We all need a place to mellow out after a day of dealing with family. Don't get us wrong, we love our families. It's just that, getting together with the extended crew can take a toll and relaxing with some live, local music helps take the edge off. Holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving fit neatly into those "What the hell do we now?" moments when the tryptophan coma has worn off and you're sick of football on TV.
At Rocks Off, we want you to be informed, so we've put together a list of some of the shows going on both Wednesday night -- because it's important to ease your way into the holiday and prepare to face Al Roker's waddle during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade -- and Thursday.
Wednesday
Children's Miracle Network Benefit The Mink
Nothing like a little charity to make you thankful and the Mink gives you a chance to get involved in the Children's Miracle Network with a benefit for children's hospitals. Starting at 7 p.m. and going until 2 a.m., you can bid on silent auction items and grab some food and drink. All proceeds from the silent auction and a portion of drink sales and tips go to the Children's Miracle Network.
Devin the Dude, Paul Wall Warehouse Live
What Screwston Thanksgiving would be complete without a little hometown hip hop? It might not be 4/20, but we can bet there will be a mellow vibe at Warehouse Live as Wall and Devln give you the munchies.
Hell City Kings, Poor Dumb Bastards Rudyard's
Over the years, Rudz has become a sort of home away from home for us, so it makes sense the day before one of the most homey holidays on the calendar, we might want to chillax at the Montrose pub and catch HMA nominees Hell City Kings and Poor Dumb Bastards.
The Queers, Knock-Out, Skeleton Dick and The Freakouts Fitzgerald's
Nothing says Thanksgiving like punk music. It's true. Look it up. And this Wednesday, you can gorge yourself at the trough of punk with The Queers, Knock-Out, HPMA Best Punk/Garage winners Skeleton Dick and The Freakouts appropriately downstairs at Fitz. Mosh to your hearts content, kids. You can work up an appetite for turkey and piss off your parents at the same time.
Robert Ellis & the Boys Fitzgerald's
One of our favorite things about Houston is the diversity and you don't get much more diverse than punk rock downstairs and soulful, old school country upstairs. Ellis is back from a tour and is primed for big time success. He won big at the HPMAs this year and this, billed as "An Evening of Music with Robert Ellis" should be stellar.
Band of Heathens McGonigel's Mucky Duck
If you still haven't had your fill of roots music with Ellis, you can hop over to the Duck and catch the sweet Americana of Band of Heathens. The Austin band always puts on a good show and Mucky Duck is a good venue for their brand of southern rock.
Nick Gaitan & Umbrella Man Under the Volcano
Perennial HPMA winner, Nick Gaitan, will add some gumbo to your yams (that sounded weirdly dirty) at the Under the Volcano's weekly night of songwriter performances. Have a frozen screwdriver while you're at it. You can thank us later.
Thursday - Thanksgiving Night
Many of the bars are closed on Thanksgiving night, but we did find a couple places to turn it out after a day of feasting.
Frankie G Da Mex Echo
If you need a side of angst mixed with phat beats to aid in the digestion of your pumpkin pie, this is your show. HPMA nominee Frankie G Da Mex lays down the straight truth as he sees it and it's no holds barred.
Sideshow Tramps and Caddywhompus Fitzgerald's
Hanging out at Fitzgerald's with the Sideshow Tramps and Caddywhompus after a big Thanksgiving meal is probably going to have the feel of a backyard hootenanny and we aren't complaining, especially since admission is free.
"Skanksgiving" with Rad Rich, Fredster and Disko Joe Avant Garden
