It's not exactly Christmas in July, seeing as Christmas has passed, but it is summer-ish in January. Seeing as how the weather is giving us a break from frostbite, it allows us to take advantage of the nearly 80 degree weather to get out and view what Houston has to offer. Early in the lineup you have a meet and greet with a veteran and author, Brad Taylor, and to celebrate the Texans' miraculous win that takes them into the next playoff round, head to the Super Bowl Touchdown Tour this Saturday at Alief Park. Keep reading for ten of our favorite events that won't cost you more than $10 — and eight of them are free! Check out the Houston Press calendar for even more things to do.
Brad Taylor will discuss his latest novel Ring of Fire at Murder By The Book
Courtesy of Penguin Random House
Author Brad Taylor Meet and Greet
Murder By The Book
6:30 p.m. Friday, Free
Brad Taylor will sign and discuss his latest novel, Ring of Fire (Dutton; $27). Born in Okinawa, Japan, but raised in Texas, Taylor graduated from the University of Texas. He served more than 20 years in the U.S. Army. He's making his return to Texas this Friday; pick up your own hardback copy of this book by Taylor and enjoy an evening of literary talk and book signing.
Friday the 13th
Notsuoh
9 p.m. Friday, $5
Avoid walking under ladders, avoid crossing a black cat and definitely do not break any mirrors this Friday. Not because of superstition, but because they're all distractions from the lineup that gets your weekend started. On the set list, Notsuoh has two of your favorite local DJs, Houston music scene veterans John Plus and Carlos Pozo, as well as Sandy Ewen (a visual artist and experimental guitar player). All playing: IDM, modern bass music, hip-hop, electro, Britpop and plenty more sounds this Friday.
Superstitious? Let's hope not, but just in case, don't get caught alone when all bad-luck omens are on red alert. Notsuoh has a lineup to keep you distracted from stepping on any cracks, going under any ladders or crossing any black cats. The club's Friday the 13th lineup includes two DJs, artists John Plus and Carlos Pozo two music veterans of the Houston music scene; and amongst the men on the set list is Sandy Ewen: visual artist, architect and electric guitar player. Set your ears for IDM, modern bass music, hip-hop and many more this Friday.
Next stop on the Super Bowl Touchdown Tour will be at Alief Community Park this Saturday.
Photo courtesy of Touchdown Tour
Alief Community Park
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Free
The Touchdown Tour is making its next stop at Alief Community Park this Saturday and you're invited to come and enjoy for free. After several visits around the city, it's winding down before the big game next month on February 5. Come out and get into the NFL spirit with free games, exhibits, food and fun for the whole family.
Grab art pieces from local artists and vendors this Saturday at Sawyer Yards.
Photo by Scott McCombs
Sawyer Yards
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Free
The Market at Sawyer Yards debuted just last year and has since become a recurring event the second Saturday of every month. The curated local artisans market offers a variety of goods to be picked up and taken home for a lovely addition to your own gallery wall. Attend this market and grab your own original piece of artwork or local specialty foods.
Floyd Newsum's the Five Handed Kite on display at the Nicole Longnecker Gallery.
Photo courtesy of Nicole Longnecker Gallery
Floyd Newsum - Opening Reception
Nicole Longnecker Gallery
5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Free
His work is on view at Washington's National Museum of African American History and Culture, but save yourself a trip and come see it at the Nicole Longnecker Gallery. The artist's self-described style is heavily hued by black and white, with specific hints of gray and color. Come view his whimsical works, now through February 18.
