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    Weekend Events Planner

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

    Eric Sandler
    Jan 25, 2018 | 6:00 am

    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.

    Monster Jam, monster trucks
    Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment
    Catch Grave Digger and friends Saturday night.
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    Movie review

    Nick Jonas and Paul Rudd chase their dreams in music-heavy Power Ballad

    Alex Bentley
    Jun 8, 2026 | 10:30 am
    Nick Jonas and Paul Rudd in Power Ballad
    Photo by David Cleary for Lionsgate
    Nick Jonas and Paul Rudd in Power Ballad.

    Writer/director John Carney is one of the great purveyors of movies featuring music (as opposed to musicals) in the 21st century. Starting with Once in 2007 (which was turned into a Broadway musical several years later), he has made music-themed stories like Begin Again, Sing Street, Flora and Son, and now Power Ballad.

    Rick Power (Paul Rudd) is a former wannabe rock star who is now the lead singer of “Ireland’s #1 Wedding Band,” The Bride & Grooves. While they mostly play smaller weddings, a gig at a country estate leads to an encounter with Danny Wilson (Nick Jonas), a former boy band member struggling to make it as a solo artist. Rick and Danny wind up bonding in a booze- and pot-filled jam session, sharing various song ideas.

    After returning to Los Angeles and desperate for a hit, Danny steals one of Rick’s songs, which miraculously turns into the No. 1 “How to Write a Song (Without You).” Rick, initially overjoyed that something he wrote has become big, is crushed when he finds out Danny didn’t give him credit. His quest to find a way to prove his worth sends him into a spiral, upending the ordinary life he had built.

    Co-written by Peter McDonald, the film is a nice exploration of two men trying to hold on to their music dreams. Their individual circumstances could not be more different, but each of them knows the ups and downs of the business as well as the other, as well as the ineffable magic of creating that one great song. While the music scenes are hit-and-miss because of a reliance on lip synching, the scene featuring Rick and Danny trading ideas is electric with creativity.

    Oddly, though, the film could have used a bit less music and more of a focus on the two men’s personal lives. Rick wound up living in Ireland after falling in love with his future wife, Rachel (Marcella Plunkett), while on tour with his former American band. He spends a decent amount of time with her and his daughter, Aja (Beth Fallon), but his story needed a few more family scenes to drive the point home. Danny’s personal life is all but nonexistent, giving his arc less impact than it could have had.

    Instead of loved ones, Carney and McDonald try to give Rick and Danny more depth through friends and business associates. Rick’s bandmate Sandy (McDonald) is a ride-or-die kind of guy for him, but his presence is only good for a few humorous distractions. Danny’s manager Mac (Jack Reynor) is difficult to parse, as he goes to bat for Danny on multiple occasions, but also seems to keep him at arm’s length.

    It’s long been joked that Rudd never ages, and that youthfulness serves him well in this role, in which his character is supposed to be much younger than his actual age of 57. His energy and enthusiasm make his character appealing throughout, even when Rick starts to go off the deep end. Jonas is decent in his role, selling the music side well, but there might be a reason his character doesn’t have many scenes requiring him to show emotions.

    While Power Ballad has all the hallmarks of another great Carney music movie, it’s missing a few pieces that could have put it over the top. It’s still a fun film with an insanely catchy song at its center, but it’s not quite as memorable as most of the filmmaker’s previous efforts.

    ---

    Power Ballad is now playing in theaters.

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