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    Live Music Now

    These are the 9 best concerts to catch in Houston this week

    Johnston Farrow
    Johnston Farrow
    Oct 2, 2018 | 3:17 pm

    Don't say we didn't warn you. Lauryn Hill postponed her scheduled set at Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land on September 29; the award-winning singer came down with cold. The show is now scheduled for May 9, 2019. Killing me softly, indeed.

    In other music related news, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh apparently instigated an altercation after a UB40 concert back in 1985. (Serious question: Who gets into a fight over UB40? Too much red, red wine perhaps?)

    Hopefully, the following shows will go on as scheduled without a postponement or FBI investigation. Here are CultureMap's best and biggest shows of the week.

    Goo Goo Dolls celebrate the '90s
    Get ready to slow dance awkwardly with your high school crush. There once was a time when the Goo Goo Dolls was one of the biggest bands in the country. Starting off as a power-pop trio led by lead singer, Johnny Rzeznik, the group hit it big with the acoustic ballad, “Name” in 1995, on the otherwise straight-ahead alt-rock album, A Boy Named Goo. The New York band hit it even bigger with “Iris” a few years later, a song played at every prom across America. The group is playing the corresponding album, Dizzy up the Girl, in full on its current U.S. tour.

    Goo Goo Dolls play Dizzy up the Girl in its entirety at House of Blues, located at 1204 Caroline St., on Tuesday, October 2. Tickets start at $49.50 plus service fees. Doors open at 7 pm.

    CultureMap free show of the week: The Tontons and Say Girl Say
    Two of the best Houston acts come together for a free concert at Discovery Green this Thursday, in what is the best happy hour option of the week. Word is The Tontons, with their catchy-as-hell Smiths-esque sound, are in the studio finally working on a long-awaited follow-up to 2014's Make Out Stories and Other Stories of Love. Hallelujah. The mystical duo Say Girl Say is due to drop their second album soon. Here's hoping we'll get to hear some new tunes at this show.

    The Tontons appear at the Thursday Concert Series at Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St. Say Girl Say opens. Admission is free. Show starts at 7 pm.

    J Balvin returns
    After scoring one of the highest attended concerts at RodeoHouston earlier this year, reggaeton performer J Balvin (born José Álvaro Osorio Balvin) is back, playing a far more intimate show at the Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land. His appearance couldn't have come a hotter time for the Latin pop star, having just scored a No. 1 single with the Cardi B track, "I Like It." His latest album, Vibras, recently gave him his highest chart placement, coming in at No. 15 on the Billboard charts. Expect a packed, energetic crowd for this one.

    J Balvin performs at the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, located at 18111 Lexington Blvd. in Sugar Land, on Thursday, October 4. Tickets start at $39.95 plus service charges. Show starts at 8 pm.

    "Dancing Queen," Houston Symphony style
    Is ABBA cool? One could argue that if you have to ask, probably not, but there's no denying the pure melodic brilliance of the Swedish quartet that produced some of the catchiest earworms in the history of pop music, so much that a massive Broadway play and two Hollywood hit films came from their songs. "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," "Waterloo," "Take a Chance on Me," "S.O.S." and many more will be highlights when the Houston Symphony covers the jammed catalog of hits along with vocal group, Rajaton, this weekend at Jones Hall.

    The Music of Abba will be performed by the Houston Symphony at Jones Hall, located at 615 Louisiana St., on Friday, October 5, Saturday, October 6, and Sunday, October 7. Tickets start at $59 plus service fees. Shows on Friday and Saturday start at 8 pm, Sunday at 7:30 pm.

    CultureMap recommends: Buzzy Bishop Briggs at House of Blues
    Fans of Imagine Dragons and girl power will want to check out Bishop Briggs, the 26-year-old, British alt-rock singer-songwriter who is blowing up the airwaves and racking up YouTube views as of late with her song, "The River." She has toured with Coldplay, appeared on American Idol, and is becoming a mainstay at international festivals for her in-your-face lyrics and powerful voice. Fans of INXS will want to check out her cover of "Never Tear Us Apart." She's touring behind her new album, Church of Scars.

    Bishop Briggs is at House of Blues, located at 1204 Caroline St., on Saturday, October 6. Tickets start at $25 plus service fees. Doors open at 7 pm.

    Hometown heroes: Wild Moccasins and Vodi
    After teaming up at the Bands for Beto event at Warehouse Live in August, local acts Wild Moccasins and Vodi join forces once again at the Satellite Bar for full sets. Wild Moccasins are riding high following their summer release of their new album, Look Together, and Vodi is still working behind one of last year's bests, Talk. The much talked about John Allen Stephens, producer for The Suffers' Everything Here, will open. Hit this show to celebrate how strong the Houston music scene is right now.

