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    RodeoHouston 2018

    Blake Shelton fights off flu, riles up RodeoHouston crowd

    Jayme Lamm
    Jayme lamm
    Mar 2, 2018 | 1:00 am

    While his debut single might have been “Austin,” Blake Shelton had no problem showing Houston a good time Thursday, March 1 at his RodeoHouston show, his first time back in three years.

    Four songs into his performance, Shelton shared a personal medical situation, and in true cowboy form, made light of it. “Let me say one thing — I’ve never done this before, but there is a flu going on around right now and I am literally at the peak of having the damn flu right now as I’m up here doing this show. I apologize if I sound like crap, but I wanted to get that out of the way. I damn sure wanted to do my part up here in Houston,” he shared amongst the screaming crowd.

    The singer-songwriter-TV personality looked completely at home on the brand-new star-shaped stage, kicking off his 12-song set list with “Gonna” to the packed arena’s delight, even while battling some obvious feverish symptoms.

    “It’s been like 3 years — I thought y’all were mad at me. I was nervous coming back out here,” The Voice coach joked, referencing how long it had been since he played on the rotating stage in Houston.

    As he's done the past 15 years of his career, Shelton let his country twang, lyrics, and stage presence serve as his obligatory nod to country music. No cowboy hat, no studded jeans or studded belt (ahem, Luke Bryan!), just good ole country singing with some real talk between songs.

    “Let’s do a sexy drinking song,” the country singer said before singing his hit “Sangria.” Afterwards, the star raised his RodeoHouston plastic cup, and offered a toast “to country music.” (Not like you had to twist the arm of Houston fans to cheer on anything the 41-year-old had to say on stage.)

    “It’d be a crime not to try something brand new — tell me what you think,” he prefaced before playing his new radio single “I’ll Name The Dogs.” With the crowd cheering even louder than before, Shelton finished with, “y’all are just cheering because you feel sorry for me,” which was met with the loudest cheers of the night.

    “A bunch of damn hillbillies” is how Shelton referred to the crowd — as a bunch of people sitting around watching a man with the flu, but he reveled in the moment, and throughout his entire set. It seemed he made a mental note to put forth his best efforts, to ensure he'd be part of RodeoHouston every year — rather than every three years. Shelton came across as a man with a mission, a love for all things country music, and the Lone Star State. Fans couldn't ask for anything more.

    Giving himself a little break on stage, Shelton let his fiddle player Jenee Fleenor, a Texas native, take center stage for a few minutes. It's hard to tell if the crowd was more impressed with the fact she was a local gal, or an epic fiddler.

    "There's no way I can play in Texas and not do this next song, but there's a super good chance I'm going to suck when I sing it, so please, please, if y'all know the words of this song, in the name of God, sing along with me," Shelton pleaded, before playing his debut hit, "Austin."

    Houston fans weren’t the only ones wishing Shelton a good show. Longtime celebrity girlfriend, Gwen Stefani took to Instagram a few hours before he hit the stage to wish him well.

    Shelton’s Set List:

    Gonna
    Neon Light
    I’ll Name The Dogs
    Every Time I Hear That Song
    Guy With a Girl
    Ol’ Red
    Came Here To Forget
    Hillbilly Bone
    Austin
    Honey Bee
    Boys ’round Here
    Encore: God Gave Me You

    Shelton heads straight to Dallas to join Trace Adkins, Carly Pearce, and Brett Eldredge as he continues his Country Music Freaks Tour. And fans can catch him on The Voice Monday and Tuesday nights on NBC.

    Hopefully it isn’t three more years before he's welcomed back on RodeoHouston’s legendary dirt.

    Shelton earned plenty of goodwill from the crowd.

    Blake Shelton big smile
    Photo by Jacob Power
    Shelton earned plenty of goodwill from the crowd.
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    Weekend Event Planner

    Here are the top 15 things to do in Houston this weekend

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Aug 5, 2026 | 6:30 pm
    John Mellencamp
    Photo courtesy of John Mellencamp
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    This weekend will be a very musical one.

    Along with the two big shows that we mention below, there will also be live shows starring Masego, Jorge Medina, The Guess Who, The Black Crowes & Whiskey Myers, and Ne-Yo & Akon.

    Also going on this weekend, the return of the UNO Social Club, the grand opening of Eastbound Barbecue, a new version of the Greatest Show on Earth, and a Harry Potter drone show.

    We know it’s crazy, but it’s true.

    Thursday, August 6

    Truluck's presents Yellowstone Bourbon tasting
    Join founder and master distiller Stephen Beam for a tasting of four Yellowstone expressions, along with chef-curated bites, a signature cocktail, and the opportunity to talk bourbon with Beam. The $50 event is only for adults who are at least 21. 5:30 pm.

    Houston UNO Social Club
    UNO is bringing back its fan-favorite UNO Social Clubs, and will be taking over Dan Electro's this weekend. At the Houston UNO Social Club, attendees will also experience local MCs and DJs bringing their own flare to keep the good vibes going all night. And let’s not forget about tons of prizes (including branded merchandise and UNO product packs), UNO-themed decor, custom signature drinks, and plenty of fun photo ops and memorable moments. 6 pm,

    Georgia James presents Amici Wine Dinner
    Modern American steakhouse Georgia James welcomes chefs Renato De Pirro and Douglas Rodriguez for an intimate Amici Wine Dinner, a rare collaborative evening featuring a multi-course menu paired with exceptional wines from Amici Cellars and Olema. Tickets are $150 per person (not including tax and gratuity) and reservations are available through OpenTable. 6:30 pm.

