It’s a dream scenario. In reality, it’s proof that Texas music is as diverse and great as it’s ever been.
Texas Monthly recently released its issue devoted to the Texas music industry, featuring contemporary blues artist Gary Clark Jr. and neo-soul singer Leon Bridges on the cover. Inside, the magazine offered up a faux-concert poster for an event called the TX Dream Fest, featuring three days of music acts, all from Texas, compiled by two of the state’s top promoters, Houston’s Mark Austin of the Convoy Group and Graham Williams of Margin Walker Presents.
Day One is headed by Beyoncé, Leon Bridges, and Solange, Day Two sees George Strait and Norah Jones co-headlining, with Day 3 closed out by country powerhouses Willie Nelson and Dixie Chicks. The most surprising thing is how strong the roster is throughout and makes for an amazing what if. Most importantly, it shows just how vital Texas music scene is in the state and beyond.
Have a look for yourself (scroll down to No. 8 on the list of “30 Things You Need To Know About Texas Music.”
Meanwhile, Houston continues its hot streak of attracting some of the biggest names and events in music with another eclectic line-up of great shows.
Friday, October 27
If any children were born of groupies from a Highwaymen tour back in the 80s, Chris Stapleton would be an eligible candidate to be the love child of either Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash. A singer who eschews the look and sound of new country, Stapleton has made it big on the back of old Nashville sounds, mixed with Mississippi Blues and a voice that will fill the entire Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. He’ll be joined by country legend Marty Stuart and opener Brent Cobb. Tickets start at $44 plus fees but advanced tickets look like they are limited. Gates open at 7 pm.
Noisy indie-rock New Jersey band Screaming Females will bring their high octane riffs and punk energy to the White Oak Music Hall. The trio, fronted by the dynamically voiced singer/guitarist Marissa Paternoster has made noise on the alt-rock scene, especially for their latest, 2015’s Rose Mountain. Street Eaters open. Tickets are $11 in advance. Show starts at 8 pm.
Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29
Houston has always had a reputation for being kind to rave kids, attracting the best DJs in the world as far back as the mid-to-late '90s — anyone remember the amazing shows at Houston Arena? Ravers will get their fix as another edition of the Something Wicked festival takes over the Sam Houston Race Park in a sea of glitter and glow sticks this weekend. This year’s fest, H-town’s biggest annual EDM party, features a who’s-who in the electronic production world, including Tiesto, Zeds Dead, Marshmello (who just dropped a track with Selena Gomez) and many more. Tickets start at $169.95 for a two-day pass, $104.95 for a single day pass.
Sunday, October 29
Lo-fi So-Cal indie-rockers Wavves will hit Numbers Sunday, co-headlining with fellow California indie-rockers Joyce Manor. Wavves, other than being famous for band leader Nathan Williams’ girlfriend Bethany Consentino of Best Coast, has made a name for critically acclaimed, just below the mainstream alternative rock that incorporates sweet melodies atop distorted, feedback drenched guitars. The band is touring behind the well received 2017 album You’re Welcome. French Vanilla opens. Tickets are $20 in advance plus fees. Doors at 7 pm.
If you ever thought Mumford and Sons needed more hip-hop verses or that Twenty One Pilots needed more banjo, Nashville alternative radio favorites Judah and the Lion bring their folk-inflected hip-hop rock mish-mash and hit song, “Take It All Back 2.0,” to White Oak Music Hall. This type of music is all over the place right now, so if you want to bear witness to the current zeitgeist, don’t miss this show. Tickets start at $22. Doors at 7 pm.
Monday, November 1
Eccentric and deeply artistic electronic meets jazz meets hip-hop producer Flying Lotus brings his dark and moody soundscapes to the House of Blues. Favored by audiophiles not in love with just one genre, the relative to jazz great John Coltrane has worked with a wide array of luminaries, including Snoop Dogg, Herbie Hancock and Kendrick Lamar. He’s a genius behind the sound boards, which parlays into a head-tripping live experience. Tickets start at $27. Show starts at 8 p.m.
Thursday, November 2
Ringo Starr remains one of the most underrated drummers in rock history. That’s what happens when you’re in the Beatles with John, Paul and George. See proof of this statement when Ringo and His All Starr Band perform at Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land. To his credit, Starr hasn’t rested on his royalties from his early work, instead putting together a respectable recording and touring career over the last 45-plus years since the demise of the biggest band in the history of music. Tickets start at $49.50. Show starts at 8 pm.
Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band performs at the Smart Financial Center at Sugarland Thursday, November 2.
