She Wolf, a Shakira tribute act, performs at Party on the Plaza.
Photo courtesy of She Wolf/Houston First
For decades, Houstonians rocked out in east downtown — before hanging out downtown was a thing — at Party on the Plaza, the popular concert series and live music show. Now, after a two-year hiatus due to COVID, the free event is making an in-person return this week.
Party on the Plaza premieres Friday, April 8, with a free kickoff party running from 6 pm to 9 pm at Avenida Houston (1001 Avenida de las Americas). Look for the aforementioned live music, beverages, a massive 14-foot selfie display for photo and Instagram opportunities, and an array of festive lighting throughout the space, per a release.
As fans will recall, Party on the Plaza showcased local, regional, and national bands. This year, the series (co-produced by Houston First Corp. and presented by Champion Energy) will headline some popular cover and tribute bands, many that feature top-tier musicians and vocalists who have worked with some of today’s all-star artists and companies.
As for the music, expect a range of R&B, Latin, rock, pop, alternative, and more. Here’s the lineup, which runs through May 20:
April 8: Simply Irresistible (modern hits, ’80s, classic rock, disco/funk, R&B, Motown, and country.)
April 15: We Got the Beat ( R&B, rock to hip-hop, pop, and more.)
April 22: Claremont Heir (Alternative rock, pop punk, and psychedelic)
April 29: Breakfast at Tiffany’s (’60s, ’70s, ’80s, Latin, pop, rock, country, and modern top hits)
May 6: She Wolf (Shakira tribute)
May 13: Reputation (Taylor Swift tribute)
May 20: Big Swing and The Ballroom Blasters (Earth, Wind, & Fire tribute)
Legendary rockers Styx and Kevin Cronin, lead singer of REO Speedwagon, will team up to co-headline the “Brotherhood of Rock” tour in 2025, which will include a stop at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands on Friday, June 6.
The large, 40-city tour will take place over three months, starting in Greenville, South Carolina on May 28, and wrapping up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 24.
In addition to Houston, the tour will go to Austin on June 4 and Dallas on August 1. It will include special guest Don Felder, former lead guitarist for the Eagles, at all dates.
Fans can expect some of the greatest rock anthems of all time, including “Renegade,” “Keep On Loving You,” “Come Sail Away,” “Can't Fight This Feeling,” and “Hotel California.”
Styx and Cronin (as part of REO Speedwagon) first toured together in 2000 and in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks, coming together to form the Rock to the Rescue 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. This will mark their sixth time joining forces on the road.
2022 was the 50th anniversary of Styx's self-titled debut album, but they have yet to slow down. The band released their 17th album, Crash of the Crown, in 2021. Of course, not everyone is a fan, as this classic clip from The Simpsons illustrates.
REO Speedwagon's recording days appear to be done, with their last album coming out in 2009, but the main group of five has been together since 1989. On this tour, Cronin will be joined by REO's lead guitarist Dave Amato and drummer Bryan Hitt.
General tickets for the tour will go on sale starting on Friday, December 13 at 10 am at LiveNation.com.
Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets in the U.S. beginning on December 9 at 10 am through the Citi Entertainment program.
Styx and Kevin Cronin will be offering VIP packages via their own exclusive pre-sales beginning on Tuesday, December 10 at 10 am, as well as at LiveNation.com.
