Weekend Events Planner

Here are the top 9 things to do in Houston this weekend

The weather has thawed, football has a week off (no one should watch the Pro Bowl), and the pull of those New Year's resolutions has started to feel more faint. In other words, it's time to get out and have some fun. We've rounded up a guide to the nine best things to do in Houston this weekend. For more options, check out the full CultureMap Events Calendar.

A new car
Thursday, January 25
Find a new set of wheels at the 2018 Houston Auto Show. The 35th annual event features all the latest models from more than 30 manufacturers spread out across more than 800,000-square feet at NRG Center. Open daily through Monday. (10 am Thursday and Friday, noon Saturday and Sunday; tickets: $5 kids six to 12, $12 for adults)
1 NRG Park; 713-629-3700

Come on down!
Thursday, January 25
Everyone's favorite TV show to watch on a day off comes to Sugar Land in the form of The Price Is Right Live. For one night only, randomly-selected attendees will have the opportunity to come on down for the chance to play classic games like Plinko™, spin the Big Wheel, and even compete for a fabulous Showcase. Lucky audience members can even win prizes right from their seats. (8 pm; tickets: $39.50 - $49.50)
18111 Lexington Blvd. Sugar Land; 281-207-6278

Joe jitsu
Friday, January 26
Comedian Joe Rogan brings his Strange Times tour to downtown's Revention Music Center for two sets. In addition to his inquisitive and intense comedic style, Rogan is known for his podcast and work as a MMA color commentator. (6:30 pm and 10 pm; tickets: $39.50 - $59.50)
520 Texas Ave.; 713-230-1600

Feel the rhythm
Friday, January 26
Kaleidoscope Houston brings an evening of art, film, music, and fashion to the Museum of Health with Houstonary 2018. The one night only event features performances, film screenings a fashion show, and a pop-up shop, as well as the chance to preview the museum's new BIORHYTHM: Music and Body exhibit created by Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin. Advance tickets are highly recommended. (7 pm VIP, 8 pm general admission; tickets: $35 or $55)
1515 Hermann Dr.

Hoop it up
Friday, January 26
Watch the Original Harlem Globetrotters demonstrate the ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that has made them world famous. Players will stay for an autograph, photograph, and high five session for fans after the game — after all, nothing gets likes on social media like posing with a Globetrotter. A second show takes places Saturday afternoon. (Friday 7 pm and Saturday 2 pm; tickets: $19 - $115)
1 NRG Park; 713-629-3700

Feet don't fail me now
Saturday, January 27
Join thousands of supporters, advocates, and breast cancer survivors at the 27th annual Susan G. Komen Houston Race for the Cure®. The event raises funds to helm the Komen Foundation realize its goal of a 50-percent reduction in breast cancer deaths by 2026. To date, Komen Houston has contributed more than $50 million to more than 65 local organizations to provide services throughout Houston to underinsured and uninsured men and women who receive life-saving breast cancer screenings, treatment, transportation, and other necessary supportive services. (8 am; registration: $40)
901 Bagby St.; 713-783-9188

Happy birthday, BuffBrew!
Saturday, January 27
Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company celebrates its sixth anniversary by tapping over 40 special anniversary brews as well as several classic draughts. This will be the brewery's last anniversary party before moving to its massive, $14 million new brewery and pub in Sawyer Yards. Blood Bros. BBQ will be on hand with plenty of smoky goodness. (6 pm; tickets: $40)
5301 Nolda St.

Watch 'em fly
Saturday, January 27
Nothing says a night of family fun like watching a 12-foot tall, 10,000-pound truck with at least 1,500 horsepower fly 130-feet in the air. No wonder Monster Jam packs NRG Stadium every time it comes to town. (7 pm; tickets: $15 - $60)
2 NRG Park; 512-477-6060

If you sing
Sunday, January 28
Head to Midtown's South Main Baptist Church to Hear the Future. The Houston Chamber Choir's 19th annual invitational choral festival features three outstanding choirs: the Aldine Children’s Honor Choir, Colleen Riddle, director; the Fort Settlement Middle Varsity Choir directed by Kimala Ross; and the O. Davis High School Choir under the direction of Daryle Freeman. (4 pm; free)
4100 Main St; 713-224-5566

Catch Grave Digger and friends Saturday night.

Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment

Catch Grave Digger and friends Saturday night.

event-planner

Music icons

Willie Nelson honors 'king of roadies' in buzzy new documentary

Film poster for Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies at DIFF, cropped

Photo by Piper Ferguson

Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies follows the career of Benjamin H. Dorcy, III, a.k.a. Lovey.

Behind great touring musicians are teams of roadies, and Willie Nelson is helping draw attention to one of the men who first made it possible. A new documentary called Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies follows the achievements of Benjamin H. Dorcy, III, a.k.a. Lovey, who the film credits with being the world's first roadie.

The film will premiere at the Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF) on Sunday, April 27 at the historic Texas Theater. It's a long-awaited event, as the film has been in the works for 16 years.

Put simply, a roadie is someone who travels with a band to help set up equipment. But a roadie's life isn't always lived completely behind the scenes. Some bands have legendary roadies that were with them every step of the way, generating fan-favorite stories or even inspiring creative revelations.

“It’s one thing to have a bunch of good ideas, but to make them work and to put them into action, you need someone like Ben to do it, and he never failed," said Nelson, as quoted in a press release.

The release describes Dorcy as "the first and oldest roadie who shaped music history, pioneered an entire profession, and rivaled time itself to keep the show on the road." He made his mark in country music, specifically, working with Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Patsy Cline, Waylon Jennings, John Wayne, and more. Waylon Jennings even wrote "Ode to Ben" as a tribute to Dorcy.

Some of the above musicians appear in the film to discuss Dorcy's impact alongside some clips of the man himself.

The film dives into some of Dorcy's past, including family tragedy, a World War II head injury, and his escapades across a seven-decade career. It does more than shine a light on the work Dorcy did; the trailer raises the question of how Dorcy came to be associated with so many significant stars, implying that he had an eye for (or a hand in) who would later make it big.

“Ben has a shared legacy with all the artists he worked with because he was able to help them create their legacy,” said co-director Amy Lee Nelson. “We want as many people as possible to get to know Lovey. I hope audiences come away with a deep appreciation for the folks working behind the scenes in all the ways we don’t usually think about. Let us consider and appreciate the folks who chose vocations where, when they’re really good at their job, they go largely unnoticed.”

The release also notes Dorcy's perseverance several times, painting a picture of a resilient worker not just in body but in spirit.

“When you stop doing what you love is when you fade away,” said Amy Nelson. “Ben was happy until the end.”

Film poster for Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies at DIFFPhoto by Piper Ferguson

Folks tuning in from home can listen to the companion concept album for Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies, which compiles songs used in and inspired by the film, "reimagined by some of today’s top artists." Finally, Dorcy's 100th birthday, March 19, 2025, will mark the first-ever National Roadie Day.

Festival passes are now on sale starting at $100.

benjamin dorcy country music documentary film live music music musicians willie nelson