The final weekend of May brings an assortment of both local and national events to the forefront in Houston. Among the offerings will be familiar pop songs given a jazzy twist, a play about one of the most famous American composers of all time and a return visit from the most famous denizen of Margaritaville.
Below are the best options for your precious free time Thursday through Sunday. Don't like what you see? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, May 28
Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox in concert
If you ever wondered how Radiohead's "Creep" would sound as a jazz song, you're in luck. Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox is a jazz/pop ensemble with rotating members, including former American Idol contestants Haley Reinhart and Casey Abrams, that takes modern day music and gives it a vintage feel. They'll play at Warehouse Live.
Theatre Under the Stars presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella
The Tony Award-winning musical from Broadway royalty Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein comes to town as part of a national tour following the recent Broadway revival. The musical, which contains songs like "In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” will play at Hobby Center for the Performing Arts through June 7.
Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band in concert
You gotta hand it to Jimmy Buffett: He's managed to maintain an almost god-like level of popularity over the course of more than 40 years almost purely for sticking to his escapist roots. He and his Coral Reefer Band will play once again at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, but everybody knows the real party will take place in the parking lot before, during and after the concert.
Friday, May 29
Alley Theatre presents George Gershwin Alone
Alley Theatre's penultimate show in their temporary home at the University of Houston is a play about composer George Gershwin's genius and his fascinating, too short life that doubles as a tribute to his music, including songs like "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Summertime" and "I Got Rhythm." It will run through June 21 at Lyndall Finley Wortham Theatre.
Barnstorm Dance Fest
Dance Source Houston presents the first annual Barnstorm Dance Fest, running at The Barn every Thursday through Saturday through June 13. Featuring 21 different dance artists from troupes from Houston, Dallas, Austin, Huntsville, College Station, St. Petersburg, Florida and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Barnstorm's frenzy of activity will please dance enthusiasts of all kinds.
Saturday, May 30
Train in concert with The Fray and Matt Nathanson
You also have to hand it to Train, who have managed to release a hit song just often enough to maintain their popularity. The group responsible for songs like "Drops of Jupiter," "Hey, Soul Sister" and "Drive By" will play at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in support of their 2014 album, Bulletproof Picasso. They'll be joined by opening acts The Fray and Matt Nathanson.
Houston Symphony presents The Music of Pink Floyd
You know it's getting close to summer when the Houston Symphony starts offering up tributes to pop cultural fare in addition to classical music. On Saturday at Jones Hall, with help from singer Randy Jackson, they'll head back to the '70s to tackle 17 Pink Floyd songs, including “Money,” “Learning to Fly” and “Comfortably Numb.”
Sunday, May 31
Bayou City Outdoors hosts A Walk in the Woods
You may think that doing anything outdoors this weekend is not a good idea, but people still need exercise and the organizers of this event say that it's still a go, so who are we to argue? You can explore some of the lesser-known (and more adventuresome) trails Memorial Park has to offer at this free event, after which you can join the group for breakfast and coffee.