    Wild Moccasins headline Satellite Bar, located at 6922 Harrisburg Blvd., on Saturday, October 6. Vodi and John Allen Stephens open. Tickets start at $12 plus service charges. Doors open at 7 pm.

    No. 1 Brockhampton at Revention
    It's been a good week for Brockhampton,as the 14-member rap collective just hit No. 1 on the chart for its new album, Iridescence. Now based in L.A., the self-described boy band — think Wu-Tang crossed with N'Sync — just signed a $15 million record deal with music giant RCA after releasing earlier albums independently with smooth beats, and a fresh-faced, modern perspective. Not too shabby for a group that started off in San Marcos, Texas, with many members having ties to Houston.

    Brockhampton performs at Revention Music Center, located at 520 Texas Ave., on Sunday, October 7. Tickets start at $35 plus service fees. Doors open at 8 pm.

    Sebastian Bach at White Oak
    Oh the '80s, when dudes with long hair, a can of hairspray, a makeup kit, and lots of leather could be rock stars. Count Sebastian Bach as one of those rock stars, the front man for Skid Row, which scored hits with "18 and Life," "I Remember You," and "Youth Gone Wild." Bach has maintained a profile in music, but is probably mostly remembered by this generation for his turn as an actor on smart teen drama, Gilmore Girls. For diehards, or fans of the classic show, Bach is back, playing the nostalgia circuit covering his Skid Row and solo hits.

    Sebastien Bach headlines the White Oak Music Hall, located at 2915 N. Main St., on Sunday, October 7. One Bad Son and Monte Pittman opens. Tickets start at $20 plus a $8.63 service fee. Doors open at 7 pm.

    CultureMap show of the week: Bands for Beto 2.0
    Just like the August rally, put politics aside, and the latest gathering for U.S. Senate hopeful Beto O'Rourke is one heckuva music line-up. The Beto Voter Registration Rally will be hosted by H-town legends, hip-hop star Bun B and former Texans running back Arian Foster. In addition, you'll get performances from alt-folk crooner Shakey Graves, alt-rockers The Tontons, rapper Willie D, and Latin act Bombon. In other words, there's something for everyone. (Unless you're a Ted Cruz fan, that is.)

    The Beto Voter Registration Rally goes down at White Oak Music Hall, located at 2915 N. Main St., on Monday, October 8. Bun B, Shakey Graves, Willie D, The Tontons, and Bombon will perform. RSVP required. $25 donation is suggested. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

    Houston's The Tontons play a free show at Discovery Green on Thursday, October 4.

    The Tontons
      
    Photo courtesy of The Tontons
    Houston's The Tontons play a free show at Discovery Green on Thursday, October 4.
    concertssymphonymusiclistscolumnnightlife
    news/entertainment

    independence day fun

    Where to celebrate the 4th of July throughout the Houston area in 2025

    Holly Beretto
    Jun 18, 2025 | 11:30 am
    Shell Freedom Over Texas
    Courtesy of Shell Freedom Over Texas
    The city has revealed the performers for its July 4 celebration.

    A country only turns 249 once. To celebrate Independence Day, cities around the Houston region have a host of entertainment options for all ages — including, of course, fireworks to light up the night sky. Happy 4th of July!

    Thursday, July 3
    Houston Symphony: Star-Spangled Salute
    This annual concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is free for everyone, and offers a selection of patriotic songs to celebrate the holiday. 8pm.

    Friday, July 4
    Freedom Over Texas
    Houston’s annual July 4th bash returns to Eleanor Tinsley Park along Allen Parkway with local, regional, and national entertainment, headlined by Ashley McBryde and Lee Brice. Attendees also have access to a beer garden; a sponsored area with representatives from local sports teams; the "Red, White & Play Kids Zone" with games, face painting, and entertainment; and "Liberty Park," which salutes the military and includes pictures with military assets. The grand finale of the celebration is a “Texas-sized” fireworks display. This year’s event will donate a portion of the entrance fee to the Houston Food Bank. Gates open at 4 pm. The cost is $10.

    Bubbles and Fireworks
    Buffalo Bayou Partnership hosts this event, which sets sail from Allen’s Landing at 8 pm. Hop on a boat and head into the bayou for a sensational view of fireworks over downtown, complete with bubbly, wine, beer, and light bites. The cost is $150 per person. Space is limited and this event is for ages 13 and older. Reserve online.

