Ray Wylie Hubbard McGonigel's Mucky Duck, July 5
Musicians do, but far too many people just don't know what an incredible songwriting talent Ray Wylie Hubbard is. One part sage, one part curmudgeon, one part Zen bluesman, Hubbard puts a grizzled Texas-roadhouse spin on some pretty highfalutin philosophical concepts, most recently on last year's fine The Grifter's Hymnal.
Whether in his songs or one of the often-hilarious anectodes that introduce one of them, Hubbard has a perspective we can all learn from: "the days in which I keep my gratitude higher than my expectations, I have really good days." CHRIS GRAY
A Day In the Country With Eli Young Band, Joe Nichols, Easton Corbin, Aaron Lewis Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, July 6
The Eli Young Band was formed on the campus of the University of North Texas in Denton, and they've gone on to make quite a name for themselves on the contemporary country charts, first opening up for the likes of Miranda Lambert and Robert Earl Keen before going on to headline their own massive tours, thanks to a couple of hit singles and some killer country charm.
Joining them at 93Q's "A Day In the Country" mini-fest are Joe Nichols, Easton Corbin, Brett Eldredge, Charlie Worsham, Cadillac Three and Aaron Lewis of Staind fame on this tour, so expect a lot of big voices and a lot of tearjerkin' ballads. ANGELICA LEICHT
SEVEN MORE SHOWS YOU MIGHT CONSIDER By Chris Gray
Recovery Room, Another Run, AThousandColours, Born Again Virgins: Four 2013 HPMA nominees -- in Best New Act, Best Modern Rock, and Best Traditional Rock (the last two) -- let you see what you might be voting on. (Fitzgerald's, July 5)
DJ Wes Wallace: Long holiday weekends were made for Classic Numbers. (Numbers, July 5)
EarPhunk, Mountain Standard Time: Graduate-level course in jamology from New Orleans and Colorado groups. (Last Concert Cafe, July 5)
Devin the Dude: Houston rap's leading blunt advocate brings his Council and a host of others to the shores of Buffalo Bayou for a belated July 4 bash. Forgive the tardiness. (Toc Bar, July 5)
BT: German-born Eurotrance megaproducer/composer is touting his first album in three years, next month's A Song Across Wires. With Wes Walz and White People. (Stereo Live, July 6)
Vulgar Display of Power, Alyson Chains, Gigadeth: Hmmm... feels (heavily) like a tribute night. (Scout Bar, July 6)
Concrete Violin, Steel Hook Prosthesis, Black Leather Jesus: And ten other acts who will make you question all you hold dear. (Super Happy Fun Land, July 6)
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