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    Opposites Attract

    Despite ticket snafus, Beyoncé and Jay Z rule with ground-shaking spectacle

    Josh Pherigo
    Jul 19, 2014 | 9:14 am

    It was the kind of show you'd expect from two of the greatest living performers on Earth.

    Mr. and Mrs. Carter — Beyoncé, queen (Bey) of pop, and husband rap mogul, Jay Z, king of hip hop — held court Friday night at Minute Maid Park, where thousands of screaming fans were packed to the rafters for a two-and-a-half-hour fire-breathing, ground-shaking spectacle of a concert.

    It was the ninth show in the couple's first-ever joint tour, "On the Run," a play on Jay Z’s 2013 album Magna Carta.... Holy Grail.

    The concert went well, but the preparations did not.

    Disorganization and miscommunication among the ticketing staff led to extremely long wait times outside the gates of the downtown stadium, where some concertgoers had paid up to $80 to park. Lines wrapped around the sports palace, even for those who had already purchased tickets.

    By show time, hundreds were still stuck outside. At least they had time to inspect the fashion parade.

    Many Houston women waited in Bey-inspired outfits that ranged from white halter-tops with flannel button-ups around the waist a la Destiny’s Child to tight-fitting onesies of all colors — so many onesies. Many men wore dapper Jay-Z-inspired white suits paired with dark-framed sunglasses.

    Shadow of a cross

    Inside, shortly after 9 p.m., the King and Queen of Pop appear from behind the shadow of a cross — as if we needed more proof that they believe in their divinity. She wore a black cowboy hat instead of the net veil at previous shows —no doubt in tribute to her Texas roots.

    Beyoncé and Jay Z are musical opposites. Her structural intensity counterbalances his suave, easy coolness.

    From that perch, Bey and Jay blasted through a discography of more than 40 of the hit titles they've churned out in solo careers that have collectively spanned more than two decades.

    The staggering size of their set list meant that songs were inevitably cut short, but overall, the combination worked. Beyoncé and Jay Z are musical opposites. Her structural intensity counterbalances his suave, easy coolness. Their individual styles — his syncopated brassy calm and her steely-eyed intensity — seemed to not only to sustain the rhythm of the performance, it enhanced it.

    It was clear from their swift entrances and exits that the show was about their autonomy as musical legends, as they only sang a few songs together. However, when they did combine their powers, such as on the recent smash “Drunk in Love,” it was magic.

    There was a lot of give and take, but there was no question of who was controlling the stage. Bey was empowered.

    After Jay killed “Big Pimpin’,” he sat down on a throne of glass, which began to turn. It then revealed Beyoncé sitting down on the other side – just one of the many quick-changes and musical transitions.

    The entire show was seemingly meant to be fast, from one song to the next. Even “On to the Next One” was shortened. One singer would hold out a long chord and slip into darkness, then the other would appear and take over.

    There was a lot of give and take, but there was no question of who was controlling the stage. Bey was empowered — she was the one most of the crowd came to see. And she knew it. As a subtle tribute to the Lone Star State, she had one biker jacket that was jewel-studded with the word "Texas" as one of her many costume changes.

    But if you came for the fire, the couple did not disappoint.

    Curtains of sparks fell behind the Queen as she sang her hit, “All the Single Ladies,” and two towers of fire shot up from behind Jay during several songs.

    Maybe I was being naive, but even after 40 songs, I still expected an encore. This would not be the case. The two walked together off the stage to thunderous applause, leaving their fans wanting more.

    See the spectacular opening of the concert here:

    Jay Z and Beyonce, in black cowboy hat, greet the large crowd at Minute Maid Park.

    Jay Z and Beyonce at Minute Maid Park June 2014
    Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher PictureGroup
    Jay Z and Beyonce, in black cowboy hat, greet the large crowd at Minute Maid Park.
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    news/entertainment

    weekend event planner

    Here are the top 14 things to do in Houston this weekend

    Craig Lindsey
    Sep 16, 2026 | 6:30 pm
    Tame Impala
    Tame Impala Facebook
    Tame Impala rolls in from Australia to play two nights at Toyota Center.

