Long Beloved in Britain

More than a panty-dropping, frat boy's friend: An appreciation for Kings of Leon

Kings of Leon lead singer Caleb Followill
Kings of Leon
Photo courtesy of Kings of Leon

Although many fans of Kings of Leon's platinum selling album Only By Night tout its supposed panty dropping effect that helps frat boys get laid (similar to the Dave Matthews Band effect), Kings of Leon certainly deserves more acclaim for the music evolution that they've gone through to create hits that are sure to have longevity.

Those hits — "Sex on Fire", "Use Somebody", and "Notion" — and their obvious impact on the college crowd will likely lead to an easy sellout for Kings of Leon's Sept. 9 date at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Last time, Kings of Leon came to town, they almost sold out the Toyota Center.

If you haven't heard of Kings of Leon, here is a quick review: Only By Night is close to a modern form of southern rock in the sense that it's still alternative, but its catchy, bluesy lyrics and arrangements make it something that sounds still pretty new and fresh. At least to the United States audience.

Kings of Leon has enjoyed international success — particularly in the United Kingdom — for a longer time despite the fact they're a Nashville, Tennessee band. They had nine Top 40 singles and three albums reach the top five of the UK charts before developing much of a following in America.

These guys deserve credit for being more than some frat boy urban legend that probably carries as much truth as Bigfoot.

unspecified

"Here come the grannies!"

Walk through the Magic Door to experience the world of Bluey in Houston

bluey and bingo's bedroom at camp in houston

Courtesy of CAMP

Houston will soon be the home of a new CAMP store, featuring interactive installations like the house from "Bluey."

Bluey is coming to the Galleria this February “for real life” through an immersive event that invites visitors to enter the world of the famous Australian Heeler family. This one-of-a-kind experience brings the Heeler home and backyard to life with intricate details that will delight fans of all ages.

Tickets are on sale now for Bluey x CAMP, the inaugural interactive experience of the combination toy store, party venue, and immersive theater space. This is The Family Experience Company’s first CAMP location in Houston, with the business securing a 7,500-square-foot permanent retail space in the Galleria.

Through “The Magic Door,” a pivoting wall, visitors step into seasonally rotating interactive spaces beginning with a 5,000-square-foot lifesize replica of Bluey’s house.

Visitors can play games made popular by the show, such as grannies and keepy uppy, and bust a move when “dance mode” is activated. The kitchen’s fridge is covered in drawings by the Heeler puppies, while the living room TV plays Bluey.

Families can explore both a pillow fort and a cardboard castle — two-story structures complete with slides — before venturing into a playroom stocked with toys and costumes from the show. In the backyard, a recreation of the Heeler’s large tree is surrounded by charming gnomes. A photo opportunity with Bluey and Bingo tops off the visit.

Beyond the world of Bluey, CAMP offers even more for visitors in its Canteen space, with a splatter room, The Schmutz Bar (a slime creation station), a party room, and a playable truck. Customers can also shop for toys, clothing, and accessories.

Houston joins a list of CAMP’s locations in Dallas, Atlanta, New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. Installations change seasonally, with other current features including Paw Patrol, The Little Mermaid, and Encanto.

Courtesy of CAMP

Houston will soon be the home of a new CAMP store, featuring interactive installations like the house from "Bluey."

bluey galleria-houston camp bluey x camp