ll have Lil’ Wayne on the show with him as well. I don’t think I need to oversell Lil’ Wayne, as we all know he can bring it live. He’ll be supporting last year’s “I Am Not A Human Being II,” while playing his latest, “Grindin’” which features Drake. This should be an epic show with gates at 6:00 and tickets between $40.00 and $125.50.
At Big Top, Chase Hamblin will be performing a solo set of original and possible some cover tunes 100% acoustically. Chase has a pretty solid catalog of songs to pluck from, and his solo sets usually contain a varied mix of his own songs alongside Roustabouts songs. Chris Sacco of dUNE TX will also be on the bill. If Sacco is as funky and bluesy as dUNE is, then he should be an entertaining solo performer as well. Matt Krahula of Brooklyn’s The Nightmare River Band will also be on hand. You might not know much about them, but TNRB has a really country rock sound with punk elements thrown in. So, basically group vocals behind a twangy chorus, and you’ll have their very interesting sound. Krahula will open things up for the all acoustic show that gets going at 9:00, and is FREE for the 21 & up show.
Over at Mango’s, there will be some punks about when British Punk legends Sham 69 play the club. Proletariat & Proud was and is what these guys are all about. They were never the fashionistas or darlings of the British punk movement like The Sex Pistols, Wire, or even The Jam. However, these guys were insanely influential on punk as it was, and as it is. They’re here in support of their latest, last year’s “Their Finest Hour.” They’ll have California’s Total Chaos with them as well on the show. Though I’ve always felt like these guys wished they were Brits, I can atleast say that they bring a good live show. Or, at least they did when I saw them almost twenty years ago with Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Voodoo Glow Skulls. French youth core kids, No Solution will be on the bill as well. Get ready for what sounds like lyrics being sung in French, or at least English with crazy French accents put to hardcore punk. The Gulf Coast punk of Houston’s Talk Sick Brats will also be playing, while the mod punk of Houston’s Thug Boots will be getting things started. This is a crazy stacked bill if you’re a fan of hardcore music. Sham 69 doesn’t come around much, so don’t miss this if you’re a fan. The doors are at 8:00, the cover is $12.00, and the show is all ages.
If you’re a fan of The Lovin’ Spoonful, then you should head out to Dosey Doe’s Big Barn to catch the soulful jazz sounds of legend, John Sebastian. Singer, songwriter, guitarist and even autoharpist; Sebastian has played Woodstock, he played harmonica with The Doors, and has been covered by almost everyone. This might be your last chance to catch Sebastian, as he’s no “Spring Chicken” as they say, and it will more than likely sell out. The ticket price includes dinner which is served from 6:00 to 7:30. He will perform at 8:30, while the tickets are between $88.00 and $128.00.
House of Blues will play host to the massively popular sounds of Philly’s The War On Drugs. Lead by the popular Kurt Vile, TWOD has been delighting fans since they began almost a decade ago. Since then Vile has become a big deal and they’ve done tours on and off. They’re back in Houston in support of their latest album, this year’s “Lost In The Dream.” They’re known for a pretty crazy live show, so don’t be surprised if it’s one for the history books. The experimental rock of Chicago’s Califone will get things started. They’re touring on behalf of their 2024 album, “Stitches.” I caught Califone a way back, and they were really heartfelt and interesting to see live. They don’t come down here much, so it’s a real treat for fans of the band. The doors are at 7:00 and the tickets are between $28.00 and $36.00.
On Sunday you can make your way over to Fitzgerald’s to catch the experimental pop rock of California’s Foxygen. The duo who makes airy and pop laden tunes that seem like a mix of Of Montreal, Apples In Stereo, and The Vaselines has always been entertaining to catch since their inception in 2024. They’ll be here in town in support of their latest album, “We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic,” from last year. They’ll have another California duo, Dub Thompson getting things started as well. Other than the fact that these guys just made a trippy and grandiose album called, “9 Songs;” they’re known for an interesting live show. They kind of sound like an electronica rock band who did acid and covered Beck’s earlier lo-fi albums. The show is all ages, the doors are at 8:00, and the tickets are between $15.00 and $19.00.
Over at Warehouse Live, you can see the British pop punk of You Me At Six. I caught these guys a couple years back at SXSW, and I was impressed with their intensely driven live show. They’ve been hit makers since their second release, and they’re here in support of their latest, this year’s “Cavalier Youth.” The album falls in line with its predecessor, full of hit sounding songs that you can bop your head to. London’s Young Guns will also be on board to open things up. They’ll be playing songs from their most recent, last year’s “All Our Kings Are Dead,” and they should bring an energetic show to match their energetic sound. They kind of sound like a Brit version of Taking Back Sunday. The doors are at 8:00, it’s an all ages show, and the tickets are between $17.00 and $55.00; with the latter being a VIP complete with meet and greet and signed stuff from the band.
At Dean’s they’ll be keeping the tradition of their Sunday songwriter’s circle going; with another solid lineup. This week they will feature the sounds of Jason Bancroft of Jason Bancroft and The Wealthy Beggars. Bancroft has figured out a way to segue from punk to soulful blues that’s coupled with acoustic guitar and harmonica. He’ll have the sultry voice of Sherita Perez on one side of him as well. Perez has ventured to NYC and back, and her pipes are like a mix of Janis and Bonnie Raitt. On his other side, Sean Ramos of Quiet Morning and the Calamity. Ramos is steeped in alt country with his band, so it’ll be interesting to see him perform on his own. Like all of these shows, it’s 100% FREE, it runs from 7:00 to 9:00, and it’s 21 & up.
Monday, you can drive to Clear Lake to see the metal of Palms at Scout Bar. Palms has Chino from Deftones in the band, and they play prog metal with lengthy openings to their songs. They’ll be in town in support of last year’s “Palms.” For what they are, I could imagine them being entertaining in a live setting. The complex and lushly landscaped sounds of Austin three piece act, Boyfrndz will also be on the bill. Boyfrndz dropped an album, “Breeder,” earlier this year that was not only produced by Ikey Owens; but was as bizarre as his keyboards when he was in Mars Volta. The alt metal of Houston’s Born From Ruins will get things started with doors at 7:00 and tickets between $21.00 and $25.00 for the all ages show.
Fitzgerald’s will be hosting the psych rock of Horse Thief, also on Monday. Horse Thief is basically an indie rock band with subtle psych touches throughout their songs. They’ll be performing songs from their 2024 album, “Fear In Bliss.” Rumor has it that they have a pretty great live show as well. The melodic indie new wave rock of Mother Ghost will get things started with doors at 7:00 and tickets between $8:00 and $11.00 for the all ages show.
It’s another epic week here in the city of trill. If you’re travelling long distances or even around the inner city, please choose a safe way home. Whether you’re at Drake, The Sammys, or even at Astronomar, you have plenty of getting home options at the touch of a button; so respect your fellow Houstonians and act smart.
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