It is last call for 2016, time to leave behind the Harambe memorials and any other sad animal headlines. Leave behind the ordeal of an emotionally scarring election year, and let your Vine account finally rest in peace — you weren't using it anyway. Party, prep and repeat for the new year coming with this week's lineup. Keep reading for ten of our favorite events that won't cost you more than $10 — and seven of them are free! Check out the
Houston Press Calendar for even more things to do.
Luminous
Gallery Sonja Roesch
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Free
The chic gallery that was founded by Sonja Roesch in 1991 maintains its minimalist aesthetic while hosting five artists presenting original works. The clean gallery works as a large-scale canvas that the glowing luminescent lights flood with layers of color. Wear your favorite monochromatic ensemble so that you too become part of the modest light show and ambience.
Margaret Ann Withers: Adrift Wine Reception and Artist Talk
Gspot Contemporary Art Space
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Free
Every person is curious to know where artists find their inspiration: where Dr. Seuss came up with a
thneed, where J.K. Rowling thought up the word
muggle or how Picasso thought up cubism (his inspiration may have come from the bottom of a bottle, however). At last we have the opportunity to pick the brain of an artist whose whimsical pieces tell more than one story at a time. Put yourself in the sophisticated setting at the Gspot, have a glass of wine and feel free to have artistic conversation with Margaret Ann Withers.
Beetle (Beatles Tribute)
Continental Club
7 p.m. Thursday, Free
The Continental Club is the self-described "granddaddy of live music events." The club has several venues throughout Texas, each as good as the next. Their lineup covers a wide range from Texas soul to urban and hip, but this Friday the band Beetle is on the ticket to do their duty onstage by giving us a live taste of the Beatles. John Lennon won't be there, but maybe his ghostly blessing will be upon them while they perform your favorite Beatles hits.
An Author, A Poet
Scout Bar
9 p.m. Friday, $7
Rock and roll clearly is not dead. Not for An Author, A Poet; they make for an argument that our younger generation may be on the brink of bringing an old sound back to real rock. Not the soft beach rock of The Neighborhood, but hard, loud, pounding rock and roll that you whip your head forwards and backwards to. Rock and roll ain't easy or gentle, so make sure you put the ice pack in the freezer before checking out this performance and grabbing one of Scout Bar's $6 pitchers.
New Year's Eve with D. Kosmo
Rudyard's
9 p.m. Saturday, $8
Aside from the mouthwatering burger that Rudyard's is known for, it's also the low-key venue for top local performers. This New Year's Eve, use your Uber to get you to and from Rudyard's while D. Kosmo soundtracks your night. Make your last night in 2016 a memorable one, bring your date, but don't forget your mints.
