Social media blew up late on January 7 during halftime of the college football championship between Alabama and Clemson. And not in a good way.
Somewhere, some executive thought it'd be a good idea to combine the disparate sounds of Imagine Dragons and Lil' Wayne as part of the intermission entertainment. Yes, you read that sentence right. The Dragons were definitely not on fire that evening and Lil' Wayne rapping over the pseudo-Christian alt-rock snoozer "Believer" decidedly did not make any converts to either party's fan base. Said exec might be looking for a new job today.
Hopefully, none of the following shows live down to that display of whatever that was.
Here are CultureMap's biggest, best, and most notable shows of week:
CultureMap show of the week: Symphony does the '80s
Those who wouldn't be caught dead at an orchestral show might want to reconsider as the Houston Symphony performs the best hits of the '80s during three shows this weekend as part of its Totally '80s series. Nicole Parker of Mad TV, and Aaron Finley, star of Broadway shows Kinky Boots and Rock of Ages (naturally), will be guest starring as the players get their strings-on with the top tunes from the most colorful decade, including songs from Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, George Michael, and Billy Joel, not to mention theme songs to some of the biggest movies of the era.
The Houston Symphony goes Totally '80s at Jones Hall, located at 615 Louisiana St, from Friday, January 11 through January 13. Tickets start at $29 plus fees. Show starts at 8 pm on Friday and Saturday, 7:30 pm. on Sunday.
Return of the girl group: Danity Kane aka DK3
If the boy bands can do it, why can’t the girl groups? Danity Kane seeks to answer that question following the successful reunions of the Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block when they hit the House of Blues on Friday night. The three-piece (down a few original members) signed to Puff Daddy’s Bad Boy label in 2005 following their appearance on MTV’s Making the Band reality series. They hit No. 1 with their first two albums before more discerning tastes pushed them to the “Where are they now?” ranks. They returned a five years ago as DK3 and their subsequent album made some decent noise behind the single, “Lemonade.” It’s not Britney Spears, but it’ll do in a pinch.
Danity Kane performs at House of Blues, located at 1204 Caroline St., on Friday, January 11. Tickets start at $25 plus fees. Doors open at 7 pm.
CultureMap recommends: Calpurnia at HOB
Calpurnia, a Midwest band of younglings, is making waves on the national indie scene after only releasing a handful of peppy power pop singles, including the pretty great “Greyhound.” While decent, the band has definitely received a boost of exposure for being the musical vehicle for Stranger Things and It star, Finn Wolfhard. Expect a young crowd at this one.
Calpurnia performs at House of Blues, located at 1204 Caroline St., on Saturday, January 12. Tickets start at $30 plus fees. Doors open at 7 pm.
Mike and the Moonpies at Heights Theater
Rebel country act Mike and the Moonpies loosely formed out of the famed Austin dive bar Hole in the Wall, which really should be enough to get you to see them. If that doesn’t do it, Rolling Stone Country named their 2015 release, Mockingbird, one of the year’s best and their newest 2018 album, Steak Night at Prairie Rose is garnering high praise from music critics. In other words, fans of gritty Texas country shouldn’t miss this one.
Mike and the Moonpies hit the stage at Heights Theater, located at 339 W. 19th St, on Saturday, January 12. Jamie Lin Wilson opens. Tickets start at $20 plus a $5 service fee. Doors open at 7 pm.
Tomar and the FCs
Tomar Williams’ origins are in soul, but he used his musical background to produce many local Houston hip-hop releases for artists, including Big Mike. Now based in Austin, he returned to his roots and is back touring with his on fire band, Tomar and the FCs, appearing at ACL Fest and other high-profile Austin shows. If anything, head to the Continental Club to show some love to this great local venue that consistently puts on great, under-the-radar bills.
Tomar and the FCs headline the Continental Club, located at 3700 S Main St., on Saturday, January 12. Tickets start at $12 plus fees. Show starts at 9 pm.
Murder City Devils at White Oak
Formed in 1996, Seattle cult garage punk band Murder City Devils quickly became a live favorite in the Pacific Northwest, signing to and releasing some great albums on the revered Sup Pop label and playing shows with Pearl Jam, Modest Mouse, At the Drive-In, and Built to Spill before breaking up in 2001. They reunited in 2014 with White Ghost Has Blood on its Hands Again and are on a short Texas tour.
Murder City Devils headline White Oak Music Hall, located at 2915 N Main St. on Sunday, January 13. Big Business and Deep Creep open. Tickets start at $20 plus fees. Doors open at 7 pm.
The Houston Symphony will perform songs of the '80s this weekend at Jones Hall this weekend.
