Cold beer and live music, what genius came up with that idea?
The explosion of craft beer in Houston has been a boon to the local music scene. Breweries 8th Wonder and St. Arnold’s regularly book great line-ups to entice suds-lovers to taste their latest batches and now Karbach is getting in on the fun with Karbachtoberfest, named in part for their latest seasonal. Following an electric set by hometown hip-hop star Bun B, who took time away from helping Harvey victims last weekend, three more weekends of the best local acts are on the varied schedule, including Latin funk band Grupo Fantasmaand Latin ska group Los Skarnaleson Friday as well as the psych-rock of Bright Light Social Hourand electronic cumbia of Gio Chamba on Saturday.
It’s these type of events that keep the local scene vital and relevant, while expanding the reach of acts coming out of Houston. They also help local craft breweries sell a lot of beer. Admission is free and the 6-9:30 p.m. event times making it family friendly too. Shows will take place through October 7. Check out the schedule here.
Indie-dance stars !!! (pronounced chk-chk-chk) descend on White Oak Music Hall on Saturday night and will get asses shaking. Since the band’s inception in the early 2000s, this Sacramento act has been parlayed its contagious mix of funk, 90s NYC Hi-NRG house, and electric stage presence into a successful recording career. Their critically acclaimed 2017 release Shake The Shudder is one of their best. There’s no better band name suited to a live show this fun. Atlanta buzz act Algiers opens. Tickets are $18 in advance. Show starts at 8 p.m.
Somewhere along the way, Depeche Mode became the Rolling Stones of Gen Xers. That’s what happens when a band has over three decades of stone cold classic hits to pull from ("Enjoy The Silence," "Just Can't Get Enough," "People Are People," "Personal Jesus," among many, many more) and a live show to match. The UK-based synth-driven three-piece continues to put out vital and relevant music, including their best album in 15 years in this year's politically fierce Spirit.
Simply put, Depeche Mode are some of the world’s best live performers, playing to hundreds of thousands of fans in stadiums and arenas around the world with dozens of shows in a touring cycle, harnessing the lothario stage presence and souped-up energy of Dave Gahan and catchy-as-hell, heart-on-sleeve songwriting of Martin Gore. This show is a must-see for any discerning music fan. They hit the stage at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Sunday night. Tickets start at $38, gates open at 6 p.m.
Other shows to see
Friday (September 22)
Influential West Coast punks, Descendents, pulled off the feat of a successful reunion a few years back and after several hiatuses, the band is a full-time concern for lead singer Milo Aukerman and crew. It’s hard to think of a group more influential on American punk and alternative music. See them live at House of Blues. Tickets start at $30. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Cigarettes After Sex brings its hushed, melodic and moody tunes to White Oak behind its self-titled album. If you’re a fan of the bands that played the Bang Bang Club on Twin Peaks this season, this will be right up your alley. Tickets start at $15.50. Doors at 8 p.m.
One of country music’s biggest stars, the impossibly good looking Luke Bryan, brings his catalogue of hits to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion for his Huntin’, Fishin’, and Lovin’ Everyday Tour. Brett Elredge and Granger Smith open. Tickets start at $38. Gates open at 6 p.m.
Saturday (September 23)
Exciting Austin songwriting Walker Lukens celebrates the release of his new brand new LP (out September 22), Tell It To The Judge with a 3 p.m. in-store at Cactus Music. The new tunes should be stellar based on the talented melding of sounds, genres and eras of his 2013 full-length album, Devoted, plus some really clever videos. Admission is free.
Sunday (September 24)
Against Me!, fronted by charismatic Laura Jane Grace, gave Green Day fans a thrilling set when they opened at the Toyota Center back in March. Fans will be treated to a full set at White Oak behind this year’s album, the wonderfully named Stabitha Christie. Tickets are $20 in advance, show starts at 7 p.m.
Your mom’s AM radio favorite, Daryl Hall and John Oates, drop their '80s classics on Smart Financial Center at Sugar Land. Expect to hear the hits (“You Make My Dreams,” “Private Eyes,” and more) and witness big hair back from when this type of music was completely unironic. Say what you want about these dudes, “Maneater” is still the jam. Tickets start at $59.75, show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday (September 26)
Fast-rising Los Angeles pop-rock band LANY hits House of Blues behind their self-titled album on its LANY Tour: Part 2, which will see them play across the U.S. and Canada. The group recently made Rolling Stone’s Ten Artists You Need To Know. Tickets are $25, show starts at 7 p.m.
Fast-rising Los Angeles pop-rock band LANY hits House of Blues on Tuesday.