    National Cheeseburger Day will be on Friday, and several eateries around Houston will be celebrating with some special, beefy deals.

    Burger Bodega will offer a Wagyu smash burger for $15, while Feges BBQ will have its Feges Burger, fries, and a drink, for $16. Houstonians could also head over to Christian's Tailgate for $10 burger baskets, Checkers for $3 Big Buford burgers on Thursday and Friday, $5 cheeseburgers at OMG! Burger, and jalapeño popper smash burgers at Stuffed Belly.

    Beyond burger specials, this weekend offers many other fun things to check out. Go ahead and, as that Swedish gang of four would say, take a chance.

    Thursday, September 17

    The Immunization Partnership Luncheon
    The Immunization Partnership Luncheon honors extraordinary healthcare leaders, advocates, and providers. Titled "When Voices Rise, Futures Thrive: Together We're Building a Healthier Tomorrow,” it will celebrate the power of vaccines, raising awareness around immunization issues, funding their programs, and honoring those advancing vaccination efforts. Attendees will enjoy lunch and a special performance by The Reading Bureau, while also celebrating the honorees as they are recognized for their important contributions. 11:45 am.

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents White Nights
    Luchino Visconti’s achingly romantic White Nights (which has been given a new 4K restoration) is an exquisite 1957 adaptation of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novella, transforming the shattering tale of two restless souls into a black-and-white dream. Marcello Mastroianni plays a lonely drifter who meets a woman (Maria Schell) on a Tuscan bridge in Livorno. As they spend nights wandering the misty streets, a delicate romance unfolds that quickly entangles them in a web of longing and self-delusion. 7 pm.

    ABRA Cadabra - The Music & Magic of ABBA
    ABRA Cadabra, the internationally acclaimed ABBA tribute band, performs faithful yet fresh performances of ABBA's timeless hits. From "Dancing Queen" to "Mamma Mia" and "Take a Chance on Me," the band blends meticulous musical detail with colorful visuals and an atmosphere designed to get audiences on their feet. The result is a high-energy, family-friendly spectacle featuring a live band, dancers, dazzling costumes, and multiple wardrobe changes. 7:30 pm.

    Friday, September 18

    Karbach Brewery presents Karbachtoberfest
    Karbach Brewing Co.’s annual fall throwdown will feature three weekends of beer, brats, music, stein-hoisting contests, wiener dog races, and all-out Bavarian fun. Dress in your best dirndl or lederhosen, grab your crew, and let’s prost to the season. Whether you’re chasing polka beats, gourmet brats, or a crisp Karbach brew, this is your ultimate fall fest. Through Sunday, October 4. Noon.

    Houston Polish Harvest Festival
    The Houston Polish Harvest Festival - Dożynki will feature three colorful days of authentic Polish traditions, live entertainment, food, dancing, shopping, and family fun. Dożynki is Poland’s traditional harvest celebration, honoring the end of the harvest season and giving thanks for its bounty. Festival highlights include live Polish music, folk dancing, the Polish Kitchen featuring authentic food, a beer garden, a vendor street and Polish marketplace, a silent auction, children's activities, a traditional Polish mass, and more. 4 pm (10 am Saturday and Sunday).

    Off the Wall Gallery presents Salvador Dalí: The Argillet Collection opening reception
    Salvador Dalí: The Argillet Collection is a presentation of works created through the celebrated collaboration between Salvador Dalí and his publisher, Pierre Argillet. Argillet’s daughter Madame Christine Argillet will be on hand at the three-night opening reception to provide insight and discussion into Salvador Dali’s personal and artistic life as well as the process and stories behind the artist who shaped the art movements of Dadaism and Surrealism. Through Thursday, October 15. 6 pm.

