It's been a rough week for music fans in Houston.
The biggest news came with the announcement that the In Bloom music festival would be one-and-done, which will surely leave a big hole in the local music scene.
Thankfully, that was countered by the knowledge that legendary U.K. band The Who would be coming to the city as part of their Moving On! North American tour. Lead singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend will lead a stellar backing band and a symphony through their 50-plus years of hits at the Toyota Center on September 25. Tickets go on sale this Friday.
There are also some savory morsels of live shows this week to get you by until greener pastures arrive. CultureMap's best, biggest, and most notable shows of the week are:
Amen Dunes at Rockefellers
All you need to know about the credentials of New York City artist Damon McMahon's Amen Dunes project comes in the form of his latest producer Chris Coady, who has worked with some of the best independent music acts going today, including Beach House, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV on the Radio, and Grizzly Bear.
The latest Amen Dunes album, Freedom, has garnered critical acclaim and is making waves on college radio, incorporating more electronic influences and previous efforts, as well as the layered majesty you'd expect from the influences just listed.
Amen Dunes play at Rockefellers, located at 3620 Washington Ave., on Friday, January 18. Arthur opens. Tickets are $15 plus a $4.51 service charge. Doors open at 8 pm.
CultureMap show of the week: Jon Spencer
Jon Spencer has left an indelible mark on alternative rock, most especially with his best known project, the quirky NYC trio Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. That band returned to the collective consciousness with the inclusion of their song "Bellbottoms" in the hit summer film, Baby Driver, in what was one of the best openings to a movie in ages.
Spencer is on the road with his side project the HITmakers, touring his solo project, Jon Spencer Sings the Hits! One of the most fierce live performers in music, this one is not to be missed if you appreciate raw, unbridled energy.
Jon Spencer and the HITmakers are at House of Blues, located at 1204 Caroline St., on Saturday, January 19. Poizon opens. Tickets start at $15 plus fees. Doors open at 7 pm.
CultureMap recommends: Meshell Ndegeocello
One of the most revered bass players in music, Meshell Ndegeocello has collaborated with a variety of artists over her storied career. Her first album, Plantation Lullabies, earned her three Grammy nominations, and her duet with John Mellencamp on their cover of Van Morrison's "Wild Night" brought her the attention she deserved.
She's been extremely prolific in the years since. Her latest album is the acclaimed covers album Ventriloquism, which aptly showcases her immense talent and history of working with a who's-who, including versions of Sade's "Smooth Operator," and Prince's "Sometimes it Snows in April."
Meshell Ndegeocello performs at Heights Theater, located at 339 W 19th St., on Saturday, January 19. Hann Benn opens. Tickets start at $26 plus a $8 fee. Doors open at 7 pm.
Ethereal Fest
Fans of the shoegaze and dream pop genres - think Beach House, My Bloody Valentine, The Cocteau Twins, Slowdive - should take in the second annual Ethereal Fest. The event will feature local and regional acts doing their best to look cool in dark clothing and, hopefully, a fog machine with lots of lasers. Band performing include Astragal, Angel Aura, Glare, Processions, Dottie, Fun with Ether, Daze, and Saint Rosa.
Ethereal Fest takes place at the Venus Banquet Hall, located at 12457 Bissonnet St., on Saturday, January 19. Tickets start at $12. Doors open at 5 pm.
Wild Moccasins at Satellite Bar
If there was anything justified about the music industry, Wild Moccasins, would be headlining much bigger venues than the Satellite Bar. They put out one of 2018's best albums in Look Together, they have a distinct, forward thinking aesthetic, and are fronted by a charismatic singer in Zahira Gutierrez. Maybe that'll change with their upcoming U.S. tour, kicking off this week with a series of Texas shows. This might be one of the last times we get to see them in such an intimate setting.
Wild Moccasins perform at Satellite Bar, located at 6922 Harrisburg Blvd., on Sunday, June 20. Tickets start at $10 plus fees. Doors open at 7 pm.
CultureMap free show alert: That 1 Guy
That 1 Guy aka Mike Silverman is a wandering soul, gaining attention from his many festival appearances over his career. He plays 150-200 shows a year, but what really sets apart this classically trained bassist from any other professional musician is the instrument of his own making, which he dubs the Magic Pipe.
Part bass, part metal pipe, part steampunk creation, it's a sight unlike any used in a musical setting, where seeing is believing. The fact that it's free is definitely worth your trip down to Warehouse Live after work on Monday night.
That 1 Guy is at Warehouse Live, located at 813 St Emanuel St., on Monday, January 21. Tickets are free, $20 for seated. Doors open at 7 pm.
Amen Dunes performs at Rockefellers on Friday, January 18.
