Whether you stuffed yourself rotten, caught up on your naps or did some power shopping, here’s hoping your holiday week was everything you hoped it would be. Most of us are back on the grind this week, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take some time out for live music. Here’s the best of what’s on tap for the next few days.
Pick of the Week: Waterparks
12/1 – Warehouse Live
Many a Houston act has gone out into the world in search of fame and/or fortune, and it’s always neat to see bands take their shot at national stardom. Waterparks have done quite well for themselves, selling out shows across the country and building up their fanbase. This year’s Entertainment showed some maturation in their songwriting, placing them as potential leaders in the pop-punk scene over the next few years. They’re capping off their current tour here at home.
The Best of the Rest
Travis Tritt
11/29 – Arena Theater
With that name and those looks, Travis Tritt didn’t have much of a choice but to become a country singer; admit it, “Travis Tritt” just rolls off the tongue. (Can you imagine if he went with James Tritt instead? It feels so ugly in the mouth.) Tritt has been in the game for almost 30 years, so odds are he’s got at least a few songs you’ve loved hearing on country radio. The Charlie Daniels Band opens.
Gary Clark Jr.
11/30 – Revention Music Center
Gary Clark Jr. had a feature on the most recent Bun B record, which means we owe it to give him a big Houston welcome when he arrives back in town. That track, “Gone Away,” also features Leon Bridges, and is one of the best songs of the year. Anyone who gets invited to jump on stage with the Rolling Stones has the goods, so you know this Texan is going to give you something special.
Puddle of Mudd
12/2 – BFE Rock Club
Listen, no one is more surprised than me to see this show on this list, but I’ll confess that seeing them at BuzzFest a few weeks back charmed me. I’m not going to go to bat for the extra d in their name or anything crazy, but if all you need is a good, straightforward rock experience, Puddle of Mudd can deliver that. You know you’ve still got all their earworms stuck in that brain of yours, anyway.
98 Degrees
12/2 – House of Blues
You’ve still got months and months ahead of you before you can make use of those New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys tickets, but if you’re looking for something that can quell the boy band fire inside you 98 Degrees are coming to town. If you’re a little dusty on your 98 Degrees discography, fear not, because this is their Christmas tour, so odds are good you’ll know more of the songs than you realize. With Thanksgiving in the past, Christmas music is in season again, so go forth and embrace it.
Bonus Roadtrip Option: Doom Side of the Moon
11/30 – Austin
How do you take one of the most influential albums of all time and make it even more fun to experience while getting high? You give it the stoner/doom metal treatment, of course. Featuring members of The Sword, Doom Side of the Moon gives you a unique take on Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, and it’s a damn sight better than some of the other genre tributes out there. I’m not here to tell you how to party, I’m just letting you know what your options are.
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This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2018.