    John Mellencamp in concert
    Do you swell up with pride every time you hear the words “I was born in a small town”? Well, the man who sang those words will be in the area this weekend. John Mellencamp comes to The Woodlands as part of his Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits. The tour marks the first time Mellencamp will be performing all his most beloved songs in a single night, some of which haven’t been played live in many years. Mellencamp has released 25 albums in his 50-year career, most recently Orpheus Descending in 2023. 8 pm.

    Friday, August 7

    Eastbound Barbecue Grand Opening Weekend
    After opening full time in June, Eastbound Barbecue is celebrating its grand opening weekend with live music, an all-day happy hour, and plenty of smoked meats. Dig into smoked brisket, sip handcrafted cocktails, and kick back on the expansive patio featuring oversized TVs. 11 am.

    Beats on the Bayou: Back to School Edition
    This back-to-school edition of the outdoor concert series will feature DJ Peach, spoken word by Gianni, a dance performance by 2xclusive Dance Team, and Meta4 Houston, also known as Writers in the Schools. Folks can also enjoy face painting and a juice stand by Peach Market. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for a relaxed, family-friendly waterfront concert experience. 6 pm.

    Toto, Christopher Cross, and The Romantics in concert
    A trio of '80s superstars will be in The Woodlands this weekend. Toto, Christopher Cross, and The Romantics are performing as part of their co-headlining tour. Toto has released 14 albums in their career, most recently Old Is New in 2018. Christopher Cross – that yacht-rock god – has released 14 albums, including Take Me As I Am in 2017. And the Romantics have done 14 albums, including 61/49 in 2003. 6:45 pm.

    River Oaks Theatre presents Graveyard Shift: The Howling (with Curse of the Where Wolf Book Signing)
    River Oaks Theatre artistic director Rob Saucedo’s new graphic novel Curse of the Where Wolf is set for release this weekend. A sequel to his first graphic novel Where Wolf, it follows a College Station reporter who — after saving a furry convention from being turned into an all-you-can-eat buffet courtesy of a very hungry werewolf — finds himself now cursed with lycanthropy. The theater will also kick off a month-long, werewolf-themed film series, starting with The Howling. Saucedo will sign copies of his book beforehand. 9:15 pm.

    Saturday, August 8

    Bayou Heights Bier Garten presents Luau on the Bayou and Heights Bier Garten presents Y2K End of Summer Event
    Bayou Heights Bier Garten is bringing the tropics with their Luau on the Bayou, the ultimate end-of-summer celebration, with themed cocktails and food available throughout the day. The evening heats up with a spectacular fire/hula dancer performance, followed by a live band. Heights Bier Garten is also throwing its annual Y2K End of Summer celebration, with a full day of music, local shopping, and good vibes. Brunch is served before the evening kicks into high gear with a live performance from Good Time Muffin. 11 am

    Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents The Greatest Show On Earth
    Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will present The Greatest Show On Earth reimagined for a new generation, bringing a fast-paced, high-energy circus experience. Audiences will experience iconic Ringling acts reimagined in new ways, from the Double Wheel of Destiny, where performers leap and jump rope on massive moving wheels high above the ground, to breathtaking trapeze artists soaring through the air in perfectly timed, heart-racing passes. 11 am, 3 & 7 pm (7 pm Friday; 1 & 5 pm Sunday).

    H.C.A.R. presents Nocturne Analysis
    Nocturne Analysis is a new micro-cinema series dedicated to close viewing, discussion, symbolism, and theory. Instead of a packed theater, these gatherings will be intentionally small so everyone has a chance to participate. For the inaugural evening, they’ll be screening a mystery David Lynch VHS double feature. After the screenings, stay for an informal discussion exploring recurring imagery, themes, symbolism, and the hidden connections between the films. DM H.C.A.R. for an RSVP. 7 pm.

    DroneArt Show: Harry Potter
    DroneArt Show: Harry Potter is a two-night, first-of-its-kind open-air drone spectacle that will blend advanced drone choreography with the music and iconic moments from the Harry Potter film series. A live violinist will perform as memorable moments from the films are reimagined through aerial displays set to the soundtrack and dialogue from the films. As part of the experience, attendees will also wear LED wristbands that allow them to interact further with the performance. 9 pm.

    Sunday, August 9

    Lyric Market presents Book and Plant Swap
    For all the Houston plant and book fans, Lyric Market will have a fun afternoon to swap favorite reads or plant trimmings while looking for new treasures. Better Than Therapy Books will be handling the book exchange and selling some of this season’s hottest books, while The Flour Petal Bakery will have all the sweet treats (including dot cakes and Dubai chocolate) and pothos trimmings at the bakery. Also, don't miss additional local vendors selling their goods. Noon.

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents The House in the Woods (La Maison des bois)
    Director Maurice Pialat crafted this seven-part miniseries about the impact of World War I on a community north of Paris. With a naturalistic focus, the film captures both the historical scope of the conflict and the subtle ways that a small town’s routines and rituals are indelibly touched by it. This series — commissioned for French TV in 1971 and now in a luminous new 4K restoration — is one of the great under-seen achievements of postwar French filmmaking. (The other episodes will be screened for the next two Sundays.) 2 pm.

    John Mellencamp
    Photo courtesy of John Mellencamp
    John Mellencamp in concert

    Queensbury Theatre presents Mean Girls
    Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady and her friends devise a "Revenge Party" to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. Through Sunday, August 16. 2 pm.

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