Thanksgiving week is almost a upon us: a feast for the senses — the smells of turkey, the sight of family and football. Sound-wise, it's also a chance to check out live shows. Whether it's to dance off that pumpkin pie or to escape your weird aunt or uncle that only wants to talk about their stamp collection, there's a number of good options around town.
Here are some of the best of the week:
Best show to see a big time British import
Alt-J is huge back home. The U.K.-based alt-rock band hit No. 1 on the British charts with their unique, soaring, syncopated style which that has led to success in the U.S., where they have two Top-15 albums. Critics of the group say they sound like a quirkier Radiohead, but in an age of Mumford and Sons knock-offs, Alt-J stands out from the crowd, maybe being a tad too distinct for their own good. They are currently touring behind third album, Relaxer, which has received good reviews.
Alt-J plays White Oak Music Hall on Friday, November 17. Marian Hill opens. Tickets are $55 in advance. Doors open at 7 pm.
Best show to see a pre-Drake rapper/actor entertainment mogul
Ice Cube has been on a good run as of late with the success of blockbuster movie Straight Out Of Compton about his former group N.W.A., that act’s recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the 25th anniversary of hip-hop tome, Death Certificate. He’s been considered a legend for sometime as a music act and has built a solid career in Hollywood, despite his detours into caricature from time to time. Still, his bread and butter is spitting lyrics against systems of oppression, and he has a couple of masterpiece albums (AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted, Death Certificate) that will always give him street cred. He’ll be in Sugar Land Saturday, along with a handful of other big name rappers, including Houston’s very own Bun B.
Ice Cube headlines the 97.9 The Box Presents H-Town West Fest with Scarface, E-40, Bun B and more at the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land on Saturday, Nov. 18. Tickets start at $34.50. Doors open at 5:30 pm.
Best show to eat cake while dancing
Those who like to dodge baked goods while grooving to the latest EDM hits should check out Steve Aoki at The Spire on Thanksgiving eve. Aoki has made a name for himself with his wild stage antics that have left people covered in vanilla sheet cake or worse. Is Aoki a great DJ? Skill-wise, there’s a lot left to be desired, but the man’s sets are entertaining with a mish-mash of the latest dance hits with alt-rock classics. He also attracts a certain crowd, including friend Paris Hilton and other Hollywood socialites, which parlays into people lining up to see him to be close to that gold dust. Just be on the lookout for flying cakes. Frosting is super hard to get out of that designer dress.
Steve Aoki performs at The Spire on Wednesday, November 22. Tickets are $50. Doors open at 10 pm.
Other shows of note
Friday, November 17
American root-rock act Deer Tick of Nashville via Providence, Rhode Island, performs at The Heights Theater with Solomon Georgio. They are touring behind the double album Deer Tick Vol. 1 and Vol. 2. Fun fact: lead singer-songwriter John McCauley is married to turn-of-the-Millennium pop star, Vanessa Carlton. Tickets start at $24 in advance. Doors open at 7 pm.
Sunday, November 19
Atlanta hip-hop mix-tape artist 21 Savage brings along YoungBoy Never Broke Again to Revention Music Center as part of the Numb The Pain Tour. Tickets start at $35. Doors open at 7 pm.
Tuesday, November 21
Fun Philadelphia pop-punk act Beach Slang recovers from having their van and gear recently stolen with an appearance at White Oak Music Hall as part of their Drunk or Lust Tour. Dave Hause and the Mermaid, See Through Dresses will open. Tickets are $17 in advance. Doors at 7 pm.
Meanwhile, downstairs at White Oak, R&B buzz act Kelela showcases her slinky, wonderfully produced album Take Me Apart. Lafawnda opens. Tickets are $16 in advance Doors open at 7 pm.
The leader of off-the-wall hip-hop crew Odd Future, Tyler, the Creator, will play an at-capacity show at Warehouse Live, a preview of his set at the Day For Night festival next month. The show may be sold out but there may be tickets on the venue's ticket exchange. Show starts at 8:30 pm.