    City of Baytown 4th of July Celebration
    Beginning at 4 pm, the event includes live performances from groups like the Spazmatics and The Zydeco Outlaws, among others, food and craft vendors, and children’s activities. The evening is capped off with fireworks. The event is free to attend.

    City of Bellaire Celebration of Independence Parade & Festival
    This free event at Loftin Park kicks off with a parade at 9 am. A festival, held from 9:30 am-12 pm, includes music, food, and other family fun.

    City of Friendswood July 4th Celebration
    The day begins at 10 am, with a parade on Friendswood Drive, followed by a festival in Stevenson Park with rides, games, music, and entertainment. At 7 pm, a celebration will be held in Centennial Park, with live music and other entertainment, capped by a fireworks show around 9:10 pm.

    City of La Porte 4th of July in Five Points
    After a parade down Broadway, there’s a party at Five Points Plaza, featuring free hot dogs while they last, live music, and a fire truck that will spray water in the street. All festivities are free. The fun starts at 10:30 am.

    City of Pasadena 4th Fest
    Pasadena's party features a live DJ, Pasadena Idol performers, and a host of other activities celebrating the nation’s birthday at the Pasadena Fairgrounds. The festival starts at 4 pm, with a fireworks display at 9:15 pm. The event is free to attend.

    City of Pearland Celebration of Freedom
    Live music, kids activities, strolling entertainment, giveaways, and a photo booth top the list of fun on the 4th in Independence Park, beginning at 6 pm. The evening finishes with an 18-minute fireworks display. It’s free to attend.

    City of Seabrook Fourth of July Parade
    The parade begins at the Miramar Shopping Center and ends at Rex L. Meador Park. Kids are encouraged to decorate bikes, scooters, wagons and other non-motorized vehicles for a special children’s parade. Look for a bounce house, hayrides, hotdogs and other Fourth of July-themed fun. Festivities begin at 9:30 am.

    City of Sugar Land Red, White, and Boom
    Gather at Constellation Field for this epic celebration with music, food, vendors, and a grand fireworks finale. Admission is free. The event kicks off at 5 pm.

    Dueling Pianos and Fireworks
    Katy’s Home Run Dugout hosts this bash, headlined by dueling piano duo Joilux. Guests can request their fave tunes, and enjoy a killer fireworks show. The event is free, and those attending can order bites and drinks off the gathering spot’s regular menu. Celebrations kick off at 8 pm.

    Einstein’s Fireworks Cruise on Lake Conroe
    Depart from Einstein’s Surf & Boat Shop at the Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe for this three-hour cruise, which includes music, snacks, and a great vantage point for seeing the fireworks on Lake Conroe. BYOB. The cost is $75.

    Fourth of July in The Woodlands
    An array of activities are happening all day long, beginning at 8 am with festivities that precede the 49th Annual South County 4th of July Parade, which winds through The Woodlands Town Center and Market Street, featuring fire engines, military units, and marching bands.

    From 10 am to 6 pm, Woodlands townships have a host of Red, White, and Pool activities in their pools (fees vary). Finally, the Red, Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza kicks off at 6 pm with food, live entertainment, and family fun at multiple locations throughout The Woodlands.

    Houston Symphony: Star-Spangled Salute
    The Symphony’s free July 4 concert at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park is a Houston tradition. Expect songs like “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and “America the Beautiful,” followed by a grand finale fireworks display. The concert begins at 8:30 pm.

    Kemah Boardwalk July 4th Celebration
    The popular entertainment zone has live music beginning at 2 pm, with multiple bands taking the stage. A fireworks show starts at 9:30 pm. The fireworks show is free. Those wishing to hop on a boat and catch the show from the water need to pay $40. Boarding begins at 9 pm.

    Missouri City Fourth Fest
    Taking place on the Houston Community College - Southwest College campus, this free party includes carnival games, live performances, food from local vendors, and a fireworks display. Festivities begin at 5 pm.

    Valley Ranch 4th Fest
    Cover band Dunn & Brooks and ZZ Tex highlight this day-long celebration, which also features yard games, a kids’ zone, train rides, a shopping boutique, July 4th swag, food trucks, and a Red, White, and Brews cash bar. It’s all capped off with Montgomery County’s largest fireworks display. The fun starts at 5 pm and admission is free.

    Saturday, July 5
    Stars, Stripes, and Swing
    The Jazz Connection Orchestra performs at Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe’s Del Lago Ballroom. There’s a cash bar with offerings such as tacos, hot dogs, and other snacks. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance. The concert is at 7:30 pm, with a fireworks show immediately following at 9:20 pm.

    Freedom Over Texas
      
    Courtesy of Freedom Over Texas
    The Freedom Over Texas celebration takes place on the Fourth of July.
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