    Zine Fest Houston and Ice House Radio presents Analog Swap
    Anyone who has stickers, books, tapes, records, CDs, comics, zines, VHS, old newspapers, magazines, or whatever is invited to bring it to the Analog Swap that Zine Fest Houston and Ice House Radio are having this weekend. Swap it, trade it, and walk away with someone else’s junk. No booths, no prices, just a car wash full of people’s weird personal archives colliding. First 75 people through the door will get a limited-edition sticker. 7 pm.

    Saturday, September 19

    City Place Plaza presents Color Vibe 5K
    This event invites participants of all ages to enjoy an unforgettable celebration of movement, music, and community. Unlike a traditional race, Color Vibe is a fun, untimed 5K where runners, walkers, families, and friends make their way through a vibrant course filled with colorful powder stations. Participants begin the race dressed in white and finish covered in brilliant bursts of color, creating memories (and photos) that last long after race day. 9 am.

    Villain Arts presents Houston Tattoo Arts Festival
    The annual Houston Tattoo Arts Festival will feature three days of artistry and self-expression as top local, national, and international artists unite under one roof to show their passion for tattooing. Body-art enthusiasts can mingle with celebrity tattoo artists, watch seminars, enjoy live entertainment, and participate in tattoo competitions with new or existing tattoos. Numerous vendors will sell everything from industrial supplies to jewelry. 11 am.

    Millennial Merch presents Curtain Call: A Runway Presentation
    This intimate fashion presentation by Houston-based designers Josh Udeh and Jordan Carter explores themes of grief, vulnerability, emotional masking, and healing through fashion and immersive storytelling. The evening will feature visual projections and sensory-driven elements centered around reflection and emotional connection. Through two distinct collections, the show was created to explore emotional truths through fashion and storytelling. 7 pm.

    Tame Impala in concert
    Tame Impala frontman Kevin Parker may have given up on signing autographs for aggressive fans (he claims they’ve used children in the past to get his signature), but that hasn’t stopped him and his Aussie psychedelic-pop collective from playing live grooves all over the country. For two nights, Tame Impala will be performing in Houston, in support of their 2025 album Deadbeat. They'll be joined by special guest Dominic Fike. 7 pm.

    Sunday, September 20

    Best Regards Third Anniversary Celebration
    Best Regards, the woman-owned, indoor/outdoor cocktail lounge in the Heights, will celebrate its third year of business this weekend with a big ol’ anniversary celebration. The party will feature an oyster shucking station, a cigar lounge, photo booths with prints to take home, and both full-strength and zero-proof cocktails. There will also be a few surprises for the people who made the spot what it is today. 4 pm.

    The Indo-American Association Houston presents Draupadi Phenomenon
    Draupadi Phenomenon features a storm on stage — where myth erupts into modern truth. Odissi and Mayurbhanj Chhau meet avant-garde stagecraft in a searing call for women's dignity, freedom, and equality. Conceived and choreographed by Odissi maestro Guru Sanchita Bhattacharya, this dance theatre explores the boundaries of classical form. Drawing from the epic character of Draupadi, it fuses the classical traditions of Odissi and Mayurbhanj Chhau with avant-garde stagecraft to speak of profoundly contemporary burning issues. 6 pm.

    Shoeshine Charley’s Big Top Lounge presents MidMain Movie Club VHS Double Feature
    Shoeshine Charley’s Big Top Lounge will pull out the ol’ VCR for an evening of old-school moviegoing. The MidMain Movie Club will take attendees all the way back to the ‘90s, with a double-feature showing of Steven Spielberg’s dino-heavy blockbusters Jurassic Park and The Lost World: Jurassic Park. It’s free to get in (donations are welcome), plus free popcorn and hot dogs will be available. 7 pm.

    Tame Impala
    Tame Impala Facebook

    Tame Impala rolls in from Australia to play two nights at Toyota Center.

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